Friday, December 30, 2011

How It All Began: Brief History of the Internal Revenue Service

Origin
The roots of IRS go back to the Civil War when President Lincoln and Congress, in 1862, created the position of commissioner of Internal Revenue and enacted an income tax to pay war expenses. The income tax was repealed 10 years later. Congress revived the income tax in 1894, but the Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional the following year.

 

16th Amendment
In 1913, Wyoming ratified the 16
th Amendment, providing the three-quarter majority of states necessary to amend the Constitution. The 16th Amendment gave Congress the authority to enact an income tax. That same year, the first Form 1040 appeared after Congress levied a 1 percent tax on net personal incomes above $3,000 with a 6 percent surtax on incomes of more than $500,000.

In 1918, during World War I, the top rate of the income tax rose to 77 percent to help finance the war effort. It dropped sharply in the post-war years, down to 24 percent in 1929, and rose again during the Depression. During World War II, Congress introduced payroll withholding and quarterly tax payments.

 

A New Name
In the 50s, the agency was reorganized to replace a patronage system with career, professional employees. The Bureau of Internal Revenue name was changed to the Internal Revenue Service. Only the IRS commissioner and chief counsel are selected by the president and confirmed by the Senate.

 

Today’s IRS Organization
The IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 prompted the most comprehensive reorganization and modernization of IRS in nearly half a century. The IRS reorganized itself to closely resemble the private sector model of organizing around customers with similar needs.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Online Taxes: Meeting Deadlines and Extensions!

No one likes being told what to do. It gets even worse when people tell you when to have what they told you to do done. We face deadlines every day: getting bills paid on time, kids to school, work, and of course filing taxes. The problem with deadlines is they cannot take into account our daily lives and how quickly it can be changed. This makes meeting deadlines sometimes very difficult. Online tax filing is no different, and it also carries a deadline: April 18th for your 2010 return. This is to avoid late fees and gathering interest which will result in more money out of your pocket, which is never a good look. As I said before, our daily activities and responsibilities can get in the way of our deadlines, so what do you do if you can't get your taxes filed online on time? The answer is simple, and it is getting an extension.

I know it may be shocking to hear that the Internal Revenue Service actually will let you file your return later. These extensions are open for anyone to use to prolong their time electronically filing their taxes. There are two major kinds of extension forms to fill out: form 4868 and form 2688. Each of these forms can help you when crunch time comes and taxes are due to give you a little breathing room instead of pulling your throat out and charging you a bucket of fees. We will go into greater detail on these extension forms and how each one should be used.

Form 4868 is the first type of extension option that you can use. The form is very simple to fill out, having to only put your name, address and social security number. You also have to figure out your tax liability and send in any type of balance you may have. This extension requires you make this payment and cover no less than ninety percent of your tax liability, but you will not have to pay a fee for filing later or any penalty for late payment. You can estimate your tax liability with several tools that can be very helpful in getting an accurate figure. This must be filed by the time your original return is due, around the 15th of April, but it will give you four additional months to file your taxes! You don't have to provide a reason for this extension which is great if you were just lazy and didn't bother to complete your return on time. If only more things in life had extensions!

Form 2688 is the second extension you can apply for, but it is a little more tricky to attain. When you complete this form, you receive an additional two months, requiring you to file by no later than the 17th of October. The tricky part about this extension is that you do have to have a reason for filling out this form. However, the IRS is pretty forgiving with your excuse, and as long as it is reasonable and thoughtfully explained you should have no problem getting approved. In the event that your reasoning isn't up to snuff, the IRS is still very lenient and will all you a few days to submit your income tax return. Still a sweet deal I'd say.

You must pay your tax liability regardless of if you have a great excuse to use either of the extensions or not. Without paying you cannot get an extension. Most websites allow you to request these extensions with a few clicks. Even the most successful people sometimes procrastinate, and everyone needs an extension every once in a while.

Friday, December 16, 2011

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Online Taxes: More Information About Filing Your Taxes Electronically

Many people have already taken advantage of online tax filing. Over 98.5 million income tax returns were filed electronically in 2010. If you haven't tried it yet, however, you may have several questions: “How do I file online?”, “What tax forms are supported?”, and “What about my adjustments?” These are all valid concerns, and this article will answer those and hopefully give you the peace of mind to try filing your taxes online today with a company like Online Tax Pros.

As with anything online, you have to first create an account and provide the requested information to complete said account. Upon completion of all the questions regarding yourself, your spouse and your dependents if applicable. Next, you'll need to fill out the appropriate forms in the income, adjustments and credit sections of your Federal information. When your bank information is entered, you have finalized your Federal return and are ready to print your return. Choose your payment option from the shopping cart then you only need to submit your return to have it sent to the Internal Revenue Service. The great news with online tax filing is within 24-48 hours you can check the status of your filing in real time. This all, however, doesn't have to be done all at once. You can come back at any time by entering your user name and password to log back in to your account you created.

