by Paulette Marshall | Aug 1, 2023 | Tax Preparation, Tax Resolution
Filing your tax return accurately is crucial to avoid unnecessary tax troubles. However, it’s not uncommon to discover errors or overlooked information after you’ve already filed. Fortunately, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows taxpayers to amend their returns using Form 1040X.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how amended tax returns work, the importance of seeking professional assistance, and how our firm can help you navigate the complex world of tax resolution.
Uncovering Missed Income and Deductions:
Sometimes, taxpayers file their returns only to realize later that they omitted certain sources of income, such as earnings from temporary jobs or side gigs. This oversight becomes apparent when they receive a 1099 or a late W2 form indicating the income earned. Similarly, others may discover they were entitled to additional deductions or exemptions. For such cases, amending your tax return is the appropriate course of action.
Understanding the Timeframe:
The IRS allows individual income tax returns to be amended up to three years after the original return’s due date. Form 1040X is the official document used for amending returns. While you can file an amended return on your own, it’s strongly recommended to consult a tax resolution professional. They possess the expertise to handle multiple years of unfiled tax returns, potentially negotiate reduced payments, and save you from unnecessary headaches.
The Amended Tax Return Process:
Not all errors require filing an amended return. The IRS automatically corrects simple math mistakes. However, when there’s a need to change filing status, income, allowable deductions, or credits, filing an amended return is essential. To initiate this process, you’ll need to complete Form 1040X, which cannot be electronically filed. This is where the expertise of a tax professional becomes invaluable, as they can guide you through the intricacies of the form.
Proper Documentation and Explanation:
When completing Form 1040X, each amended tax year requires its own separate form, each of which must be mailed in its own envelope. The form provides space to explain the changes made, and it’s important to clearly state the line numbers and reasons for the amendments. While you don’t need to attach a copy of the original return, any additional IRS forms or supporting documents must be included to substantiate the changes.
by Renee Lawson | Jul 17, 2023 | Tax Preparation, Tax Resolution
Proper tax planning is a crucial aspect of financial management that should be addressed throughout the year. Waiting until April to assess your tax liability is a risky move. To ensure you keep more money in your pocket, it’s essential to be aware of factors that can unexpectedly raise your taxes. Today we will explore five key factors that could potentially increase your tax owed at the end of the year. By being proactive and considering these factors, you can better plan your finances and mitigate tax surprises.
Factor #1 – Cashing in Your Retirement Plan:
Early withdrawal from your retirement plan, such as a 401(k), can lead to significant tax penalties. If you opt to receive the proceeds in cash instead of rolling them over into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), you will be required to pay taxes on the withdrawn amount. Additionally, a 10 percent penalty may apply. By avoiding these pitfalls, you can safeguard a substantial portion of your hard-earned retirement savings.
Factor #2 – Working as a Freelancer:
While freelancing offers independence and flexibility, it can also introduce complex tax implications. Freelancers and self-employed individuals are subject to the self-employment tax, which includes both the employer and employee shares of Medicare and Social Security taxes. Failing to account for this tax burden and set aside funds accordingly can lead to unpleasant surprises come tax season.
Factor #3 – Failing to Take Your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD):
Retirement accounts, such as IRAs and workplace plans, require individuals to begin withdrawing minimum distributions once they turn 70. Failing to meet this requirement can result in substantial tax penalties. It is crucial to stay informed about RMD rules and ensure compliance to avoid unnecessary financial setbacks.
Factor #4 – Skipping Your IRA Contribution:
Opting to skip your annual IRA contribution can have unforeseen consequences for your tax bill. Before deciding to forgo contributing to your IRA, it is prudent to evaluate the potential impact on your overall tax liability. Running the numbers and seeking professional advice can help you make an informed decision.
Factor #5 – Paying Off Your Mortgage:
While paying off your mortgage may provide a sense of financial freedom, it can affect your tax situation. Mortgage interest is typically tax-deductible if you itemize your deductions. Losing this deduction could potentially increase your tax liability. While this shouldn’t be the sole reason to keep a mortgage, it’s an important consideration to keep in mind.
Seek Professional Assistance for Tax Debt Cases:
If you find yourself owing back taxes, it is crucial to seek professional assistance to navigate the complexities of tax debt resolution. Our firm specializes in helping individuals negotiate with the IRS and we can potentially settle tax debts for a fraction of the amount owed. Contact us
today for a confidential consultation, and let our experienced tax resolution specialists guide you through the IRS maze, providing you with peace of mind.
