Tag Archives: IRS Tax Tip

IRS Videos help taxpayers learn more about tax reform

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The IRS has several videos that can help individual and business taxpayers learn more about the tax reform legislation. The IRS posts these videos on the IRS Video Portal and to their YouTube channel. Aside from these sites, the IRS offers tax reform information on its other social media channels, such as Twitter and their new Instagram account. Taxpayers can visit the Multimedia Center on IRS.gov for links to all the agency’s social media sites.

Here are some of the tax reform videos taxpayers can watch on their computer or on their smartphone when they’re on the go. Continue reading →

IRS extends upcoming deadlines, provides tax relief for victims of Hurricane Florence

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In the latest communication issued by the IRS (Issue Number: IR-2018-187), there is a relief for Hurricane Florence victims.

WASHINGTON — Hurricane Florence victims in parts of North Carolina and elsewhere have until Jan. 31, 2019, to file certain individual and business tax returns and make certain tax payments, the Internal Revenue Service announced today.

The IRS is offering this relief to any area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as qualifying for individual assistance. Currently, this only includes parts of North Carolina, but taxpayers in localities added later to the disaster area, including those in other states, will automatically receive the same filing and payment relief. The current list of eligible localities is always available on the disaster relief page on IRS.gov.  Continue reading →

Truckers should consider using e-file to submit Form 2290 by Aug. 31

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Owners of heavy highway vehicles should mark Aug. 31 on their calendars. That’s the deadline to file Form 2290, Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return. Just few days left to get it done, choose efile this time as it would be the best option to report at the last minute. Here are some things that these vehicle owners should know about this form:

  • The highway use tax applies to highway heavy motor vehicles with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more, termed as Taxable Heavy Vehicles.
  • The weight limit generally includes large trucks, truck tractors and buses.
  • The tax is based on the weight of the vehicle and a variety of special rules apply. These special rules are explained in the instructions to Form 2290.
  • Taxpayers may now pay the heavy highway vehicle use tax with a debit card or credit card. Payment can be made over the internet, phone or mobile device. Also EFW – Direct Debit and EFTPS are available for them to choose from.
  • Some taxpayers have the option of filing Form 2290 on paper. However, taxpayers with 25 or more taxed vehicles must e-file Form 2290.
  • Vehicle owners must file returns and make tax payments by August 31, 2018, for vehicles used on the road during July.
  • All owners should consider filing and paying electronically. They don’t need to visit an IRS office because owners can file the form and pay any required tax. IRS.gov has a list of approved e-file providers for Form 2290 on the 2290 e-file partner’s page.
  • Generally, e-filers receive their IRS-stamped Schedule 1 electronically minutes after filing. They can then print the Schedule 1 and provide it to their state department of motor vehicles, without visiting an IRS office.
  • For those who want face-to-face service, all IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers now operate by appointment and taxpayers can call 844-545-5640 to schedule one.

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IRS launches new easy-to-use web pages to help all taxpayers understand tax reform

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In a recent update from IRS, there is an announcement about a new website to help taxpayers to understand the tax reforms and this release itself is tagged as IRS Tax Reform Tax Tip…

IRS Tax Reform Tax Tip 2018-132, Dated, August 23, 2018

With an updated tax reform section and frequent updates, the IRS website should be the first stop for taxpayers looking for information about how tax reform legislation – the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act – affects their taxes. Here are some facts about these new easy-to-read, easy-to-use pages and what taxpayers can find on them: Continue reading →

IRS reminds truckers: E-file highway use tax return by Aug. 31

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IR-2018-153, July 25, 2018 : New Release from IRS about 2290 tax reporting and reminder to Truckers about electronic filing. Here is from the release….

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded owners of most heavy highway vehicles that the time to file Form 2290, Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return, began July 1, 2018.

The highway use tax applies to highway motor vehicles with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more. This generally includes large trucks, truck tractors and buses. The tax is based on the weight of the vehicle and a variety of special rules apply. These special rules are explained in the instructions to Form 2290.  Continue reading →

Tax Time Tips from the IRS

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Tax Time! IRS has issued a Tax Tip (Issue Number: Tax Tip 2018-56), here it is…

The tax filing deadline is Tuesday, April 17 this year. This is because April 15 falls on a weekend and the following Monday is a holiday in the District of Columbia. Even with an extra two days, the IRS urges taxpayers to avoid waiting until the last minute to file their taxes.

For those who have yet to file, the IRS has five quick ideas to help:

1. Gather Records. Good recordkeeping is important. It helps to ensure that nothing gets overlooked. Records such as receipts and cancelled checks also provide expense documentation.

2. Use IRS Online Tools. The IRS has many useful online tools, including the Interactive Tax Assistant, which provides answers to many tax questions. It gives the same answers that an IRS representative would give over the phone. Continue reading →

Members of the Military and their Families Can Get Free Tax Assistance 2018

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IRS in its recent tax tip issue (Issue Number: IRS Tax Tip 2018-51) highlighted how the Members of the Military and their Families can get free tax assistance. Here we go…

The IRS offers free tax help to members of the military and their families through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. A VITA site is easy to find on or off base — even overseas.

The Armed Forces Tax Council directs the military tax programs worldwide. Military VITA-certified employees receive training on military tax issues, including tax benefits for service in a combat zone. They can help with special extensionsof time to file tax returns and pay taxes, or with special rules that apply to the Earned Income Tax Credit. Continue reading →

Security Summit urges tax pros to protect their identification numbers: EFINs, PTINs and CAF numbers

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IRS has urged every tax pros to protect their identity numbers through the latest issue, Issue Number: IR-2018-61. Here is the complete coverage of the issue for you to read.

WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service, state tax agencies and the tax industry today urged tax practitioners to maintain and monitor their Electronic Filing Identification Numbers (EFINs) and Centralized Authorization File (CAF) numbers to help safeguard taxpayer data.

Cybercriminals sometimes post stolen EFINs, PTINs and CAF numbers on the Dark Web as a crime kit for identity thieves who can then file fraudulent tax returns. EFINs are necessary for tax professionals or their firms to file client returns electronically. Preparer Tax Identification Numbers (PTINs) are issued to those who, for a fee, prepare tax returns or claims for refund. CAF numbers are issued when tax practitioners or their firms file a request for third-party access to client files.

To assist tax professionals, the IRS created a new video and web page – How to Maintain, Monitor and Protect Your EFIN. These offer tips to practitioners.

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