Tax season can already be stressful without the added burden of discovering that someone has filed a fraudulent tax return using your identity. Unfortunately, tax-related identity theft is a real concern in today’s digital world. If you suspect or discover that someone has filed a fraudulent tax return in your name, take immediate action. Here are the steps you should take to protect yourself and mitigate any potential damage.
Contact the Authorities
When you suspect tax-related identity theft, your first point of contact should be the IRS. The Identity Protection Specialized Unit is equipped to handle cases of identity theft. Further, they can guide you through the necessary steps to resolve the issue. They may ask you to provide information and documentation to support your claim. Hence, be prepared to provide details about the fraudulent activity. You can contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490, extension 245.
File an IRS Identity Theft Affidavit
IRS Form 14039, the Identity Theft Affidavit, is a crucial document for victims of tax-related identity theft. By submitting this form to the IRS, you officially notify them of the identity theft and provide details about the fraudulent activity. Include any supporting documentation, such as a copy of the fraudulent tax return or notices from the IRS.
File a Police Report
Filing a police report creates an official record of the identity theft. This can be crucial when dealing with financial institutions and government agencies. Provide as much information as possible to the police, including any documentation or evidence you have regarding the fraudulent tax return.
Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit Reports
If your identity was stolen to submit a phony tax return, don’t assume the scammer will stop there. Contact one of the major credit bureaus, like Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion, and request a fraud alert be placed on your credit reports. This alert notifies creditors to take extra precautions when processing credit applications in your name. The fraud alert is free and lasts for one year, but you can extend it if necessary.
Monitor Your Financial Accounts
Regularly monitor all your financial accounts for any unauthorized activity. This includes bank accounts, credit cards, and investment accounts. Look for unfamiliar transactions, withdrawals, or changes to your account information. Reporting suspicious activity promptly can help minimize the damage caused by identity theft. In addition, placing a temporary freeze on your accounts can help mitigate risk while you sort this issue out.
Report the Fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The FTC serves as a central hub for reporting identity theft and provides resources to help victims navigate the recovery process. By filing a report with the FTC, you contribute to the agency’s efforts to track and combat identity theft on a larger scale. You can file a report online at www.consumer.ftc.gov or by calling the FTC Identity Theft hotline at 877-438-4338 or TTY 866-653-4261.
Continue Filing Your Taxes
Despite the fraudulent return filed in your name, you are still required to file your tax return. Use Form 14039, the Identity Theft Affidavit, to attach a paper return and explain the situation to the IRS. Include any additional documentation or information requested by the IRS to support your claim.
Request an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)
An Identity Protection PIN is a six-digit number issued by the IRS to eligible taxpayers to prevent identity thieves from filing fraudulent tax returns. You can request an IP PIN online through the IRS website or by submitting Form 14039. Once enrolled, you must include the IP PIN on your tax return each year. This added layer of protection can help prevent fraudulent tax returns in your name in the future.
Stay Vigilant
Identity theft can have long-term consequences, so it’s essential to remain vigilant even after taking initial steps to resolve the issue. Regularly review your credit reports, monitor your financial accounts, and report any suspicious activity immediately. Consider subscribing to credit monitoring services for added protection. Many banks offer this service for free. Check with yours to see what they can do to help.
Tax Help for Victims of Tax Fraud
If you’re overwhelmed or uncertain about how to proceed, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from a tax professional or identity theft specialist. They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation and help you navigate the complex process of resolving identity theft issues. Professional assistance can streamline the recovery process and increase the likelihood of a successful resolution. Optima Tax Relief is the nation’s leading tax resolution firm with over $3 billion in resolved tax liabilities.
The IRS has announced that interest rates for the third quarter of 2024 will remain consistent with the previous quarter. This decision comes amidst ongoing economic evaluations and reflects the IRS’s commitment to stability in the financial landscape. Here’s an overview of the IRS interest rates for Q3 of 2024.
What Are the 2024 Q3 Interest Rates?
The IRS has confirmed that the interest rates for Q3, beginning on July 1 of 2024, will be as follows:
5.5% for the portion of a corporate overpayment exceeding $10,000
10% for large corporate underpayments
Overpayments are payments made that exceed the amount owed. Underpayments are taxes that are owed but not paid in full. These rates are based on the federal short-term rate determined during the second month preceding the beginning of the quarter. The IRS regularly reviews and adjusts these rates to align with economic conditions, ensuring fairness and consistency in tax administration.