Year-round tax planning is essential to minimize surprises and optimize your financial well-being. By being aware of factors that can unexpectedly raise your taxes, such as early retirement plan withdrawals, self-employment tax obligations, missed required minimum distributions, skipped IRA contributions, and the impact of mortgage payoff, you can take proactive steps to manage your tax liability effectively.
Remember, hiring a tax resolution specialist for IRS problems is crucial for protecting your hard-earned income and assets. Let us help you take back control of your financial lfe by reaching out to our firm today at www.actiontaxrelief.com.
by Renee Lawson | Mar 24, 2020 | Tax Preparation
This afternoon the State of Ohio issued a Stay at Home Order that will go into effect at 11:59 p.m. March 23, 2020 and remain until 11:59 p.m. April 6, 2020. This order identifies businesses that are essential and therefore exempt from this order. Liberty Accounting Plus is designated as an essential business and will remain open.
In an effort to keep staff and our clients safe we ask that whenever possible that you submit your documents electronically. Our office will follow both local, state and CDC recommendations and guidelines during this time of fighting the Coronavirus (Covid-19)
Please contact our office with any questions at 937-268-9004.
by Renee Lawson | Jan 24, 2019 | Tax Preparation
2018 Tax Season
The IRS has announced that the start of the 2019 filing season will start accepting business tax returns on January 8, 2019. “WASHINGTON — Despite the government shutdown, the Internal Revenue Service today confirmed that it will process tax returns beginning January 28, 2019 and provide refunds to taxpayers as scheduled.” The Trump Administration has stated that the IRS will issue out refunds during the current governmental shut down. Normally the IRS does not issue income tax refunds during a government shut down.
IRS Confirms Tax Filing Season To Begin January 28
The implementation of the federal tax overhaul could further complicate matters for taxpayers we look forward to helping you navigate through these changes. With the 2018 tax year being the first to be subject to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which brought sweeping changes to the tax code, as well as new tax forms. Various TCJA implementation activities, such as the development of new publications and instructions, will continue because they’re funded by earlier appropriations legislation. Until the shut down is over taxpayers will not be able to reach a live customer service representative from the IRS.
The income tax filing deadline will be April 15, 2019. The states of Maine and Massachusetts will have a filing deadline date of April 17, 2019. If you have any questions about filing your income tax returns please give us a call.
Your Tax Coach,
Renee Lawson
by Renee Lawson | Jan 24, 2019 | Tax Preparation
2017 Tax Season Start Date
IRS has announced that the 2017 tax season for individuals will start on Monday, January 29,2018. You can
get your taxes prepared now and the IRS will start accepting tax returns on January 29th.
“The IRS set the Jan. 29 opening date to ensure the security and readiness of key tax processing systems in
advance of the opening and to assess the potential impact of tax legislation on 2017 tax returns.”
Source IRS – 2018 Tax Filing Season
Business tax returns (1120, 1120S, 1065, 1041, 990) can be e-filed on January 9, 2018.
We look forward to preparing your tax returns in this new tax filing season.
Your Tax and Accounting Coach,
Renee Lawson
by Renee Lawson | Jan 5, 2018 | Tax Preparation
Earned Income Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit
This year many taxpayers will see a change in the time that they receive their income tax refunds. “The IRS will begin to release EITC/ACTC refunds starting Feb. 15. However, the IRS cautions taxpayers that these refunds likely won’t arrive in bank accounts or debit cards until the week of February 27 — if there are no processing issues with the tax return and the taxpayer chose direct deposit. This additional period is due to several factors, including banking and financial systems needing time to process deposits.” Source IRS: Refund Timing for Earned Income Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit Filers
The new law requires that tax returns that have Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) be held until February 15th. This will allow the IRS to confirm earning from employers who are now required to file their informational returns for w2’s by January 31st. This is one way for the IRS to detect and prevent fraudulent income tax refunds from being issued.
Starting February you will be able to check the Where is my refund? on the IRS website. Your refund issue date will be updated a few days after the 15th. Many taxpayers will not receive a refund for about a month after filing their tax return.
Taxpayers should be very patient during this time. An option that we will be offering our tax clients will be the free refund advance of $500 to $2500 this year.
Your Tax and Accounting Coach,
Renee Lawson
