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Release The Kraken, District Court Orders. All Crypto Investors Should Pay Attention.

The Internal Revenue Service is conducting an “ongoing, extensive investigation involving substantial IRS resources” into cryptocurrency holders. As part of that investigation, the IRS is serving “John Doe” summons on various cryptocurrency companies, seeking court orders to require cryptocurrency exchanges to turn over account holder’s names and other key identifying information. On May 5, 2021, the United States District Court for the Northern District of California ordered Kracken to turn over key account information for its users, including (1) Name, (2) Taxpayer ID Number; (3) Date of birth; (4) Physical address; (5) Telephone number; and (6) Email address. For cryptocurrency investors who have unreported crypto – whether in an account with Kraken or anywhere else – the IRS is looking for you.
The IRS first filed a petition for leave to serve a John Doe summons, which would have required Kraken to provide specific account holder information to the IRS, on March 30, 2021. Rather than granting the petition, the Court issued an Order to Show Cause, requiring the IRS to explain why the petition, which requested a vast array of information, should not be denied for the failure to meet the “narrowly tailored” requirement of the statute authorizing such summonses. (You can read more about that here). The IRS responded by both reducing the scope of information requested and by explaining that when it comes to cryptocurrency, a lot of information is needed to determine whether or not a taxpayer is skirting the rules.

The IRS explained to the court that more than just a taxpayer’s name, address, date of birth, and taxpayer identification number are needed to determine whether there is a tax compliance issue. The extensive information is needed because the IRS is aware of account holders whose information was handed over in the Coinbase case that used “aliases, false addresses, or post office boxes, fictitious entity names, or other means to disguise their true identities, and taxpayers who created false identities are more likely to evade their taxes.” (emphasis added). In fact, in response to the Coinbase John Doe summons, over 170 account holders used a pseudonym instead of their legal name to set up an account. Driving home its point that it needs more than just account holder names and taxpayer identification numbers, the IRS explained to the court that “more than 750 [Coinbase account holder] taxpayers remain unknown to the IRS. These still-unidentified taxpayers had cryptocurrency proceeds that exceeded $100,000,000 that the IRS cannot examine because the limited identity information it received precludes a positive identification.” Put differently, from the Coinbase John Doe Summons alone, the IRS is still seeking names of 750 account holders who realized over $100,000,000 in proceeds and the IRS cannot identify them without additional information.

It is no wonder, then, that the IRS launched Operation Hidden Treasure to identify and pursue crypto account holders who have not reported and paid taxes on their crypto gains. And in asking the court in Kraken to allow access to specific account holder information, including a history of changes to the user’s profiles, the IRS has demonstrated its ability to learn from past mistakes and nimbly make adjustments. After reviewing the IRS’s response to the Order to Show Cause, the Court granted the modified petition. IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig applauded the ruling, noting, “There is no excuse for taxpayers continuing to fail to report the income earned and taxes due from virtual currency transactions. This John Doe summons is part of our effort to uncover those who are trying to skirt reporting and avoid paying their fair share.”

Importantly, the Court leaves open the possibility that further challenges to the summons may be brought. “Any further disputes as to the scope of the summons would benefit from adversarial briefing.” But the IRS now has the leave of court required to serve the John Doe summons. The statute that authorizes the summons process provides “any person who is entitled to a notice of a summons … shall have the right to begin a proceeding to quash such summons” within twenty days of service. A motion to quash is typically filed by a taxpayer whose information is being sought by a summons. In this case, it isn’t clear whether Kraken will notify its account holders when it has been served and the twenty-day clock to file a motion – for Kraken and for its account holders – begins. Even more uncertain is whether a motion to quash would yield any measurable result in narrowing the account information to be turned over.

What’s Next For Crypto Tax Enforcement?