The majority of tax forms are supported by online tax software like Online Tax Pros. Included are a standard 1040(ez and a filers) schedule A, B, C, D, E, EIC, F, L, M, R, and SE.
They also support these forms:
982-Reduction of Tax Attributes Due to Discharge of Indebtedness
1310- Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased Taxpayer
2106- Employee Business Expenses
2441- Child and Dependent Care Credit
3800- General Business Credit
3903- Moving Expenses
4137- Social Security and Medicare Tax on Unreported Tip Income
4562- Depreciation and Amortization
4684-Casualties and Thefts
4868- Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File
5329- Additional Taxes on Qualified Plans
5405- First-Time Homebuyer Credit
5695- Residential Energy Credit
6251- Alternative Minimum Tax
8283- Noncash Charitable Contribution
8606- Nondeductible IRAs
8812- Additional Child Tax Credit
8829- Expenses for Business Use of Your Home
8862- Information to Claim Earned Income Credit after Disallowance
8863- Eduction Credits
8880- Credit for Qualified Retirement Savings Contributions
8888- Direct Deposit of Refund to More Than One Account
8889- Health Savings Accounts(HSAs)
8917- Tuition and Fees Deductions
8941- Credit for Small Employer Health Insurance Premiums

They also support these types of income(but are not limited to):
W-2(and G), 1099 B, C, DIV, G, INT, MISC, OID, PATR, R, SSA1099, RRB 1099, unreported tips, Schedule B- Interest and Ordinary Dividends, Schedule C-Business income/loss, Schedule D-Capital Gains and Losses, Schedule E-Supplemental income/loss, and Schedule F-Farm income/loss.

As far as adjustments go, these are supported by online tax programs like Online Tax Pros:
Educator expenses
Certain business expenses of reservists
performing artists
and free-basis government officials
expenses for moving
Health Savings Accounts
Self-employment tax deductions
Self-employed, SEP, SIMPLE, and qualified plans
Self-employed health insurance deductions
Penalty on early withdrawal of savings deduction
Alimony paid
IRA deductions
Student loan interest deductions
Tuition and fees deduction

Hopefully this will give you insight on how easy and effective it is to file your taxes online. The popularity is rising for a reason, and you should take advantage of the benefits this tax season. Always use an authorized I.R.S. E-File tax software like Online Tax Pros. We look forward to seeing you save and get a great return this year.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Online Taxes: Understanding Family In Taxes

Your family is the most important part of your life. Your family is your history and your future. Part of the American dream is providing for your family and giving them the chance to live happily and grow into great members of society. However, in this difficult economy, you have to save more and more, and receive less for more work. Every bit of help you can find to save some money is crucial in getting you and your family through each day. These are a few ways to save as our taxes, exemptions and deductions rapidly change with our economy.

First, you need to know that your family is referred to as “dependents.” This may be less true in the case of a spouse, as they may even be making more money than you. If you have young children, you know that the term “dependent” is pretty accurate. To subtract from your Adjusted Gross Income, the IRS requires you to have such dependents and this is when family can help you save money on your tax returns.

Last year a new exemption allows you to benefit from a $3,650 break on your AGI for each qualifying child. They don't have to be biological, and can be a foster or step-sibling, and even grandchildren. These individuals must be 19 or under and live in your residence at least half the year. These children must not provide more than half of their own support or they do not qualify. More good news is that both you and your spouse may reap an additional $3,650 just for being parents as a personal exemption!

Children are not the only family members you can claim, but there are more strict requirements for claiming parents, grandparents or other relatives. These relatives are still worth $3,650 but have to qualify for these major stipulations. First, the person must be a full-time member of your household. Next, they must be a legal citizen of the United States and they cannot file a joint return with anyone. You must also provide the majority of their support and they must make less than $3,650 for their AGI.

You might be asking yourself, so who actually does qualify as a relative? They have to have first been a member of your household for the whole year you're claiming them, blood relative or not. If they didn't live with you the whole year, they have to be a bit closer to you. The relatives considered by blood and marriage are children, grandchildren(including steps), siblings(half and step), parents, grands and other direct ancestors. Stepparents, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and immediate in-laws. Using these guidelines, your family can help you save in this troubled economy. Using a qualified tax professional like Online Tax Pros can help you file online and save the most on your refund! We look forward to seeing you save.

Online Taxes: Common Mistakes When Filing Taxes

The I.R.S. sees a lot of tax returns. People make mistakes. You can see where I'm going with this: People screw up on their tax returns. Some of these errors are easy to avoid, while some are more complicated. Regardless of how minuscule or how severe, your life is affected through stress, the cost of time, fees and maybe even jail time. Using a tax preparer or electronically filing through a website are the best ways to avoid these errors. Even if you use a preparer, file yourself or file electronically you still need to be aware of the most common mistakes people make preparing their taxes, as listed by the I.R.S.

First, incorrectly filing your relationship status can kill your eligibility for several exemptions. Some of these exemptions are the child tax credit, the earned-income credit, and exemptions for dependents. Your marital status is determined as of December 31. Anything before that date is irrelevant for tax purposes. You can file either jointly or married filing separately.

