Charitable Donations

If taxpayers gave money or goods to a charity in 2016, they may be able to claim a deduction on their federal tax return. Taxpayers can use the Interactive Tax Assistant tool, Can I Deduct my Charitable Contributions?, to help determine if their charitable contributions are deductible.

Here are some important facts about charitable donations:

Qualified Charities. Taxpayers must donate to a qualified charity. Gifts to individuals, political organizations or candidates are not deductible. To check the status of a charity, use the IRS Select Check tool.

Itemize Deductions. To deduct charitable contributions, taxpayers must file Form 1040 and itemize deductions. File Schedule A, Itemized Deductions, with a federal tax return.

Benefit in Return. If taxpayers get something in return for their donation, they may have to reduce their deduction. Taxpayers can only deduct the amount that exceeds the fair market value of the benefit received. Examples of benefits include merchandise, meals, tickets to events or other goods and services.

Type of Donation. If taxpayers give property instead of cash, their deduction amount is normally limited to the item’s fair market value. Fair market value is generally the price they would get if the property sold on the open market. If they donate used clothing and household items, those items generally must be in good condition or better. Special rules apply to cars, boats and other types of property donations.

Noncash Charitable Contributions. File Form 8283, Noncash Charitable Contributions, for all noncash gifts totaling more than $500 for the year. Complete section-A for noncash property contributions worth $5,000 or less. Complete section-B for noncash property contributions more than $5,000 and include a qualified appraisal to the return. The type of records they must keep depends on the amount and type of their donation.

Donations of $250 or More. If taxpayers donated cash or goods of $250 or more, they must have a written statement from the charity. It must show the amount of the donation and a description of any property given. It must also say whether they received any goods or services in exchange for the gift.

Courtesy of IRS

For more information contact Neikirk, Mahoney and Smith at 502-896-2999.

Last-Minute Email Scams

The Internal Revenue Service, state tax agencies and the tax industry today warned both tax professionals and taxpayers of last-minute phishing email scams, especially those requesting last-minute deposit changes for refunds or account updates.

As the 2017 tax filing season winds down to the April 18 deadline, tax-related scams of various sorts are at their peak. The IRS urged both tax professionals and taxpayers to be on guard against suspicious activity.

The IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry, acting as the Security Summit, enacted many safeguards against identity theft for 2017, but cybercriminals are ever evolving and make use of sophisticated scams to trick people into divulging sensitive data.

For example, one new scam poses as taxpayers asking their tax preparer to make a last-minute change to their refund destination, often to a prepaid debit card. The IRS urges tax preparers to verbally reconfirm information with the client should they receive last-minute email request to change an address or direct deposit account for refunds.

The IRS also suggests that tax professionals change and strengthen their own email passwords to better protect their email accounts used to exchange sensitive data with clients.

Courtesy of IRS

For more information contact Neikirk, Mahoney and Smith at 502-896-2999.

Tips on Whether to File a 2016 Tax Return

Most people file a tax return because they have to. Even if a taxpayer doesn’t have to file, there are times they should. They may be eligible for a tax refund and not know it.

Here are five tips on whether to file a tax return:

General Filing Rules.  In most cases, income, filing status and age determine if a taxpayer must file a tax return. Other rules may apply if the taxpayer is self-employed or a dependent of another person. For example, if a taxpayer is single and under age 65, they must file if their income was at least $10,350. There are other instances when a taxpayer must file.

Tax Withheld or Paid.  Did the taxpayer’s employer withhold federal income tax from their pay? Did the taxpayer make estimated tax payments? Did they overpay last year and have it applied to this year’s tax? If the answer is “yes” to any of these questions, they could be due a refund.

Earned Income Tax Credit.  A taxpayer who worked and earned less than $53,505 last year could receive the EITC as a tax refund. They must qualify and may do so with or without a qualifying child. They may be eligible for up to $6,269.

Additional Child Tax Credit.  Did the taxpayer have at least one child that qualifies for the Child Tax Credit? If they do not qualify for the full credit amount, they may be eligible for the Additional Child Tax Credit. Beginning in January 2017, by law, the IRS must hold refunds for any tax return claiming either the EITC or the Additional Child Tax Credit until Feb. 15.

American Opportunity Tax Credit.  To claim the AOTC, the taxpayer, their spouse or their dependent must have been a student enrolled at least half time for one academic period to qualify. The credit is available for four years of post-secondary education. It can be worth up to $2,500 per eligible student.

