Tag Archives: Taxation in the United States

Tax Preparers Beware! Uncle Sam is Watching Ever More Closely

[note: Added 01/28/08 – link to IRS Revenue Procedure 2008-14 covering “Adequate disclosure for Statements on Tax Return” for purposes of reducing an understatement of income tax under section 6662(d) and for purposes of avoiding the section 6694(a) preparer penalty.] Report from the IRS Practitioner Liaison meeting in Los Angeles, January 17, 2008 – at […]

Crash

Today TaxMama hears from Tracy in Colorado who says. “I stored my 2006 tax information on my computer, which crashed a few months ago wiping out my tax information. How do I obtain my tax information so I can complete my 2007 tax return?”

IRS Names Four New Frivolous Claims to Avoid

Courtesy of the Internal Revenue Service WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued a notice that lists four additional erroneous legal positions that taxpayers should refrain from using as an excuse to avoid paying their taxes. An individual or group may not avoid paying their fair share of taxes by making “frivolous” legal arguments […]

IRS Publication 17 Now Easier To Navigate Online

Courtesy of IRS TT-2008-11 Are you facing a lot of different tax questions this year? IRS experts have pulled together an overview of common tax issues in one convenient place — Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax. This updated publication, available on the IRS Web site, IRS.gov, contains a vast array of helpful information for […]

Hobby or Business…or Personal?

Today TaxMama hears from Lisa in California who tells us. “I am a Creative Memories Consultant, which is an independent consultant home sales business. This past year I barely sold anything, and ran my ‘’business’’ as more of a hobby than a business. Do I still need to claim it on my taxes? I haven’t […]

Too Young to File – or the Tax Virgin!

Today TaxMama hears from Monique in California who tells us. “I am a student, living at home with my parents (they are still claiming me as a dependant). But I do work less than 20 hours (usually earning less than $160). Do I still have to file taxes?”

Adoption Subsidy

Today TaxMama hears from Ben in Ohio who tells us, “In 2006 my son adopted a Downs Syndrome child. He receives a state subsidy from Ohio each month for those who adopt special needs kids. We don’t know if this is taxable income. “

Choose the Simplest Federal Tax Form for Your Needs

Courtesy of the Internal Revenue Service TT-2008-05 The three forms used for filing individual federal income tax returns are Form 1040EZ, Form 1040A and Form 1040. If you are filing a federal income tax return on paper, use the simplest form you can. Using the simplest allowable form will reduce the chance of an error […]

IRS’ Advice for Choosing a Tax Return Preparer

Courtesy of the Internal Revenue Service Taxpayers who pay someone to do their taxes should choose a preparer wisely. If you choose to use a paid tax preparer, it is important that you find a qualified tax professional. Taxpayers are ultimately responsible for everything on their return even when it’s prepared by someone else The […]

Most Taxpayers Eligible to File Their Taxes Online for Free

Courtesy of Internal Revenue Service WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and its private-sector partners today announced the Jan. 11 opening of this year’s Free File program. The free tax preparation and electronic filing initiative begins its sixth year with high customer satisfaction ratings. Most Taxpayers Eligible Seven out of 10 taxpayers — 97 million […]