Tax season can be a daunting time for many, with the intricacies of various forms and schedules often causing confusion. Among these, Schedule R is a form that remains relatively unknown to many taxpayers. However, for those who qualify, Schedule R can be a valuable resource. It allows eligible individuals to claim the Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled. In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of Schedule R, helping you better understand its significance and how it can potentially benefit you or your loved ones.
What is Schedule R?
Schedule R is an attachment to Form 1040 or 1040-SR that specifically pertains to the “Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled.” This tax credit is designed to provide financial relief to elderly individuals or those with disabilities who meet certain criteria. The credit is nonrefundable, which means it can reduce your tax liability but will not result in a tax refund.
Who qualifies for the Credit for the Elderly or Disabled?
To be eligible for the Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled, taxpayers must meet the following criteria:
Age Requirement
You must be at least 65 years old by the end of the tax year. Alternatively, if you are younger than 65, you can still qualify if you have retired on permanent and total disability.
Disability Requirement
If you are under 65, you must have retired on permanent and total disability to qualify. The IRS defines this as being unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity due to your physical or mental condition. The condition must have lasted or be expected to last for at least a year or result in death. You must receive taxable disability income. Finally, you must be younger than your employer’s mandatory retirement age before the beginning of the tax year.
Income Limit
There are income limitations to qualify for this credit based on your adjusted gross income (AGI). Alternatively, the IRS may use your nontaxable Social Security benefits and other nontaxable income. For the 2023 tax year, you are ineligible for the credit if:
You file single, head of household, or are a qualifying surviving spouse with an AGI of $17,500 or more
You are married filing jointly and only one spouse qualifies with an AGI of $20,000 or more
You are married filing jointly and both spouses qualify with an AGI of $25,000 or more
You are married filing separately with an AGI of $12,500 or more, or total nontaxable income (social security, nontaxable pensions, annuities, or disability income) of $3,750 or more
You file as single, head of household, qualifying surviving spouse, or married filing jointly with both spouses eligible for the credit and have taxable income (social security, nontaxable pensions, annuities, or disability income) of $5,000 or more
You are married filing separately with total nontaxable income (social security, nontaxable pensions, annuities, or disability income) of $3,750 or more
Filing Status
You must file as single, head of household, qualifying widow or widower, or married filing jointly. Married individuals who file separately are not eligible for this credit. If you are filing a joint return with your spouse, your spouse must also meet these conditions.
Calculating the Credit
The credit amount itself ranges from $3,750 to $7,500 and is calculated based on a formula. It takes into account both your income and the number of eligible individuals in your household. The higher your income, the lower the credit amount, and vice versa. The IRS provides a worksheet in the Schedule R instructions to help you calculate the exact amount of your credit.
Claiming the Credit
After filling out Schedule R, you can transfer your calculated credit to Schedule 3 with Form 1040. You’ll also need to note that the credit was calculated via Schedule R. The credit amount will then be subtracted from your tax liability. Tax credits like Schedule R can help ease the financial burden for eligible elderly or disabled individuals. If you or a loved one meet the criteria outlined in this article, consider exploring Schedule R further to determine if you qualify for the Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled. As always, consult with a tax professional or utilize reliable tax software to ensure accurate filing. Optima Tax Relief is the nation’s leading tax resolution firm with over a decade of experience helping taxpayers with tough tax situations.
The IRS is responsible for collecting taxes to fund government operations. While the IRS has various tools at its disposal to ensure tax compliance, there are limitations on what assets it can seize. One question that often arises is whether the IRS has the authority to take pensions. In this article, we will explore the complexities surrounding this issue and understand the safeguards in place to protect retirement savings.
Navigating the complex tax landscape can be overwhelming. Fortunately, tax professionals, like those at Optima Tax Relief, are here to provide expert guidance and assistance. We spoke to three of our long-standing tax professionals about actions taxpayers can take (or avoid) to improve their tax situations. Vice President of Resolution and Lead Tax Attorney, Philip Hwang, Director of Resolution, Carlos Maggi, and Audit Tax Professional, Rafael Garcia, draw on their wealth of experience and offer eight invaluable pieces of advice to help you navigate the intricacies of tax season.
