Tax Assistance from the IRS

Tax Assistance from the IRS

The IRS is the sponsor of two volunteer programs to assist in the preparation of their taxes. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program is for taxpayers that earn less than $49,000 a year. While the Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program is designed to help anyone over the age of 59. The programs provide volunteers who are specially trained to help these two groups. The volunteers want to make sure tax payers are filing their returns with the correct tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Credit for the Elderly.

In partnership … Read more at 2009 Taxes

Tax Assistance from the IRS

The IRS is the sponsor of two volunteer programs to assist in the preparation of their taxes. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program is for taxpayers that earn less than $49,000 a year. While the Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program is designed to help anyone over the age of 59. The programs provide volunteers who are specially trained to help these two groups. The volunteers want to make sure tax payers are filing their returns with the correct tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Credit for the Elderly.

In partnership with community centers and nonprofit organizations, the IRS has setup 12,000 tax assistance sites and plans to open more. The AARP is a major organization involved in establishing these centers with over 5,000 Tax-Aid centers nationwide. Many of the centers also offer language specialist to interrupt the tax laws in your first language.

The military is another large organization that is in partnership with the IRS to assist in the preparation of tax returns. Military families worldwide can find volunteers to help them prepare their taxes and ensure they receive all tax credits they are eligible for. Combat zone tax benefits are a major concern of these volunteers. Contact your local community center or non-profit organization for locations and office hours.

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Notify the IRS When You Move

Notify the IRS When You Move

If you move addresses during the year and especially during the tax season, make sure to notify the IRS of your new address. Form 8822 is the IRS form for changing your address on file with the taxing authority. Completing this form and send it to the IRS is important. Other options are also available.

When you file your tax return, you can change your mailing address on the mailing label that comes with your tax forms. This will notify the IRS of your new address quickly. You can also write your new … Read more at 2009 Taxes

Notify the IRS When You Move

If you move addresses during the year and especially during the tax season, make sure to notify the IRS of your new address. Form 8822 is the IRS form for changing your address on file with the taxing authority. Completing this form and send it to the IRS is important. Other options are also available.

When you file your tax return, you can change your mailing address on the mailing label that comes with your tax forms. This will notify the IRS of your new address quickly. You can also write your new address on the 1040 form in the address area of the form. Finally you can write your local IRS office and in written form, notify them of your address change.

Make sure to notify your employer and other companies supplying tax documents to you. You want to make sure all tax forms are delivered directly to your new address and do not get lost with the postal service or returned to the company. Forwarding your mail with the post office is also important. Make sure to complete an address change form with the USPS.

If you pay estimated payments utilizing a voucher provided by the IRS, continue to use the old vouchers until the IRS sends you new vouchers with your new address printed them on you. The IRS shares data with the USPS so your new address is shared with the IRS automatically when you tell the post office, but you should contact the IRS directly to ensure they have your correct address.

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Gotcha: The Alternative Minimum Tax

Gotcha: The Alternative Minimum Tax

The Alternative Minimum Tax was established in 1969 as an alternative tax system for individuals that were able to avoid paying taxes while still earning above average incomes. The system is not indexed to inflation and over time has been applied to more and more medium income households. Recent changes to the tax code have attempted to minimize this negative and unexpected event.

Taxpayers find when their taxable income reaches a certain level and they have the right mix of tax adjustments that the AMT applies and increases their taxes for the year. Accountants are … Read more at 2009 Taxes

Gotcha: The Alternative Minimum Tax

The Alternative Minimum Tax was established in 1969 as an alternative tax system for individuals that were able to avoid paying taxes while still earning above average incomes. The system is not indexed to inflation and over time has been applied to more and more medium income households. Recent changes to the tax code have attempted to minimize this negative and unexpected event.

Taxpayers find when their taxable income reaches a certain level and they have the right mix of tax adjustments that the AMT applies and increases their taxes for the year. Accountants are at times able to move spouses out of the AMT tax by filing them separately and shifting mortgage deductions and child deductions to the spouse will less income.

For 2009, the AMT levels were raised which will help reduce it’s affect on middle America. Based on your filing status the levers are now $70.950 for married couples filing jointly and widows/widowers, $46,700 for single filers and heads of households, and $35,475 for married couples filing separately. There are a couple deductions for AMT including tax on the purchase of a new automobile, and state and local taxes.

Are Social Security Benefits Taxable?

Are Social Security Benefits Taxable?

Marital status and your annual income are the two deciding factors in determining how much of your Social Security Benefits are taxable. The really good news is that Social Security Benefits are not taxable if they are your only income for the tax year. And since your only income is not taxable, filing a return with the IRS is not necessary. Two great advantages.

If you did work during the year or had other forms of income then you will need to determine how much of your Social Security Benefits will be taxed. There is … Read more at 2009 Taxes

Are Social Security Benefits Taxable?

Marital status and your annual income are the two deciding factors in determining how much of your Social Security Benefits are taxable. The really good news is that Social Security Benefits are not taxable if they are your only income for the tax year. And since your only income is not taxable, filing a return with the IRS is not necessary. Two great advantages.

If you did work during the year or had other forms of income then you will need to determine how much of your Social Security Benefits will be taxed. There is a worksheet to complete in the instruction book for the 1040 or the 1040A forms. The quick check is to add 50% of your SS Benefits to your other income and see if the amount is here than the ‘base’ amount for your filing status.

