WEATHER ALERT
Treasury recovers $1.3 billion in unpaid taxes from high-wealth tax dodgers
Read full article: Treasury recovers $1.3 billion in unpaid taxes from high-wealth tax dodgersThe IRS has collected $1.3 billion from high-wealth tax dodgers since last fall, the agency says, crediting spending that has ramped up collection enforcement through President Joe Biden's signature climate, health care and tax package signed into law in 2022.
Report: Trump may face a $100 million-plus tax bill if he loses IRS audit fight over Chicago tower
Read full article: Report: Trump may face a $100 million-plus tax bill if he loses IRS audit fight over Chicago towerA report by The New York Times and ProPublica says former President Donald Trump may face an IRS bill in excess of $100 million after a government audit indicates he double-dipped on tax losses tied to a Chicago skyscraper.
IRS acts to address wide disparity in audit rates between Black taxpayers and other filers
Read full article: IRS acts to address wide disparity in audit rates between Black taxpayers and other filersThe IRS says it's taken steps to address a wide disparity in audit rates between Black taxpayers and others filers.
How freelancers can prepare for changing tax requirements
Read full article: How freelancers can prepare for changing tax requirementsIf you’re a freelancer or gig worker who receives payments via apps like Venmo, Zelle, Cash App or PayPal, your tax reporting requirements will change for the 2024 tax year.
Broward man receives stolen tax refund of $24,500 with help from congresswoman, Local 10 News
Read full article: Broward man receives stolen tax refund of $24,500 with help from congresswoman, Local 10 NewsAn early Christmas present arrived for a Broward County man after his tax return check was stolen.
Treasury's Yellen calls Republican effort to cut IRS funding for Israel 'damaging and irresponsible'
Read full article: Treasury's Yellen calls Republican effort to cut IRS funding for Israel 'damaging and irresponsible'The IRS commissioner says for the agency to keep building on its customer service and enforcement priorities it needs a reliable funding stream.
Democrats accuse tax prep firms of undermining new IRS effort on electronic free file tax returns
Read full article: Democrats accuse tax prep firms of undermining new IRS effort on electronic free file tax returnsCongressional Democrats are accusing big tax preparation firms including Intuit and H&R Block of undermining the federal government’s upcoming electronic free file tax return system.
House Republicans subpoena IRS and FBI agents involved in Hunter Biden case
Read full article: House Republicans subpoena IRS and FBI agents involved in Hunter Biden caseHouse Republicans have subpoenaed several FBI and IRS agents involved in the federal investigation into Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden.
IRS whistleblowers air claims to Congress about 'slow-walking' of the Hunter Biden case
Read full article: IRS whistleblowers air claims to Congress about 'slow-walking' of the Hunter Biden caseHouse Republicans are raising unsubstantiated allegations against President Joe Biden over his family’s finances.
3 tax prep firms shared 'extraordinarily sensitive' data about taxpayers with Meta, lawmakers say
Read full article: 3 tax prep firms shared 'extraordinarily sensitive' data about taxpayers with Meta, lawmakers saySome congressional Democrats say three large tax preparation firms sent “extraordinarily sensitive” information on tens of millions of taxpayers to Facebook parent company Meta over at least two years.
GOP releases testimony of whistleblowers claiming interference in Hunter Biden case
Read full article: GOP releases testimony of whistleblowers claiming interference in Hunter Biden caseHouse Republicans have released testimony from two IRS whistleblowers who allege that the Justice Department interfered with their yearslong investigation into President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter.
Sen. Scott bill would fund armed officers in all US schools
Read full article: Sen. Scott bill would fund armed officers in all US schoolsMoney earmarked for thousands of new IRS employees would be transferred to a grant program allowing schools nationwide to hire armed law enforcement personnel under legislation outlined Tuesday by U.S. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida.
IRS agent alleges Hunter Biden probe is being mishandled
Read full article: IRS agent alleges Hunter Biden probe is being mishandledAn IRS special agent is seeking whistleblower protection to disclose information regarding what the agent contends is mishandling of an investigation into President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden.
New push on US-run free electronic tax-filing system for all
Read full article: New push on US-run free electronic tax-filing system for allIt’s that time of year when throngs of taxpayers are buckling down to file their income tax returns before Tuesday’s filing deadline, and many often pay to use software from private companies such as Intuit and H&R Block.
