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01/07/2025

Essential tax tips for marriage status changes
A taxpayer’s filing status generally depends on their being married or unmarried on the last day of the year – which means that a taxpayer's marital status as of December 31, 2024, determines their tax filing options for all of 2024.
For filing purposes, the IRS generally considers taxpayers as married if they are separated but not legally separated or divorced at the end of the year. Marriage status can determine filing requirements, standard deductions, eligibility for certain credits and tax. For exact qualifications and exceptions on filing statuses, review Publication 504, Divorced or Separated Individuals.
Here are a few things taxpayers should do if their marital status changed in 2024.
Report a name change
Report any name changes to the Social Security Administration. The name on a person's tax return must match what’s on file at the SSA. If the name doesn't match, it could delay any tax refund. To update information, go to the SSA’s website and look for “Change name with Social Security.” Name changes can also be processed by calling the SSA at 800-772-1213 or by visiting a local SSA office.
Update address
Notify the U.S. Postal Service, any employers and the IRS of an address change. Taxpayers have several options to notify the IRS of an address change.
Check withholding
A change in marital status may also affect how much tax should be withheld from the taxpayer’s paycheck. To avoid a surprise at tax time, the taxpayer should use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to calculate their withholding and then use that estimate to complete a new Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Certificate, to give to their employer. Taxpayers can also use Form W-4 to tell an employer not to withhold any federal income tax. To qualify for this exempt status, the taxpayer must have had no tax liability for the previous year and must expect to have no tax liability for the current year.
Review filing status
Taxpayers who were newly married in 2024 will want to review their filing status options. They can choose to file their federal income taxes jointly or separately each year, so it’s a good idea to figure the tax both ways to find out which makes the most sense. Taxpayers should remember that if a couple is married as of December 31, the law says they're married for the whole year for tax purposes.

05/22/2024

TAXPAYERS

Here are some simple things taxpayers can do throughout the year to make filing season less stressful.
Organize tax records. Create a system that keeps all important information together. Taxpayers can use a software program for electronic recordkeeping or store paper documents in clearly labeled folders. They should add tax records to their files as they receive them. Organized records will make tax return preparation easier and may help taxpayers discover overlooked deductions or credits.
Identify filing status. A taxpayer's filing status determines their filing requirements, standard deduction, eligibility for certain credits and the correct amount of tax they should pay. If more than one filing status applies to a taxpayer, they can get help choosing the best one for their tax situation with the IRS’s Interactive Tax Assistant, What Is My Filing Status. Changes in family life — marriage, divorce, birth and death — may affect a person's tax situation, including their filing status and eligibility for certain tax credits and deductions.
Understand adjusted gross income (AGI). AGI and tax rate are important factors in figuring taxes. AGI is the taxpayer's income from all sources minus any adjustments. Generally, the higher a taxpayer's AGI, the higher their tax rate and the more tax they pay. Tax planning can include making changes during the year that lower a taxpayer's AGI.
Check withholding. Since federal taxes operate on a pay-as-you-go basis, taxpayers need to pay most of their tax as they earn income. Taxpayers should check that they're withholding enough from their pay to cover their taxes owed, especially if their personal or financial situations change during the year. To check withholding, taxpayers can use the IRS Withholding Estimator. If they want to change their tax withholding, taxpayers should provide their employer with an updated Form W-4.
Make address and name changes. Taxpayers should notify the United States Postal Service, employers and the IRS of any address change. To officially change a mailing address with the IRS, taxpayers must compete Form 8822, Change of Address, and mail it to the correct address for their area. For detailed instructions, see page 2 of the form. Report any name change to the Social Security Administration. Making these changes as soon as possible will help make filing their tax return easier.
Save for retirement. Saving for retirement can also lower a taxpayer's AGI. Certain contributions to a retirement plan at work and to a traditional IRA may also reduce taxable income.

06/29/2022

An overview of the IRS’s 2022 Dirty Dozen tax scams

Compiled annually, the Dirty Dozen lists a variety of common scams that taxpayers can encounter anytime. The IRS warns taxpayers, tax professionals and financial institutions to beware of these scams. This year’s list is divided into five groups. Here’s an overview of the top twelve tax scams of 2022.