Since its enactment in 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) has significantly impacted the American tax landscape, introducing a slew of changes aimed at reducing tax burdens for individuals. However, many of these provisions were designed to sunset after a set period. Most are slated to expire in 2025. As this deadline approaches, it’s essential to examine the implications of these expiring provisions and how they might affect taxpayers across the nation.
Death is an inevitable part of life, but what happens to our financial obligations when we pass away? Among the many considerations that arise after someone dies, tax liabilities can be a complex issue that requires careful attention and understanding. While tax liabilities don’t simply vanish upon death, the way they’re handled can vary depending on several factors. These include the type of liability, the estate’s assets, and applicable laws. Let’s delve into what happens to tax debt after death and explore the implications for their estate and heirs.
If you recently got married, you might have spent a lot of time planning a ceremony, reception, or honeymoon. As a newlywed, have you considered how your new life change will affect your taxes this year? Here is a newlywed’s guide to taxes.
Name and Address Change
Before we get to the obvious changes like filing status, one of your first actions should be to report your name change to the Social Security Administration (SSA) if necessary. The name on your tax return must match the one on file with the SSA. If it doesn’t, it can cause delays in processing your return or refund. You’ll also want to make sure you update the IRS and USPS of a change in address if paper mail is your preference for correspondence or refund payment.
Withholding
Adjusting your tax withholding with your employer is not necessary. However, it can help avoid any overpayment or underpayment in taxes throughout the year. You can use the IRS Online Withholding Calculator to find out how much you should withhold. Once you determine the best option for you and your spouse, you should submit a new FormW-4 to your employer.
Tax Brackets
Getting married could change your tax bracket if you file together since your income is combined with your new spouse’s. Here are the tax brackets for 2024.
Married Filing Jointly
Rate
Taxable Income
Tax
10%
Income up to $23,200
10% of the taxable income
12%
Income between $23,201 and $94,300
$2,320 plus 12% of the excess over $23,200
22%
Income between $94,301 and $201,050
$10,852 plus 22% of the excess over $94,300
24%
Income between $201,051 and $383,900
$34,337 plus 24% of the excess over $201,050
32%
Income between $383,901 and $487,450
$78,221 plus 32% of the excess over $383,900
35%
Income between $487,451 and $731,200
$111,357 plus 35% of the excess over $487,450
37%
Income over $731,200
$196,670 plus 37% of the excess over $731,200
Married Filing Separately
Rate
Taxable Income
Tax
10%
Income up to $11,600
10% of the taxable income
12%
Income between $11,601 and $47,150
$1,160 plus 12% of the excess over $11,600
22%
Income between $47,151 and $100,525
$5,426 plus 22% of the excess over $47,150
24%
Income between $100,526 and $191,950
$17,169 plus 24% of the excess over $100,525
32%
Income between $191,951 and $243,725
$39,1101 plus 32% of the excess over $191,150
35%
Income between $243,726 and $365,600
$55,679 plus 35% of the excess over $243,725
37%
Income over $365,600
$98,335 plus 37% of the excess over $365,600
Filing Status
You might be used to filing single each tax season. However,as a newlywed that will no longer be an option. You’ll either file married filing jointly or married filing separately. Most couples will opt for a joint return as it opens access to more tax breaks and sometimes a better tax rate. Every situation is different. Your best bet is to prepare your tax return both ways to see which has a better outcome.
Standard Deduction
Married couples filing jointly can claim one of the largest standard deductions in 2024 at $29,200 if you are both 65 and under. If you file separately, you can only claim the $14,600 standard deduction in 2024. You should note that if one spouse opts to itemize, both of you must itemize, so you should determine which method would result in a lower taxable income.
Tax Credits and Deductions
As mentioned, filing separately eliminates eligibility for some tax credits. For example, couples married filing separately may not claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or education credits like the American Opportunity Credit or Lifetime Learning Credit. They might be able to claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit if they meet certain requirements. They also cannot deduct student loan interest. On the other hand, married couples filing jointly have extra tax perks to look forward to. For example, if you are not working you cannot contribute to an IRA account if you are single, but you can if you are married and use your spouse’s income. You can also take advantage of flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and lower health care expenses. You can consult with a tax preparer for more tax breaks.
