Payroll fraud is an unfortunate reality that continues to haunt businesses, causing significant financial losses and harming their reputation. This fraudulent act occurs when an individual manipulates the payroll system to get money or benefits to which they are not entitled. Payroll fraud can threaten any company, from small firms to large multinational corporations. Here’s an overview of what payroll fraud is and how to avoid it.
What is payroll fraud?
Payroll fraud includes a wide range of fraudulent actions, such as ghost employees, faked overtime claims, unlawful salary rises, commission manipulation, and unauthorized perks. Employees, management, or even outside parties who exploit payroll process flaws can be liable. Here are some of the most common types of payroll fraud.
Ghost Employees: A ghost employee is someone who is added to your payroll in order to collect a salary even though they are not employed by your organization. While this can be done accidentally, more often than not it’s done fraudulently to collect a paycheck for a nonexistent employee.
Timesheet and Overtime Fraud: Another prevalent type of payroll fraud is inflating hours worked or claiming overtime when it is not due. Employees that are dishonest may conspire with superiors or coworkers to alter time records, resulting in excessive payouts.
Wage Manipulation: Unauthorized raises, bonuses, or commissions can be exploited by dishonest personnel with payroll system access. They fraudulently raise their own pay by changing salary figures.
Misclassifying Employees: Employers are required by the IRS to correctly classify their personnel. Some employers illegally categorize W-2 employees as 1099 employees in order to avoid paying taxes or providing health care coverage.
Expense Fraud: In some cases, employees may be authorized to be reimbursed for expenses, and take advantage. Inflated, false, duplicate or personal reimbursement claims all contribute to payroll fraud.
How do I avoid payroll fraud?
Payroll fraud is difficult to eliminate entirely. This is because sometimes it occurs unintentionally. However, with strict policies, it can be limited and detected early. Some ways to avoid payroll fraud include:
Having strict internal controls: Payroll is not an area in the company in which many people should have a hand in. While there should be multiple personnel involved in the payroll process, their roles and duties should be clearly defined and audited on a regular basis to ensure a healthy checks and balances system.
Having regular and surprise audits: Audit payroll records on a regular basis to identify any inconsistencies or discrepancies. Inconsistencies, such as duplicate entries, unapproved changes or excessive overtime claims, should be prevented.
Using a modernized payroll system: Use current payroll software that has fraud detection tools. Advanced systems can detect unusual trends, duplicate entries, or abrupt changes in employee data, providing useful insights for further research.
Hiring trustworthy employees: When employing new personnel, do extensive background checks and verification procedures. Confirm their identification, job history, and qualifications to lessen the risk of recruiting individuals who have a history of fraud.
Payroll fraud is a major source of fraud within companies. In fact, most financial loss in organizations comes from within rather than from outside third parties. If you have a business, it’s important to avoid payroll fraud at all costs, as it can result in financial hardship as well as punishment by the IRS. Optima Tax Relief has over a decade of experience helping taxpayers with tough tax situations, whether they are individuals or businesses.
When dealing with the IRS, it’s easy to feel outnumbered and helpless. However, it is important to know that you have fundamental rights when it comes to tax issues. The Taxpayer Bill of Rights, which was created to guarantee justice, openness, and accountability in the tax system, outlines these rights. So, here we’ll examine each of your rights listed in the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.
The Right to Be Informed
You have a right to information about the laws that are relevant to you and your tax obligations. The procedure for filing taxes, possible credits and deductions, and any changes to tax laws that may have an impact on you must all be explained in detail by the IRS. Additionally, you have the right to request written explanations for any IRS actions related to your tax accounts as well as the chance to contest or appeal them.
The Right to Quality Service
The IRS is required by law to provide you with timely, courteous, and expert help. This includes the right to communicate with an informed IRS representative, have your inquiries correctly addressed, and have your issues promptly taken care of. You have the right to be spoken to in a way that is easy to understand. On the other hand, you have the right to file a complaint if you feel that the service was insufficient.
The Right to Pay No More than the Correct Amount of Tax
You have the right to pay only the tax debt that is legitimately owed by you. This includes any interest and penalties applied to your tax account.
The Right to Challenge the IRS’s Position and Be Heard
You have the right to object, provide further information, and challenge any judgments the IRS makes. You have the right to expect that the IRS will consider your objections and documentation promptly and fairly.
The Right to Appeal an IRS Decision in an Independent Forum
You have the right to an impartial and fair administrative appeals procedure. Accordingly, this may include the ability to file a lawsuit. The IRS must take into account your arguments and respond in writing with a justification of their choice.
The Right to Finality
You have the right to be aware of the maximum length of time you have to contest the IRS’s claims and to anticipate that once that period of time expires, the IRS won’t pursue further collection efforts. Any deadlines for submitting an appeal or taking other actions must be communicated to you by the IRS as well.
The Right to Privacy
You have the right to anticipate that the IRS will keep your information private and use it solely for legal tax purposes. Except in some limited instances, the IRS is not permitted to disclose your tax information to unapproved people or businesses without your approval.