The Coinbase and Kraken John Doe summons are by no means the end of the line for IRS enforcement. On April 1, 2021, the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts granted a similar petition for a John Doe Summons to issue providing account information from Circle Internet Financial, formerly Poloniex LLC. The IRS has used John Doe summons very effectively before, most famously leading to the disclosure of tens of thousands of previously unreported foreign financial accounts and collection billions of unpaid federal income taxes. The first Swiss bank to receive a John Doe summons was UBS, but they were by no means the last. Crypto investors who have not reported all income earned should take no comfort if they haven’t yet heard from the IRS, or if they are at another exchange that isn’t named in this article. Operation Hidden Treasure isn’t aimed at identifying Coinbase account holders or Kraken account holders. It is aimed at identifying all crypto investors who are United States taxpayers, determining whether tax obligations have been met, and pursuing those who have failed to meet those obligations.

In my prior article on Operation Hidden Treasure, I urged readers who have undisclosed crypto to call a lawyer instead of confessing their “sins” to an accountant. There’s a good reason for this, and don’t just take my word for it. Tax litigator Anson Asbury explains why its best – for your and for your accountant – to take the approach of calling counsel if you are worried about past mistakes. “If you’ve made incomplete disclosures for prior years, and your accountant doesn’t know about it, she is not the person you want to tell for a number of reasons. You do not want to put her in the position where she is tempted to mislead an inquiring revenue agent about your disclosures (because she does not want to admit that the previously filed return she prepared was not accurate). That only puts both of you in jeopardy if the inconsistency is uncovered.” In addition, notes Asbury, “You also do not want to share any information with her that you do not want disclosed.” Accountants can and often are called to testify about what their clients did and did not tell them, and may not keep communications confidential in IRS civil or criminal examinations. “Finally,” says Asbury, “you want to preserve your accountant as a witness. She may be your best defense for reasonable cause. She cannot be a witness for you if she knows incriminating details that would have to be disclosed under oath.” Honestly is always the best policy when it comes to the current year’s return, but past sins should only be “confessed” to a lawyer.


from
www.forbes.com/sites/irswatch/2021/05/13/release-the-kraken-district-court-orders–all-crypto-investors-should-pay-attention/?ss=taxes&sh=6219e3487356

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Here’s why some people got more than one notice about their Economic Impact Payments

Here’s why some people got more than one notice about their Economic Impact Payments

After each of the three Economic Impact Payments is issued, the IRS is required to mail a notice to each recipient’s last known address. The notice provides information about the amount of the payment, how it was made and how to report any payment that wasn’t received. Some people may receive multiple notices about each payment. Most people will simply file the notice with their tax records and won’t need to contact the IRS or take any further action.
Here are some details about each notice and what action some people may need to take.
• Notice 1444, Your Economic Impact Payment. The IRS mailed this notice within 15 days after the first payment was issued in 2020. Some people received another Notice 1444 if the IRS corrected or issued more than one payment in the first round. Taxpayers who received a Notice 1444 but did not receive their first payment should review the frequently asked questions for instructions on what to do if their first payment is lost, stolen, destroyed or has not been received. People should keep this letter with tax year 2020 records.

• Notice 1444-A, You May Need to Act to Claim Your Payment. The IRS mailed this letter last year to people who typically aren’t required to file federal income tax returns but may have been eligible for the first Economic Impact Payment. People who didn’t get a first and second Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amounts, may be eligible to claim the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit and must file a 2020 tax return even if they don’t usually file a tax return.
• Notice 1444-B, Your Second Economic Impact Payment. The law that authorized the second payment gave the IRS more time to mail Notice 1444-B after the second payments were issued. This means people likely received their second payment several weeks before Notice 1444-B arrived. Taxpayers who received Notice 1444-B but didn’t receive the second payment should read the FAQs about what to do if their second payment is lost, stolen, destroyed or has not been received. People should keep this letter with tax year 2020 records.
• Notice 1444-C, Your 2021 Economic Impact Payment. The IRS is mailing this letter to people who received a third Economic Impact Payment. People should keep this letter with tax year 2021 records.
People should keep any IRS notices they receive about Economic Impact Payments with other tax records. The IRS cannot issue replacement copies of these notices. Taxpayers who don’t have their notices can view the amounts of their Economic Impact Payments through their online account.