Tax Help for Newlyweds
Taxes are sure to be the furthest thing from your mind after getting married. However, it’s critical to remember that as long as you are legally married by December 31st, the IRS considers you to be married for the full tax year. The sudden change in rules may be intimidating and brand new to you, but there are always experts who are ready to help. We hope this newlywed’s guide to taxes gave some clarity. Optima Tax Relief is the nation’s leading tax resolution firm with over a decade of experience helping taxpayers with tough tax situations.
Owing the IRS can be one of the most stressful situations a taxpayer can face. Recent data shows that American taxpayers owed over $316 billion in back taxes, penalties, and interest as of the end of 2022. Much of this debt can be attributed to late filing, mathematical errors, and underreported income. Whatever the reason for owing taxes, many taxpayers may find themselves considering tax relief when their tax bills get too large to pay. Here’s an overview of what tax relief is and how it works.
What Is Tax Relief?
The phrase “tax relief” can mean many things. When speaking of tax debt, tax relief is when your tax debt is managed, settled through negotiations, or paid down with payment plans. Tax relief programs were created for taxpayers who cannot afford to pay their tax bills, as well as those who have overwhelming and overdue tax bills.
How Does Tax Relief Work?
Tax relief is not a “one-size-fits-all” program. Every tax relief program works differently, and the process will also differ depending on the individual taxpayer’s situation. Here we will review the most common tax relief policies and programs.
Offer in Compromise (OIC)
An OIC is the most popular form of tax relief as well as the least likely option for taxpayers since most OICs are denied by the IRS. An OIC allows you to settle your tax debt for less than what you owe. When selecting OIC candidates, the IRS will examine your ability to pay your tax bill, your income and expenses, and the value of your assets.
Applying for an Offer in Compromise involves a detailed process, beginning with completing IRS Form 656, “Offer in Compromise.” Alongside this form, taxpayers must submit a comprehensive financial statement detailing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. There are some basic requirements for an offer in compromise including:
Must pay a $205 nonrefundable application fee
Must make a nonrefundable initial payment
Must be current on all tax returns
Must not be in an open bankruptcy proceeding
If the IRS deems that you cannot afford to pay your tax debt, or that paying your tax debt will result in financial hardship, then it may accept your offer in compromise. If this happens, they will cease collections.
Currently-Not-Collectible (CNC) Status
In some cases, you cannot afford both your tax bill and your expenses. If this happens, you can request a Currently Not Collectible status on your account, which delays collections. The IRS will request information regarding your income and expenses to determine your eligibility. If approved, the CNC status will temporarily cease collections on your account. However, they will continue to assess interest and penalties to your account. They will continue to review your income each year to determine if you are still eligible for CNC status. They can also still file a tax lien against you during this time and keep your tax refunds to apply them to your tax bill.
IRS Installment Agreement
An IRS installment agreement lets you pay your tax bill, plus accrued interest and penalties, over a set period. There are two types of IRS installment agreements: short-term and long-term. A short-term payment plan must be paid in 180 days or less. To qualify for a short-term installment agreement, you cannot owe more than $100,000 in combined tax, penalties and interest. A long-term payment plan can be paid over 180+ days. To qualify for a long-term installment agreement, you must not owe more than $50,000 in combined tax, penalties and interest. While an IRS installment agreement does not reduce your tax bill, or exclude you from penalties and interest, it might be your next best option to pay off your tax debt.
Penalty Abatement
Sometimes life gets in the way of responsibility. Maybe you didn’t file your taxes for one year, or you forgot to pay your tax bill. If you have an otherwise clean record with the IRS, you can request a first-time penalty abatement, which waives a tax penalty or refunds you for one already paid for. Typically, if you meet three requirements, you should qualify for this tax relief option.
You are current on your tax return filing. Tax extensions are fine.
You are current on your tax bill or have a payment plan in place.