The Right to Confidentiality
You have the right to assume that the IRS won’t share any information you give them. That is unless you give permission, or it’s required by law. You have the right to anticipate that anybody using or disclosing your return information improperly, including workers, return preparers, and others, will face the appropriate consequences.
The Right to Retain Representation
You have the right to appoint a qualified representative to act on your behalf when interacting with the IRS. This might be an enrolled agent, CPA or tax attorney. Your representative can present your case, advocate on your behalf, and assist in making sure that your rights are upheld.
The Right to a Fair and Just Tax System
You are entitled to a just and equitable tax system that takes into account all pertinent information. This includes the freedom to contest the IRS’s application of the tax laws and to ask the Taxpayer Advocate Service, an impartial division of the IRS that aids people in resolving disputes with the agency, for support.
All in all, the Taxpayer Bill of Rights is a crucial document that gives taxpayers power and guarantees that the IRS will treat them fairly. You can navigate the tax system with confidence and hold the IRS accountable by being aware of and defending your rights. Lastly, consult with a knowledgeable tax expert if you’re having problems or think your rights have been infringed. Optima Tax Relief is the nation’s leading tax resolution firm with over a decade of experience helping taxpayers.
The average tax refund so far in 2023 has been just over $1,960, which is about 11% lower than last year. Tax professionals are warning taxpayers of potential “tax refund shock” and urge them to prepare for smaller tax refunds in 2023. Here’s a breakdown of what caused the decrease in the average tax refund amount.
Tax Credits Are Back to Pre-Pandemic Level
According to IRS data, American taxpayers saw an increase in their tax refunds in 2021, from an average of $2,549 to an average of $2,815. 2022 saw an even larger increase with an average tax refund of $3,252. These amounts can be credited to the COVID-era tax credits related to children, dependents, charitable deductions, and more. However, the IRS issued a statement urging taxpayers to prepare for lower refunds in 2023 due to the end of stimulus payments and changes to charitable contribution deductions.
Child Tax Credit
The Child Tax Credit (CTC) provided up to $3,600 per qualifying child in 2021 for working parents with certain qualifications. In 2022, the credit was reduced to $2,000 per qualifying child but still helped American families. However, the payments only went to families that earned enough income to owe taxes, so only the poorest U.S. households benefitted from the credit. This could be devastating to families relying on the credit, especially after data showed the CTC lifted nearly 3 million children out of poverty in 2021 at its peak level.
Child and Dependent Care Expenses Tax Credit
In addition, the Child and Dependent Care Expenses Tax Credit (CDCTC) returned to a maximum of $2,100 in 2022, a huge decrease from 2021 levels of $8,000. This credit was especially helpful to parents and guardians who had daycare, babysitting, or other care provider expenses.
Earned Income Tax Credit
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) dropped from 2021 levels of $1,500 to just $560, but up to $6,935. Certain charitable donations are also no longer deductible up to $600 as it was in previous years.
COVID-Era Provisions
The United States saw a massive trend of layoffs in 2022. However, severance payments were taxable this year, unlike during the pandemic-era layoffs. Finally, the end to COVID-19 stimulus payments also meant no way to claim credits for stimulus payments.
The issue here is that the end of these helpful tax breaks comes during a time of the highest inflation the U.S. has seen in four decades, making it difficult for taxpayers to rely on their tax refunds for financial relief as they normally do. Nearly one third of Americans rely on their tax refunds to make ends meet.
How Can I Increase My Tax Refund Next Year?
While some people prefer to keep more of their paychecks during the year, others prefer to have a greater tax refund once a year. One way to do this is to have more taxes withheld from your paycheck. You can submit a new W-4 to your employer at any time during the year. It’s important to note that your W-4 should be reviewed and resubmitted when you have a personal or financial change in life. Other than this adjustment, you can take advantage of traditional IRA contribution deductions or max out your Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions.
With just a short amount of time before the April 18th tax filing deadline, you’ll want to ensure that you file a complete and accurate return as soon as possible. If you need tax help, Optima is here to assist.
Property taxes are paid on property owned, either by an individual or a legal entity. How much property tax you are required to pay is determined by the local government where the property is located. Typically, the assessed taxes are used to fund things like water and sewer improvements, education, road construction, and public services like law enforcement and fire protection. Here is a brief overview of property taxes and what they mean for your taxes.
How is property tax calculated?
The amount of property tax you are required to pay depends on the value of your property. This includes the land, buildings sitting on it, your assessed property value, and the county’s projected mill tax. A mill tax rate is the sum of all tax rates levied on your property value.
The mill tax is multiplied by the property value to calculate your assessed value of your property. This is then used to find the fair market value of your property. This figure is multiplied by an assessment rate to calculate your tax bill.
Your property tax bill may be higher or lower than your neighbor’s. One example is if your plot of land is larger. Another is if your home’s assessed value is higher. In some rare cases, your neighbor’s property may fall in a different jurisdiction with a lower mill tax rate, resulting in a smaller tax bill.
Who must pay property taxes?
Typically, most owners of property must pay property taxes, whether they are an individual or legal entity. However, there are some groups or property types that are exempt. These include senior citizens, those with disabilities, and military veterans. Additionally, there is a homestead exemption that reduced property tax bills. The rules for exemption vary by state or municipality so it’s best to check with your local and state government. Also note that the agencies that collect property taxes will not always notify you if you do qualify for an exemption and you may need to apply for it on your own.