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IRS: Some people get more time to file without asking; Anyone else can request an automatic extension

WASHINGTON − Anyone can request an automatic tax-filing extension, but some people get extra time without asking, according to the Internal Revenue Service.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, this year the IRS postponed the usual April 15 deadline for filing individual income tax returns until May 17, 2021. Even so, as is the case every year, many Americans will still need more time to meet their tax-filing obligation.
The IRS estimates that more than 16 million taxpayers will get an automatic extension this filing season, either by filing a form or making an electronic tax payment. But some taxpayers, including disaster victims, those serving in a combat zone and Americans living abroad get more time, even if they don’t ask for it. Here are details on each of these special tax-relief provisions.
Disaster victims
Victims of the February winter storms in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana have until June 15, 2021, to file their 2020 returns and pay any tax due.
The IRS automatically provides filing and penalty relief to any taxpayer with an IRS address of record located in a federally declared disaster area when at least one area qualifies for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program. Ordinarily, this means that taxpayers need not contact the IRS to get disaster tax relief.
This relief also includes more time for making 2020 contributions to IRAs and other plans and making 2021 estimated tax payments. In some cases, relief is also available to people living outside the disaster area if, for example, they have a business located in the disaster area, have tax records located in the disaster area or are assisting in disaster relief. For details on all available relief, visit the Around the Nation page on IRS.gov.
Combat zone taxpayers
Military service members and eligible support personnel serving in a combat zone have at least 180 days after they leave the combat zone to file their tax returns and pay any tax due. This includes those serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and other combat zones. A complete list of designated combat zone localities can be found in Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide, available on IRS.gov.
Combat zone extensions also give affected taxpayers more time for a variety of other tax-related actions, including contributing to an IRA. Various circumstances affect the exact length of the extension available to taxpayers. Details, including examples illustrating how these extensions are calculated, are in the Extensions of Deadlines section in Publication 3.
Taxpayers outside the United States
U.S. citizens and resident aliens who live and work outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico have until June 15, 2021 to file their 2020 tax returns and pay any tax due.
The special June 15 deadline also applies to members of the military on duty outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico who do not qualify for the longer combat zone extension. Affected taxpayers should attach a statement to their return explaining which of these situations apply.
Though taxpayers abroad get more time to pay, interest — currently at the rate of 3% per year, compounded daily — applies to any payment received after this year’s May 17 deadline. For more information about the special tax rules for U.S. taxpayers abroad, see Publication 54, Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad, on IRS.gov.
Everyone else
Taxpayers who don’t qualify for any of these three special situations can still get more time to file by submitting a request for an automatic extension. This will extend their filing deadline until Oct. 15, 2021. But because this is only a tax-filing extension, their 2020 tax payments are still due by May 17.
An easy way to get the extra time is through Free File on IRS.gov. In a matter of minutes, anyone, regardless of income, can use this free service to electronically request an extension on Form 4868. To get the extension, taxpayers must estimate their tax liability on this form.
Another option is to pay electronically and get a tax-filing extension. The IRS will automatically process an extension when a taxpayer selects Form 4868 and makes a full or partial federal tax payment by the May 17 due date using Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System EFTPS or a debit or credit card. Under this option, there is no need to file a separate Form 4868. Please note, you must register for EFTPS before using. Electronic payment options are available at IRS.gov/Payments.

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IRS begins delivering third round of Economic Impact Payments to Americans

WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service announced today that the third round of Economic Impact Payments will begin reaching Americans over the next week.
Following approval of the American Rescue Plan Act, the first batch of payments will be sent by direct deposit, which some recipients will start receiving as early as this weekend, and with more receiving this coming week.
Additional batches of payments will be sent in the coming weeks by direct deposit and through the mail as a check or debit card. The vast majority of these payments will be by direct deposit.
No action is needed by most taxpayers; the payments will be automatic and, in many cases, similar to how people received the first and second round of Economic Impact Payments in 2020. People can check the “Get My Payment” tool on IRS.gov on Monday to see the payment status of the third stimulus payment.
“Even though the tax season is in full swing, IRS employees again worked around the clock to quickly deliver help to millions of Americans struggling to cope with this historic pandemic,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “The payments will be delivered automatically to taxpayers even as the IRS continues delivering regular tax refunds. We urge people to visit IRS.gov for the latest details on the stimulus payments, other new tax law provisions and tax season updates.”
Highlights of the third round of Economic Impact Payments; IRS will automatically calculate amounts
In general, most people will get $1,400 for themselves and $1,400 for each of their qualifying dependents claimed on their tax return. As with the first two Economic Impact Payments in 2020, most Americans will receive their money without having to take any action. Some Americans may see the direct deposit payments as pending or as provisional payments in their accounts before the official payment date of March 17.
Because these payments are automatic for most eligible people, contacting either financial institutions or the IRS on payment timing will not speed up their arrival. Social Security and other federal beneficiaries will generally receive this third payment the same way as their regular benefits. A payment date for this group will be announced shortly.
The third round of Economic Impact Payments (EIP3) will be based on the taxpayer’s latest processed tax return from either 2020 or 2019. This includes anyone who successfully registered online at IRS.gov using the agency’s Non-Filers tool last year, or alternatively, submitted a special simplified tax return to the IRS. If the IRS has received and processed a taxpayer’s 2020 return, the agency will instead make the calculation based on that return.
In addition, the IRS will automatically send EIP3 to people who didn’t file a return but receive Social Security retirement, survivor or disability benefits (SSDI), Railroad Retirement benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Veterans Affairs benefits. This is similar to the first and second rounds of Economic Impact Payments, often referred to as EIP1 and EIP2.
For those who received EIP1 or EIP2 but don’t receive a payment via direct deposit, they will generally receive a check or, in some instances, a prepaid debit card (referred to as an “EIP Card). A payment will not be added to an existing EIP card mailed for the first or second round of stimulus payments.
Under the new law, an EIP3 cannot be offset to pay various past-due federal debts or back taxes.
The IRS reminds taxpayers that the income levels in this new round of stimulus payments have changed. This means that some people won’t be eligible for the third payment even if they received a first or second Economic Impact Payment or claimed a 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit. Payments will begin to be reduced for individuals making $75,000 or above in Adjusted Gross Income ($150,000 for married filing jointly.) The reduced payments end at $80,000 for individuals ($160,000); people above these levels are ineligible for a payment. More information is available on IRS.gov.
New payments differ from earlier Economic Impact Payments
The third round of stimulus payments, those authorized by the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act, differs from the earlier payments in several respects:
• The third stimulus payment will be larger for most people. Most families will get $1,400 per person, including all dependents claimed on their tax return. Typically, this means a single person with no dependents will get $1,400, while a family of four (married couple with two dependents) will get $5,600.
• Unlike the first two payments, the third stimulus payment is not restricted to children under 17. Eligible families will get a payment based on all of their qualifying dependents claimed on their return, including older relatives like college students, adults with disabilities, parents and grandparents.
Additional information is available on IRS.gov.

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What taxpayers need to know about claiming the credit for other dependents

Taxpayers with dependents who don’t qualify for the child tax credit may be able to claim the credit for other dependents.
The maximum credit amount is $500 for each dependent who meets certain conditions. These include:
• Dependents who are age 17 or older.
• Dependents who have individual taxpayer identification numbers.
• Dependent parents or other qualifying relatives supported by the taxpayer.
• Dependents living with the taxpayer who aren’t related to the taxpayer.
The credit begins to phase out when the taxpayer’s income is more than $200,000. This phaseout begins for married couples filing a joint tax return at $400,000.
A taxpayer can claim this credit if:
• They claim the person as a dependent on the taxpayer’s return.
• They cannot use the dependent to claim the child tax credit or additional child tax credit.
• The dependent is a U.S. citizen, national or resident alien.
Taxpayers can claim the credit for other dependents in addition to the child and dependent care credit and the earned income credit. They can use the IRS Interactive Tax Assistant, Does My Child/Dependent Qualify for the Child Tax Credit or the Credit for Other Dependents?, to help determine if they are eligible to claim the credit.

