Taxpayers who donate to a charity may be able to claim a deduction on their tax return. These deductions basically reduce the amount of their taxable income. Taxpayers can only deduct charitable contributions if they itemize deductions. Here are some resources for people making donations: Tax Exempt Organization Search Taxpayers must give to qualified organizations…
the IRS issued a draft of the tax year 2019 Form 1065, U.S. Return of Partnership Income (PDF), and its Schedule K-1, Partner’s Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc (PDF). The changes to the form and schedule aim to improve the quality of the information reported by partnerships both to the IRS and the partners of such entities. For…
Tax pros must create a written security plan to protect their clients’ data. In fact, the law requires them to make this plan. Creating a data security plan is one part of the new Taxes-Security-Together Checklist. The IRS and its Security Summit partners created this checklist. It helps tax professionals protect sensitive data in their…
Taxpayers who use their home for business may be eligible to claim a home office deduction. It allows qualifying taxpayers to deduct certain home expenses on their tax return. This can reduce the amount of the taxpayer’s taxable income. Here are some things to help taxpayers understand the home office deduction and whether they can…
This tip is one in a series about tax planning. These tips focus on steps taxpayers can take now to help them down the road. Tax planning should happen all year long, not just when someone is filing their tax return. An important part of tax planning is recordkeeping. Well-organized records make it easier for…
Check the Preparer’s Qualifications. People can use the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications. This tool helps taxpayers find a tax return preparer with specific qualifications. The directory is a searchable and sortable listing of preparers. Check the Preparer’s History. Taxpayers can ask the Better Business Bureau about the…
The IRS has reopened following the end of the government shutdown, and IRS employees are working hard to resume normal operations and help taxpayers as much as possible. As the IRS resumes operations, there are some important pieces of information for taxpayers and tax professionals to keep in mind in several areas: Audits. For taxpayers…
Due to the lapse in appropriations, most IRS operations are closed during the shutdown. An IRS-wide furlough began on December 22, 2018, that affects many operations. During this period, the IRS reminds taxpayers that the underlying tax laws remain in effect, and all taxpayers should continue to meet their tax obligations as normal. Individuals and…
ABOUT PATH Act (Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes) prohibits the IRS from releasing tax refunds prior to February 15 for taxpayers claiming EITC and/or ACTC refundable tax credits. The law may create tax refund delays up to six weeks or more. TAXPAYERS IMPACTED Taxpayers claiming any of the following credits before February 15 may be…
Governor Jerry Brown and the Legislature created the first-ever California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC). California joins 24 other states and the District of Columbia in adopting a state EITC to supplement the federal EITC. CalEITC is a cash back tax credit that puts money back into the pockets of California’s working families and individuals. In its first…
