Category Archives: TipOffs

TipOffs

IRS direct deposit leads to faster refunds

IRS Issue Number: IR-2018-90 – Inside This Issue

IRS refers direct deposit as an option for tax payment and this also leads to faster refunds when you owe back… here is more information from the IRS issue. 

WASHINGTON — With the tax deadline just around the corner, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that making an electronic direct deposit of their refund into a bank or other account is the fastest way to get their money. A taxpayer can deposit their refund into one, two or even three accounts to help with retirement or savings.

Eight out of 10 taxpayers get their refunds by using direct deposit. It is simple, safe and secure. The IRS uses the same electronic transfer system to deposit tax refunds that is used by other federal agencies to deposit nearly 98 percent of all Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits into millions of accounts. Direct deposit also avoids the possibility that a refund check could be lost or stolen or returned to the IRS as undeliverable.

Direct deposit is easy to use. A taxpayer simply selects it as the refund method when using tax software or working with a tax preparer, and then types in their account and routing number. It’s important to double check entries to avoid errors. Continue reading

Common Errors to Avoid when Filing a Tax Return

IRS in the recent Tax Tip issue (Issue Number: Tax Tip Number 2018-55) covered the common errors to avoid when filing a tax return. Electronic filing can very well eliminate the common errors and will collect all required data to be filled in a tax return. However here is the tax tip from IRS….

To ensure they meet their tax obligations, taxpayers should file accurate tax returns. If a taxpayer makes an error on their tax return, it will likely take longer to process and could delay a refund. Taxpayers can avoid many common errors by filing electronically, the most accurate way to file a tax return. All taxpayers can use IRS Free File.

Here are common errors to avoid when preparing a tax return: Continue reading

Tips for Getting Unclaimed 2014 Tax Refunds

IRS in its recent issue (Issue Number: IR-2018-83) has highlighted that refunds worth $1 billion is still unclaimed for tax year 2014… here is the complete message from them. Read it here 

Further to that IRS has also highlighted in its Tax Tips (Issue Number:    IRS Tax Tip 2018-53) for Getting Unclaimed 2014 Tax Refunds.

The IRS reminds taxpayers they may have money waiting for them. About 1 million taxpayers who did not file a 2014 federal income tax return have unclaimed tax refunds totaling about $1.1 billion. Here are some things taxpayers should know about these unclaimed refunds: Continue reading

Members of the Military and their Families Can Get Free Tax Assistance 2018

IRS in its recent tax tip issue (Issue Number: IRS Tax Tip 2018-51) highlighted how the Members of the Military and their Families can get free tax assistance. Here we go…

The IRS offers free tax help to members of the military and their families through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. A VITA site is easy to find on or off base — even overseas.

The Armed Forces Tax Council directs the military tax programs worldwide. Military VITA-certified employees receive training on military tax issues, including tax benefits for service in a combat zone. They can help with special extensionsof time to file tax returns and pay taxes, or with special rules that apply to the Earned Income Tax Credit. Continue reading

Time is running out to file 2014 tax returns worth $1 billion in refunds

IRS in its recent issue (Issue Number: IR-2018-83) has highlighted that refunds worth $1 billion is still unclaimed for tax year 2014… here is the complete message from them.

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is reminding an estimated 1 million taxpayers that time is running out to file a 2014 tax return and claim refunds totaling more than $1 billion. To claim any refund due, taxpayers must file their 2014 federal tax return by April 17, 2018.

There is no penalty for filing a late return for those receiving refunds. The law provides most taxpayers with a limited window of opportunity for claiming a tax refund. If they do not file a tax return within three years to claim a refund, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury.

The IRS estimates the median potential refund for 2014 is $847. By failing to file a tax return, people stand to lose more than just their refund. Many low- and moderate-income workers may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). For 2014, the credit was worth as much as $6,143.  Continue reading

More Time to File your Personal Tax Return by Filing Extension Tax Form 4868 & 7004

Tax time and every one of us are getting our paper works ready, you know that April 17 is the last day to report it with the IRS. If you’re not ready don’t get panic you can claim additional time to file your tax returns by reporting Extension Tax Form 4868 for personal returns and Form 7004 for business returns.

Tax-filing extensions are available to taxpayers who need more time to finish their returns. Remember, this is an extension of time to file, not an extension of time to pay. However, taxpayers who are having trouble paying what they owe may qualify for payment plans and other relief. Either way, taxpayers will avoid stiff penalties if they file either a regular income tax return or a request for a tax-filing extension by this year’s April 17 deadline. Taxpayers should file, even if they can’t pay the full amount due. Here are further details on the options available. Continue reading

Security Summit urges tax pros to protect their identification numbers: EFINs, PTINs and CAF numbers

IRS has urged every tax pros to protect their identity numbers through the latest issue, Issue Number: IR-2018-61. Here is the complete coverage of the issue for you to read.

WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service, state tax agencies and the tax industry today urged tax practitioners to maintain and monitor their Electronic Filing Identification Numbers (EFINs) and Centralized Authorization File (CAF) numbers to help safeguard taxpayer data.

Cybercriminals sometimes post stolen EFINs, PTINs and CAF numbers on the Dark Web as a crime kit for identity thieves who can then file fraudulent tax returns. EFINs are necessary for tax professionals or their firms to file client returns electronically. Preparer Tax Identification Numbers (PTINs) are issued to those who, for a fee, prepare tax returns or claims for refund. CAF numbers are issued when tax practitioners or their firms file a request for third-party access to client files.

To assist tax professionals, the IRS created a new video and web page – How to Maintain, Monitor and Protect Your EFIN. These offer tips to practitioners.

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On Aug 21, Total Solar Eclipse crossing from Oregon to South Carolina

On Monday, August 21, 2017, all of North America will be treated to an eclipse of the sun. Anyone within the path of totality can see one of nature’s most awe inspiring sights – a total solar eclipse. This hasn’t happened in 38 years! The last time an eclipse path crossed the continental United States was in 1979.

An eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon move into alignment with each other. One of the bodies blocks the view of another and creates a shadow. There are 2 different types of eclipses: solar and lunar. A lunar eclipse happens at nighttime and occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon creating a shadow on the Moon. These types of eclipses occur roughly 2 to 4 times per year. A lunar eclipse will generally last for a few hours Continue reading

Form 2290 is Due now, e-File today

It’s time for your 2290 tax form renewal, the heavy highway vehicle use tax is required to be paid annually to the IRS for every truck that drives on public highways and weighs over 55,000 lbs. Once you file your IRS Tax Form 2290, a Stamped Schedule 1 will be provided to you as your receipt for this heavy highway vehicle use tax. A printed copy is required to register your vehicles each year with the state authorities. A copy of the IRS stamped Schedule 1 for the current year available on your account so you can always have access to it.

Heavy Vehicle Use Tax Form 2290 – Due Now – August 31 is the Last Date

The 2290 Form is due annually between July 1 and August 31 for this current tax year starting from July 1, 2017 through June, 30 2018. Both the tax return and the heavy highway vehicle use tax must be paid by the deadline in order to avoid penalties and interest. This tax must also be paid anytime a new vehicle is added to your fleet for the remainder of that year. In this case the tax is due by the end of the month following the date the vehicle is first used on the public highways.

Choose E-File & Walk Tall

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Prefile is a step ahead of electronic filing by pre-opening 2290 filing and enabling more time to prepare and report 2290 taxes with IRS. Being pioneer in the world of e-filing, we have put great effort in making this possible for you. So you can submit your form 2290 tax returns electronically for 2017-18 even before the tax year officially begins.

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