Taxpayers can qualify for various tax credits to reduce their tax liability, one such credit is the child tax credit. To qualify for the child tax credit, the qualifying child must be under 17 years old and a U.S. citizen or a U.S. permanent resident alien. ...read more
Many people give money to family members as a gift in their time of need or if they come into a substantial amount of money. Giving money to a family member can sometimes be taxed; however, there are ways to avoid this this and give money to family members free of tax. ...read more
Many people have opted to learn to file their taxes themselves. This is a great way to save money, and it puts people in control of their own tax return. The process can be confusing, but there are enough resources to learn the correct method. ...read more
Tax filing time is not a time many people enjoy, except maybe professional accountants. This process is time consuming, confusing and often overwhelming. Preparing yourself in advance is the best way to ease some of the stress associated with process. ...read more
Federal income tax withholding is the types of taxes that are taken out of your paycheck. This tax includes Social Security, income tax and Medicare. Understanding your Federal income tax withholding is important to make sure you are not paying too many taxes or not enough. without support around lenses. ...read more
TaxBrain is an online tax preparation software. Through TaxBrain's website you can calculate your state and federal tax return information, and then file them each online. You can check your return for free, but filing does require a fee. Pricing varies depending on your return and your location. ...read more
The US follows a progressive taxation system. This means that the tax rate increases as you earn more money. The higher tax rates are only applied to income that reaches above a certain level. You can easily calculate your effective income tax rate if you are curious as to how much income tax you will pay this year. ...read more
Completing and filing your taxes online can be easy and sometimes free by using one of the many online packages available online. You will have the ability to complete both Federal and state returns and submit them via any Internet connection. ...read more
Foreign currency trading can be a great way to make money. There are strict tax laws on currency trading. At home trading is becoming more and more popular with people who wish to get in on the ground floor of this lucrative business. It will behoove a trader to know the tax laws before diving into the foreign market. ...read more
Filing your income taxes can be trying for anyone. However, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can have it under control in no time. Getting organized is the first step to getting control over your taxes. Doing this from the start of the year is the best way to be prepared. If your halfway through the year and need help, do not worry, it is not too late. ...read more
Small business owners must file taxes just like individuals, and the IRS has several different forms specifically designed for business owners to file the right information. You can find IRS forms at your local library or online from the IRS website. Depending on the size of your business, you may also opt to have a certified public accountant file your small business taxes for you. ...read more
The way you file a state income tax return will determine when you will get a refund. If you choose to mail the state tax return, the refund might take six to eight weeks. If you e-file the return, it will take only one to two weeks. You must also be sure your address is correct to ensure you receive the return in a timely manner. ...read more
If you wish, you can deduct the amount of taxes that you pay into your state of residence or you can also file for a deduction for the amount of state sales tax that you have paid in this year. You may only file for one of these deductions on your tax return so it is best to determine which option will provide you with the largest deduction. ...read more
Learning how to prepare your own income tax returns is not as hard as you may think. With the help of simplified forms such as the 1040EZ, as well as tax preparation software, such as Turbo Tax, filing your own taxes can be a quick and easy process that you can easily complete yourself in no time. ...read more
Once you know your tax bracket, you will know what every additional dollar of income will incur in the form of extra taxes. Somebody in a 15 percent tax bracket will face very different tax scenarios than someone in a 25 percent tax bracket. ...read more
By DLO Consultants, LLC March 11, 2011
Karen Copeland was recommended to me by a friend when he heard I was moving to Orlando. Karen was his accountant when he lived in Oviedo and even though he now lives in MD, he won't give her up. She has been wonderful and a great help with our personal as well as our business taxes. I highly recommend Karen if you are looking for a professional accountat that really knows her stuff. ...read more
Federal Business Tax - FAQ series When do I start my tax year? Tax Years You must figure your taxable income on the basis of a tax year and file an income tax return. A “tax year” is an annual accounting period for keeping records and reporting income and expenses. An annual accounting period does not include a short tax year. The tax years you can use are: * Calendar year - A calendar tax year is 12 consecutive months beginning January 1 and ending December 31. * Fiscal year - A fiscal tax year is 12 consecutive months ending on the last day of any month except December. A 52-53-week tax year is a fiscal tax year that varies from 52 to 53 weeks but does not have to end on the last day of a month. Unless you have a required tax year, you adopt a tax year by filing your first income tax return using that tax year. A required tax year is a tax year required under the Internal Revenue Code and the Income Tax Regulations. You have not adopted a tax year if you merely did any of the following. Filed an application for an extension of time to file an income tax return. Filed an application for an employer identification number. Paid estimated taxes for that tax year. If you file your first tax return using the calendar tax year and you later begin business as a sole proprietor, become a partner in a partnership, or become a shareholder in an S corporation, you must continue to use the calendar year unless you get IRS approval to change it or are otherwise allowed to change it without IRS approval. Generally, anyone can adopt the calendar year. However, if any of the following apply, you must adopt the calendar year. You keep no books or records; You have no annual accounting period; Your present tax year does not qualify as a fiscal year; or You are required to use a calendar year by a provision of the Internal Revenue Code or the Income Tax Regulations. Short Tax Year A short tax year is a tax year of less than 12 months. A short period tax return may be required when you (as a taxable entity): Are not in existence for an entire tax year, or Change your accounting period. Tax on a short period tax return is figured differently for each situation. Not in Existence Entire Year Even if you (a taxable entity) were not in existence for the entire year, a tax return is required for the time you were in existence. Requirements for filing the return and figuring the tax are generally the same as the requirements for a return for a full tax year (12 months) ending on the last day of the short tax year. For more information, contact us Changing your tax year Once you have adopted your tax year, you may have to get IRS approval to change it. ...read more
By Sunny Tax and Accounting, Inc. November 02, 2011
FAQ Series - Individual Income Tax - Federal Question: What should I do if I made a mistake on my federal return that I have already filed? Answer: It depends on the type of mistake that you made: Many mathematical errors are caught in the processing of the tax return itself so you may not need to correct these mistakes. If you did not report all your income or did not claim a credit, you should file an amended or corrected return using Form 1040X (PDF), Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. When filing an amended or corrected return: Include copies of any schedules that have been changed or any Form W-2 you did not include. File 1040X only after you have filed your original return. Generally, for a credit or refund, you must file Form 1040X within 3 years (including extensions) after the date you timely filed your original return or within 2 years after the date you paid the tax, whichever is later.Please allow the IRS 8-12 weeks to process an amended return. ...read more
By Sunny Tax and Accounting, Inc. October 29, 2011
FAQ Series - Individual Income Tax - Federal Question: Is there an age limit on claiming my child as a dependent? Answer: Age is a factor in the qualifying child test, but a qualifying relative can be any age. As long as the following tests are met, you may claim a dependency exemption for your child: Qualifying child or qualifying relative test Dependent taxpayer test Citizenship or resident test Joint return test ...read more
By Sunny Tax and Accounting, Inc. October 29, 2011