Next, people mess up a lot on omitting or using incorrect social security numbers. The numbers you use not only for yourselves, but also for your dependents must match their social security card numbers. Otherwise the computer will reject your credits and even deductions! This can be done both ways, as sometimes even the I.R.S. can improperly input social security numbers.

The most easy mistake people make is failing to sign and date the return. Both spouses must sign the return, and it must be dated correctly to even be considered filed. Not filing on time because of a simple mistake like that can still result in all kinds of penalties, loss of return or even perjury. The I.R.S. will notice, trust me.

The paper trail is another avenue people can screw themselves out of. Receipts can mean more savings and are concrete proof for deductions. Their fragility is their undoing though, as you can easily lose proof of your expenditures if you do not handle your paper trail effectively. All charitable organizations you make donations too need to have some kind of written proof you actually gave to them to write off on your taxes. Paperwork to prove property tax and mortgage deductions also are required to reap the benefits.

Finally, this list would not be complete without a good old failing to report all income. Some incomes can't be recorded on a W-2 or a 1099. Just because it isn't recorded, definitely doesn't mean you don't have to pay taxes on it. In fact, not reporting income will flag you for an audit, and your receipts and bank deposits will be seized. Not reporting these incomes also comes at the steep price of criminal sanctions and even jail time.

These are not the only miscalculations or errors you could make. I'm sure the list could go on for as long as there is information to be put on the returns, but these are the most common mistakes we make filing our taxes. Knowing these and educating yourself to take the time to double-check your information, and using a reliable tax assistant or program to file electronically will more than double your chances of having a successful return. For electronic filing use Online Tax Pros! Electronic filing is the wave of the future, and can get your return faster and easier than regular filing, at a better price than having a preparer file your taxes for you.

Online Taxes: Credits and Deductions for Individuals

Education is still the foundation for success in our society. We have to strive and work very hard to get what we want out of life. The Internal Revenue Service has put in place several deductions and credits to help people get the education they need to have their dream jobs. Bill HR 4213 is the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act and it will give American families over five billion dollars worth in tax credits and deductions for 2010.

First, the College Tuition Tax Cut extends the deductions that give Americans a chance at a great education. This deduction helps you with college tuition charges and various fees to make sure your dream can become a reality.

The Property Tax Deduction is more a continuance of the standardized deduction for property taxes of state local and federal taxes. Those who do not itemize their deductions will receive five hundred dollars for themselves or one thousand dollars for people who file jointly.

Another bill that will be great for teachers who get their students the items they need for school and have to pay out of their own pockets. It's called the Tax Cut for School Teachers, and it applies to books, desk supplies, software and computer services, and several other materials that will aid in the education process.

Next, the Sales Tax Deduction allows taxpayers the option to deduct local and state sales tax while filing their federal tax returns. The money you can save with this deduction is definitely necessary to keep some families together and financially stable.

Regardless of the fact the Energy Efficiency Credits will be taking a hit, the Tax Cut for Energy-Efficient Homes will give families that have upgraded their homes for energy efficiency the money they deserve.

Unemployment Insurance will continue through the end of the year. This will help families who have recently become unemployed keep their loved ones insured and taken care of while the economy is stimulated with more jobs. The federal benefits would have ended at the conclusion of May and many hard working Americans who were fired or lost their jobs through economic downsizing or otherwise not their fault and they would've been left with no way to feed their families or pay bills while they struggle to become employed again. With this bill in place workers who are unemployed gives those families an additional thirteen to twenty weeks of their predetermined benefits.

This bill has been approved by the House of Representatives and the next stop is the Senate. Finally, the last stop will be getting signed by the president. These troubled times make these bills seem even more important for our struggling economy. Getting the most out of your tax returns can be made simple by using Online Tax Pros. Visit our site and see why people use us every year when filing their taxes.

Online Taxes: Dodging the Audit(Sort of)

“You have been Audited!” A phrase that strikes fear into the hearts of any tax-paying American who has been either doing their own taxes or was just unlucky enough to win some kind of nega-verse lottery that scrutinizes all your earnings from last year. For those unlucky enough to find themselves already in the I.R.S.'s death grip, this comes too late. In the event you haven't been audited yet, here are a few ways to stay “under the radar,” but nothing can fully immunize you from having your records usurped from under you.

First, watch your deductions! The I.R.S. will red flag any deduction that is proportionally high to the taxpayer's income. Claiming that you are entitled to the upper limit of deductions will surely trigger an audit review even if you put them within the accepted limit that may apply to you. Any income over $100,000 has an audit chance of almost 2%, while under that is a paltry .93%. Over $200,000 raises your odds to almost 3%, and anything over $1 million dollars carries almost a 10% chance for an audit. In short, even if you take all the precautions and are reasonable in your deductions, the higher your income the higher chance you have to be audited.

Having to deal with a lot of cash can make you have to deal with the I.R.S. more as well. Even waiting tables can put you under the watchful eye, and their first look is usually your bank deposits against what you claimed as your income. Keeping your income as honest as possible may not prevent you from being audited, but it will certainly help keeping you out of the line of fire. This also applies to self-employed people, as those taxpayers are usually more informed and more prone to writing off more expenses.