IRS: Miami couple among 7 charged in telemarketing scam targeting seniors
Read full article: IRS: Miami couple among 7 charged in telemarketing scam targeting seniorsA Miami couple and five other people faced multiple federal charges after authorities accused them of running a telemarketing ring targeting seniors who owned timeshares.
New IRS leader promises faster, easier tax filing process
Read full article: New IRS leader promises faster, easier tax filing processThe Internal Revenue Service’s new commissioner promises that with billions in new funding, the agency will be faster, more service-focused and tech- savvy and will provide “real-world improvements” to taxpayers.
IRS: Florida Taxpayer Assistance Centers to open Saturday in Miami-Dade, Broward counties
Read full article: IRS: Florida Taxpayer Assistance Centers to open Saturday in Miami-Dade, Broward countiesThe Internal Revenue Service announced Tuesday that Florida Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TAC) will be open on Saturday in Miami-Dade, Broward and Orange counties for customers who are unable to visit during the week.
EXPLAINER: What's the debate over releasing Trump's taxes?
Read full article: EXPLAINER: What's the debate over releasing Trump's taxes?Now that the Democratic-controlled House Ways and Means Committee has voted to release former President Donald Trump’s tax returns, there's the potential of additional revelations in the coming days related to the finances of the longtime businessman.
Yellen tells IRS to develop modernization plan in 6 months
Read full article: Yellen tells IRS to develop modernization plan in 6 monthsTreasury Secretary Janet Yellen has directed the IRS to develop a plan within six months outlining how the tax agency will modernize its technology, customer service and hiring.
5 situations in which pets can be used for tax breaks
Read full article: 5 situations in which pets can be used for tax breaksFor those animal lovers who spend so much money on their pets and hope to recoup some of that cash spent when tax season arrives, this is the cold, hard reality: For the most part, you can’t.
IRS unit gets no funds to enforce sanctions on rich Russians
Read full article: IRS unit gets no funds to enforce sanctions on rich RussiansThe IRS criminal investigation arm tasked with tracking down sanctioned Russian oligarchs' property failed to receive an infusion of money in the Ukraine aid package.
Quiz: How much do you know about income tax?
Read full article: Quiz: How much do you know about income tax?You likely know what “income” means, and of course you’re aware of federal and state taxes, and the fact that we have to do them (or have them prepared for us, in some cases), every year. But how much do you know about income tax overall?
Traded cryptocurrency in 2021? Here's how to approach taxes
Read full article: Traded cryptocurrency in 2021? Here's how to approach taxesAlternative finance has captured the attention of investors across the U.S. As the 2022 tax season approaches, traders who are new to cryptocurrency taxation will have to contend with the IRS’ rules for reporting on taxable events.
Feds launch website for claiming part 2 of child tax credit
Read full article: Feds launch website for claiming part 2 of child tax creditThe White House and Treasury Department launched a revamped Child Tax Credit website meant to help people who were eligible for the expanded tax credit under last year’s pandemic relief bill claim the second half of the payment they were due.
IRS provides temporary benefit on some cash donations to qualifying charities
Read full article: IRS provides temporary benefit on some cash donations to qualifying charitiesA temporary coronavirus pandemic-related tax law allows married couples who file jointly to deduct up to $600 in cash donations and $300 for individual taxpayers, according to The Internal Revenue Service.
Giving Tuesday: How these 4 tax break changes for 2021 can enhance contributions
Read full article: Giving Tuesday: How these 4 tax break changes for 2021 can enhance contributionsFor those who plan on donating to a charitable organization for Giving Tuesday, there could be some opportunities to receive money back when filing taxes next year.
Senator: Bipartisan infrastructure bill loses IRS provision
Read full article: Senator: Bipartisan infrastructure bill loses IRS provisionA Republican senator who helped negotiate a nearly trillion-dollar bipartisan infrastructure bill says a proposal to strengthen IRS enforcement to raise money to help pay for the bill's spending is officially off the table.
Harris touts child care funding and payments to families
Read full article: Harris touts child care funding and payments to familiesVice President Kamala Harris is visiting a child care center to highlight the Biden administration’s efforts to expand child care and relieve the financial pressures of parenthood.
Leak of billionaires' tax data draws GOP outcry over privacy
Read full article: Leak of billionaires' tax data draws GOP outcry over privacyRepublicans in Congress are alarmed by the leak of confidential IRS data to ProPublica that has enabled the investigative news organization to reveal that famous billionaires including Warren Buffett, Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg paid little in U.S. income tax at times.