You have a clean record with the IRS. This means no penalties during the three tax years before the year you received a penalty.
If interest accrued from a failure-to-pay or a failure-to-file penalty, and you receive penalty abatement, then the interest associated with the penalty abatement will also be forgiven.
How Do I Proceed with Tax Relief?
If one of these tax relief options sounds like they can be of help to your tax situation, you should consider pursuing it. Most of these options require nothing to lose, financially speaking. Dealing with the IRS on your own can be intimidating, time-consuming, and stressful. Working with a tax professional offers several advantages over handling IRS matters independently. For one, tax professionals have expertise that goes beyond basic tax knowledge. This can help you minimize errors, save time and money, and optimize your tax planning. Perhaps the greatest benefit is knowing that a professional is handling the IRS on your behalf. Optima Tax Relief has a team of dedicated and experienced tax professionals with proven track records of success.
In a recent update, the U.S. House of Representatives has approved a bill that has the potential to grant families significant tax benefits. The aim is to strengthen tax breaks, offering substantial financial support to American households and leading to significant savings. Among the many items addressed in the bill is the expansion of the Child Tax Credit (CTC), a tax benefit designed to assist families with the cost of raising children. In this article, we’ll review the details of the CTC expansion and the next steps needed to pass the bill.
What is the Child Tax Credit?
The Child Tax Credit is a tax benefit provided to eligible families for each qualifying child under 17. It’s designed to help families with the cost of raising children by reducing their federal income tax liability. Eligible families can receive a credit of up to a certain amount per child. The amount may vary depending on factors such as income level and number of children. In some cases, the credit is partially refundable, meaning that families may receive a refund even if they owe no taxes.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility requirements for the Child Tax Credit (CTC) typically include the following criteria:
Age of Child: The child must be under the age of 17 at the end of the tax year for which the credit is being claimed.
Relationship: The child must be the taxpayer’s son, daughter, stepchild, foster child, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, or a descendant of any of them (such as a grandchild, niece, or nephew).
Dependent Status: The child must qualify as a dependent on the taxpayer’s federal income tax return.
Residency: The child must have lived with the taxpayer for more than half of the tax year. Certain exceptions apply for temporary absences, such as for school, vacation, medical care, or military service.
Citizenship: The child must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or resident alien.
Support: The child must not provide more than half of their own support during the tax year.
Filing Status: The taxpayer must file as Single, Head of Household, Married Filing Jointly, or Qualifying Widow(er) with Dependent Child.
Income Limits: The taxpayer must have earned at least $2,500 but not more than $200,000 ($400,000 if filing jointly) to claim the full tax credit. Income over this amount will result in a partial credit.
Proposed Expansion
Under the proposed changes, the tax credit would remain fixed at $2,000 per child. However, the portion of the credit that is refundable would see an increase, potentially benefiting numerous families nationwide. The maximum refundable portion per child would rise from $1,600 to $1,800 in 2023, then to $1,900 in 2024, ultimately becoming fully refundable by 2025. Furthermore, the credit would be adjusted annually to account for inflation. When the House of Representatives voted on the bill in January 2023, it passed with overwhelming support from both Democrats and Republicans. The bill is waiting to see a vote from the Senate, which has yet to be scheduled.
Don’t Wait to File Your 2024 Taxes
The 2024 tax season is underway. However, the IRS has reported reduced tax filing activity compared to this time last year. That said, there are suspicions that this is because taxpayers are waiting to see what happens with the Child Tax Credit. Taxpayers are urged to file anyway. The IRS has publicly stated that if the Senate does pass the bipartisan bill, it could take anywhere from six to 12 weeks to implement the changes for the 2023 tax year. This means waiting could result in a late tax return, which means penalties and possible interest. Taxpayers can find relief in knowing that the IRS plans to issue additional refunds later for those who have filed if the bill is passed. No additional actions will be needed on the taxpayer’s end.
