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Tax File Minute: Answers from a Tax Insider

Three benefits of filing your taxes early

Chief Tax Information Officer Mark Steber explains the benefits of filing early and what documents you need to prepare and file your income tax return.

6 tax myths that could cost at tax time

After 2020, there are some common myths that you might have fallen for. Myths, tax rumors, and tax misinformation are more common than you think, which can be costly and lead to taxpayers doing their taxes wrong.

Learn the facts

COVID-19 impact

Stimulus Check Reconcilement: What you need to know

Is the stimulus check taxable? Do you have to pay it back? All your questions about the recent EIP answered.

by | February 18, 2021

CARES Act Extension & Impact On IRA, 401(k) & Retirement Withdrawals

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to provide aid, relief, and increased economic security to affected individuals. The Act provided specific aid and tax benefits for taxpayers who needed to withdraw more money than usual from their retirement and 401(k) plans during the pandemic.

by | February 16, 2021

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

Back taxes and tax debt

Passport Revocation or Denial for Severe Tax Debt

Having delinquent tax debt can have harsh consequences. This makes it important for you to understand the consequences and how to resolve these issues. One of those consequences is the government can stop you from getting, or seize, your passport.

by | December 29, 2020

IRS Penalty Relief: Which Type Is Right for You?

We all know that the IRS assesses millions of dollars in penalties from taxpayers every year, but many people are not aware that the IRS also offers penalty relief for those eligible. It is important to understand what your obligations are to the IRS and the right penalty relief options there are for your particular situation. For example, you may have late payment penalty, which means you didn’t pay your taxes by the due date of the tax return, generally April 15, but July 15 for 2020 returns. There are many different types of penalties but here we will explore the types of penalty relief options offered by the IRS.

by Jo Willetts, EA | June 16, 2020

How to File Back Taxes Without Records

What happens if you haven't filed your taxes at all? Most people file their taxes before the April 15 deadline: it's estimated that 90% of all tax returns the IRS processes in a given year are submitted before the deadline.

by Jo Willetts, EA | April 3, 2020

FEATURED

What happens if you lie on your taxes?

The consequences of committing tax fraud vary from case to case. There are generally 5 different potential consequences, ranging in severity.

Learn about tax fraud

Tax tools

1040 Federal Income Tax Estimator
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Earned Income Tax Credit Estimator
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Estate Tax Liability
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Self Employment Tax Estimator
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COVID-19 Stimulus Calculator
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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.