Biden talks about $2T American Jobs Plan: ‘Inaction is simply not an option’
Read full article: Biden talks about $2T American Jobs Plan: ‘Inaction is simply not an option’President Joe Biden is scheduled to deliver a speech about the $2 trillion American Jobs Plan at 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday from the White House. Vice President Kamala Harris is also scheduled to attend.
Taxes: Answers to top FAQs about Social Security income
Read full article: Taxes: Answers to top FAQs about Social Security incomeEven for those of us who think we have some knowledge about anything tax related, it can be a stressful time. And it's certainly not a time when you want to play a guessing game.
Will you get a stimulus check and if so, when?
Read full article: Will you get a stimulus check and if so, when?How do I know if I quality for the American Rescue Plan stimulus check? Will I get a $1,400 check? Third Stimulus Check Calculator - American Rescue Plan Who won’t get a $1,400 check? You should automatically qualify to receive a third stimulus check, most notably if you received a first and second round of payments. If you receive your income tax payment through direct deposit, your check will be deposited in that account.
How do I file taxes if I’m working remotely in another state that’s not my residence?
Read full article: How do I file taxes if I’m working remotely in another state that’s not my residence?A common aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two or so years has been more employees working remotely, but that doesn’t necessarily mean all those people were working from their homes.
You’ve filed your taxes -- now, what should you do with those documents?
Read full article: You’ve filed your taxes -- now, what should you do with those documents?If you’ve finally gotten your taxes filed, you’re probably ready to put it all away and move on. Have you considered which documents you should keep? And for how long?
This checklist will help ensure you have everything prepared for filing this tax season
Read full article: This checklist will help ensure you have everything prepared for filing this tax seasonRegardless of whether you’ve paid someone for help or tried to do it on your own, even just gathering all the data you need for filing your federal income taxes can seem daunting.
IRS gets more relief payments out after delays
Read full article: IRS gets more relief payments out after delaysThe IRS said that after initial problems, it is getting more of the second round of relief payments to taxpayers. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)The IRS said that after initial problems, it is getting more of the second round of relief payments to taxpayers. A number of tax preparation companies said that they were able to resolve the issues. The IRS said Tuesday that it worked over the weekend to help a smaller set of impacted taxpayers and is reissuing payments for eligible taxpayers whose accounts may have been closed. No action is needed for most eligible taxpayers to get the payment.
Didn't get your relief payment yet? You aren't alone
Read full article: Didn't get your relief payment yet? You aren't aloneThe U.S. Treasury and IRS have sent out the bulk of the second economic impact payments, which are intended to provide some relief to Americans. However, frustration is high among millions of people who did not receive payments yet and must wait for the mail or file their taxes before they receive it. If you are eligible, check the IRS Get My Payment tool on its website to find out the status of you payment. However, some people may find that they get their payment in a different form this time than last. If you get the “Payment Status #2 – Not Available” message, then you will not receive the payment and instead need to claim it on your tax return.
Some taxpayers find relief payments sent to wrong account
Read full article: Some taxpayers find relief payments sent to wrong accountA number of taxpayers who use tax preparation services, such as H&R Block and TurboTax, say their second relief payments were sent to the incorrect bank account, forcing them to wait longer for their money. Some payments are also being sent via paper check or debit cards during the month of January. However, many people said that they checked the IRS site and found their payments were sent to an account they did not recognize. “We are partnering with the IRS to help taxpayers receive their payments as quickly as possible." The payments are automatic, and people should not contact their financial institutions or the IRS with payment timing questions.
Like everything else 2020, taxes will be like no other year
Read full article: Like everything else 2020, taxes will be like no other yearIt’s worth noting that unemployment benefits are all subject to federal taxes but not all states tax it. As such, people who did not receive their payment or only got a partial payment can resolve this issue on their 2020 taxes when they file. Another big issue is for those who relocated or moved during the pandemic, which could complicate where they need to report and pay state taxes, Pyron said. Workers may need to file taxes in multiple states. The IRS continues to urge taxpayers to file their taxes online and use other online tools whenever possible.
