From time to time issues related to taxes arise that are interesting, informative or humorous that is not directly related to the preparation of a tax return but are related issues associated with federal taxation. Passports Could Be Revoked for Delinquent Taxpayers – The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved a provision added to a highway transportation bill that would revoke … [Read more...] about Tax Tidbits
Personal Tax
Are You an Employee or an Independent Contractor?
The distinction has significant implications for both the employer and the employee. Employers like to treat individuals as independent contractors because they avoid having to match the employees’ payroll tax, pay benefits, pay unemployment insurance, etc. This results in a significant savings for employers. When you are an employee, the employer pays you a net amount after … [Read more...] about Are You an Employee or an Independent Contractor?
Can’t Pay Your Taxes by the April Due Date?
The vast majority of Americans get a tax refund from the IRS each spring, but what if you are one of those who end up owing? The IRS encourages you to pay the full amount of your tax liability on time by imposing significant penalties and interest on late payments if you don’t. So if you are unable to pay the tax you owe, it is generally in your best interest to make other … [Read more...] about Can’t Pay Your Taxes by the April Due Date?
Individual Estimated Tax Payments for 2012 Start Soon
Our tax system is a “pay-as-you-go” system, and if your pre-paid amount is not enough, you become liable for non-deductible interest penalties. To facilitate that concept, the government has provided several means of assisting taxpayers in meeting the “pay-as-you-go” requirement. The primary among these include: Payroll withholding for employees; Pension withholding for … [Read more...] about Individual Estimated Tax Payments for 2012 Start Soon
Penalty Relief for Financially Distressed Taxpayers
The IRS has new penalty relief for the unemployed and certain self-employed individuals on failure-to-pay penalties, which are one of the biggest factors a financially distressed taxpayer faces on a tax bill. To assist those most in need, a six-month grace period on failure-to-pay penalties will be made available to certain wage earners and self-employed individuals. The … [Read more...] about Penalty Relief for Financially Distressed Taxpayers