How Do Underpayments Affect My Taxes?
Since the rates have not changed, it’s still an expensive time to owe the IRS. Underpayment interest rates play a crucial role in determining the financial consequences of not paying taxes on time. This also applies if you underpay taxes owed to the government. If you fail to pay the full amount you owe by the due date, you’ll be subject to underpayment penalties. You may also owe interest charges at the above rates. This interest accrues daily from the original due date of the tax return. It will continue to accrue until the date the full payment is made. Underpayment interest rates can significantly impact your overall tax liability. This is especially true if the amount owed is substantial or if payment is delayed for an extended period. Over time, interest charges can add up, resulting in a larger total payment.
How Do Overpayments Affect My Taxes?
Overpayment interest rates influence the financial outcomes when taxpayers overpay their taxes to the government. When you overpay the required amount of taxes owed, you’re entitled to receive interest payments on the excess amount. However, this is only if the IRS is late to send your tax refund. The IRS has 45 days to issue your refund. If they fail to issue it by this timeframe, they will owe interest. Also, like underpayment interest, the interest calculation for overpayments is straightforward. It is calculated by multiplying the amount of overpayment by the daily interest rate. Remember, it’s calculated for each day the excess amount is held by the government.
Tax Help for Those Who Owe
Taxpayers and businesses are encouraged to stay informed about IRS updates and announcements. By staying abreast of these developments, individuals can effectively plan and navigate their tax responsibilities in accordance with applicable regulations. It may be best to seek the help of a credible tax professional to look at your tax situation. Optima Tax Relief has a team of dedicated and experienced tax professionals with proven track records of success.
The gig economy has revolutionized the way people work, providing flexibility and autonomy like never before. Ridesharing platforms like Uber, Lyft, and others have become a popular choice for those seeking extra income or a full-time job. However, amidst the freedom and flexibility, rideshare drivers often encounter challenges when it comes to understanding and managing their taxes. With income coming from multiple sources and a variety of deductible expenses, it’s crucial to maximize your profits and minimize your tax liability. Here are some essential tax tips tailored specifically for rideshare drivers.
Know Your Employment Status
One crucial aspect for rideshare drivers to understand is their employment status. Most rideshare companies classify their drivers as independent contractors. It’s essential for drivers to know the implications of being classified as independent contractors versus employees. As an independent contractor, you have more flexibility and control over your schedule, but you are also responsible for covering your expenses and paying self-employment taxes. On the other hand, if you were to be classified as an employee, the rideshare company would be responsible for certain benefits and taxes, but you may have less control over your schedule. Understanding your employment status can help you make informed decisions about your tax planning and overall business strategy. Stay informed about any legal developments or changes in employment classification laws that may impact your status as a rideshare driver.
Know Which Tax Forms to Expect
As a rideshare driver, you can expect to receive various tax forms from both the rideshare company and other sources. The most common tax forms you’ll receive are the 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC or 1099-K, which report your earnings from the rideshare platform. The 1099-NEC reports non-employee compensation, such as bonuses and incentives. The 1099-K reports your gross ride receipts, including fees and commissions paid to the rideshare company. Form 1099-MISC reports other income, including prizes and legal settlement money. Additionally, if you drive for multiple rideshare companies or other gig economy platforms, you may receive multiple 1099 forms. It’s essential to carefully review these forms for accuracy and use them to report your income accurately on your tax return.
Understand Your Deductions
As a rideshare driver, you are considered self-employed, which means you can deduct business expenses to reduce your taxable income. These expenses would be deducted using Schedule C.
Operating Expenses
You can deduct operating expenses such as the cost of your phone plan and internet expenses used for business purposes, such as communicating with passengers, navigating to pick-up locations, and managing your rideshare app. Other items in this category might be expenses related to providing a safe and convenient experience for passengers, such as cleaning supplies, air fresheners, phone mounts, chargers, tire inflators, and water bottles, can also be deducted. You can also deduct services you obtain for your rideshare business, including roadside assistance plans, car washes, mileage tracking software, accounting software, or electronic toll transponders.
Insurance and Licenses
You can deduct the cost of your rideshare insurance premiums. If you use your personal vehicle for ridesharing, make sure you have a policy that covers both personal and commercial use. Deduct any fees associated with obtaining or renewing your driver’s license, vehicle registration, or any other required licenses or permits.