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The first step of tax preparation is gathering records

As taxpayers get ready to file their 2020 tax return, they should start by gathering their records. Taxpayers should gather all year-end income documents to help ensure they file a complete and accurate 2020 tax return and avoid refund delays.
Taxpayers should have all necessary records handy, such as W-2s, 1099s, receipts, canceled checks and other documents that support any income, deductions or credits on their tax return.
Most taxpayers should have already received income documents including:
• Forms W-2, Wage and Tax Statement
• Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income
• Form 1099-INT, Interest Income
• Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation
• Form 1099-G, Certain Government Payments; like unemployment compensation or state tax refund
• Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statements
Here are a couple other things taxpayers can do to prepare to file.
View IRS account online
Taxpayers can view their online account. This allows them to see the latest information about their federal tax account and most recently filed tax return through a secure and convenient tool on IRS.gov. This can help taxpayers if they need information from last year’s return.
People with an account on IRS.gov can also see the amounts of their Economic Impact Payments. This will be helpful to eligible individuals who either did not receive any Economic Impact Payments or received less than the full payments. They may claim the recovery rebate credit on their 2020 federal tax return.
People should visit Secure Access: How to Register for Certain Online Self-Help Tools for more information about how to create an account or how to reset the username or password.
Review unemployment benefits
Unemployment compensation is taxable and must be included as gross income on a taxpayer’s return.
Taxpayers should receive a Form 1099-G showing their unemployment income. They can have federal taxes withheld from their unemployment benefits or make estimated tax payments, but many do neither. In that case, taxes on those benefits need to be paid when their 2020 tax return is filed. Therefore, taxpayers who didn’t have tax withheld from their payments may see a smaller refund than expected or possibly have a tax bill.
Individuals who receive a Form 1099-G for unemployment compensation they were not paid should contact their state tax agency and request a corrected Form 1099-G. States should not issue Forms 1099-Gs to taxpayers they know to be victims of identity theft involving unemployment compensation. Taxpayers should file an accurate return including the income they actually received.
Taxpayers who are victims of identity theft involving unemployment compensation should not file an identity theft affidavit with the IRS.

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Beware of ‘ghost’ preparers who don’t sign tax returns

WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers to avoid “ghost” tax return preparers whose refusal to sign returns can cause a frightening array of problems. It is important to file a valid, accurate tax return because the taxpayer is ultimately responsible for it.
Ghost preparers get their scary name because they don’t sign tax returns they prepare. Like a ghost, they try to be invisible to the fact they’ve prepared the return and will print the return and get the taxpayer to sign and mail it. For e-filed returns, the ghost preparer will prepare but refuse to digitally sign it as the paid preparer.
By law, anyone who is paid to prepare or assists in preparing federal tax returns must have a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number, or PTIN. Paid preparers must sign and include their PTIN on the return. Not signing a return is a red flag that the paid preparer may be looking to make a fast buck by promising a big refund or charging fees based on the size of the refund.
Unscrupulous tax return preparers may also:
• Require payment in cash only and not provide a receipt.
• Invent income to qualify their clients for tax credits.
• Claim fake deductions to boost the size of the refund.
• Direct refunds into their bank account, not the taxpayer’s account.
The IRS urges taxpayers to choose a tax return preparer wisely. The Choosing a Tax Professional page on IRS.gov has information about tax preparer credentials and qualifications. The IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications can help identify many preparers by type of credential or qualification.
No matter who prepares the return, the IRS urges taxpayers to review it carefully and ask questions about anything not clear before signing. Taxpayers should verify both their routing and bank account number on the completed tax return for any direct deposit refund. And taxpayers should watch out for preparers putting their bank account information onto the returns.

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Get a federal tax refund faster with direct deposit