None of these are sure-fire ways to avoid being audited, as the I.R.S. are the ones who get to decide when the time comes for it. These things are very important however, to keeping yourself off the radar as much as possible come tax time. One of the safest ways to avoid an audit is to e-file as well. We have many informed agents who will help you to file your taxes accurately while still getting you the biggest refund possible. Check us out at Online Tax Pros and see how much you can save this tax season!

Why E-file Your Tax Return?

Doing your own taxes can be rewarding and save you money, but if you do something wrong or miscalculate a deduction the I.R.S. could be on their way to visit you. A few simple mistakes can cost a lot more than your return, as they can definitely get the Audit Fairy after you to sprinkle some heat and extra attention you may not want on your expenses. Doing your taxes online is quickly becoming the new trend, saving you time, money and frustration from calculating and recalculating deductions and other write-offs.

In our troubled economy it may seem glamorous to want to do your own taxes, but the reality is it is a very scary situation for anyone who may be less experienced with deductions and loss calculations. Using a preparer or online tax software can help in the case that you are audited because most will be standing by you. That fact alone makes most people choose the online or traditional accountant/preparer method of tax preparation. Free programs may seem like a great option, but most of them unfortunately do not work with all tax forms, especially if you own your own business or something similar. It may not seem like the most fun to pay for someone to help with your taxes or to use a more specialized program to file your taxes, but the quality and safety you'll have in the process makes it much more worthwhile.

Online tax filing is the happy medium between paying for a preparer or accountant, and doing taxes yourself. You still have to input all your information and it might feel like you are still doing it on your own, but the program will double-check your progress, and alert you if you may have deducted too much and will be flagged for an audit. This can save you a lot of stress by avoiding said audit, and can save you time by not making you search and recalculate to find out where you went wrong. You of course save paper and time by not having to write down and mail anything, and your return will come much sooner, meaning you get your money sooner as well, a win-win!

These reasons here are very clear indicators that while you may save some money filing your taxes, there are inherent risks involved. Hiring an accountant or tax preparer can be the least risky, but most expensive option. The happy medium is paying for a professional-grade tax software, like Online Tax Pros, which will give you the savings with the safety, so you're getting to have your cake and eat it too!

Electronic Filing of Your Taxes

Have you ever electronically filed your taxes? If you don't say yes then now is a great time to start. “Traditional” tax preparation and filing has become less and less commonplace and the electronic age has spilled into the Internal Revenue Service and they are encouraging all taxpayers who file their taxes to do it electronically. There are several advantages to the electronic method of filing last year's taxes, and you can rest assured that you will appreciate the extra benefits you can reap from this filing method.

First, the Internal Revenue Service wants you to file electronically. Not only for your benefit, but for theirs as well. They have released several articles and publications encouraging people to get on their computers and file their taxes on the internet. A whopping 67.18% of the tax returns that the I.R.S. received for the 2009 tax season were electronically submitted. This has risen more and more each year, as more and more people are realizing the ease and accuracy that electronically filing your taxes can give you. If the Internal Revenue Service had their way, they would get 100% of their tax returns electronically filed because of how much more easily the information can be processed. This method of tax filing is a win-win for both you and the IRS.

Electronic filing also is very easy because of how many methods you can actually file. The need to pay someone isn't even required anymore. You can purchase tax software to file your taxes, and there are also many websites that the Internal Revenue Service licenses to process electronic returns. One of those is Online Tax Pros(onlinetaxpros.com). There may be a fee, but some people will be able to process their tax returns for free. State and federal taxes can often be done at the same time, further proving how convenient this method of tax processing can be.

Writing out your taxes has become a thing of the past. Filling out mountains of paperwork has been reduced to answering questions which a professional or yourself can put into their software and have the appropriate forms filled out for you. This eliminates the majority of the paper that you would normally have to wade through, saving trees and ultimately, our environment.

Computers are amazing machines. They can process calculations so much faster than our brain can its staggering. Using this powerful technology, mathematical errors can be easily and quickly found and corrected before you even give the IRS your return. This dramatically lowers your chance of a rejection, thus adding another advantage to the electronic system of filing taxes. Less mistakes mean less time the IRS has to deal with your return, and that means you refund check will be available to you more quickly as well, with the benefit of being directly deposited to your bank account. Using the electronic filing system will half the time of traditional paper filing, and get you your money in as little as a week after filing.

The postal system, like many of our systems run by mankind, can make mistakes. Your tax filing can be held up by getting lost in the mail, and you don't want just anyone to stumble upon your private information. The information is transferred over secure servers and is much safer than paper mailing. The Internal Revenue Service has given their personal guarantee that your information will be privately secured and filed safely.

The post office can also be avoided when you want your refund check with the electronic filing system. Gone are the days when you eagerly await your return in your post office box or house mailbox. You're also notified after you submit your electronic tax return within two days. After receiving your confirmation, you can rest assured that your refund will be coming to you, and the burden of your taxes is lifted off your shoulders. All these benefits far outweigh the dated method of paper filing, and using the electronic filing system of the IRS can and will save you not only time, but money and give you the peace of mind that your taxes were done accurately. Let Online Tax Pros take care of you this tax season, and let us show you why so many people use us every year.