Base amounts are $32,000 for married couples filing jointly, $25,000 for un-married tax filers and married tax filers who did not live with their spouse, and $0 for married couples that are filing separately. Another case were filing separately as a married couple increases your tax burden with the Federal government. For complete instruction take a look at Publication 915.

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Know Your Tax Record Basics

Know Your Tax Record Basics

A significant number of citizens have grown responsible and started filing their tax returns. But what bothers most to these responsible citizens is keeping their tax record safe. The most pertinent question that they ask themselves is: “What is my tax record and how long do I have to keep them with me?”

Your tax records are your tax returns and the set of documents that have been furnished along with your returns. The supporting documents that you need to keep are various receipts, your bank statements and 1099s, etc. If you ever … Read more at 2009 Taxes

Know Your Tax Record Basics

A significant number of citizens have grown responsible and started filing their tax returns. But what bothers most to these responsible citizens is keeping their tax record safe. The most pertinent question that they ask themselves is: “What is my tax record and how long do I have to keep them with me?”

Your tax records are your tax returns and the set of documents that have been furnished along with your returns. The supporting documents that you need to keep are various receipts, your bank statements and 1099s, etc. If you ever have to face the auditing of your accounts, your tax record will be essential to protect you from the IRS.

Keeping the Tax Returns

A nasty audit can ruin you, particularly when you fail to keep your tax returns in place where you can get to them when asked to produce them by the auditor. Misplacing your tax returns can make you vulnerable to IRS. People who have a habit of doubting every good or bad circumstance might see a lost return as an attempt to hide tax fraud. But the fact is that millions of returns bombard the IRS over the course of three months and there is indeed a fair chance of returns being misplaces. So, it is always prudent to keep copies of your tax returns.

Now, have a look at the IRS e-file program. You may prefer to file your tax return electronically, but you need to be sure that you get copies of your return. The company filing your return is responsible for providing you with a paper copy of your tax return.

How long?

You need to keep your tax records safe for a minimum of six years. This period is counted from the date when your return was actually filed. In most cases, the IRS audits your accounts which are no further than three years old from your filing date. For instance, if you filed your tax return of 2005 on March 31, 2006, the IRS will initiate an audit by March 31, 2009. You need to keep in mind that in the case you filed an extension; the IRS waits three years from the date the return was filed.

However, there are some exceptions that prevail upon this time period. If you filed a tax return that kept many questions answered to the IRS, they are will not be satisfied by a simple three-year audit period. If more than 25% of your gross earnings are not reported adequately, the IRS will surely go back even further, up to an additional three years. So, a six year period is always wise to keep your tax record safe.

Maintaining Your Property Records

So, you own a property? You may need a filing cabinet to keep your many property related documents. A property kept for an extended duration requires maintaining various kinds of documents. For example, if you purchased a property in 2000 for $10 million and incurred expenses of $1, 00,000 in improvements; you will have to keep the purchase records, mortgage deeds as well as the receipts related to the improvements. In case you want to sell the home, these records will be required to ascertain the tax related consequences and the profit realized from the sale. When the IRS questions your reported profit, you will need to have your tax records handy to answer their queries. When you sell your property, you must keep all your tax records for six years.

When you get a Divorce

When you decide to divorce your spouse, you must keep copies of all of your tax records with your other financial documents. You need to keep copies of all documents and court orders pertaining to your divorce that have any mention of your property and finances. After a divorce, the tax implications can be shattering for some couples, if they fail to maintain their tax records. At times, you may have to ask for information from your ex-spouse. Keep all your tax records safe to avoid any future complications.

Nobody feels happy when required to show their tax records to the IRS. But if you ever have to ever face an audit, maintaining your tax records can often protect you from the negative consequences.

Free Tax Return Filing

Free Tax Return Filing

If you are in search of an online service that still provides a way for you to file your 2008 taxes before the end of the year, Free Tax USA is the solution you have been looking for. Although e-filing of tax returns for 2008 ended on October 15, 2009, you can still prepare your tax return online for free and mail in your completed forms. Something you may not have know until now. FreeTaxUSA is one of the few online providers that helps individuals complete their taxes online for past years that they have failed … Read more at 2009 Taxes

Free Tax Return Filing

If you are in search of an online service that still provides a way for you to file your 2008 taxes before the end of the year, Free Tax USA is the solution you have been looking for. Although e-filing of tax returns for 2008 ended on October 15, 2009, you can still prepare your tax return online for free and mail in your completed forms. Something you may not have know until now. FreeTaxUSA is one of the few online providers that helps individuals complete their taxes online for past years that they have failed to file for.

Free Services

As long as your Federally Adjusted Gross Income is less than $56,000 you can file you Federal Income Tax return for free. But other services are priced just right for everyone. Including $9.95 for Federal filing when your adjusted income is above $56,000 and $9.95 for State Income Tax returns.

Great Benefits

Free Tax USA is easy to use, 100% accurate guaranteed, Fast, Safe, Secure, and Inexpensive. Your information is safely stored and transmitted using SSL encryption. Plus you have protection if there is a calculation error on your tax return. Free Tax USA will pay all penalties and interest in such cases. You’re tax return accuracy is guaranteed.

Other great services in addition to free preparation and e-filing, Free Tax USA offers printed tax returns mailed to your home, professionally bounded tax returns, your tax return on a CD-Rom, and free access to past tax returns online. And when you file your taxes next year with Free Tax USA, your information will transfer to the new year. So if your address and employers have not changed, their information will be ready for you to work with.

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