Vehicle Expenses
A big portion of your deductions will likely be vehicle expenses. You have two options for this category. You can use the standard mileage deduction or deduct actual expenses incurred for the year. The mileage deduction is one of the most significant tax benefits for rideshare drivers. You can deduct a set amount for each mile driven for business purposes. In 2024, this amount is 67 cents per mile driven for business purposes. Keep track of all miles driven while working, including driving to pick up passengers, driving between rides, and driving for business-related errands.
The actual expenses method allows you to deduct a portion of your vehicle-related costs, including gas, oil changes, repairs, maintenance, car washes, depreciation, registration fees, and even lease payments or loan interest if you own your vehicle. This method requires detailed records but can be very beneficial if your vehicle is expensive to maintain.
Keep Detailed Records
Maintaining accurate records of your income and expenses is vital for tax purposes. Keep track of every mile driven for business purposes, including both passenger pickups and driving between rides. There are plenty of apps that can help track both mileage and expenses easily. The IRS looks into these expenses very closely so proper record-keeping is essential for this type of business. It’s also crucial to keep your personal and business expenses separate. Consider getting a separate bank account and credit card for your rideshare business to streamline your record-keeping process and make it easier to track deductible expenses.
Know Your Tax Responsibilities
As a self-employed individual, one of your biggest responsibilities is to ensure you’re paying quarterly estimated taxes to the IRS. This is because the IRS requires tax to be paid as income is earned. As a self-employed individual, you do not have the benefit of automatic tax withholding through an employer. This means it’s your job to make sure taxes are paid each quarter. Failure to pay these taxes throughout the year can result in penalties and interest charges. Use Form 1040-ES to calculate and pay your estimated taxes each quarter. This process can be confusing. Don’t be afraid to consult with a tax professional for clarification on this. It’s better to ask for help now than to be surprised with a tax bill later.
Save for Retirement
As a self-employed individual, you don’t have access to employer-sponsored retirement plans. However, you can still save for retirement through options like a Solo 401(k) or a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA. Contributing to these retirement accounts can help reduce your taxable income while saving for your future.
Consider Hiring a Tax Professional
While it’s possible to handle your rideshare taxes on your own, it can be beneficial to seek the assistance of a tax professional, especially if you’re unsure about complex tax issues or have significant deductions. Tax laws and regulations are subject to change, so it’s essential to stay informed about any updates that may affect rideshare drivers. You can always do your part by subscribing to newsletters or following reputable tax resources online. However, a tax professional can help you maximize your deductions and ensure compliance with tax laws.
Tax Help for Rideshare Drivers
In conclusion, managing taxes as a rideshare driver requires careful planning and record-keeping. By keeping detailed records, understanding your deductions, and staying informed about tax laws, you can minimize your tax liability and maximize your profits. Consider seeking the guidance of a tax professional to ensure compliance and take full advantage of available deductions and tax-saving opportunities. With the right approach, you can navigate the tax landscape with confidence and focus on growing your rideshare business. Optima Tax Relief is the nation’s leading tax resolution firm with over $3 billion in resolved tax liabilities.
Today, Optima Tax Relief Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, talks about the common IRS penalties: failure to pay and failure to file, including what each are, and which one is worse for taxpayers.
Failure to Pay Penalty
The failure to pay penalty is a financial penalty imposed by the IRS on taxpayers who fail to pay their taxes by the due date. This penalty typically accrues at 0.5% of the unpaid taxes for each month or part of a month the tax remains unpaid. It will continue to accrue until the date the tax is paid in full. However, it will not exceed 25% of your unpaid taxes.
Failure to File Penalty
The failure to file penalty is a financial penalty imposed by the IRS on taxpayers who fail to submit their tax return by the deadline. This penalty typically accrues at 4.5% of the unpaid taxes for each month or part of a month the tax return is late. It will continue to accrue until the date the tax return is submitted, up to 22.5% of your unpaid taxes.
So, Which is Worse?
Well, our expert says the failure to file penalty is. This is because of the hefty penalty of 4.5% each month the balance goes unpaid your taxes are filed. So, as Phil says, “Do something.” In this case, do file your taxes, even if you can’t afford to pay your tax bill. At least then you won’t need to worry about the aggressive failure to file penalty.
Tune in next Friday when Phil answers your questions about the Child Tax Credit.
Moving to a new state is often an exciting adventure, but amidst the hustle and bustle of relocation, it’s easy to overlook important details, such as how the move will impact your taxes. State tax laws vary widely, and failing to understand and plan for these differences can result in unexpected financial consequences. To help you stay ahead of the game, here’s a comprehensive tax checklist for anyone considering a move to a different state.