Online Taxes: Medical Deductions for Everyone

Medical bills are expensive. Everyone needs to visit the doctor, but not everyone can pay all the fees, charges, medical supplies, and all other expenditures that they charge. This is without even considering lab work, hospitalization, and mileage not only to and from the doctor but to and from the pharmacy. In our economy people have to save wherever they can, and your doctor visits and medication shouldn't be one where people have to cut costs. One way to save a little off all those bills is to file them in your taxes. There are several deductions and credits available on a variety of things you have to spend money on in your journey to good health and well-being.

These deductions and credits are filed with a Schedule A of your 1040. Your medical expenses must exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. The best way to calculate how much you will save is to group up your expenses in to different categories, like in this article.

First, your health insurance premiums are a great place to start calculating your expenses. Anything that is directly taken from your paycheck or that you pay out of pocket for your health insurance is deductible, and this is usually your largest medical expenditure. Keep a record of all payments to your insurance provider. Making a check out to your insurance is the easiest way to keep a record, as it will be copied several times with the bank and can be retrieved if anything happens to your copy.

Next, your second most expensive thing you have to deal with is your actual medical services. This could be payments and co-pays that you give to an M.D., dentist, chiropractor, any type of specialist, pediatrician and even a provider of a second opinion can be deducted. It's important to start at the beginning of the year and keep track of every receipt from paying these individuals until the end of the calender year. Make sure to include the recipient and the address of the place your appointment was held.

Medication can become a very expensive ordeal. Any prescriptions have to be written by a licensed medical professional to treat a condition that is either chronic or acute qualify as deductible. This includes prescriptions for special-strength vitamins or supplements, but nothing Over-the-counter is deductible. As with the other expenditures, keep all receipts and make the appropriate documents to list these as medical expenses. You may be able to request a year-end summary of all your transactions and purchases specifically for your taxes.

Medicine is often not the only thing prescribed to you if you need further assistance. Any kind of eyeglasses that require a prescription, hearing aids, automated motion assistance vehicles, braces for any part of the body, orthopedic shoes, and similar devices that require a licensed specialist to approve their use. This type of deduction will need a receipt from the equipment supplier and a copy of the letter of confirmation for the need of such a device. A good rule of thumb is to keep everything they give you, just in case.

Most people don't know this, but your travel is a great deduction to take that can potentially turn your taxes into a refund. All forms of travel for medical reasons can be deducted if you track your expenditures correctly. First, keep track of the the distance between your home address and the address of your destination. Determine the mileage exactly through means of Global Positioning Systems or through the internet. Make sure this is exact, in the event of being audited you don't want to be making assumptions. This can be tracked for appointments, device providers, and even trips to the pharmacy. Multiply the mileage by 2 for a round trip, and then the actual number of trips you had to make to each location. Record all this information for each place to accrue your deduction.

Keep in mind your medical expenses and record everything in an organized fashion, and you will have a potent list of deductions that can really save and hopefully get you a positive return that can help you in this troubled economy. These and several other deductions are all available to you and can be brought to your attention if you go to a professional tax expert. We here at Online Tax Pros are always looking to save you the most on your taxes, and are definitely worth your time and consideration this tax season. We look forward to seeing how much you can save!

Online Tax Filing: Little Post About Deductions

A tax deduction by definition is an expense subtracted from adjusted gross income when calculating taxable income, such as for state and local taxes paid, charitable gifts, and certain types of interest payments. These examples are not limited to only those though. There are several types of deductions to accommodate every avenue of business and/or personal expense. These are a few of the more common deductions that you can take advantage of to make sure you get the most out of your returns.

First, the interest on your home mortgage can be claimed as a deduction. This only applies to your main home or a second home. Income limits and restrictions may apply. Next, charitable donations can be deducted. Money, food, goods, and even property can be deducted as charity if they are given to a qualified charitable organization. It's very important to remember that your charitable deductions can only go up to half of your gross income. Finally, medical and dental expenses can be deducted. These expenses can include diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of a disease or bacteria. It also covers costs of physicians, dentists, and other medical practitioners.

These deductions are worth a look when you do your taxes. Any chance to save money is worth a try, especially in our troubled economy. Talk to your tax preparer or include these deductions in your next tax return or online return. It's your money, you should get back as much as you're entitled to.

Online Taxes: Miscellaneous Deductions and Credits for Taxes

Everyone uses tax write-offs, credits and deductions to get the chance to save a little bit of money. The most common deductions are the easiest to find, such as medical expenses and travel. Most people try to find every single way they can save as much as they can and keep every receipt in the hope of finding a way to an extra buck or two.

In our troubled economy, we have to find these opportunities to maintain our cost of living. Few people know there are even more deductions that fall under a different category: Miscellaneous Deductions. These must be filed under Schedule A of your Internal Revenue Service tax return, but the extra savings can be very helpful. Below are a few of the deductions that be filed under miscellaneous deductions.

