Category Archives: Tax Tips

Watch For Phone Scam Targeting IRS Taxpayers

Phone-Scam-Cover
As an on going effort, I will continue to provide you the most recent information on identity theft. The focus here is how it relates to IRS security.

Ok, here’s the scoop

Scammers now have the capability to alter what appears on your telephone caller ID to make it seem like they are with the IRS, or another agency such as the Department of Motor Vehicles. They use fake names, titles and badge numbers. They use online resources to get your name, address and other details about your life to make the call sound official. They even go as far as copying official IRS Continue reading Watch For Phone Scam Targeting IRS Taxpayers

Safe Bet To File, Regardless

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It’s a safer bet to file your return, whether its required or not.

Tax season’s deadline is upon us, but you say you are not sure whether or not you should report that little bit of income.

Some people are of the mindset that it’s okay not to report all income, as long as it flies under the IRS’ radar. According to a recent IRS poll, 12% of Americans have expressed a tolerance for cheating on their taxes, having the attitude of ‘a little here, a little there, or as much as possible’.

Make no mistake, you need to Continue reading Safe Bet To File, Regardless

Employee vs. Independent Contractor: The Common Tax Mistake That Can Cost Your Business

 

Tax Tips: Employee vs. Independent Contractor

In recent years, the IRS has taken a closer look at the relationship between small businesses and the individuals providing services for them. The agency is scrutinizing whether the individuals proving labor should be classified as employees or independent contractors.

The focal point here is that the IRS wants to establish whether the employer failed to withhold and/or remit withholdings for income taxes, Social Security and Medicare taxes, and pay unemployment tax on wages paid to an employee. In general, you don’t have to withhold or pay taxes on payments to independent contractors. Continue reading Employee vs. Independent Contractor: The Common Tax Mistake That Can Cost Your Business

Want To Track Your IRS Tax Refund On Your Smartphone?

 

You can check the status of your federal income tax refund using IRS2Go.
You can check the status of your federal income tax refund using IRS2Go.

There is a free IRS2Go app available, developed by the IRS, designed to track your 2014 IRS tax refund. This app is available in both English and Spanish, and is great for those who don’t have an hour (or more) of time to spend on hold, while waiting to speak to a live representative on the phone.

The main features include being able to track your IRS tax refund, order tax transcripts, and for those who qualify for the IRS program, you can locate a free tax preparer . Continue reading Want To Track Your IRS Tax Refund On Your Smartphone?

Warning: Phone Scam Targeting IRS Taxpayers

 

Phone Scam Targeting IRS Taxpayers
IRS’ latest scam-warnings to pay attention to for 2015:

As we are entering the beginning stretch of 2015 tax season, ‘Scam’ season is concurrently revving up to kick into gear.

Each year, tax season becomes an opportunity for unscrupulous characters to prey on millions of unsuspecting, hard working individuals. Thieves are getting more creative, and are using more sophisticated methods to capture their share what has become a billion dollar industry.

Continue reading Warning: Phone Scam Targeting IRS Taxpayers

6 Tax Tips Every Self-Employed Individual Ought to Know

Six Tips For Self-Employed Individuals

In today’s challenging economy, many have ventured out as either part-time or full-time entrepreneurs, in efforts generate a successful revenue stream. Unfortunately, some of these enterprising individuals are unaware of the impact their business activities have when it comes to their federal tax return.

Here are six tips all self-employed individuals should know about income come tax time.  Continue reading 6 Tax Tips Every Self-Employed Individual Ought to Know

Beware of Tax Preparer, The Magician

Tax Preparer Magician
Have you ran across those tax preparation companies who practically guarantee you a large refund, without even reviewing your financial information?

Well, the good news is, like the great Houdini, there are actually tax prepares who can use their ‘magic’ to live up to their promises, 100% of the time. The bad news is, the refund could be temporary, as the IRS Audit department is good at exposing a hoax. It may take months, or even years later to discover that the trick was actually on you! Continue reading Beware of Tax Preparer, The Magician

7 Important IRS Tax Changes You Should Know

IRS Tax Preparation Tips

While Seattle and Denver prepare to do battle in New Jersey’s hosted Super Bowl on February 2, most Americans will need to prepare to do battle with the IRS starting January 31, the official opening of tax season.

This year, that means making yourself aware of some key IRS Tax Law changes. Here are some of the most important changes that will affect most American taxpayers this tax season: Continue reading 7 Important IRS Tax Changes You Should Know