Check the Income Tax Rate
When researching where to move, finances are sure to be a top priority to keep in mind. Sometimes this means choosing a state that has a lower cost of living. Another thing to consider is the state income tax rate. Certain states do not tax any income. These include:
Alaska
Florida
Nevada
South Dakota
Texas
Tennessee
Washington
Wyoming
New Hampshire does not tax W-2 wages but does tax certain investment and business income. However, this tax will be eliminated in 2025. California, Hawaii, New York, New Jersey, Oregon and Minnesota currently have the highest income tax rates.
Check Property Tax Rates
Property tax rates can vary widely from state to state, and even within states, they can vary by county or municipality. It’s essential to research the specific property tax rates in your new location to accurately budget for homeownership expenses. Some states, like New Jersey and Illinois, are known for having particularly high property tax rates. Others, such as Hawaii and Alabama, have comparatively lower rates. Before purchasing a home in your new state, research recent property sales in the area to get an idea of the market value and potential property tax implications.
High property tax rates can impact the affordability of homeownership. This is especially true for those on fixed incomes or with limited financial resources. When considering a move to a new state, factor in the property tax implications alongside other housing-related expenses, such as mortgage payments, insurance, and maintenance costs. Property taxes are generally deductible on federal income tax returns, subject to certain limitations. However, the deduction for state and local taxes, including property taxes, is capped at $10,000 per year for individuals or married couples filing jointly.
Check Sales Tax Rates
Sales tax rates are another critical consideration when moving to a new state, as they can impact your day-to-day spending habits and overall cost of living. Sales tax rates can vary significantly from state to state and even within states. While some states have a single statewide sales tax rate, others allow local jurisdictions to impose additional sales taxes, resulting in varying rates within the same state.
Certain goods and services may be exempt from sales tax in some states. Common exemptions include groceries, prescription medications, and clothing. Additionally, some states impose special sales tax rates on specific items, such as gasoline, alcohol, tobacco, and prepared meals. Be aware of these special rates and how they may impact your budget. Sales tax rates can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in a particular state. Higher sales tax rates may make goods and services more expensive, reducing your purchasing power and impacting your budget. When considering a move to a new state, factor in the sales tax rate alongside other cost-of-living expenses.
Check Your Filing Requirements
If you lived in two or more states during a year, you would need to check the filing requirements for each state. The requirements are typically listed on the state’s tax authority website. In most cases, you’ll need to file a return in all states you lived in during the tax year. To do this, you’ll need to calculate your earnings in each state and determine the percentage of your income that was earned in each state. You’ll need to file the relevant tax forms in each state, usually as a resident or part-year resident. It’s important to note that two different states legally cannot tax the same income, so moving states does not necessarily mean you will pay more taxes.
There may be some scenarios in which you moved states, but still work in your old state. In this case, you would likely need to file a tax return in the state where you live, as well as a nonresident tax return in the state where you work. You may also want to check the tax laws in your new state. Finding out how your new state handles itemized deductions, state tax deductions, or federal tax changes can help you avoid unexpected issues during tax time.
Check Which Income Types Are Taxable
If you have multiple sources of income, it is vital to check how the income will be taxed in your new state. Interest and dividend income is typically taxed by the state in which you are a permanent resident. In addition, some states require estimated tax payments on some incomes. Not knowing the rules or deadlines for these can result in underpayment penalties.
Investments that are tax-exempt in your old state may suddenly be taxable in your new state. While all states do not require you to pay taxes on federal bonds, not all states have the same definition of a federal bond, meaning some tax bonds and others do not. Retirement income is also taxed differently in certain states, so if you are moving because of retirement, you may want to check the tax laws surrounding retirement income first.
Check Your Eligibility for Moving Expense Deductions
The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) eliminated the moving expense deduction for taxpayers, unless they are active-duty military members. However, this act is set to expire beginning in 2026.
Tax Relief for Those Moving States
It goes without saying that filing taxes after moving states can become very complex, especially if you have several income sources. Sometimes the new state you move to may not be your first choice, like when you’re an active-duty military member or are relocating for a job. In other cases, you may have the option to choose which state you want to relocate to. In these cases, researching tax laws in your new state can save a lot of time, money and stress during tax time. It may be best to seek the help of a credible tax preparer or professional to look at your tax situation. Optima Tax Relief has a team of dedicated and experienced tax professionals with proven track records of success.
