Summer is slipping away and another school year is starting. As kids head back to the classroom, parents are ticking items off the school supply list. If they want to boost their back-to-school budgets, parents and guardians should make sure they aren’t missing out on their 2021 refunds and tax credits.
Many people don’t get their tax refund because they didn’t file a federal tax return. Some people choose not to file a tax return because they didn’t earn enough money to be required to file. Generally, they won’t receive a failure to file penalty if they are owed a refund – but they won’t receive their refund either.
A refund isn’t the only money people might be missing out on when they don’t file. If they’re eligible for tax credits, like the child tax credit and the earned income tax credit, they’re leaving that money on the table as well.
The child tax credit
The child tax credit helps families with qualifying children get a tax break. People may be able to claim the credit even if they don’t normally file a tax return.
Taxpayers qualify for the full amount of the 2021 child tax credit for each qualifying child if they meet all eligibility factors and their annual income isn’t more than:
• $150,000 if they’re married and filing a joint return, or if they’re filing as a qualifying widow or widower.
• $112,500 if they’re filing as a head of household.
• $75,000 if they’re a single filer or are married and filing a separate return.
Parents and guardians with higher incomes may be eligible to claim a partial credit. The Interactive Tax Assistant can help people check if they qualify.
The earned income tax credit
The earned income tax credit helps low- to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. If someone qualifies, they can use the credit to reduce the taxes they owe – and maybe increase their refund.
Low- to moderate-income workers with qualifying children may be eligible to claim the earned income tax credit if certain qualifying rules apply to them. People may qualify for the EITC even if they can’t claim children on their tax return. Visit IRS.gov to learn how to claim the EITC without a qualifying child.
People who qualify for the EITC, may also qualify for other tax credits, including:
• Child tax credit and the credit for other dependents
• Child and dependent care credit
• Education credits
• Recovery rebate credit
For people who requested an IRS extension to file, the October 17, 2022, deadline may seem far away, but it’s coming up fast. Taxpayers who haven’t filed, whether they requested an extension or not, should file a complete and accurate return as soon as possible. For people who have all their paperwork in hand, filing sooner and filing electronically could help them avoid possible processing delays later.
Here are some resources and information to help taxpayers avoid getting caught up in a last-minute filing rush.
Resources for people preparing their tax return
• IRS.gov The IRS webpage has tools and resources to help taxpayers and answer FAQs.
• Online Account Access individual account information to get info from the most recently filed tax return, including adjusted gross income, Economic Impact Payments and advance child tax credit payments.
• Interactive Tax Assistant Taxpayers can enter their info to get answers for their specific tax situation. This tool can determine if an individual must file a tax return, their filing status, if they can claim a dependent, if an income type is taxable, and their eligibility to claim a credit or deduct certain expenses.
• Tax professionals Tax pros can also help taxpayers prepare their tax returns. Authorized IRS e-file providers are qualified to prepare, transmit and process e-filed returns. Taxpayers should choose a tax preparer wisely. The IRS online directory can help people find a local tax pro.
Taxpayers can file electronically for the fastest turnaround.
E-filing is fast, accurate and secure. When taxpayers choose direct deposit, their refund goes directly into their bank account. The IRS processes most e-filed returns and issues direct deposit refunds in less than 21 days.
• IRS Free File Eligible individuals can use the IRS Free File program to prepare and file their 2021 federal tax return for free. Taxpayers can choose the brand-name tax preparation software company that is best for them. Some companies even offer free state tax return preparation. Those who earned more than $73,000 have the option to use IRS Free File Fillable Forms.
• MilTax online software MilTax online software is also available for members of the military and certain veterans, regardless of income. This software is offered through the Department of Defense.
• Commercial software The software uses a question-and-answer format that makes doing taxes easier. The return is signed electronically and transmitted through IRS-approved electronic channels.
An extension to file a tax return is not an extension to pay taxes.
Taxpayers who owe taxes can review all payment options online. The IRS has options for people who can’t pay their taxes, including applying for a payment plan on IRS.gov. Here are some other things to know:
• Generally, there’s no penalty for not filing a return if due a refund, but there’s also no statute of limitations for assessing and collecting taxes due if no return has been filed.
