When is the earliest that I can file my taxes?

Whenever you get your W-2, you can have your taxes done, but the IRS will not accept them before their set date. The IRS will begin accepting tax returns electronically on January 20, 2015.

What documents do I need if I have a mortgage?

If you have a mortgage, your mortgage company should send you Form 1098 which reports the mortgage interest you paid for that year.

As an employee, what documents should I receive from my employer?

You should receive the forms that prove employment. These forms may vary depending on individual situations. Usually, an employer will provide a W-2 form. For self-employed individuals (i.e. independent contractors, product sales representatives such as Ambit Energy, etc.), you should receive a 1099-MISC from the company.

What documents do I need if I am unemployed?

If you are unemployed and received unemployment benefits from your state over the past year, you must claim that as income and may have to pay taxes on those benefits. The unemployment agency should provide you with a 1099-G form, which explains the amount of benefits you received during the past year. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) receives a copy as well and will tax you at the appropriate rate in your tax bracket. Not everyone owes. If you worked a portion of the past year, chances are you paid payroll taxes and may earn a refund if those deductions were overpaid.

What documents do I need if I am self-employed?

If you are self-employed, you will need to file a Schedule C using IRS Form 1040. Depending on your type of business and where you conduct business, there may be other forms you will need. You may also need to make quarterly estimated payments by filing Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals.

What documents do I need if I am divorced?

As a divorcee, taking necessary steps before tax time will make things a little bit easier once you file your taxes for the first time after a divorce. Make sure that you change your W-4 through your employer so taxes will be withheld at the correct rates. Also, if you or a family member changed their name, file Form SS-5 with the Social Security Administration to ensure there are not any complications with the IRS.

Can my spouse and I file our tax return together if we are legally separated and not divorced?

If your divorce is not final, you may choose to file married filing jointly. Bear in mind that you and your spouse are responsible for the tax bill and any future audits.

When is the deadline to file my taxes?

The standing deadline for personal taxes is April 15. However, sometimes that date falls on a weekend or on a holiday and pushes the deadline to as late as April 17.

Is there a penalty for filing my taxes after the deadline?

Yes, you can opt to pay your tax liability through an installment plan. In addition to paying taxes through an installment payment plan, there may be other options such as the Offer in Compromise (OIC). Under an OIC agreement, the IRS may agree to settle the taxpayer’s liability for less than the full amount of taxes owed. The IRS is not likely to approve an OIC if there is evidence that the taxpayer could pay the full amount through an installment payment plan or another method. A taxpayer can request consideration for an OIC by filling out Form 656, Offer in Compromise, or Form 656L, Offer in Compromise (Doubt as to Liability), and mail the application package to the IRS.

Can I claim charitable donations without a receipt?

Yes, you can as long as you keep good records in case you are ever audited by the IRS. Be sure to record the name of the organization, the date and location, as well as a detailed description of what you donated. Keep notes on the amount you claimed as a deduction and how you figured the fair market value on the items you donated. In the case of a monetary donation, as long as it is less than $250, a canceled check or even a payroll deduction can suffice for proof of the donation.

Can I deduct expenses paid for repairing my home?

Usually, general home repairs cannot be deducted from your taxes. Home repairs are meant to keep your home in good condition, but do not increase the value of your home. However, if you live in a federally declared disaster area and your home is affected, then you can claim the cost to repair the damages. If you use part of your home as a principal place of business, some repairs can be deducted, but you must itemize your deductions on Schedule A.

What are my next steps if I have been impacted by a natural disaster?

The first step is to check the IRS Tax Relief Site to see if your area has been determined as a “disaster area” by the President because the IRS provides specific relief to these victims. (If you do not have access to the internet, call FEMA for disaster assistance at 1-800-621-3362). If you are in a disaster area and you were impacted by the disaster, meet with our tax preparer to determine which year you should claim casualty loss. Doing so will help you figure out the best possible tax break.

What tax consequences will I face if I lost my home in a foreclosure?

For federal taxes, a foreclosure is viewed as the sale of property. Two separate matters will impact your tax liability: any gain from the sale of your property and credited income you receive from any debt forgiveness. There are ways to calculate your Gains and Cancellation of Debt. To learn the specifics on how your particular situation is impacted, visit the Home Foreclosure and Debt Cancellation section on the IRS website or contact Holloway Tax Service for guidance.

How are my taxes impacted if I have filed for a bankruptcy?

Depending on which Chapter of the bankruptcy you filed for, taxes may not be exempt. With Chapter 7 bankruptcy, federal taxes are exempt from discharge. When filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy, it is very important to file and pay your taxes during the bankruptcy proceedings because the court can dismiss your claim if you fail to meet this requirement. Dismissing the claim leaves you responsible for all of your debts. For further tax information on bankruptcy, read the IRS Publication 908 (Rev. October, 2012), Bankruptcy Tax Guide.

