Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights Part 2 As taxpayers, most of us probably think that whatever the IRS says goes and that we as taxpayers don’t have much recourse. However, as a taxpayer in the United States you do have rights and they are documented in the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. One of the rights listed on the IRS website at … Read More
The Taxpayer Bill of Rights Part 1
Your rights as a taxpayer, what you need to know.If you have ever received a letter from the IRS, it’s natural for you to feel a little apprehension as you open it. You might even feel a little nausea if that letter states that you owe money. When you believe that you don’t owe the government money and the government … Read More
What Is Accounting? A Guide for Small to Medium Sized Business Owners
A Guide for Small to Medium Sized Business OwnersAs an owner of a smaller business, you know you can’t gamble with your finances. Whether you file the wrong tax form or hand a messy budget to an investor, it takes one mistake to cause financial ruin. To avoid this, consider adding an accountant to your team. What exactly is accounting … Read More
Child Tax Credit Portal Update
Families receiving monthly Child Tax Credit payments can now update their direct deposit information and more!Now families can conveniently receive their monthly child tax credit payment online and with a direct deposit to your designated bank account. The account feature was added only to the Child Tax Credit portal available only on IRS.gov. This is good to know, so that … Read More
Deductions and More: Getting Ready For the Next Tax Season
Americans love paying taxes.They love it so much that over 120 million of them chose to pay extra and had to get refunded.All jokes aside, there’s a lot of serious information to know when you’re prepping for tax time, and it’s never too early to get started! It could save you time and money next year.Luckily, it doesn’t have to … Read More
Tax Preparation vs Tax Planning
Many people assume tax planning is the same as tax preparation, but the two are quite different. Let’s take a closer look: WHAT IS TAX PREPARATION? Tax preparation is the process of preparing and filing a tax return. Generally, it is a one-time event that culminates in signing your return and finding out whether you owe the IRS money … Read More
Taxable vs. Nontaxable Income
Tax season front and center. Some people have gotten their taxes done, good for you. This article is for the other part of the population that is still putting together the information they need to file, and those who haven’t moved a muscle to get started. Unless you are an accountant it might be hard to tell what is taxable … Read More
Social Security Benefits & Taxes: The Facts
Social Security Benefits & Taxes: The FactsSocial Security benefits include monthly retirement, survivor, and disability benefits; they do not include Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, which are not taxable. Generally, you pay federal income taxes on your Social Security benefits only if you have other substantial income in addition to your benefits.Examples include wages, self-employment, interest, dividends, and other taxable … Read More
Relief for Taxpayers Struggling with Tax Debt
RELIEF FOR TAXPAYERS STRUGGLING WITH TAX DEBTSWhile there have always been payment options available from the IRS to help taxpayers struggling to pay tax debts, the new IRS Taxpayer Relief Initiative was put into place to expand these options and offer relief during the pandemic. These revised COVID-related collection procedures will help taxpayers, especially those who have a record of … Read More
Identity Protection PIN Available to All Taxpayers
Fraudulent Federal Tax Returns are on the rise!Starting in January 2021, In order to help combat this, the IRS Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program will be expanded to all taxpayers who can properly verify their identity. Previously, IP PINs were only available to identity theft victims.WHAT IS AN IDENTITY PROTECTION PIN?An identity protection personal identification number (IP PIN) is a … Read More
Retirement Contribution Limits for 2021
Retirement Contribution Limits for 2021Cost of living adjustments affecting dollar limitations for pension plans and other retirement-related items for 2021 are as follows:401(k), 403(b), 457 plans, and Thrift Savings Plan Contribution limits for employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan remain unchanged at $19,500. The catch-up contribution limit for employees aged … Read More
Individual Tax Payer: Recap for 2020
As we close out the year and get ready for tax season, here’s what individuals and families need to know about tax provisions for 2020. Personal Exemptions Personal exemptions are eliminated for tax years 2018 through 2025. Standard Deductions The standard deduction for married couples filing a joint return in 2020 is $24,800. For singles and married individuals filing separately, … Read More
Tips for Taxpayers
Taxpayers receiving certain types of income typically reported on certain Forms 1099 and W-2G may need to have backup withholding deducted from these payments. Here are three tips to help taxpayers understand backup withholding: 1. Backup withholding is required on certain non-payroll amounts when certain conditions apply. The payer making such payments to the payee doesn’t generally withhold taxes, and … Read More
Seasonal Workers and healthcare law
Businesses often need to hire workers on a seasonal or part-time basis. For example, some businesses may need seasonal help for the harvest, holidays, commercial fishing, or sporting events. Whether you are getting paid or paying someone else, questions can often arise over whether these seasonal workers affect employers with regard to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). For the purposes … Read More
Educator Expense Deduction
HOW THE EDUCATOR EXPENSE DEDUCTION WORKS Even with COVID-19 in full swing, schooling in-person or virtual is moving on. Educators should be aware that they can deduct up to $250 of unreimbursed business expenses. If both spouses are eligible educators and file a joint return, they may deduct up to $500, but not more than $250 each. According to the … Read More
Protect Tax Records Before Disaster Strikes
We have seen in recent times how quickly our lives can be upended by natural & man made disasters. As such, it’s always a good idea to plan for what to do in case of a disaster. Here are some simple steps you can take right now to prepare: Backup Records Electronically. Many people receive bank statements by email. This … Read More