• Interest is charged on any tax not paid by the April due date and will accrue until paid in full. Penalties will accrue for each month tax remains unpaid until maxed out at 25% of the unpaid tax.
• Submitting a tax return and paying the amount owed as soon as possible can help taxpayers avoid further interest and penalties.
Taxpayers using a professional tax preparer should make sure they have all their information readily available before their appointment. Collecting their information and getting copies of any missing documents before taxpayers sit down to prepare their return is critical to filing an accurate tax return. Having organized records and information in hand helps prevent filing errors and will likely create a smoother filing experience.
Here’s a list of information taxpayers may need. Not all information applies to all taxpayers.
• Social Security numbers of everyone listed on the tax return.
• Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit or information to make a tax payment.
• Forms W-2 from employer(s).
• Forms 1099 from banks, issuing agencies and other payers including unemployment compensation, dividends, distributions from a pension, annuity or retirement plan.
• Form 1099-K, 1099-MISC, W-2 or other income statement for workers in the gig economy.
• Form 1099-INT for interest received.
• Other income documents and records of virtual currency transactions.
• Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement.
• Letter 6419, 2021 Total Advance Child Tax Credit Payments, to reconcile advance child tax credit payments.
• Letter 6475, Your 2021 Economic Impact Payment, to determine eligibility to claim the recovery rebate credit.
• Information to support claiming other credits or deductions, such as receipts for child or dependent care, college expenses or donations.
Taxpayers can get information about their Economic Impact Payments and advance child tax credit payments through their IRS online account.
Taxpayers who don’t have their letters about their Economic Impact Payment to claim missing stimulus payments and advance child tax credit payments to claim their full child tax credit have an online option. They can log in to their IRS online account and get the information from the Tax Records tab.
For taxpayers who are married filing jointly, each spouse will need to have their own Economic Impact Payment and advance child tax credit information.
What taxpayers should do if they’re missing other documents
Taxpayers who didn’t receive a W-2 or Form 1099 should contact the employer, payer or issuing agency and request the missing documents. This also applies for those who received an incorrect W-2 or Form 1099.
If they still can’t get the forms, they can use Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement or Form 1099-R, Distributions From Pensions, Annuities, Retirement or Profit-Sharing Plans, IRAs, Insurance Contracts, etc. If a taxpayer doesn’t receive the missing or corrected form in time to file their tax return, they can estimate the wages or payments made to them, as well as any taxes withheld. They can use Form 4852 to report this information on their federal tax return.
Find an authorized e-file provider
Taxpayers who are looking for a tax pro should use the Authorized IRS e-file Provider locator service. This is a nationwide listing is of all businesses that have been accepted to participate in the IRS e-file program. These businesses are authorized IRS e-file providers. They are qualified to prepare, transmit and process e-filed returns.
Do you client have a “side hustle” going on in addition to their full-time job? If you qualify, you may deduct certain expenses incurred by the self-employed business, including costs attributable to your vehicle.
The recent Tax Court case Gonzalez, TC Summary Opinion 2022-13, 7/18/22 found that it is indeed OK to deduct vehicle expenses related to a side-gig, as long as the filer follows strict rules.
Generally, expenses relating to use of a car, van, pickup or panel truck used for business are deductible. For example, if they drive their own passenger car to visit clients or customers, they may write off the portion of their vehicle’s costs that is attributable to business use, subject to some special limits. If they use their car 80 percent for business, they can deduct 80 percent of the costs.
The vehicle expenses are deductible under one of two methods:
1. Standard mileage rate: This is a flat rate adjusted by the IRS at least annually. For 2022, the deduction is 58.5 cents per business mile for the first half of the year and 62.5 cents for the second half. Also, they can add in business-related parking fees and tolls.
2. Actual expenses: Alternatively, they can deduct actual expenses based on the percentage of business use. This includes gas, oil, insurance, repairs, licenses, tires, etc., plus a generous depreciation allowance.
The actual expense method often provides a bigger deduction than the standard mileage rate. However, they must keep receipts, invoices and other documentation to show costs and establish the identity of the vehicle for which the expenses were incurred. For depreciation purposes, they must show the original cost of the vehicle and any improvements, as well as the date it was placed in service.
The IRS has issued detailed regulations covering the substantiation of vehicle expenses under the actual expense method. The best way to secure a deduction is to keep a contemporaneous log or comparable record of expenses and business use.