The IRS has made changes to the tax bracket -- here’s what it will mean for you
Read full article: The IRS has made changes to the tax bracket -- here’s what it will mean for youEarlier this week, the IRS announced the 2021 tax year annual inflation adjustments for more than 60 tax previsions. Those include tax rate schedules and other tax changes. The following are the 2021 tax rates, which will be used when filing taxes in 2022 for the previous year of income. Taxpayers with lower incomes with have lower federal tax rates. Click or tap here to learn about more changes that have come with tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2021.
Audit likely gave congressional staff glimpse of Trump taxes
Read full article: Audit likely gave congressional staff glimpse of Trump taxesWhen JCT staffers disagree with the IRS on a decision, the review is typically kept open until the matter is resolved. Even acknowledging that Trump's taxes were before the panel is verboten. Representatives for the Trump Organization did not respond to messages seeking comment and confirmation that the Joint Tax Committee had reviewed Trump's taxes. Former JCT staffers would not comment on whether they remembered the dispute with Trump, citing confidentiality rules. Neal, the lead force behind a Democratic lawsuit to expose Trump’s taxes, said the Times’ reporting is proof that the documents should be given to Congress.
US judge: IRS can't keep coronavirus money from inmates
Read full article: US judge: IRS can't keep coronavirus money from inmatesA federal judge says the IRS can't keep withholding coronavirus relief payments from incarcerated people, potentially clearing the way for at least 80,000 checks totaling more than $100 million to be sent to people behind bars across the United States. The legislation passed in March that authorized the payments of up to $1,200 per person during the pandemic doesn't specifically exclude jail or prison inmates. Still, that's exactly the claim that the IRS made a couple of weeks after the coronavirus rescue package passed. Prison officials in Maryland and California are working to notify all lock-up facilities. Some inmates may be reluctant to apply even if they hear about the ruling in time, Dermody said.
Trump business deductions: sketchy, normal or in-between?
Read full article: Trump business deductions: sketchy, normal or in-between?A key question is whether those deductions reported by The New York Times were excessive and possibly illegal; they enabled Trump to avoid millions of dollars in taxes. It would be up to the IRS, which is auditing some of Trump’s returns, to decide whether the deductions are legitimate. The agency defines an ordinary expense as one that’s common and accepted in a company’s trade or type of business. According to the Times, Trump has treated some of his residences as businesses, in the process deducting millions of dollars. Moreover, under the tax legislation Trump signed into law in 2017, he would have been limited to $10,000 a year in property tax deductions for 2018.
GAO: Millions in danger of missing coronavirus payments
Read full article: GAO: Millions in danger of missing coronavirus payments(Graeme Jennings/Pool via AP)WASHINGTON – A government watchdog says millions of Americans are in danger of missing coronavirus relief payments of up to $1,200 per individual because of incomplete government records. The lack of "such information could hinder outreach efforts and place potentially millions of individuals at risk of missing their payment,” the GAO said in its report. The IRS ten report as of July 31 that 5.3 million individuals had used an online IRS tool for non-filers to help them receive payments. But the agency told GAO it was working on an effort to notify around 9 million individuals that they may be eligible for the payments. In addition to the problem of missing individuals eligible for the payments, an earlier GAO report found that nearly 1.1 million in coronavirus relief payments totaling some $1.6 billion went to dead people.
No more delays: What to know about the July 15 deadline
Read full article: No more delays: What to know about the July 15 deadlineAs the coronavirus pandemic took hold this spring, the federal government postponed the traditional April 15 filing deadline until July 15. In most cases, you must file and pay your taxes by July 15. Those were originally due on April 15 and June 15 respectively. One worth noting is that July 15 is also the deadline to claim a refund for 2016 tax returns. An estimated $1.5 billion refunds for 2016 are sitting unclaimed because people failed to file tax returns.
US inmates got virus relief checks, and IRS wants them back
Read full article: US inmates got virus relief checks, and IRS wants them backThe legislation authorizing the payments during the pandemic doesnt specifically exclude jail or prison inmates, and the IRS has refused to say exactly what legal authority it has to retrieve the money. While the IRS says checks sent to jail inmates also should be returned, the sheer number of jails and detention centers across the U.S. makes it difficult to tell if many are following those instructions. She says prison officials are accustomed to intercepting tax documents to screen for potential scams, priming them to follow this request. Intercepting relief checks may also have a disproportionate impact on Black and Hispanic inmates, who are incarcerated at a higher rate than white Americans. Prison officials nationwide have been trying to intercept the checks, with varying results.
