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Tax File Minute: Answers from a Tax Insider

How Avoid tax refund shock this tax season

Chief Tax Information Officer Mark Steber covers why many Americans may not get the tax refund they’ve come to expect in prior years and how to avoid getting shocked at tax time.

Year-end tax saving tips

2020 has been a very interesting year for taxpayers due to challenges brought by COVID-19 and Tax Day will likely look different next year for many of us, which is why smart tax planning and thinking ahead could really pay off.

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COVID-19 impact

Coronavirus Unemployment Benefits and the COVIDTRA 2020

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In late December 2020, Congress passed the Omnibus Spending Bill which included the COVID Tax Reform Act of 2020 (COVIDTRA 2020). It’s an extension to the CARES Act designed to provide additional help to protect businesses and individuals from the economic effects of the Coronavirus.

by Jo Willetts, EA | April 20, 2020

Coronavirus Relief for Small Businesses Under the CARES Act

Shutting down nonessential businesses may have been necessary to slow the coronavirus, but it’s nonetheless leaving staggering economic hardship in its wake. Recognizing the impending financial crisis, especially to small businesses, Congress passed two important bills to provide economic relief. The first was the CARES Act in March 2020. The second was the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement (PPPHCE) Act on April 21.

by Mark Steber | May 4, 2020

Covid-19 Unemployment & Tax Relief for Self-Employed, Freelance, and Gig Workers

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Traditionally, freelancers and gig workers have been unable to claim unemployment benefits. Independent contractors and their clients don't pay into state unemployment funds by default. However, with the unprecedented situation that the COVID-19 pandemic has created, self-employed workers who otherwise wouldn't normally qualify for unemployment may now be eligible for payments.

by Mark Steber | July 8, 2020

Back taxes and tax debt

What Happens If The IRS Sends You to Collections?

When you receive a tax bill, it’s important to take some form of action regardless of whether you agree with the assessment or have the means to pay. Ignoring the bill is never a good idea because the IRS starts the countdown for their collections process.

by Jo Willetts, EA | April 3, 2020

How to Pay Back Taxes You Owe to the IRS

If you’re getting letters from the IRS about your tax debt, you probably have a lot of questions about what to do next and how to handle paying the IRS. We have answers! Read on to learn more about your options and where you can turn for help when paying your back taxes.

by Mark Steber | August 22, 2019

How to Get an IRS Tax Levy Released

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has a variety of options to satisfy delinquent debts owed by taxpayers. Some of its more infamous options include federal liens, wage garnishment, refund offsets, and levies. A levy is a legal seizure of a taxpayer’s property to satisfy a tax debt. When a levy is issued against a taxpayer —typically due to failure to collect on unpaid debt— the IRS is legally allowed to seize assets including individual wages, bank accounts, social security benefits, retirement income, and personal property like cars, boats, and real estate. Levies typically represent one of the last steps available to the IRS to collect a debt, and multiple checkpoints must be passed before a levy can be issued.

by Jo Willetts, EA | March 11, 2020

FEATURED

7 Common IRS Notices: What You Need to Know

First, take a deep breath. Now, make sure to read the notice as soon as possible. Some notices have been sent to inform you that the IRS needs additional information or that you owe money. If you don’t read them, you may miss an easy resolution opportunity, important deadlines or accrue additional penalties and interest on outstanding tax debts.

Learn about IRS notices

Tax tools

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Employment

Home Business and Office Tax Deductions

See if you qualify for any tax breaks for operating a business from your home.

How Unemployment Can Affect Your Tax Return

We know how difficult unemployment can be. Here’s what you need to know before filing your taxes this year.

Changes to Job-Search Deductions

Tax reform suspended deductions for job hunting, moving for a job, and job-related expenses. These expenses are no longer deductible for tax years 2018 through 2025.

Health and medical

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

Enacted in 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) is health insurance reform that affected every American. In 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was passed that eliminated the federal penalty for taxpayers who didn’t have health insurance.

Tax Reform and Healthcare

Thanks to tax reform, starting in 2019, the penalty for not having health insurance will be $0.

Advanced Premium Tax Credit

Are you having a difficult time affording healthcare coverage through an employer? You might be eligible for the Advanced Premium Tax Credit, designed to help you and your family get affordable healthcare.