Facts of the new case: The taxpayer, a resident of California, had a full-time job at Stanford University. After moving to Palo Alto, she started a small clothing design business in Los Angeles.
During the year at issue, the taxpayer traveled to a patternmaker workshop in Los Angeles and Inglewood in southern California approximately every other weekend. She made the 800-mile round-trip by car. Although the taxpayer stayed with family and friends in the area during these trips, the primary purpose of the travel was business-related.
At trial, the taxpayer submitted a mileage log detailing the dates traveled, distances traveled and the purpose of each trip. She also submitted vehicle service receipts corroborating the miles driven. The taxpayer testified credibly as to the business nature of her trips.
End of the road: The Tax Court determined that the taxpayer has satisfied her burden of proof for substantiating vehicle expenses. Accordingly, it approved a deduction of more than $12,000 for vehicle expenses for the year at issue.
WASHINGTON — With millions of people still waiting to file their tax returns, the IRS reminds them to file as soon as possible and take advantage of special tools available on IRS.gov that can help them file.
Summer may be a busy time for many, but it’s a great time to start tax planning – whether you still need to file a 2021 tax return or start planning for next year’s tax season. IRS.gov is the fastest and most convenient way to get tax-related information and help. The online tools are available any time, so taxpayers can use them at their convenience.
Here are some important reasons for taxpayers to visit IRS.gov this summer.
Get tax information 24/7
Taxpayers can use IRS.gov to:
• View the filing page to get information on most federal income tax topics.
• Access the Interactive Tax Assistant tool for answers to many tax law questions.
• Sign into their individual IRS online account to view their balance an tax records, manage communication preferences, make payments and more.
• Find the most up-to-date information about their tax refunds using the Where’s My Refund? tool. Taxpayers can check the status of their refund 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of an e-filed return.
Taxpayers can also download the official IRS mobile app, IRS2Go, to check their refund status, make payments, find free tax preparation assistance, sign up for helpful tax tips and more.
Adjust withholding now to avoid tax surprises next year
Summer is a great time for taxpayers to check their withholding to avoid a tax surprise next filing season. Life events like marriage, divorce, having a child or a change in income can affect taxes.
The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator on IRS.gov helps employees assess their income tax, credits, adjustments and deductions, and determine whether they need to change their withholding. If a change is recommended, the estimator will provide instructions to update their withholding with their employer either online or by submitting a new Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate.
File electronically
Taxpayers who requested an extension to Oct. 17 or missed the April 18 deadline can still prepare and e-file returns. The IRS accepts electronically filed returns 24/7. There’s no reason to wait until Oct. 17 if filers have all the information and documentation they need to file an accurate return today. They can get their refund faster by choosing direct deposit. Contact us today to file your return.
Many people take up gig work on a part-time or full-time basis, often through a digital platform like an app or website. Gig work, such driving a car for booked rides, selling goods online, renting out property, or providing other on-demand work, is taxable and must be reported as income on the worker’s tax return.
Here are some things gig workers should know to stay on top of their tax responsibilities:
Gig work is taxable:
• Earnings from gig economy work is taxable, regardless of whether an individual receives information returns. The reporting requirement for issuance of Form 1099-K changed for payments received in 2022 to totals exceeding $600, regardless of the total number of transactions. This means some gig workers will now receive an information return. This is true even if the work is full-time or part-time.
• Gig workers may be required to make quarterly estimated tax payments.
• If they are self-employed, gig workers must pay all their Social Security and Medicare taxes on their income from the gig activity
Proper worker classification:
While providing gig economy services, it is important that the taxpayer is correctly classified.
• This means the business, or the platform, must determine whether the individual providing the services is an employee or independent contractor.
• Taxpayers can use the worker classification page on IRS.gov to see how they should be classified.
• Independent contractors may be able to deduct business expenses, depending on tax limits and rules. It is important for taxpayers to keep records of their business expenses.
Paying the right amount of taxes throughout the year:
• An employer typically withholds income taxes from their employees’ pay to help cover income taxes their employees owe.
• Gig economy workers who aren’t considered employees have two ways to cover their income taxes:
o Submit a new Form W-4 to their employer to have more income taxes withheld from their paycheck if they have another job as an employee.
o Make quarterly estimated tax payments to help pay their income taxes throughout the year, including self-employment tax.