Still haven’t gotten your stimulus check? Some things you can check on in the meantime
Read full article: Still haven’t gotten your stimulus check? Some things you can check on in the meantimeImportant question: Have you gotten your stimulus check yet? In fact, most people don’t need to take any action, and will automatically receive the payment. Let’s talk through the tools available to investigate what might be holding up your check, prepaid debit card or direct deposit. You’re eligible for the Economic Impact Payment, right? Here’s a detailed list you should triple-check just to make sure you’re eligible for the payment, and see how much you should receive.
Income tax filing deadline moved to July 15: What does it all mean?
Read full article: Income tax filing deadline moved to July 15: What does it all mean?WASHINGTON – The income tax filing date has been pushed back from April 15, to July 15, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said late last week. Mnuchin announced the decision in a tweet Friday, saying that at President Donald Trump’s direction, “We are moving Tax Day from April 15 to July 15. The delay is available to people who owe $1 million or less and corporations that owe $10 million or less. It is expected that many states will follow the lead of the federal government and delay their tax filing deadlines as well but that will be a state by state decision. The administration is working with Congress to develop a $1 trillion support package and Mnuchin has said the IRS payment delay will add $300 billion to that effort.
For some, credit cards are a major part of tax season, survey finds
Read full article: For some, credit cards are a major part of tax season, survey findsTax season and credit cards seem to go hand-in-hand like peanut butter and jelly, at least if you believe the findings of a recent study conducted by Credit Card Insider. Using SurveyMonkey to conduct an online survey of 3,114 adults from Feb. 3-5, Credit Card Insider found out the following information when it comes to how important credit cards are for people during tax season. 14% of respondents who expected to owe this year planned on using a credit card to pay their taxes. Of those expecting a tax refund, 40% had credit card debt. 75% of those with debt plan to use their tax refund toward paying it off.
Waiting for a tax refund? Here’s when you can expect to get it
Read full article: Waiting for a tax refund? Here’s when you can expect to get itBut listen, if you’re thinking you might be getting a refund, that’s pretty good incentive to get it taken care of. If IRS accepts return by: Direct deposit sent (or paper check mailed one week later): Feb. 3 Feb. 14 (Feb 21) Feb. 10 Feb. 21 (Feb 28) Feb. 18 Feb. 28 (Mar. 6) Feb. 24 Mar. 10) March 29 Apr. Are you currently waiting on a refund?
House Democrats file lawsuit to obtain Trump tax returns
Read full article: House Democrats file lawsuit to obtain Trump tax returns(CNN) - The Democrat-led House Ways and Means Committee filed a lawsuit on Tuesday to enforce subpoenas and obtain President Donald Trump's tax returns, an escalation in a fight for the President's personal financial information. The lawsuit was filed in D.C. District Court against Treasury and the IRS and their respective leaders, Steve Mnuchin and Charles Rettig. Neal initially made his request for Trump's tax returns on April 3. The complaint argues that the committee is not required to justify its reasons for seeking tax returns under Section 6103, but states that the panel "is investigating the IRS's administration of various tax laws and policies relating to Presidential tax returns and tax law compliance by President Trump, including whether the IRS's self-imposed policy of annually auditing the returns of sitting Presidents is working properly." The Democrats on Neal's committee have argued that they need access to the President's tax returns in order to understand how the IRS administers the presidential audit program.
Can't pay your taxes? There are options
Read full article: Can't pay your taxes? There are optionsBy Kevin Hagen, Contributing writerIf you can't pay your taxes, you should file your return anyway to avoid a late filing penalty. If after preparing your tax return you find that you owe taxes and don't have the money to pay, you have some options. File Your Return When you can't pay your taxes, you should file your return anyway. If you don't, you will be charged a late filing penalty in addition to late payment penalties and interest. There is a fee for requesting an installment agreement, and late payment penalties and interest accrue on the balance.
South Florida hotbed for impostor scams
Read full article: South Florida hotbed for impostor scamsPEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – South Florida continues to be a hotbed for impostor scams. Every day, many South Floridians receive phone calls from people claiming to be from the IRS or a debt collection agency. In one case, a viewer played an audio recording of the call he received from a man claiming to be from the IRS. The message warned the viewer that it was his final notice to pay a certain amount of money before he received a lawsuit. Local 10 News investigative reporter Christina Vazquez sat down with Cindy Liebes, director of the Southeast Regional Office of the Federal Trade Commission, who said impostor scams are on the rise.