Most of the time people don't think about tax benefits from selling your home, only owning and buying new ones, but there are some you can take advantage of. The fees that you get from your real estate agent for their commission can be deducted. You may also deduct your property tax for the time you spent in the home during the selling process, even though it will only be a portion. Every little bit helps, though, and this is an easy way to line your pockets on a transitional period in your life.

In Arkansas your sales tax has to be paid when you first buy the car. Once you have that paid, you don't have to worry about it again. In other states, however, you may pay it every year! You can deduct a percentage of the vehicle tax based on the car's appraised value that year as part of your property taxes. Keep that receipt, and save what you can if you're in one of those unlucky states.

Giving small things like clothes or smaller pieces of furniture is not only a good deed, but will reduce your taxes by using them as a part of your miscellaneous deductions. Few people know not only the cost of the item can be deducted, but also any fees by an appraiser to assess said charitable donation! This applies to any item that is worth more than $500 and can be appraised by a professional.

Traveling expenses are called expenses for a reason: they can be very expensive. We all know to deduct hotel stays and travel miles, but you can also deduct your cleaning bill. Keeping your receipts from your cleaning services can not only give you a professional look but can save you more money by adding to your deductions.

Using these Miscellaneous deductions can give you a better return than not using them. It may be a little extra work keeping the receipts and filing a different part of the form, but getting more money is always a worthwhile investment. Using a professional grade tax software like Online Tax Pros can also save you money and get you a quick, quality tax return. Visit our website and let us show you how much you can save this tax season!

Online Taxes: Miscellaneous Deductions and Credits for Everyone

There are so many credits and deductions available to us that we may not remember them all. Checking the Internal Revenue Service website is the best source for what you can qualify for, but it is a huge site, and navigating it can be time consuming. Articles like this one are another method to getting your information. These articles can give you great amounts of information, and if they are from a credible source, can be easily read and comprehended. Here are a few deductions and credits you may not be aware of.

First, charitable donations are a popular tax deduction. Even giving to a consignment store like Goodwill or something similar is a great help to someone who may be less fortunate. You may think your old clothes or furniture are worthless, but they can make all the difference if the worst happens to an unsuspecting family. Make sure you get a receipt of the value of these items and for the sake of the receiver of the gifts, please make sure they are still in good enough condition for another person to wear them.

Should you forget to get the receipt, you can still write up the values of the items you gave. There is always a risk of an audit though, so take that into consideration. You will not get the deduction if you do not have proof with the receipt in case of an audit, but if you are not audited you will be fine. Honesty is the best policy in this endeavor, and you know what you gave and what you should claim.

You have to have health insurance in our economy to help pay for the staggering cost of doctor bills and hospital stays. Health insurance is almost certainly very expensive, but the good news is that the majority of your insurance premiums are deductible. Self-employed workers can deduct all their health insurance premiums as long as they are put with adjusted gross income.

Educators shouldn't have to pay for the materials they buy for their students to learn. As much as two hundred and fifty dollars can be written as a deduction. Nearly all types of educators qualify for this. Starting from Kindergarten until senior high school, and all aides and upper management can qualify, right up to the principal. These materials can be computer software and equipment, books and periodicals, and even school supplies.

Tax-planning and investing are a crucial part of your future. What many people may not know is they they can be put in your miscellaneous itemized expenses. Legal and accounting fees related to your taxes, business expenses and preparation fees for your taxes, and even estate planning all qualify for this deduction. Annual fees paid to your broker, your long-distance phone bills, the mileage you drive to get to them, and even the investment periodicals you buy can all be deducted.

We cannot control mother nature. Her destructive wrath has caused plenty of damage to our homes and business, and there are several places that are considered “disaster areas” by our president. These losses and damages can be applied to your 2010 or 2009 tax return. Check your local news or the web to find out where President Obama has declared disaster areas to find out if you are in a qualified area.

Using these deductions and credits can be very helpful in giving you an edge on your tax returns. In this struggling economy we have to save any way we can and your taxes is a great way to find extra savings. Processing your taxes online can help you save by getting your return faster and more accurately than by paper filing. Use Online Tax Pros to get the edge on your taxes, and see how much we can help you get on your return.

Online Taxes: Preparing For An Audit

There are few phrases that are scarier to a business owner than this one: “You have been audited.” It's an inevitability in most cases and only a matter of time if you're the owner of a business and you get moderately successful. How is it then that such a common occurrence is still so terrifying? Maybe it's the invasion of privacy people feel as they muddle through your records. It could also be the fact that it is like the days at school when you got a pop quiz and you hadn't studied at all. Regardless, being caught unprepared can be potentially threatening to your business. This article will get you better prepared when the audit spotlight is on you, in the event it does happen, if it hasn't already!

The first place you should begin is to check your tax return that got you the audit. Familiarize yourself with all your income sources and the deductions that you have claimed. More often than not the Internal Revenue service will audit you on a specific deduction or other expenditure that raised a red flag with them in the first place. If you can find the error on your own, informing the IRS as soon as possible could save you a lot of grief.

