Tips for Taxpayers, Victims about Identity Theft and Tax Returns

Tips for Taxpayers, Victims about Identity Theft and Tax Returns IRS YouTube Videos ID Theft: Protect Yourself from Identity Theft English | Spanish | ASL ID Theft: Are You a Victim of Identity Theft? English | Spanish | ASL Podcasts ID Theft: Protect Yourself from Identity Theft English | Spanish ID Theft: Are You a Victim of Identity Theft? English … Read More

IRS – Identity Theft and Fraudulently Obtained Tax Refund Checks

IRS – Identity Theft and Fraudulently Obtained Tax Refund Checks Taxpayers: Are you a victim of identity theft? If you received a notice from IRS, please call the number on the notice. If not, please go to the Identity Theft web page. Check Casher: Some individuals are filing fraudulent tax returns to claim tax refunds using names and Social Security … Read More

Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft

Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft We know identity theft is a frustrating process for victims. We take this issue very seriously and continue to expand on our robust screening process in order to stop fraudulent returns. What is identity theft? Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, Social Security number (SSN) or other identifying … Read More

Identity Protection

Identity Protection The IRS is committed to working with taxpayers who are the victims of identity theft The IRS has taken numerous steps to combat identity theft and protect taxpayers. We are continually looking at ways to increase data security and protect taxpayers’ identities with assistance from our Identity Protection Specialized Unit. Identity theft cases are among the most complex … Read More

Questions to Ask a Tax Preparer

 When interviewing a prospective tax preparer, ask these questions: Do you have an IRS issued Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN)? Do you offer a free initial consultation? How do you keep up with the latest tax law? Do you regularly take continuing education courses? Are you a member of any professional tax or accounting organizations? What are your professional credentials? … Read More

Are you tracking ALL of your Commuting Mileage?

Are you tracking ALL of your Commuting Mileage? Commuting is defined as the distance between your home and your Office/place of employment or first business stop. For small business owners, we know that you do not stay in one place/location all day. So when can you start expensing those miles? NOW! Business miles begin once you leave the office (or … Read More

What Medical Expenses Are Tax Deductible?

What Are Medical Expenses? Medical expenses are the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and the costs for treatments affecting any part or function of the body. These expenses include payments for legal medical services rendered by physicians, surgeons, dentists, and other medical practitioners. They include the costs of equipment, supplies, and diagnostic devices needed for … Read More

Independent Contractor (Self-Employed) or Employee Test?

Independent Contractor (Self-Employed) or Employee? It is critical that business owners correctly determine whether the individuals providing services are employees or independent contractors. Generally, you must withhold income taxes, withhold and pay Social Security and Medicare taxes, and pay unemployment tax on wages paid to an employee. You do not generally have to withhold or pay any taxes on payments … Read More

IRS To Accept Returns Claiming Education Credits by Mid-February

IRS To Accept Returns Claiming Education Credits by Mid-February IR-2013-10, Jan. 28, 2013 WASHINGTON — As preparations continue for the Jan. 30 opening of the 2013 filing season for most taxpayers, the Internal Revenue Service announced today that processing of tax returns claiming education credits will begin by the middle of February. Taxpayers using Form 8863, Education Credits, can begin … Read More