Courtesy of IRS

For more information contact Neikirk, Mahoney and Smith at 502-896-2999

Use IRS Free File to File Taxes for Free

Join the millions of Americans who safely file their taxes and save money using IRS Free File. Taxpayers can use either name-brand software or fillable forms – for free. Combining IRS Free File with direct deposit is the quickest and safest way to get a refund.

Here are some tips about IRS Free File:

Get Started at IRS.gov. IRS Free File is available only through IRS.gov. Simply choose a Free File company and then click on that link to prepare and e-file the return.

Find Tax Breaks. The tax software’s question-and-answer format helps eligible taxpayers find tax breaks. This could include tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit. The software then selects the appropriate tax forms and does the calculations automatically. Free File can help with the health care law tax provisions as well.

Free for All. Taxpayers with income of $64,000 or less can use brand-name software. Taxpayers who earned more can use Free File Fillable Forms. This option allows taxpayers to complete IRS forms electronically. It is best for those who are used to doing their own taxes.

Easy Online Extensions. For those who cannot finish their return by the April 18 deadline, it’s easy to use Free File to request a six-month extension. An extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay. If taxpayers owe federal taxes, they should estimate the amount they owe and pay it with the extension request. This will help avoid penalties and interest.

The IRS partners with leading tax software companies, the Free File Alliance, to make the program available. Some companies offer free state tax return filing as well.

Courtesy of IRS

For more information contact Neikirk, Mahoney and Smith at 502-896-2999

2017 Tax Filing Season is Officially Open

The Internal Revenue Service said that it successfully started accepting and processing 2016 federal individual income tax returns on schedule. More than 153 million returns are expected to be filed this year.

People have until Tuesday, April 18, 2017 to file their 2016 returns and pay any taxes due. The deadline is later this year due to several factors. The usual April 15 deadline falls on Saturday this year, which would normally give taxpayers until at least the following Monday. However, Emancipation Day, a D.C. holiday, is observed on Monday, April 17, giving taxpayers nationwide an additional day to file. By law, D.C. holidays impact tax deadlines for everyone in the same way federal holidays do. Taxpayers requesting an extension will have until Monday, Oct. 16, 2017 to file.

"Following months of hard work, we successfully opened our processing systems today to start this year’s tax season,” said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen. “Getting to this point is a year-round effort for the IRS and the nation’s tax community. The dedicated employees of the IRS look forward to serving taxpayers this filing season, and I want to thank all of the tax and payroll community for their hard work that makes tax time smoother for the nation.”

The IRS expects more than 70 percent of taxpayers to get tax refunds this year. Last year, 111 million refunds were issued, with an average refund of $2,860.

Courtesy of IRS

For more information contact Neikirk, Mahoney and Smith at 502-896-2999

Taxpayers should e-File

Taxpayers who still file paper returns may find now is the best time to switch to e-file. Last year over 85 percent of taxpayers filed their taxes electronically. E-file is the fastest and safest way to file.

Accurate and Easy. IRS e-file is the best way to file an accurate tax return. The tax software helps taxpayers avoid mistakes by doing the math for them.

Safe and Secure. IRS e-file meets strict security guidelines. It uses modern encryption technology to protect tax returns. The IRS continues to work with states and tax industry leaders to protect tax returns from refund fraud.

Convenient and Often Free. Taxpayers can e-file for free through IRS Free File. Free File is only available on IRS.gov. Taxpayers may qualify to have their taxes e-filed for free through IRS volunteer programs. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance offers free tax preparation for those earning $54,000 or less. Tax Counseling for the Elderly generally helps people who are age 60 or older.

Faster Refunds. In most cases, e-file prevents mistakes and helps people get their refund faster. The quickest way to get a refund is to combine e-file with direct deposit into a bank account.

Prior-Year Tax Return. Taxpayers should keep a copy of their tax return. Beginning in 2017, taxpayers using a software product for the first time may need their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) amount from their prior-year tax return to verify their identity.

Health Care Coverage Reporting. IRS e-file can help with tax provisions of the health care law. The software will walk users through each line on the tax form that relate to the Affordable Care Act.

Payment Options. If taxpayers owe taxes, they can e-file early and set up an automatic payment on any day until the April 18 deadline. They can pay electronically from their bank account with IRS Direct Pay. Other payment options include electronic funds withdrawal and payment by debit or credit card.

Courtesy of IRS

For more information contact Neikirk, Mahoney and Smith at 502-896-2999

Who Will Prepare Your Tax Return?

As the start of tax filing season approaches, the Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers to start thinking about who will prepare their 2016 federal tax return. The IRS will begin processing tax returns on Monday, January 23. Many software companies and tax professionals will accept and submit tax returns before the IRS systems open on January 23.

