Three steps charities applying for tax-exempt status need to take

Before applying for tax-exempt status, a charitable organization must determine whether it is a trust, corporation or association. After that, there are three additional steps to take: 1. Gather organization documents Each application for exemption – except Form 1023-EZ – must be accompanied by an exact copy of the organization’s organizing document. This is generally one of these: Articles […]

Six things for extension filers to remember

Oct. 15 is almost here, and it’s the last day to file for most people who requested an automatic six-month extension for their 2017 tax returns. These taxpayers should remember that they can file any time before Oct. 15 if they have all their required tax documents. They can also pay their tax bill in full, or make […]

Taxpayers with children, should check withholding ASAP

Taxpayers who have children and other dependents should use the Withholding Calculator on IRS.gov to perform a “paycheck checkup.” The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was passed late last year, includes changes that will affect 2018 tax returns that people will file in 2019. Doing a checkup ASAP will help taxpayers determine if they need to adjust […]

Check withholding to avoid a year-end tax surprise

Taxpayers with high incomes, complex returns:  Check withholding soon to avoid a year-end tax surprise   The Internal Revenue Service today urged high-income taxpayers and those with complex tax returns to check their withholding soon to avoid an unexpected tax bill or penalty when they file their 2018 federal income tax return in 2019. The […]

Use IRS Withholding Calculator to boost take-home pay in 2018

Taxpayers who received large refunds earlier this year may be able to get more of their money included in their paychecks during the rest of 2018 by using the Withholding Calculator on IRS.gov. According to the Internal Revenue Service, most taxpayers – more than seven out of 10 –  receive refunds averaging around $2,800. Typically, taxpayers who […]

Recent 529 education savings plan changes

The Internal Revenue Service and Department of the Treasury today announced their intent to issue regulations on three recent tax law changes affecting popular 529 education savings plans. Notice 2018-58, addresses a change included in the 2015 Protecting Americans From Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, and two changes included in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs […]

Here’s how the IRS contacts taxpayers

Everyone should know how the IRS contacts taxpayers. This will help people avoid becoming a victim of scammers who pretend to be from the IRS with a goal of stealing personal information. Here are some facts about how the IRS communicates with taxpayers: The IRS doesn’t normally initiate contact with taxpayers by email. The agency […]

IRS summer tips for temporary jobs, marriage, deductions and credits

Before starting a summer job, taking a vacation or sending the kids off to camp, the Internal Revenue Service wants taxpayers to know that some summertime activities may qualify for tax credits or deductions. The IRS also recommends that taxpayers check the amount of their withholding taxes now to help avoid surprises next filing season. […]

Tax Security 101

The Internal Revenue Service and its Security Summit partners today kicked off a summertime security awareness campaign for tax professionals with a new, expanded guide providing critical steps to protect client data and highlighting available resources. The new effort by the IRS, state tax agencies and the nation’s private-sector tax industry follows continued security threats […]

Taxpayers with expiring ITINs should take action now to avoid issues

More than 2 million Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers are set to expire at the end of 2018. Affected taxpayers who expect to file a tax return in 2019 must submit their renewal applications as soon as possible to beat the rush and avoid refund delays next year. Here are several facts about which ITINs are […]