Category Archives: IRS News

March 29 – A day of help for millions filing returns solely to obtain stimulus payments

Are you one of millions of Americans who need to file a tax return this year solely to obtain your economic stimulus payment? The IRS has set aside Saturday, March 29 as “Super Saturday,” a day of help just for you! Approximately 320 IRS offices will provide free help preparing a simple 1040A for people […]

IRS Has $1.2 Billion for People Who Have Not Filed a 2004 Tax Return

Courtesy of the Internal Revenue Service IR-2008-046 WASHINGTON — Unclaimed refunds totaling approximately $1.2 billion are awaiting about 1.3 million people who failed to file a federal income tax return for 2004, the Internal Revenue Service announced today. However, to collect the money, a return for 2004 must be filed with an IRS office no […]

Tips for Deducting Charitable Contributions

Courtesy of the Internal Revenue Service TT-2008-57 When preparing to file your federal tax return, don’t forget your contributions to charitable organizations. Your donations could add up to a sizeable tax deduction if you itemize on IRS Form 1040, Schedule A. Starting in 2007 to deduct any charitable donation of money, taxpayers must have a […]

Sale Of Your Home

Courtesy of the Internal Revenue Service TT-2008-54 If you have a gain from the sale or exchange of your main home, you may be able to exclude all or part of the gain from your income. Individuals may be able to exclude up to $250,000 of capital gain, and married taxpayers filing joint returns may […]

Saver’s Credit for Retirement Savings Contributions

If you make eligible contributions to an employer-sponsored retirement plan or to an individual retirement arrangement, you may be able to take a tax credit. The Savers Credit formally known as the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit applies to individuals with a filing status and income of: Single with income up to $26,000 Head of Household […]

Tax Credit for Fuel Cell Vehicles

IRS Explains How Manufacturers, Purchasers Can Take Advantage of Tax Credit for Fuel Cell Vehicles WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued a notice providing procedures for vehicle manufacturers to certify that a fuel cell vehicle meets the requirements for a tax credit. It also provides guidance to taxpayers who purchase certified vehicles regarding […]

IRS Automates Installment Agreement User Fees

Courtesy of the Internal Revenue Service IR-2008-033 WASHINGTON —The Internal Revenue Service announced today that it has automated the user fee calculations for taxpayers entering into an installment agreement. Previously, taxpayers were required to submit a paper Form 13844 to request a reduced user fee. Now, eligibility for reduced fees is determined automatically by the […]

New Form for Employees Misclassified as Independent Contractors

Your 1099 Should Have Been a W-2 Due to the widespread problem of employees getting 1099-MISCs from their employers instead of W-2s, the IRS created a new form in 2007 – the Form 8919. Using this form has saved employees thousands of dollars, while protecting their Social Security records and their tax status. Though it […]

Online Filing – The 2008 Overview

[Update – see the Fi-Life article where they test all the Free-File sites.] Electronic filing of tax returns has become the norm. And that means more demand for online tax-preparation programs. If you are in the market for a provider this year, here’s a look the latest the industry has to offer. Prices vary widely […]

Tax Rates for a Child’s Investment Income

Courtesy of the Internal Revenue Service TT-2008-38 Part or all of a child’s investment income may be taxed at the parent’s rate rather than the child’s rate. Because a parent’s taxable income is usually higher than a child’s income, the parent’s top tax rate will often be higher as well. This special method of figuring […]