The Gig Economy Tax Center on IRS.gov answers questions and helps gig economy taxpayers understand their tax responsibilities.
Taxpayers who have not yet filed their 2021 tax return may file electronically when they are ready rather than wait until the October 17, 2022, extension deadline. If they are considering hiring a tax preparer, it’s important to choose wisely. Taxpayers are responsible for all the information on their tax return, no matter who prepares it for them or when it’s filed.
There are different kinds of tax return preparers, and a taxpayer’s needs will determine which kind of preparer is best for them.
Here are some things taxpayers should do when choosing a tax return preparer
• Check the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers. This searchable and sortable public directory helps taxpayers find a tax return preparer with specific qualifications.
• Check the preparer’s history with the Better Business Bureau. Taxpayers should check for any disciplinary actions for credentialed tax return preparers. For CPAs, check with the State Board of Accountancy. For attorneys, check with the State Bar Association. For enrolled agents, verify the agent’s status on IRS.gov.
• Ask about fees. Taxpayers should avoid tax return preparers who base their fees on a percentage of the refund or who offer to deposit all or part of the refund into their own financial accounts. They should be wary of tax return preparers who claim they can get larger refunds than their competitors.
• Ask if the preparer plans to use IRS e-file. Taxpayers should make sure their preparer offers IRS e-file. The IRS issues most refunds in fewer than 21 days for taxpayers who file electronically and choose direct deposit.
• Make sure the preparer is available. Taxpayers should consider whether the tax return preparer will be around after the filing deadline has passed. Taxpayers should do this because they might need the preparer to answer questions about the preparation of the tax return. Avoid fly-by-night preparers.
• Ensure the preparer signs and includes their preparer tax identification number. All aid tax return preparers must have a PTIN to prepare tax returns. Preparers must sign returns and include their PTIN.
• Understand the preparer’s credentials. Enrolled agents, CPAs, and attorneys have unlimited practice rights and can represent taxpayers on any tax matter before the IRS. Tax return preparers who participate in the IRS Annual Filing Season Program have limited practice rights and may only represent taxpayers whose returns they prepared and signed, and only for exams and for customer service and Taxpayer Advocate Service inquiries.
The federal income tax deadline has passed for most individual taxpayers. However, some haven’t filed their 2021 tax returns or paid their tax due.
Some people may choose not to file a tax return because they didn’t earn enough money to be required to file. Generally, they won’t receive a penalty if they are owed a refund. However, they may miss out on receiving a refund.
On the other hand, tax owed and not paid by April 18, 2022, is subject to penalties and interest. Taxpayers in Maine and Massachusetts had until April 19 to file and pay due to the Patriots’ Day holiday in those states.
Anyone who didn’t file and owes tax should file a return as soon as they can and pay as much as they can to reduce penalties and interest. Electronic filing options, including IRS Free File, are still available on IRS.gov through October 17, 2022, to prepare and file returns electronically.
The military community can also file their taxes using MilTax, a free tax resource offered through the Department of Defense. Eligible taxpayers can use MilTax to electronically file a federal tax return and up to three state returns for free.
If taxpayers find that they owe taxes, they can review their available payment options. The IRS has information for taxpayers who can’t pay taxes they owe.
Some taxpayers may have extra time to file their tax returns and pay any taxes due. This includes some disaster victims, taxpayers living overseas, certain military service members and eligible support personnel in combat zones.
Filing soon is very important because the late-filing and late-payment penalties and interest on unpaid taxes add up quickly. However, in some cases, a taxpayer filing after the deadline may qualify for penalty relief. For those charged a penalty, they may contact the IRS by calling the number on their notice and explain why they couldn’t file and pay on time.
Taxpayers who have a history of filing and paying on time often qualify for administrative penalty relief. A taxpayer usually qualifies if they have filed and paid timely for the past three years and meet other requirements. For details, taxpayers should visit the first-time penalty abatement page on IRS.gov.
Rent is any amount paid for the use of property that a small business doesn’t own. Typically, rent can be deducted as a business expense when the rent is for property the taxpayer uses for the business.
Here are some things small business owners should keep in mind when it comes to deducting rental expenses:
Lease or purchase
• Sometimes a business must determine whether its payments are for rent or for the purchase of the property, because different tax rules may apply.