Tax Help with the Child Tax Credit
Taxpayers should not delay filing their taxes while waiting for the Child Tax Credit bill to be passed. It’s crucial to file taxes in a timely manner to avoid potential penalties or late fees. Additionally, the tax filing process can take time. Waiting until the last minute could lead to rushed or incomplete submissions. Furthermore, if the CTC bill is passed, the IRS will make sure eligible taxpayers receive their due refunds. Therefore, taxpayers should proceed with filing their taxes promptly, ensuring accuracy and compliance with current tax regulations, while remaining vigilant for any updates or changes in tax laws that may affect their eligibility for credits or deductions. Optima Tax Relief is the nation’s leading tax resolution firm with over a decade of experience helping taxpayers with tough tax situations.
Tax season is in full swing. With several filing options and a potentially larger Child Tax Credit to claim, there’s a lot to know before you file. Optima CEO David King and Lead Tax Attorney Philip Hwang provide a comprehensive guide for the 2024 tax filing season and show you how you can get the most when filing your tax return.
If You Need Tax Help in 2024, Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
Planning for retirement involves making crucial decisions about your finances, one of which includes understanding how to manage your pension. Pension plans often come with various options and methods for distribution, each with its own set of rules and implications. In this article, we’ll delve into taxable income for retirees. We’ll also compare two common methods for calculating pension and annuity taxable income: the General Rule and the Simplified Method.
Taxes for Retirees
When taxpayers reach retirement, most of their income will likely be from retirement distributions. While some distributions, like those from a Roth account, are not taxable, others are. For example, any contributions that your employer made to your retirement plan, or pre-tax contributions, are taxable. This means you pay taxes when you take the money from your retirement account as a distribution. If some contributions made to your pension or annuity plans were included in your gross income, you can exclude part of the distribution from your retirement income. How much will be determined using one of two methods: the General Rule or the Simplified Method.
The General Rule
The General Rule is a method used to calculate the taxable portion of pension or annuity payments. Under this rule, the taxpayer divides their investment in the contract by the expected return. This is calculated based on the taxpayer’s life expectancy. The resulting quotient represents the tax-free portion of each payment, while the remainder is considered taxable income. Taxpayers can use IRS Publication 939 to calculate the taxed portion of their pension.
Advantages
One of the key advantages of the General Rule is its flexibility. It allows retirees to customize their tax treatment based on their individual circumstances. These include age, life expectancy, and investment in the contract. This method is particularly beneficial for those with longer life expectancies or higher investment amounts. This is because it can result in a larger tax-free portion of their pension payments.
Disadvantages
The General Rule can be complex to calculate and may require assistance from financial advisors or tax professionals. Additionally, it may not always yield the most tax-efficient outcome, especially for retirees with shorter life expectancies or smaller investment amounts.
The Simplified Method
The Simplified Method offers a more straightforward approach to determining the taxable portion of pension or annuity payments. This method involves using a predetermined formula provided by the IRS. The formula considers the taxpayer’s age at the time of the first payment, the total expected return, and the length of the payout period.
Advantages
The Simplified Method is designed to make the tax calculation process easier for retirees by eliminating the need for complex calculations. It provides a standardized formula that applies to most pension plans. This makes it accessible to a broader range of individuals without requiring extensive financial expertise.
Disadvantages
While the Simplified Method offers simplicity and ease of use, it may not always result in the most tax-efficient outcome. This method does not account for individual factors such as life expectancy or investment in the contract, which could lead to a higher taxable portion of pension payments for some retirees.
Limitations
Some taxpayers will be restricted to only using the General Rule. If one of the following scenarios applies to you, you will need to use the General Rule to calculate the taxable portion of your pension.
Your annuity or pension payments began on or before November 18, 1996
Your annuity or pension payments began between July 1, 1986, and November 18, 1996, and you do not qualify for the Simplified Method
Your annuity or pension payments began after November 18, 1996, you were 75 years or older on that date, and your payments were guaranteed for 5 years or more.
You have received payments from a nonqualified plan
In addition, you must use the Simplified Method if your plan meets all of the following requirements:
Your annuity or pension payments began after November 18, 1998
Your annuity or pension payments were from a qualified employee plan or annuity, or a tax-sheltered annuity plan, such as a 403(b) plan
You must be under 75 years old when the payments begin. If you are 75 or older, your guaranteed payments cannot last 5 or more years.
