Identity theft is a serious issue that can have a significant impact on your finances and your peace of mind. If you suspect that someone has fraudulently filed your taxes, it’s important to take action immediately. Here are the steps you should take if you believe you’re a victim of tax-related identity theft: Contact the … Read more
Understanding Tax Obligations for Students Being a full-time student does not automatically exempt you from federal income tax obligations. The factors that determine whether you need to file a tax return include: Income: The amount of earned and unearned income you receive Dependency status: Whether you can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s … Read more
Understanding the Benefits and Drawbacks of Filing as a Dependent or Independent Student As a college student, understanding your tax filing options is crucial to maximize your financial benefits. The decision of whether to claim yourself as a dependent or file as an independent student has significant implications for your tax liability and potential refunds. … Read more
Understanding the Audit Process An audit is a systematic and independent examination of an organization’s financial records and operations to assess their accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established standards. The audit process typically involves four distinct phases: planning, fieldwork, reporting, and follow-up. Phase 1: Planning The planning phase lays the foundation for the entire audit … Read more
Yes, you need your closing statement for your taxes. The closing statement, also known as a settlement statement, is an essential document that outlines the financial details of your home purchase. It contains information that you will need when filing your taxes, including: The purchase price of your home The amount of your mortgage loan … Read more
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has experienced several shutdowns in recent years, including a significant one in 2021. These shutdowns have impacted taxpayers and tax professionals in various ways. 2021 IRS Shutdown The IRS shutdown in 2021 began on December 26, 2021, and lasted until January 16, 2022. During this time, the IRS suspended most … Read more
When you contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by phone, you may be asked to provide certain information to verify your identity. This is an important step to ensure that your personal information is protected and that you are speaking to an authorized IRS representative. Required Information for Identity Verification To verify your identity, the … Read more
Understanding the IRS Audit Process for Child-Related Tax Credits The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) conducts audits to ensure that taxpayers are accurately reporting their income and deductions. This includes verifying the eligibility of claimed dependents, such as children, for tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). Reasons for … Read more
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has the authority to seize and sell assets to satisfy unpaid tax debts. This includes property held in a trust. However, the IRS’s ability to levy on trust assets is limited by certain legal protections, including spendthrift provisions and nominee liability. Spendthrift Provisions Spendthrift provisions are clauses in trust documents … Read more
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has been authorized to distribute stimulus checks to eligible individuals and families as part of the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These checks are intended to provide financial relief during this challenging time. However, some individuals may be concerned about whether the IRS will offset their stimulus checks against … Read more