• Businesses must first determine whether an agreement is a lease or a conditional sales contract.
• Payments made under a conditional sales contract aren’t deductible as rent expense.
Unreasonable rent
Businesses can’t take a rental deduction for unreasonable rents paid. Rent is unreasonable for deduction when it is higher than market value or a professional appraisal.
• Usually, unreasonable rent becomes a problem when business owners and the lessors are related.
• Rent paid to a related person is reasonable if it’s the same amount a business owner would pay to a stranger for use of the same property.
Office in the home
A business owner’s workplace can be in their home if they have a home office that qualifies as their principal place of business.
• Business owners who rent their home and have a home office as their principal place of business may also qualify for a deduction.
• IRS Publication 587, Business Use of Your Home, Including Use by Daycare Providers, has more details about this deduction.
Rent paid in advance
Rent paid for a business is usually deductible in the year it is paid.
• If a business pays rent in advance, it can deduct only the amount that applies to the use of the rented property during the tax year. The business can deduct the rest of the payment over the period to which it applies.
• Business owners can review Publication 535, Business Expenses, for detailed examples on rent paid in advance.
Canceling a lease
A business can usually deduct the costs paid to cancel a business lease.
The EITC is one of the federal government’s largest refundable tax credits for low-to moderate-income families. The recent expansion of this credit means that more people may qualify to have some much-needed money put back in their pocket.
The IRS urges people to check to see if they qualify for this important credit. While people with income under a certain amount aren’t required to file a tax return because they won’t owe any tax, those who qualify for EITC may get a refund if they file a 2021 tax return.
Here’s an overview of the recent notable changes to the EITC for tax year 2021 only:
Expanded EITC for people who do not have qualifying children
More workers without qualifying children can qualify for the EITC, and the maximum credit amount is nearly tripled for these taxpayers this year. For the first time, the credit is now available to both younger workers and senior citizens. There is no upper age limit for claiming the credit if taxpayers have earned income.
The EITC is generally available to workers without qualifying children who are at least 19 years old with earned income below $21,430 for those filing single and $27,380 for spouses filing a joint return. The maximum credit for taxpayers with no qualifying children is $1,502. There are also special exceptions for people who are 18 years old and were formerly in foster care or are experiencing homelessness. Full-time students under age 24 don’t qualify.
Some taxpayers can use 2019 earned income to figure their EITC
Taxpayers can elect to use their 2019 earned income to figure their 2021 earned income credit if their 2019 earned income is more than their 2021 earned income. This option may help workers get a larger credit if they earned less in 2021 from employment. Taxpayers can review line 27c of the instructions for Form 1040 for more information.
Phaseouts and credit limits
For 2021, the amount of the credit has been increased and the phaseout income limits have been expanded.
Any third-round Economic Impact Payments or child tax credit payments received are not taxable or counted as income for purposes of claiming the EITC. People who are missing a stimulus payment or got less than the full amount may be eligible to claim the recovery rebate credit on their 2021 tax return.
New law changes expand the EITC for 2021 and future years. These changes include:
• More workers and working families who also have investment income can get the credit. Starting in tax year 2021, the amount of investment income they can receive and still be eligible for the EITC increases to $10,000. After 2021, the $10,000 limit is indexed for inflation.
• Married but separated spouses can choose to be treated as not married for the purposes claiming EITC. To qualify, the spouse claiming the credit cannot file jointly with the other spouse. They must have a qualifying child living with them for more than half the year and either:
o Do not have the same principal residence as the other spouse for at least the last six months out of the year.
o Are legally separated according to their state law under a written separation agreement or a decree of separate maintenance and not live in the same household as their spouse at the end of the tax year for which the EITC is being claimed. Taxpayers should file Schedule EIC – Form 1040 and check the box showing them as married filing separately with a qualifying child.
• Single people and couples with children who have Social Security numbers can claim the credit, even if their children do not have SSNs. In this instance, they will get the smaller credit available to workers who do not have qualifying children. Taxpayers should complete Schedule EIC and attach it to Form 1040 or 1040-SR if they have at least one qualifying child, even if the child doesn’t have a valid SSN. For more information, taxpayers should review the instructions for Form 1040, line 27a, and Schedule EIC