If I forgot to report a second income on my taxes, how can I report it now?

Since it is not a small change, missed income probably requires that you file an amendment. You will need to file Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, on paper; No e-filing here! Furthermore, if any changes you are making need forms or schedules attached, make sure you do so.

Do not panic, you have at least three years since the date of filing or two years from paying (whichever is later) to correct the issue. But note, if your amended return claims more refund money, you should go ahead and cash your original refund check – no need to wait the average 12 weeks it takes to process your amended return. However, if your amended return shows you owe, you will want lower fees and interest by paying those taxes as fast as you can.

You can then track the status of your amended tax return(s) with the IRS’s ‘Where’s My Amended Return’ tool. Check the IRS’s site about three weeks after you have mailed your amended return or call them at 1-866-464-2050.

If you are uncertain about wanting to amend a tax return, do not hesitate to contact Holloway’s Tax Service.

I got my two W-2s from my employers. Can I go to Holloway Tax Service and file my taxes with first W-2 and go to another tax service and file my second W-2?

Absolutely, Not! All W-2 forms issued for the same tax year must be filed on one tax return. Also, you cannot file W-2 forms for different tax years on the same return.

Do I have to pay taxes on money that was gifted to me?

No. The federal tax laws do not consider gifted money to be earned income therefore it is not taxable to you. No state has a tax law on gifted money as of now.

Am I taxed on money that I inherit from a loved one?

Generally, property received as an inheritance is not included in your income. However, if property you receive this way later produces income such as interest, dividends, or rents, the income is taxable to you.

Do I need to report work-study income if I am a full-time student?

Yes, any money which you received as a result of work is taxable income and must be reported on your tax return. Attach your W-2 showing your earnings and your taxes withheld to your tax return.

Why should I file my taxes electronically?

The main reason for filing taxes electronically (e-filing) is to get your refund faster. Within twenty-four hours after sending your tax return, the IRS will send you a confirmation of receipt or a rejection notice. Generally, e-filing is safer and faster than filing on paper. Furthermore, it was part of the paper reduction initiative by the federal government.

How can I check the status of my refund?

You can select which refund you want to track under “Track My Refund” on our website and it will land you there. The 'Where’s My Refund' tool on the IRS website provides the most up-to-date information regarding the status of your refund. Simply follow the onscreen instructions.

Why is my refund less than I expected?

Many factors can contribute to why your refund is less than you expected. You have to consider the three elements that define a refund: your taxable income, the amount withheld from your paycheck for federal and state taxes, and your tax rate. If you are not getting as much money back, there may be an error on the return, certain deductions or dependent exemptions may be disallowed or part or all of your refund may be offset for a debt such as child support, student loan, back taxes, etc.

What paperwork should I bring for my tax preparer’s interview?

Below is a list of documents to bring with you for your tax preparer’s interview. A copy of this list, along with what to expect during your interview can be downloaded from Personal Income Tax: Your Income Tax Returns.

PERSONAL INFORMATION FOR EACH FAMILY MEMBER:

• Name

• Date of Birth

• Social Security Card

• Last Year’s Tax Return (if possible)

• Valid Driver’s License

INCOME AND TAX INFORMATION:

• W-2’s

• Interest (1099-INT or substitute)

• Dividends (1099-DIV or substitute)

• Stock Sales (1099-B)

• Self-Employment Income and Expenses (with accompanying records and/or receipts)

• Sale of a Personal Residence

• Rental Income and Expenses (with accompanying records and/or receipts)

• Sale of any Business Assets

• Gambling or Lottery Winnings (W-2G for some winnings)

• State Income Tax Refund (1099-G)

• Pension Income (1099-R)

• Estimated Taxes Paid

• Social Security or Railroad Retirement (SSA-1099 or RRB-1099)

• IRA or 401(k) Distribution (1099-R)

• Unemployment Compensation (1099-G)

• Miscellaneous Income (1099-MISC)

DEDUCTIONS/ADJUSTMENTS:

• Medical Expenses (with accompanying receipts/statements)

• Real Estate or Personal Property Taxes

• Mortgage Interest

• Charitable Contributions (cash and non-cash)

• Employee Business Expenses (records and/or receipts required)

• Gambling Losses

• Moving Expenses (with accompanying records and/or receipts)

• Traditional IRA Contributions

• Higher Education Expenses (with accompanying form 1098-T or statements)

• Student Loan Interest

TAX CREDITS:

• Child Care Provider/Address and Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (SSN)

• Adoption Expenses (with accompanying receipts)

• Retirement Savings Contributions Credit

 

end faq