Potentially abusive arrangements
The 2022 Dirty Dozen begins with four transactions that are wrongfully promoted and will likely attract additional agency compliance efforts in the future. Those four abusive transactions involve charitable remainder annuity trusts, Maltese individual retirement arrangements, foreign captive insurance, and monetized installment sales.

Pandemic-related cams
This IRS reminds taxpayers that criminals still use the COVID-19 pandemic to steal people's money and identity with phishing emails, social media posts, phone calls, and text messages.
All these efforts can lead to sensitive personal information being stolen, and scammers using this to try filing a fraudulent tax return as well as harming victims in other ways. Some of the scams people should continue to be on the lookout for include Economic Impact Payment and tax refund scams, unemployment fraud leading to inaccurate taxpayer 1099-Gs, fake employment offers on social media, and fake charities that steal taxpayers’ money.

Offer in Compromise "mills"
Offer in Compromise or OIC "mills," make outlandish claims, usually in local advertising, about how they can settle a person's tax debt for pennies on the dollar. Often, the reality is that taxpayers pay the OIC mill a fee to get the same deal they could have gotten on their own by working directly with the IRS. These “mills” are a problem all year long, but they tend to be more visible right after the filing season ends and taxpayers are trying to resolve their tax issues perhaps after receiving a balance due notice in the mail.

Suspicious communications
Every form of suspicious communication is designed to trick, surprise, or scare someone into responding before thinking. Criminals use a variety of communications to lure potential victims. The IRS warns taxpayers to be on the lookout for suspicious activity across four common forms of communication: email, social media, telephone, and text messages. Victims are tricked into providing sensitive personal financial information, money, or other information. This information can be used to file false tax returns and tap into financial accounts, among other schemes.

Spear phishing attacks
Spear phishing scams target individuals or groups. Criminals try to steal client data and tax preparers' identities to file fraudulent tax returns for refunds. Spear phishing can be tailored to attack any type of business or organization, so everyone needs to be skeptical of emails requesting financial or personal information.
A recent spear phishing email used the IRS logo and a variety of subject lines such as "Action Required: Your account has now been put on hold” to steal tax professionals’ software preparation credentials. The scam email contains a link that if clicked will send users to a website that shows the logos of several popular tax software preparation providers. Clicking on one of these logos will prompt a request for tax preparer account credentials. The IRS warns tax pros not to respond or take any of the steps outlined in the email. The IRS has observed similar spear phishing emails claiming to be from "tax preparation application providers."
The list is not a legal document or a literal listing of agency enforcement priorities. It is designed to raise awareness among a variety of audiences that may not always be aware of developments involving tax administration.

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COVID Tax Tip 2022-99, June 29, 2022 —Compiled annually, the Dirty Dozen lists a variety of common scams that taxpayers can encounter anytime. The IRS warns taxpayers, tax professionals and financial institutions to beware of these scams. This year’s list is divided into five groups.

05/18/2022

Wedding planning checklist: cake, rings, flowers … tax forms?

The summer wedding season is fast approaching. Wedding planning is often overwhelming but figuring out how marriage will affect a couple’s tax situation doesn’t have to be. Here are a few things couples should think about as they prepare for the big day.
Name and address changes

People who change their name after marriage should report it to the Social Security Administration as soon as possible. The name on a person's tax return must match what is on file at the SSA. If it doesn't, it could delay any tax refund. To update information, taxpayers should file Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card. It is available on SSA.gov, by calling 800-772-1213 or at a local SSA office.

If marriage means a change of address, the IRS and U.S. Postal Service need to know. To do that, people should send the IRS Form 8822, Change of Address. Taxpayers should also notify the postal service to forward their mail by going online at USPS.com or their local post office.

Double-check withholding

After getting married, couples should consider changing their withholding. Newly married couples must give their employers a new Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance within 10 days. If both spouses work, they may move into a higher tax bracket or be affected by the additional Medicare tax. They can use the Tax Withholding Estimator on IRS.gov to help complete a new Form W-4. Taxpayers should review Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax for more information.

Filing status

Married people can choose to file their federal income taxes jointly or separately each year. For most couples, filing jointly makes the most sense, but each couple should review their own situation. If a couple is married as of December 31, the law says they're married for the whole year for tax purposes.