Comparison
When comparing the General Rule and the Simplified Method, it’s essential for retirees to consider their unique financial circumstances. The General Rule offers flexibility and customization but may require more effort to calculate accurately. In contrast, the Simplified Method provides simplicity and ease of use but may not always optimize tax efficiency.
Ultimately, the choice between these two methods depends on factors such as age, life expectancy, investment amount, and personal preferences. Retirees are encouraged to consult with financial advisors or tax professionals to determine which method aligns best with their individual needs and objectives.
Tax Help for Those with Pensions and Annuities
Managing pension distributions is a critical aspect of retirement planning, and understanding the differences between the General Rule and the Simplified Method is essential for making informed decisions. While both methods offer their own advantages and limitations, retirees must carefully evaluate their options to ensure they maximize their retirement income while minimizing tax liabilities. By seeking guidance from financial experts and considering their unique circumstances, retirees can navigate the complexities of pension distributions with confidence and peace of mind. Optima Tax Relief is the nation’s leading tax resolution firm with over $1 billion in resolved tax liabilities.
Today, there are millions of people who have a 401(k) or other retirement plan through their workplace. However, there are many others who seek other accounts to fund their retirement years. When looking into retirement accounts, there are several factors to consider, one of the most important of them being taxes. Here are some tips on how to choose a retirement account based on how and when they are taxed.
Traditional IRA
An individual retirement account, or IRA, is an account that allows an individual to save for retirement with tax-free growth. A traditional IRA allows you to contribute pre-tax dollars and defer taxes until a withdrawal is made in retirement. It is a great option for those who expect to be in the same or lower tax bracket during retirement. You can contribute up to $6,500 for tax year 2023 and up to $7,000 in 2024. If you are aged 50 or older, you can contribute an additional $1,000 per year.
Traditional IRA Tax Implications
While anyone can open and contribute to a traditional IRA, not everyone can deduct contributions during tax time. The amount you can deduct will depend on two factors. The first is whether you or your spouse contribute to a workplace retirement plan. The second is your income. The following groups do not qualify for a tax deduction.
Single or head of household filers who are covered by a workplace retirement plan, and who earned more than $83,000 in 2023 or who will earn more than $87,000 in 2024
Married couples filing jointly who are covered by a workplace retirement plan, and who earned more than $136,000 in 2023 or who will earn more than $143,000 in 2024
Married couples filing jointly with one spouse covered by a workplace retirement plan, and who earned more than $228,000 in 2023 or who will earn more than $240,000 in 2024
Married couples filing separately with at least one spouse covered by a workplace retirement plan, and who earned more than $10,000 in 2023 or 2024
Most other groups will be eligible for either a partial or full deduction. As far as distributions go, it’s important to note that you may only withdraw from a traditional IRA when you reach age 59 ½. At that time, you’ll begin paying regular income taxes on withdrawals. If you withdraw before age 59 ½ you may be subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty. However, that is unless the money is used for certain expenses. There are also Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) beginning at age 72.
Roth IRA
A Roth IRA is an account that allows you to contribute after-tax dollars and then withdraw it tax-free in retirement. It’s a great option for individuals who expect to be in a higher tax bracket in the future. The contribution limits are the same as a traditional IRA at $6,500 for 2023. May may withdraw an extra $1,000 if you are age 50 or older. The max contribution for 2024 is $7,000.
Unlike a traditional IRA, there are income limitations to open an account. However, the income is based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). Single filers, heads of household, or married couples filing separately who did not live together during the tax year cannot have a MAGI of $153,000 or more to contribute to a Roth IRA in tax year 2023. The 2024 limit for these groups is $161,000. Married couples filing jointly, and qualifying widow(er)s cannot have a MAGI of $228,000 or more in 2023. This amount increased to $240,000 in 2024. Married couples filing separately who did live together during the tax year may not earn $10,000 or more.