Some people wonder what the odds are of me being audited. This carries good and bad news, as the IRS has been increasing the number of audits they do, and they are focusing more on high-income individuals, tax shelters and big-budget corporations. Since 2001 the number of taxpayer audits has risen over 37%. Audits of taxpayers who earn more than $100K have more than doubled since then as well.

Beyond the statistical results that show you could be audited, there are other factors as well to consider. Large charitable deductions will often raise a red flag, as will large business expenses that may be vague or not entirely accurate. Concealment of cash receipts will definitely get you audited, as will a mole or informant who may tell the IRS something is up. If you've had tax problems in the past, and complex business and/or investment transactions will also give you the audit flag.

So you've been chosen for the audit, and you're wondering what you will need. As a bare minimum you should begin by chronologically organizing all the records the IRS is in conflict with. Neatness and organization will get you better results and increase your repore with your auditor. You should also provide any bank statements or canceled checks, any receipts, electronic reports, appointment books and calenders, and worksheets with itemized calculations. An extra copy of all documents is also crucial for your own records.

When it comes to actually meeting the auditor, you should be mentally and physically prepared. Making personal notes to yourself can help in the event of your nerves getting the best of you. In the case of your auditor coming to your home or business, keeping your workplace clean and tidy will make it easier on them, thus making it easier on you to make a good first impression.

Keeping all these things in mind will give you the edge in the case of an audit. Using a tax software like Online Tax Pros can help you get your maximum refund in minimum time. Keep all these things in mind in the case of an audit and always use a licensed tax professional to prevent an audit in the first place.

Online Taxes: Deductions for Property Owners

As a real estate owner, you try to make the most money you can in this troubled economy. Renting out your properties can be a great form of income, but you may not know all the deductions you qualify for to reduce the income taxes for your profits and gains. If you're new to investing, you may not even know there are two classifications of real estate investors. First, is the passive investor, and the other is a real estate professional. This classification is important for figuring out exactly what you can deduct.
As a real estate professional, your losses are not passive. This gives you fully deductible losses in all your incomes, either passive or not passive. If you're a passive investor, however, you losses are only deductible up to $25,000. The redeeming quality is that any losses that are more than that amount can be put on next year's taxes.
To qualify as a real estate professional you must spend more than half of your employed time putting into your rental business. Working on your rental business includes, but is not limited to, development of property, management, maintenance and construction. More than 750 hours must be put into your properties.
Some common income sources that can be considered taxable are rental income, tenant-paid expenses, and security deposits. First, rental revenue can only be considered taxable in the year you receive it, so advance payments must be put in with your taxable income. Next, expenses your tenants may pay for things like appliance repair can be deducted as a rental expense. Finally, security deposits are an exception in that they are not taxable at first. If your tenant causes damage, however, and you use the deposit for repairs, it can be counted as income and a deductible expense.

The Internal Revenue Service may have different ideas than you do when it comes to repairs and improvements of your rental properties. A good rule of thumb for what is deductible is that your repairs are deductible because they keep your rental property in good condition. Improvements that increase the value of your properties are not deductible. Keeping up on repairs is more of a tax-friendly practice then letting them accumulate until you need a renovation.
Some more common deductions include mortgage and travel expenses. Your mortgage payments are not deductible, but the part that goes towards your interest is. Travel expenses which includes going to collect rent and maintenance of your rental property, unless the trip's purpose was for improvements or renovations. Other expenses people may already know about are lawn care, environmental losses, and insurance are deductible.

Keeping good records is the most important part of your deductions. In the event of an audit the more receipts and proof of your payments the better. Just being prepared like you're being audited every year will allow you to take advantage of all these deductions. Using a qualified tax professional like Online Tax Pros can be the difference in your return being good or great. Let us put our expertise into your taxes to get you the most out of your return this year.

Online Taxes: Deductions for Small Business Owners

Being an owner of a small business has great benefits: You're your own boss, you get all the profits from your business, and you can hire people to do the dirty work for you. However, tax time can be extra strenuous, and not to mention expensive. Since you are your own boss, you have to answer for all your taxes, and it can get very overwhelming very fast. There is a light at the end of the tunnel though to help you at tax time: deductions. Part of owning your own business and being successful is to take every legal deduction you can to maximize profits. Some of the most commonly overlooked tax deductibles may not seem like the most obvious, but knowing about them will give you an edge in making a few extra bucks for you and your business.

Using a home office as your base of operations can have one surprising benefit: it can be deducted! It doesn't even have to be a full room, as your home office can be a corner or part of a room as well. You must measure your work area and divide by the square footage of your home to find the exact fraction you need to calculate your work-related deduction. This can apply to rent, mortgage, insurance, electricity, and whatever else goes into making your business work.

Your home office does not limit your deductions there. You can also write off your office supplies. You need only prove your purchases with a receipt(s) to deduct them from your taxes. This can include, paper and ink for your printer, pens, staples, paper clips, and many other things. Anything you need to purchase to run your business could potentially be a write-off as long as you are prepared to prove its worth.

