Home » Posts tagged 'Tax' (Page 15)
Tag Archives: Tax
Be Sure To Get Your Refund
Refund Refund Refund
By Stacie Kitts, CPA
Unbelievably, there are people who never bother to check up on their tax refunds. Really.
If you move be sure to complete a change of address Form 8822 and check out this info from the IRS
Unclaimed Refunds
Some people earn income and may have taxes withheld from their wages but are not required to file a tax return because they have too little income. In this case, you can claim a refund for the tax that was withheld from your pay. Other workers may not have had any tax withheld but would be eligible for the refundable Earned Income Tax Credit, but must file a return to claim it.
- To collect this money a return must be filed with the IRS no later than three years from the due date of the return.
- If no return is filed to claim the refund within three years, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury.
- There is no penalty assessed by the IRS for filing a late return qualifying for a refund.
- Current and prior year tax forms and instructions are available on the Forms and Publications page of www.irs.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
- Information about the Earned Income Tax Credit and how to claim it is also available on www.irs.gov.
Undeliverable Refunds
Were you expecting a refund check but didn’t get it?
- Refund checks are mailed to your last known address. Checks are returned to the IRS if you move without notifying the IRS or the U.S. Postal Service.
- You may be able to update your address with the IRS on the “Where’s My Refund?” feature available on IRS.gov. You will be prompted to provide an updated address if there is an undeliverable check outstanding within the last 12 months.
- You can also ensure the IRS has your correct address by filing Form 8822, Change of Address, which is available on www.irs.gov or can be ordered by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
- If you do not have access to the Internet and think you may be missing a refund, you should first check your records or contact your tax preparer. If your refund information appears correct, call the IRS toll-free assistance line at 800-829-1040 to check the status of your refund and confirm your address.
Lions and Tigers and IRS Notices Oh My
Open Your Tax Notices
By Stacie Kitts, CPA
Once upon a time, a long time ago, I knew a taxpayer who was afraid to open correspondence from the IRS and accumulated a pile of letters hoping it would all go away. It didn’t and bad things happened.
If you receive correspondence, open it right away while there is still time to do something about it.
Most of the time correspondence from the IRS is no big deal – you forgot to report some investment income, or you made an estimated tax payment a little later than your were supposed to so you owe some interest.
Honestly, I can’t think of many things you should be worried about when the IRS comes a-callin unless…..
- You’re a crook and you know it
- You don’t have advisers or you don’t listen to them
- Someone was feeding you a line that was to good to be true. Wesley Snipes is a good example of what not to believe. Mr Snipes failed to file several years of tax returns based on the advice of shyster tax preparer and is now serving time in jail.
Getting a letter from the IRS informing you of an audit of your tax return can be distressing. And let’s face it, even if you did everything hunky dory, it can be costly to have someone represent you.
There are things you can do ahead of time to help mitigate the cost of an audit should you win that lottery.
- Choose the right tax preparer. Do your research and make sure they are qualified to help you
- Have your accountant look over your accounting records before the end of each tax year.
- If you have a business, make sure you give details of your accounting transactions to your preparer. (full general ledger detail)
- Do some tax planning with your tax professional
- Keep records of your income and deductions organized and easy to find
- During the audit process – provide your representative the requested information timely and as organized as possible. Messy records are not going to help you and will likely drive up the cost of the audit.
The IRS published the following points they think you should know if you receive a notice.
- Don’t panic. Many of these letters can be dealt with simply and painlessly.
- There are number of reasons the IRS sends notices to taxpayers. The notice may request payment of taxes, notify you of a change to your account or request additional information. The notice you receive normally covers a very specific issue about your account or tax return.
- Each letter and notice offers specific instructions on what you need to do to satisfy the inquiry.
- If you receive a correction notice, you should review the correspondence and compare it with the information on your return.
- If you agree with the correction to your account, usually no reply is necessary unless a payment is due.
- If you do not agree with the correction the IRS made, it is important that you respond as requested. Write to explain why you disagree. Include any documents and information you wish the IRS to consider, along with the bottom tear-off portion of the notice. Mail the information to the IRS address shown in the lower left part of the notice. Allow at least 30 days for a response.
- Most correspondence can be handled without calling or visiting an IRS office. However, if you have questions, call the telephone number in the upper right corner of the notice. Have a copy of your tax return and the correspondence available when you call.
- It’s important that you keep copies of any correspondence with your records.
Stacie's Tax Stuff 