Roth IRA Tax Implications
Since there are no RMDs for Roth IRA accounts, these accounts are typically preferred for those who plan to transfer their wealth to heirs, since it would also transfer the tax benefits. Any distributions taken by heirs will also be tax-free. The main Roth IRA penalties to watch out for are for early withdrawals, excess contributions, and failure to follow conversion rules.Finally, contributions made to a Roth IRA are taxed now. This means you may not claim a tax deduction for them during tax time.
Tax Relief for Those with Retirement Savings
Deciding how to choose a retirement account will usually come down to when you want to pay taxes. With a traditional IRA, taxes will be paid in retirement. On the other hand, a Roth IRA requires you to pay tax on the contributions now. A traditional IRA account may offer tax breaks now depending on your income. Roth IRA contributions are not tax deductible. Once you learn how to choose a retirement account, it’s important to always be aware of the tax implications of each and your responsibility for each during tax time. Optima Tax Relief is the nation’s leading tax resolution firm with over a decade of experience helping taxpayers with tough tax situations.
The Senate recently approved nearly $80 billion in IRS funding, with $45.6 billion specifically for enforcement. This new funding is expected to result in more tax audits. There is no sure way to avoid an IRS audit. However, there are some things that the IRS has generally viewed as “red flags.” These could increase the chances of an audit for taxpayers. Here are our top five tips to avoid an IRS audit.
File Your Tax Return
Currently, you must file a tax return if your gross income meets certain thresholds based on your age and filing status. If you meet the minimum income requirement and you do not file a federal income tax return, or file late. In 2024, you can be penalized 5% of your unpaid tax liability for each month your return is late. However, the penalty will not exceed 25% for your total tax balance. Additionally, you will incur a 0.5% per month for failure to pay penalty, up to 25%.
While both penalties have a cap, interest will continue to accrue until the balance is paid off. It is compounded daily at the federal short-term rate, plus an additional 3% for individuals. In 2024, the underpayment penalty is 8% for individual taxpayers. In addition, the IRS may prepare a substitute for return (SFR) on your behalf. They do this by using your W2 and 1099 forms for that tax year and even your bank account records. The SFR will likely result in a larger tax bill, since tax credits and deductions will not be claimed. In short, choosing to not file a return each year will not excuse you from paying taxes.
Report All Income
Underreporting income is one of the most common reasons taxpayers get audited. Remember, the IRS receives copies of all your W-2 and 1099 forms for the year. If incomes do not match up, they will investigate your tax situation. The IRS could then give you the IRS negligence penalty. This can cost you an additional 20% of the underpaid amount in penalties. That said, it’s always best to report all earnings the first time around.
Use Common Sense with Business Expenses
The IRS reminds taxpayers that business expenses should be “ordinary and necessary” to produce income for your specific trade or business. In other words, items like office equipment and advertising costs are fine, but you should not try to deduct your daily lunch expenses. You should always avoid comingling personal and business expenses.
Keep Good Records
Keeping good records that support your reported income is critical. This can include invoices, canceled checks, mileage logs, and other documents. The IRS recommends keeping records for three years after filing. Bookkeeping can be a tedious process, so it may be best to hire a professional if you are not up to the task.
Know How to Report Losses
The IRS will likely audit individuals and businesses that report multiple or consecutive losses. If your business claims a loss for several years, the IRS may classify it as a hobby instead of a for-profit business. Once this happens, you will not be allowed to claim a loss related to the business and you will have to prove that your “business” has an acceptable motive to earn a profit.
Tax Relief for Taxpayers
Odds of an audit increase when the IRS notices any red flags. The audit process can be tedious and taxing. Failing an audit can result in a huge, unforeseen tax bill. It’s best to seek assistance from experts who can help you avoid an IRS audit. Optima Tax Relief is the nation’s leading tax resolution firm with over a decade of experience helping taxpayers with tough tax situations.
Tax management can be a complex and difficult task. This is especially true when faced with unexpected circumstances such as illness, travel, or other personal challenges. In such situations, having a trusted representative to handle tax-related matters can provide invaluable support. A power of attorney (POA) is a legal instrument that empowers an appointed individual to act on behalf of another person. It grants them authority over various financial and legal affairs. This article explores the ways in which a power of attorney can be leveraged to facilitate tax management and ensure compliance while offering peace of mind to individuals facing challenging circumstances.