Finally, equipment and office software are also up for grabs as tax deductions. Your computers, copiers, scanners and other machines can be 100 percent deducted for your home business. The cost of software and subscriptions to magazines and other periodicals are also fully deductible, saving you for the year they were purchased in. This can save you quite a bit of money and allow your business to grow with your new software and machinery.

Utilizing these deductions can make most of your business expenditures into tax cuts that can save your bottom line. When you're the only one who's watching for your business, you've got to make the most of what you can. Look into these deductions and see what you can qualify for. Happy savings for everyone! Check out Online Tax Pros to get your taxes taken care of by experts who want you to get the best deal you can on your returns.


Tax Changes for 2011

In our weakened economy, everything is suffering from losses and harder times. These times don't seem to be getting any better, and some even believe that things will get worse before they get better. Taxes are no different, and many of our credits, deductions and rates have all taken an unfortunate hit, much to the dismay of our taxpaying citizens. While these changes are projected from Obama's Tax Reform, knowing and understanding these changes can help you to preemptively plan your taxes. A safe assumption is that taxes will be on the rise, and these major changes will help to educate you on what to expect.

First, the tax credits that lower your taxable income have changed already and these are a few of the changes we will see in 2011. The Child Tax Credit is only allowing $500 per dependent child and has become more restricted on who will qualify. One credit that is getting eliminated is the Making Work Pay Tax Credit, unless Congress follows Obama's proposal. Another changed tax credit is the Hope Tax Credit, which goes back to only applying to the first two years at a university. The Energy-Saving Credits will be axed almost completely, and this will be the last year you can reap the benefits of your new energy-efficient appliances.

Tax deductions were also changed, and they have unfortunately changed for the worse as with the tax credits. January 1st, 2011 will be the end of allowing you to deduct insurance premiums on mortgages. The Business Expense Deduction in section 179 will be decreased from the most being $250,000. The exact amount it is now is still under discussion. Finally the Student Loan Interest Deduction changes by making only the first sixty months of the repayment deductible.

Tax brackets are changing very rapidly in this economic downturn. Those in the upper brackets will see a long term capitol gain increase five percent. This increase to twenty percent will be the dividend rate as well, and the other brackets will see increases as well, but the exact amount is not yet disclosed.

These changes are already being set into motion, but could be withdrawn if Congress intervenes. This tough economy is only going to get tougher as the taxes will inevitably rise. Only the President can decide between what he will do about the growing deficit and the rising taxes. With Congress and the public breathing down his neck on what he will do, we hope he makes the right decision and a fair compromise. Only time will tell what our future holds. Trusting someone with your taxes becomes that much more important. Use Online Tax Pros to get the most out of your return this tax season.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Online Taxes: Save Time and Feel Safe Filing Electronically

In our society we don't have control of as much as we'd probably like. We have to go to work when our employers want us to, and have to pay our bills when they are due. People love to have control over as much stuff as they can in this mostly automated world. The online world has further improved on how much we have control of our lives. Some people are working from home, making their own pay on their own time. We can have auto drafts put on our bank accounts to withdraw your bills at a planned, specific time and day. Electronic filing has helped automate our taxes in a great way. Using an Authorized Internal Revenue Service Electronic Filing Provider is the fastest, safest, and most secure method for filing your taxes and Online Tax Pros is ready to make sure your taxes are taken care of and you get the biggest return you can.

Saving time is the one precious commodity we cannot refund or afford to give away. The ever-ticking clock is always counting us down to another year of life. With traditional filing methods you use the postal system to transport all your documents to the Internal Revenue Service. Waiting several days or even weeks can make catching the deadlines tricky or even impossible if you are not punctual on gathering your required forms and information. Using Online Tax Pros can eliminate that. All forms are filled out online, and the internet allows the information to go directly to the I.R.S. to be filed. Normally electronically filed tax returns are accepted until April 15th. However, in the event of needing an extension, you can fill out an Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File(form 4868). This will allow you until October 15th to file your online tax return.

Everyone is concerned with their safety. With all the thieves and crooks waiting for their opportunity to make an easy buck off of you and identity theft becoming one of the most popular crimes people have every right to be scared and protective of their information, both online and offline. Mail may get lost or stolen, but the internet doesn't allow your information to get put into anyone's hands, only cold, emotionless wires will carry your precious cargo to be filed. Electronic tax filing satisfies these concerns by encrypting the information you send to prevent anyone accessing the data as it moves across the internet to the I.R.S. This method of tax filing will also let you know the status of your return, and when you can expect your refund to be put into your checking or banking account.

As our world evolves and changes, we have to change and adapt to it. Using all the tools we have at our disposal will not only enrich our lives, but allow us more time to really enjoy it. Online Tax Filing is a way to help us stop taking so much from nature, and ourselves by making the process online and much simpler. Let Online Tax Pros give you the return you deserve and the quick, efficient, and friendly service you still want out of a business. We will strive to get back the most money this tax season, so try us this year.