More information:

Topic 157, Change Your Address – How to Notify the IRS
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Tax Tip 2022-77, May 18, 2022 — The summer wedding season is fast approaching. Wedding planning is often overwhelming but figuring out how marriage will affect a couple’s tax situation doesn’t have to be. Here are a few things couples should think about as they prepare for the big day.

02/24/2022

Filing season reminder for teachers: Some educator expenses may be tax deductible

The educator expense deduction allows eligible teachers and administrators to deduct part of the cost of technology, supplies and training from their taxes. They can only claim this deduction for expenses that were not reimbursed by their employer, a grant or other source.
Who is an eligible educator
The taxpayer must be a kindergarten through grade 12 teacher, instructor, counselor, principal, or aide. They must also work at least 900 hours a school year in a school that provides elementary or secondary education as determined under state law.
Things to know about this deduction
Educators can deduct up to $250 of trade or business expenses that were not reimbursed. As taxpayers prepare to file, they should remember to keep receipts after making any purchase to support claiming this deduction with their tax records.
The deduction is $500 if both taxpayers are eligible educators and file their return using the status married filing jointly. These taxpayers cannot deduct more than $250 each. Qualified expenses are the amounts the taxpayer paid with their own funds during the tax year.
Here are some of the expenses an educator can deduct:
• Professional development course fees
• Books
• Supplies
• Computer equipment, including related software and services
• Other equipment and materials used in the classroom
• Personal protective equipment, disinfectant, and other supplies used for the prevention of the spread of coronavirus
Expenses for COVID-19 protective items.
These items include, but are not limited to:
• Face masks
• Disinfectant for use against COVID-19
• Hand soap
• Hand sanitizer
• Disposable gloves
• Tape, paint, or chalk to guide social distancing
• Physical barriers, such as clear plexiglass
• Air purifiers
• Other items recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to be used for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19
This deduction is for unreimbursed expenses paid or incurred during the 2021 tax year. Taxpayers should keep records, such as receipts and other documents that support the deduction with other tax documents. Eligible taxpayers will claim the deduction on Form 1040, Form 1040-SR or Form 1040-NR, attaching Schedule 1, Additional Income and Adjustments to Income.
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COVID Tax Tip 2022-30, February 24, 2022 — The educator expense deduction allows eligible teachers and administrators to deduct part of the cost of technology, supplies and training from their taxes. They can only claim this deduction for expenses that were not reimbursed by their employer, a gran...

02/17/2022

Check the status of a refund in just a few clicks using the Where’s My Refund tool

Tracking the status of a tax refund is easy with the Where's My Refund? tool. It's available anytime on IRS.gov or through the IRS2Go App.

Taxpayers can start checking their refund status within 24 hours after an e-filed return is received.

Refund timing
Where's My Refund provides a personalized date after the return is processed and a refund is approved. While most tax refunds are issued within 21 days, some may take longer if the return requires additional review.
Here are a few reasons a tax refund may take longer:
• The return may include errors or be incomplete.
• The return could be affected by identity theft or fraud.
• Many banks do not process payments on weekends or holidays.

The IRS will contact taxpayers by mail if more information is needed to process their tax return.

Taxpayers who claimed the earned income tax credit or the additional child tax credit, can expect to get their refund March 1 if:
• They file their return online
• They choose to get their refund by direct deposit
• The IRS found no issues with their return

Fast and easy refund updates
Taxpayers can start checking on the status of their return within 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of an electronically filed return or four weeks after the taxpayer mails a paper return. The tool's tracker displays progress in three phases:
1. Return received
2. Refund approved
3. Refund sent

To use Where's My Refund?, taxpayers must enter their Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, their filing status and the exact whole dollar amount of their refund. The IRS updates the tool once a day, usually overnight, so there's no need to check more often.

Calling the IRS won't speed up a tax refund. The information available on Where's My Refund? is the same information available to IRS phone assistors.

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Tax Tip 2022-26, February 16, 2022 — Tracking the status of a tax refund is easy with the Where's My Refund? tool. It's available anytime on IRS.gov or through the IRS2Go App.