Who Can Represent Me Before the IRS?
Your representative must be eligible to practice before the IRS. These individuals include enrolled agents, CPAs, or attorneys. You can also have enrolled retirement plan agents, enrolled actuaries, unenrolled tax preparers, family members, employees, or even Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) representatives.
It’s crucial to choose a representative who is knowledgeable about tax matters and capable of effectively advocating on your behalf. Whether you’re facing an audit, tax dispute, or other IRS proceedings, having a competent representative can help navigate the process and ensure your rights are protected.
What Privileges Does My POA Give?
With a POA, your chosen representative can deal with your tax matters before the IRS. Here are a few ways they can do this.
Handling Tax Filings and Correspondence
One of the primary benefits of a POA in tax matters is the ability to delegate the responsibility of filing tax returns and corresponding with tax authorities. By appointing a trusted agent through a power of attorney, individuals can ensure that their tax obligations are met accurately and on time. This is critical if they are unable to manage these tasks themselves due to illness, travel, or other reasons.
Representing the Taxpayer Before Tax Authorities
A power of attorney authorizes the appointed agent to represent the taxpayer before the IRS or state revenue agencies. This representation includes the ability to communicate with tax authorities, respond to inquiries, provide information, and negotiate on behalf of the taxpayer in various tax matters, including audits, appeals, and collections.
Making Tax-Related Decisions
A power of attorney can grant the agent the authority to make certain tax-related decisions on behalf of the taxpayer. This may include decisions related to tax planning. These may include the timing of asset sales or deductions, and decisions regarding tax disputes or settlements.
Accessing Tax Information
With a power of attorney in place, the appointed agent can access the taxpayer’s tax information, including tax returns, transcripts, and other relevant documents. This access allows the agent to effectively manage the taxpayer’s tax affairs, gather necessary information for tax filings, and address any issues that may arise.
Ensuring Continuity of Tax Management
A POA provides continuity in tax management. This ensures that tax obligations are fulfilled even if the taxpayer is incapacitated or absent. By appointing a trusted agent through a power of attorney, individuals can have confidence that their tax affairs will be managed according to their wishes and in their best interests.
Keep in mind, however, that having a POA does not mean you’re off the hook for your tax obligations. It just means you have someone else to help you tackle the IRS.
How Do I Authorize a POA?
The easiest way to authorize someone to represent you before the IRS is to submit a POA authorization in your IRS online account. Alternatively, you can complete and submit Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative. This form grants your chosen representative the authority to handle your tax affairs, including discussing your tax matters with the IRS, receiving confidential information, and signing documents on your behalf.
When designating a representative through a power of attorney, it’s essential to provide accurate information and specify the scope of their authority. The IRS typically requires specific information. You’ll need the representative’s name, address, and taxpayer identification number (usually a Social Security number or an Employer Identification Number). You’ll also need details about the tax matters they are authorized to address.
How Long is a POA Valid?
A power of attorney will stay in effect until you revoke the authorization. Your representative can also withdraw it on their own. This can be done by authorizing a new representative or by sending a revocation to the IRS. This basically involves writing “REVOKE” on the top of the first page of Form 2848 with your signature and date below it. You must then mail or fax a copy of this form to the IRS. If your representative is the one withdrawing the POA, they would follow the same instructions but instead write “WITHDRAW” on the top of the first page of Form 2848.
Tax Help for Those Looking for Tax Representation
In summary, a power of attorney can be a valuable tool for tax management. It provides individuals with the flexibility to delegate tax-related responsibilities to a trusted representative. Whatever challenges, having a designated agent to handle tax matters can offer peace of mind and ensure tax compliance. By understanding the benefits of a power of attorney in tax management and leveraging this legal instrument effectively, individuals can navigate tax-related challenges with confidence and ease. Optima Tax Relief is the nation’s leading tax resolution firm with over $1 billion in resolved tax liabilities.
