How to Choose Your Tax Preparer In IR-2016-46 the Service offered tips on selecting your tax preparer. If you would like assistance with your tax return due April 18, 2016, go to www.irs.gov/chooseataxpro. IRS Commissioner John Koskinen noted, “The filing of a federal income tax return represents… Read More

IRS Warns of New Phone Tax Scam In IR-2016-40 the IRS warned about a new phone tax scam. The tax scammers will call victims and explain that they are just verifying their tax return information. The caller frequently will claim that he or she is reviewing your tax return. You… Read More

$950 Million in Unclaimed IRS Refunds In IR-2016-38 the IRS announced that one million taxpayers qualify for a potential $950 million in tax refunds. The one million taxpayers failed to file their year 2012 tax returns. IRS Commissioner John Koskinen reports, “A surprising number of people across the country overlook… Read More

Free Tax Return Help In IR-2016-35, the IRS reminded taxpayers that there is free tax help available. First, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is available for persons with incomes of $54,000 or less, disabilities or limited English proficiency. Second, Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) is available for… Read More

IRS Publishes ‘Dirty Dozen’ Tax Scams As the tax filing season nears the February peak, the IRS this week published the full “Dirty Dozen” tax scams. In previous weeks, the IRS has published separate releases that describe specific tax scams. The full “Dirty Dozen” include the following scams: Identity Theft… Read More

IRS Warnings During Peak Filing Season Each year, the IRS publishes its “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams. This week, the IRS warned taxpayers to avoid “phishing scams” and not to falsify income or make frivolous arguments. As of February 18, the IRS reports that there is a 400% increase… Read More

IRS Taxpayer Support in 2016 Each year the IRS alerts taxpayers about potential tax problems and scams. Four of the 2016 “Dirty Dozen” scams were described in IRS letters this week. First, unscrupulous tax preparers may plan to file an inflated tax refund for you. IRS Commissioner John Koskinen stated,… Read More

IRS Tax Tips for 2015 Returns In FS-2016-8 the IRS outlined seven tax tips helpful for filing your 2015 tax return. There are many new provisions and changes that may affect your tax return. Timing – Because April 15 is Emancipation Day in Washington, the normal deadline for most taxpayers… Read More

Healthcare Premium Tax Credit Reporting Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), over 4.6 million taxpayers received a premium tax credit (PTC) in 2014 and 2015. In FS-2016-5 the IRS explained various healthcare tax credit requirements. The premium tax credit is available for families and individuals with income from 100% to… Read More

Tax Proposals by Sanders and Bush Presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Jeb Bush released new tax proposals this week. Vermont Senator Sanders disclosed his strategy for covering the cost of his comprehensive healthcare plan. Former Florida Governor Bush outlined a new education reform plan. Sanders released his tax plan for… Read More