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminds taxpayers that the fastest way to get their tax refund is by filing electronically and choosing direct deposit.
Direct deposit is free, fast, simple, safe and secure. Taxpayers can even split their refund to have it deposited into one, two or three different accounts.
Eight out of 10 taxpayers get their refunds by using direct deposit. The IRS uses the same electronic transfer system to deposit tax refunds that is used by other federal agencies to deposit nearly 98% of all Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits into millions of accounts.
Direct deposit also avoids the possibility that a refund check could be lost or stolen or returned to the IRS as undeliverable. And it saves taxpayer money. It costs more than $1 for every paper refund issued, but only a dime for each direct deposit.
Easy to use
A taxpayer simply selects direct deposit as the refund method when using tax software or working with a tax preparer, and either they or their tax preparer type in their account and routing number. It’s important to double check entries to avoid errors.
The IRS reminds taxpayers they should only deposit refunds directly into U.S. affiliated accounts that are in their name, their spouse’s name or both if it’s a joint account. Many people do not use checks and may find their routing and account numbers on their online bank account or mobile app.
Taxpayers may have a refund applied to their prepaid debit card. Many reloadable prepaid cards have account and routing numbers that could be provided to the IRS. But check with the financial institution to make sure the card can be used and verify the routing number and account number, which may be different from the card number.
There are mobile apps that may allow for direct deposit of tax refunds. They must have routing and account numbers associated with them that can be entered on a tax return. Check with the mobile app provider to confirm what numbers to use.
Have the bank routing and account number when having taxes prepared. The IRS does not have the ability to accept this information after a return is filed.
Don’t have a bank account?
Visit the FDIC website for information on where to find a bank that can open an account online and how to choose the right account. Veterans can use the Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP) for access to financial services at participating banks. Tax return preparers may also offer electronic payment options.
Split refunds
By using direct deposit, a taxpayer can split their refund into up to three financial accounts, including a bank or Individual Retirement Account. Part of the refund can even be used to purchase up to $5,000 in U.S. Series I Savings Bonds.
A taxpayer can split their refund by using tax software or by using Form 8888, Allocation of Refund (including Savings Bond Purchases), if they file a paper return. Some people use split refunds as a convenient option for managing their money, sending some of their refund to an account for immediate use and some for future savings.
No more than three electronic tax refunds can be deposited into a single financial account or prepaid debit card. Taxpayers who exceed the limit will receive an IRS notice and a paper refund will be issued for the refunds exceeding that limit.
Combining Electronic Filing plus direct deposit yields fastest refunds
The safest and most accurate way to file a tax return is to file electronically. Many people may be eligible to file electronically for Free. Most refunds are issued in less than 21 days, but some returns may take longer. Taxpayers can track their refund using “Where’s My Refund?” on IRS.gov or by downloading the IRS2Go mobile app.
“Where’s My Refund?” is updated once daily, usually overnight, so there’s no reason to check more than once per day or call the IRS to get information about a refund. Taxpayers can check “Where’s My Refund?” within 24 hours after the IRS has received their e-filed return or four weeks after mailing a paper return. “Where’s My Refund?” has a tracker that displays progress through three stages: (1) Return Received, (2) Refund Approved, and (3) Refund Sent.

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IRS urges taxpayers to gather tax documents now for smooth filing later