In 2016, more than 131 million individual and family tax returns were e-filed, the most accurate, safest and easiest way to file. The rest of the returns received by the IRS, numbering over 19 million, were either prepared on a computer and printed or prepared by hand then mailed.

The IRS stresses that no matter who prepares it, by signing the return, the taxpayer becomes legally responsible for the accuracy of all information included.

Free Tax Preparation

Each year, millions of tax returns are prepared for free by taxpayers using IRS Free File or by volunteers at community organization sites nationwide.

IRS Free File lets taxpayers who earned less than $64,000 prepare and e-file a return for free. Go to IRS.gov and click on the ‘Filing’ tab for options on using commercial tax software. Those who earned more than $64,000 are still eligible for Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic version of IRS paper forms. This more basic Free File option is best for people who are comfortable preparing their own tax returns.

IRS trained and certified volunteers at thousands of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (VITA and TCE) sites nationwide offer free tax preparation and e-filing. VITA offers free tax return preparation to taxpayers who earn $54,000 or less. The TCE program is mainly for people age 60 or older and focuses on tax issues unique to seniors. AARP participates in the TCE program and helps taxpayers with low to moderate incomes.

To find the closest VITA site, visit IRS.gov and search the word “VITA.” Or  download the IRS2Go app on a smart phone. Site information is also available by calling the IRS at 800-906-9887.
To locate the nearest AARP Tax-Aide site, visit aarp.org, or call 888-227-7669. There are also VITA and TCE sites that provide bilingual help for taxpayers who have limited English skills.

Courtesy of IRS

For more information contact Neikirk, Mahoney and Smith at 501-896-2999

e-Services Users Validating Identities Online

Recently, the IRS mailed letters to certain e-Services users asking them to revalidate their identities within 30 days. The filing season is approaching, and it is important that users complete this process within the established time frame.

There are two ways e-Services users can accomplish the revalidation:

 Complete the Get Transcript online process as a first time user or;
 Call the e-help desk with the Unique Security Code found on letter 5903
Here’s what users need to know about the online option:

The Get Transcript process is an online option to verify your identity, and is back online after a maintenance outage.
You must complete the entire Get Transcript registration process, including establishing a Get Transcript user name and password.
Go to https://www.irs.gov/transcript and select Get Transcript Online. Then under "First Time Users," select "Get Started.”
If you are new to this system, start the Get Transcript registration process as a First Time User.
You can create a new user name and password or use your e-Services user name and password.
Your user name and password for e-Services will remain unchanged, regardless of the user name and password you use to complete the Get Transcript Online registration.
The Unique Security Code contained in Letter 5903 is for revalidating your identity over the telephone only and cannot be used as a replacement for the Get Transcript Confirmation Code sent to you via e-mail, the Security Code sent to you via text or the Activation Code by mail.
Here’s what users need to know about the phone option:

If you complete the online option successfully you do not need to contact the e-Services Help Desk.
Callers need the Letter 5903 and the Unique Security Code found on the letter.

Courtesy of IRS

For more information contact Neikirk, Mahoney and Smith at 502-896-2999

2017 Tax Season

The Internal Revenue Service and partners from the states and tax industry today reminded taxpayers that the nation’s 2017 individual income tax filing season opens Jan. 23.

The IRS expects more than 153 million tax returns to be filed this year and taxpayers have until Tuesday, April 18, 2017, to file their 2016 tax returns and pay any tax due. The deadline is extended because the Emancipation Day, a holiday in Washington, D.C., will be observed on Monday, April 17, pushing the nation’s filing deadline to April 18.

"There are a number of important changes this year involving refunds and tax law changes that we encourage people to keep in mind," said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen. “We encourage taxpayers to plan ahead and take a few minutes to review these changes. As we enter the filing season, taxpayers should know that the dedicated workforce of the IRS and the nation's tax community stand ready to help."

Taxpayers that are e-filing can still submit returns to their software provider before Jan. 23. They will hold the return and transmit it to the IRS when the systems open. The IRS also reminds taxpayers that they don’t have to wait until Jan. 23 to contact their tax professional.

In 2016, the IRS issued 111 million individual tax refunds and expects more than 70 percent of taxpayers to receive a refund in 2017. Also, the IRS reminds taxpayers that a new law requires the IRS to hold refunds claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) until Feb. 15. "We encourage taxpayers to file as they normally would, including returns claiming the EITC or ACTC” Koskinen said. “The IRS and the nation's tax community are committed to making this another smooth filing season."

Courtesy of IRS

For more information contact Niekirk, Mahoney and Smith at 502-896-2999