What happens if I do not pay property taxes?
Put simply, failing to pay property taxes can result in a lien on your home. A lien is a legal claim against your property that can be used as collateral to repay the debt owed. If you still do not pay off the balance, the taxing authority can legally sell your home, or sell the tax lien. In this case, the purchaser of the lien can have your home foreclosed or use other methods to obtain the deed to your property. The consequences vary by state.
Tax Relief for Homeowners
It goes without saying that all property owners should stay on top of their property tax bills. Homeowners who itemize their deductions can deduct property taxes paid on a primary residence and any other real estate owned. You can deduct up to $10,000 in state and local income taxes, which includes property taxes. Optima Tax Relief is the nation’s leading tax resolution firm with over $1 billion in resolved tax liabilities.
With sports betting on the ballot this past midterm election, many wonder if sin taxes are healthy for the economy. These taxes have been levied both at the federal and state levels. Here are some examples of sin taxes and what they mean for the economy.
What is a sin tax?
A sin tax is one that is levied on a specific activity or good that society deems harmful or costly. Sin taxes are forms of excise tax and Pigouvian tax. In other words, it is usually charged to businesses that sell the good or service. However, these businesses then pass down the cost to consumers through higher prices. The most commonly taxed goods and services are alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, soft drinks, fast food, lotteries, gasoline, firearms, and airline tickets.
Why do sin taxes exist?
These items are taxed to deter people from purchasing them or from engaging in certain behaviors. However, they also generate a huge amount of revenue both at the federal level and state.
Advantages
Research has shown that sin taxes can help deter certain behaviors. For example, they have helped discourage the consumption of certain substances like tobacco and alcohol. This helps reduce the number of health issues that are associated with the consumption of these substances.
The revenue that these taxes generate helps the government to fund programs that address public health. The government may be able to use the gasoline tax revenue to build a new road or subsidize healthcare.
Ultimately, sin taxes are a more viable option of taxation compared to others. In fact, society has shown broad support for taxation on certain items. It is much easier for policymakers to turn to these taxes to generate more revenue than other types, like income taxes. In recent years, many states have even begun viewing sin taxes as solutions to budget issues.
Disadvantages
Policymakers claim that the main reason sin taxes exist is to prevent certain behaviors, but many argue that they are not high enough to actually offset these behaviors. To truly deter these behaviors, states would need to raise the tax on these items.
Many critics already argue that increasing taxation will not only be an overstep by the government, but it will target certain demographic groups. There is evidence that sin taxes heavily affect the poor and uneducated. For example, those who earn less feel the weight of the tax far more than those who earn more.
Tax Help for Taxpayers Who Owe
Whether you are for sin taxes or against them, they exist and will continue to exist as the revenue generated is far too great to reduce or eliminate. Now that legalizing sports betting has become a more popular topic, we can anticipate new goods and services to be taxed. While these taxes are paid upon purchase, others are not and it’s important to always ensure that they are paid on time and in the correct amounts. Optima Tax Relief has a team of dedicated and experienced tax professionals with proven track records of success.
Real estate investments and tax implications can be very complex. However, there are general tax implications for common scenarios. Here, we will discuss some of these benefits.
Real Estate Tax Write-Offs
The most obvious tax implication for real estate investments are the write-offs that can help reduce rental income. Typically, you can deduct any expense directly related to managing and maintaining the property. This can include:
Property insurance and taxes
Mortgage insurance
Property management expenses
Expenses for maintenance and repairs
Advertising fees
Office space
Equipment used for operating your real estate business
Legal fees
Travel expenses
Accurate and detailed records should be kept in case the IRS requires substantiation.
Real Estate Depreciation
Like many physical assets, real estate investments assume normal wear and tear. You can deduct the cost of depreciation on your taxes each year, which will allow you to lower your tax liability. According to the IRS, the standard expected life of a property is 27.5 years for residential properties and 39 years for commercial properties. This means you can take the value of the property, less the value of the land it resides on, and divide it by the expected life term to calculate the amount of depreciation cost per year.
Capital Gains
Many real estate investors purchase properties with the expectations of eventually selling them later. Being aware of the tax implications that result from the sale of a property is just as important as those that result from owning one. A capital gains tax can have drastic effects on your tax liability.
For example, you can realize a short-term capital gain if you earn a profit on an asset within a year of owning it. The gain is considered regular income. If the profit is large enough, it can move into the next tax bracket, creating a larger tax bill.
On the other hand, you can realize a long-term capital gain if you earn a profit on the sale of property held for one year or more. These gains have much lower tax rates than standard income tax rates, which means you will get to keep more of the profit. Additionally, if your income is low enough, you may not be required to pay any taxes on the profit.
Tax Help for Real Estate Investors
It’s always best to get the advice of a reliable tax preparer or professional during tax time, especially if you have complex investments like real estate. Not knowing the correct way to report income, losses or deductions can result in IRS auditing, penalties and fees. Our team of qualified and dedicated tax professionals can help.
