Although the IRS reports a 400 percent surge in phishing and malware incidents during the 2016 tax season, there are simple steps you can take to help protect yourself. Here are nine hints that can help: Beware of IRS Impersonators. Some crooks call taxpayers to say they must settle their “tax bill.” These are fake… Read More
Accelerate Deductions and Defer Income It sometimes makes sense to accelerate deductions and defer income. There are plenty of income items and expenses you may be able to control. Consider deferring bonuses, consulting income or self-employment income. On the deduction side, you may be able to accelerate state and local income taxes, interest payments and… Read More
WASHINGTON, DC (January 12, 2016) How do you know if someone has filed a tax return using your Social Security number? And what do you do then? This is happening more and more—the latest General Accounting Office (GAO) report says that IRS paid out over $5.8 billion in fraudulent returns in 2013. IRS does have… Read More
Overview of the Provisions PERMANENT PROVISIONS The bill makes over 20 tax relief provisions permanent, including provisions from 11 different bills marked up by the Ways and Means Committee in 2015. Research and Development Credit (base credit, 14% ASC, AMT and Payroll provisions) Section 179 expensing ($500,000 and $2 million limits, no limitation on real… Read More
The only thing worse than owing a tax bill: owing even more when the IRS tacks on penalty charges. The IRS has many ways to collect extra money. There are tax penalties for: Not having health insurance. Filing what the IRS considers a frivolous tax return. A variety of retirement account actions or inactions. Most… Read More
Each year the IRS mails millions of notices and letters to taxpayers. If you receive a notice from the IRS, here is what you should do: Don’t Ignore It. You can respond to most IRS notices quickly and easily. It is important that you reply right away. Focus on the Issue. IRS notices… Read More
Millions of people enjoy hobbies. They can also be a source of income. Some of these types of hobbies include stamp or coin collecting, craft making and horse breeding. You must report any income you get from a hobby on your tax return. How you report the income is different than how you report… Read More
Miscellaneous deductions can cut taxes. These may include certain expenses you paid for in your work if you are an employee. You must itemize deductions when you file to claim these costs. So if you usually claim the standard deduction, think about itemizing instead. You might pay less tax if you itemize. Here are some… Read More
IRS Tax Tip 2015-05, January 26, 2015 Nearly everyone can claim an exemption on their tax return. It usually lowers your taxable income. In most cases, that reduces the amount of tax you owe for the year. Here are the top 10 tax facts about exemptions to help you file your tax return. E-file your… Read More
IRS Tax Tip 2015-03, January 22, 2015 Most people file their tax return because they have to, but even if you don’t, there are times when you should. You may be eligible for a tax refund and not know it. This year, there are a few new rules for some who must file. Here are… Read More