WASHINGTON —The Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers that organizing tax records is an important first step for getting ready to prepare and file their 2020 tax return.
Taxpayers should keep all necessary records, such as W-2s, 1099s, receipts, canceled checks and other documents that support an item of income, or a deduction or credit, appearing on their tax return.
Taxpayers should develop a system that keeps all their important information together, which could include a software program for electronic records or a file cabinet for paper documents in labeled folders. Having records readily at hand makes preparing a tax return easier.
To avoid refund delays, taxpayers should be sure to gather all year-end income documents so they can file a complete and accurate 2020 tax return.
Most taxpayers will receive income documents near the end of January including:
• Forms W-2, Wage and Tax Statement
• Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income
• Form 1099-INT, Interest Income
• Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation
• Form 1099-G, Certain Government Payments; like unemployment compensation or state tax refund
• Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statements
View IRS account online
Taxpayers can view their online account allowing them to access the latest information available about their federal tax account and most recently filed tax return through a secure and convenient tool on IRS.gov. This can help taxpayers if they need information from last year’s return.
Additionally, in the coming weeks, individuals with an account on IRS.gov/account will be able to view the amounts of the Economic Impact Payments they received as well as the latest information available about their federal tax account. Eligible individuals who did not receive the full amounts of both Economic Impact Payments may claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2020 federal tax return. In order to claim the full amount of the Recovery Rebate Credit, taxpayers will need to know the amount of the Economic Impact Payments received.
Visit Secure Access: How to Register for Certain Online Self-Help Tools for more information about how to create an account or how to reset the username or password.
Remember unemployment compensation is taxable
Millions of Americans received unemployment compensation in 2020, many of them for the first time. This compensation is taxable and must be included as gross income on their tax return.
Taxpayers can expect to receive a Form 1099-G showing their unemployment income. Taxpayers can elect to have federal taxes withheld from their unemployment benefits or make estimated tax payments, but many do not take these options. In that case, taxes on those benefits will be paid when the 2020 tax return is filed. Therefore, taxpayers who did not have tax withheld from their payments may see a smaller refund than expected or even have a tax bill.
Individuals who receive a Form 1099-G for unemployment compensation they did not receive should contact their state tax agency and request a corrected Form 1099-G. States should not issue Forms 1099-Gs to taxpayers they know to be victims of identity theft involving unemployment compensation.
Taxpayers who are victims of identity theft involving unemployment compensation should not file an identity theft affidavit with the IRS.
Individuals can find more details on taxable unemployment compensation in Tax Topic 418, Unemployment Compensation, or in Publication 525, Taxable and Nontaxable Income, on IRS.gov.
Taxpayers can use 2019 income for Earned Income Tax Credit
For taxpayers with income less than $56,844 in 2020, they may be eligible to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit. The EITC Assistant, available in English and Spanish, can help determine who is eligible. The EITC is as much as $6,660 for a family with children or up to $538 for taxpayers who do not have a qualifying child.
And this tax season, there’s a new rule that can help people impacted by a job loss or change in income in 2020. Under the COVID-related Tax Relief Act of 2020, taxpayers may elect to use their 2019 earned income to figure the credit if their 2019 earned income is more than their 2020 earned income. The same is true for the Additional Child Tax Credit. For details, see the instructions for Form 1040 or Publication 596, Earned Income Credit.
Electronic Filing makes filing easy
The best way to file a complete and accurate return is to file electronically and there are several options for doing this – some at no cost. Visit irs.gov/filing for more details about IRS Free File, Free File Fillable Forms, Free tax preparation sites or by finding a trusted tax professional. Free File is a great option for people who are only filing a tax return to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, either because they didn’t receive an Economic Impact Payment or did not receive the full amount.

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Taxpayers can start the new tax year off right by checking their withholding

A new year means a fresh start. One way people can get the new tax year off to a good start is by checking their federal income tax withholding. They can do this using the Tax Withholding Estimator on IRS.gov.

This online tool helps employees avoid having too much or too little tax withheld from their wages. It also helps self-employed people make accurate estimated tax payments. Having too little withheld can result in an unexpected tax bill or even a penalty at tax time. Having too much withheld results in less money in their pocket.

All taxpayers can use the results from the Tax Withholding Estimator to determine if they should:
• Complete a new Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate and submit it to their employer.
• Complete a new Form W-4P, Withholding Certificate for Pension or Annuity Payments and submit it to their payer.
• Make an additional or estimated tax payment to the IRS.

The Tax Withholding Estimator asks taxpayers to estimate:
• Their 2021 income.
• The number of children to be claimed for the child tax credit and earned income tax credit.
• Other items that will affect their 2021 taxes.

The Tax Withholding Estimator does not ask for personally-identifiable information, such as a name, Social Security number, address and bank account numbers. The IRS doesn’t save or record the information entered in the Estimator.
Before using the Estimator, taxpayers should gather their 2019 tax return, most recent pay stubs and income documents including:
• Form W-2 from employers.
• Form 1099 from banks and other payers.
• Forms 1095-A from the marketplace for those claiming the premium tax credit.
• Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation.

Most income is taxable, including unemployment compensation, refund interest and income from the gig economy and virtual currencies. Therefore, taxpayers should also gather any documents from these types of earnings. These documents will help taxpayers estimate 2021 income and answer other questions asked during the process.

The Tax Withholding Estimator results will only be as accurate as the information entered by the taxpayer. People with more complex tax situations should use the instructions in Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax. This includes taxpayers who owe alternative minimum tax or certain other taxes, and people with long-term capital gains or qualified dividends.