09/24/2021

Here’s the Deal:
Approximately 75% of small businesses are organized as a Schedule C, but it rarely makes sense for a business owner to remain a Schedule C.
If you move them over to an S corporation, partnership, LLC, or even C corporation, you will often be able to significantly minimize their taxes going into 2022.
Want more information about this?
Tax planning software helps you easily figure out which entity is best for your client for tax purposes.

09/23/2021

2021 Tax planning--Top themes to consider. A quick guide to what you should be aware of as you tax plan for your clients.

11/30/2020

Get ready to file taxes: What to do before the tax year ends

There are things taxpayers can do before the end of the year to help them get ready for the 2021 tax filing season. Below are a few of them.

Donate to charity
There is still time to make a 2020 donation. Taxpayers who don't itemize deductions may take a charitable deduction of up to $300 for cash contributions made in 2020 to qualifying charities. Cash donations include those made by check, credit card or debit card. Before making a donation, people can check the Tax Exempt Organization Search tool on IRS.gov to make sure the organization is eligible for tax-deductible donations.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act changed this law. The CARES Act also temporarily suspends limits on charitable contributions and temporarily increases limits on contributions of food inventory.

Report any name or address change
Taxpayers who moved should notify the IRS of their new address. They should also notify the Social Security Administration of any name change.

Renew expiring ITINs
Certain Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers expire at the end of this year. Taxpayers can visit the ITIN page on IRS.gov for more information on which numbers need renewal.

Connect with the IRS
Taxpayers can use social media to get the latest tax and filing tips from the IRS. The IRS shares information on things like tax changes, scam alerts, initiatives, tax products and taxpayer services. These social media tools are available in different languages, including English, Spanish and American Sign Language.

Find information about retirement plans
IRS.gov has end-of-year find tax information about retirement plans. This includes resources for individuals about retirement planning, contributions and withdrawals. The CARES Act retirement plan relief waived required minimum distributions during 2020 for IRA or retirement plan accounts. Also, eligible individuals can take a coronavirus-related distribution of up to $100,000 by December 30, 2020 and repay it over three years or pay the tax due over three years.

Contribute salary deferral
Taxpayers can make a salary deferral to a retirement plan. This helps maximize the tax credit available for eligible contributions. Taxpayers should make sure their total salary deferral contributions do not exceed the $19,500 limit for 2020.

Think about tax refunds
Taxpayers should be careful not to expect getting a refund by a certain date. This is especially true for those who plan to use their refund to make major purchases or pay bills. Just as each tax return is unique to the individual, so is each taxpayer's refund. Taxpayers can take steps now to get ready to file their federal tax return in 2021.

10/29/2020

Here’s what taxpayers need to know about filing an amended tax return

If taxpayers discover a mistake on their tax return, this is not necessarily cause for concern. Most errors can be fixed by filing a Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
Here are some common reasons people may need to file an amended return:
• Entering income incorrectly
• Not claiming credits for which they’re eligible
• Claiming deductions incorrectly
The IRS may correct math or clerical errors on a return and may accept returns without certain required forms or schedules. In these instances, there's no need for taxpayers to amend the return.
Taxpayers who do need to amend their tax return might have questions about how to do so. Here are some things they should know:
• Taxpayers may now use tax software to file an electronic Form 1040-X. At this time, only tax year 2019 Forms 1040 and 1040-SR returns can be amended electronically if the original 2019 tax return was also filed electronically.
• Taxpayers who cannot or chose not to file their 1040-X electronically should complete a paper Form 1040-X.
• If filing a paper 1040-X, mail it to the IRS address listed in the form’s instructions under Where to File. Taxpayers filing Form 1040-X in response to an IRS notice should mail it to the IRS address indicated on the notice.
• Attach copies of any forms or schedules affected by the change.
• File a separate Form 1040-X for each tax year. When mailing amended returns to the IRS, place each tax year in a separate envelope and enter the year of the original return being amended at the top of Form 1040-X.
• Wait – if expecting a refund – for the original tax return to be processed before filing an amended return.
• Pay additional tax owed as soon as possible to limit interest and penalty charges.
• Taxpayers should file Form 1040-X to claim a refund within three years from the date they timely filed their original tax return or within two years from the date they pay the tax, whichever is later.
• Track the status of an amended return three weeks after mailing using the Where’s My Amended Return? tool.

10/05/2020

Business owners should visit IRS.gov for help with tax actions when closing a business
Closing a business is always a difficult decision regardless of the circumstances. With this in mind, the IRS redesigned the closing a business page of IRS.gov to help business owners navigate the federal tax steps when closing a business.
Small businesses and self-employed taxpayers will find a variety of information on the page including:
• What forms to file
• How to report revenue received in the final year of business
How to report expenses incurred before closure

The page also details steps all business owners should take when closing.
• File a final tax return and related forms. The type of return to file and related forms depends on the type of business.
• Take care of employees. Business owners with one or more employees must pay any final wages or compensation, make final federal tax deposits and report employment taxes.
• Pay taxes owed. Even if the business closes now, tax payments may be due next filing season.
• Report payments to contract workers. Businesses that pay contractors at least $600 for services including parts and materials during the calendar year in which they go out of business, must report those payments.
• Cancel EIN and close IRS business account. Business owners should notify the IRS so they can to close the IRS business account.
• Keep business records. How long a business needs to keep records depends on what's recorded in each document.
The page also provides helpful information for business owners declaring bankruptcy, selling their business and terminating retirement plans.

https://go.usa.gov/xG6VY

Tax Tip 2020-131, October 5, 2020

09/22/2020

Tips for taxpayers who need to file an amended tax return

The IRS will correct common errors during processing. However, there are certain situations in which a taxpayer may need to file an amended return to make a correction. Taxpayers can now file some amended electronically. Here are some tips for anyone who discovered they made a mistake or forgot to include something on their tax return.
Use the Interactive Tax Assistant. Taxpayers can use the Should I file an amended return? to help determine if they should file an amended tax return.
Don’t amend for math errors or missing forms. Taxpayers generally don’t need to file an amended return to correct math errors on their original return. The IRS may correct math or clerical errors on a return and may accept it even if the taxpayer forgot to attach certain tax forms or schedules. The IRS will mail a letter to the taxpayer, if necessary, requesting additional information.
Wait until receiving refund for tax year 2019 before filing. Taxpayers who are due refunds from their original tax year 2019 tax return should wait for the IRS to process the return and they receive the refund before filing Form 1040-X to claim an additional refund.
File Form 1040-X to amend. Taxpayers must file using Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to correct their tax return. If they are filing an amend 1040 or 1040-SR for 2019, they can now file electronically using commercial tax-filing software. All other amended returns must still be mailed to the IRS. When filing, taxpayers should indicate the year of the original return and explain all changes made by attaching any forms or schedules. Taxpayers then sign and mail the Form 1040-X to the address listed in the instructions. Taxpayers filing Form 1040-X in response to an IRS letter should mail it to the address shown on the letter.
Amend to correct errors. Taxpayers should correct their return if they find that they should have claimed a different filing status or didn't report some income. Taxpayers who claimed deductions or credits they shouldn't have claimed or didn't claim deductions or credits they could have claimed may need to file an amended return. Changes made on a federal return may also affect state taxes. The taxpayer should contact the state tax agency to see if this is so.
Pay additional tax. Taxpayers who will owe more tax should file Form 1040-X and pay the tax as soon as possible to avoid penalties and interest. They should consider using IRS Direct Pay to pay any tax directly from a checking or savings account for free.
File within three-year time limit. Taxpayers generally have three years from the date they filed their original tax return to file Form 1040-X to claim a refund. They can file it within two years of the date they paid the tax, if that date is later.
Use separate forms if amending more than one tax year. Taxpayers must file a submit a separate Form 1040-X for each tax year to avoid confusion. They should check the box for the calendar year or enter the other calendar year or fiscal year they are amending. The form’s instructions have the mailing address for the amended return.
Track amended return status online. Taxpayers can track the status of their amended tax return in English and Spanish using Where’s My Amended Return? Amended returns take up to 16 weeks to process and up to three weeks from the date of mailing to show up in the system. Before that time, there's no need to call the IRS unless the tool specifically tells the taxpayer to do so.
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Tax Tip 2020-114, September 3, 2020