The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016, enacted Dec. 18, 2015, extends a long list of expired tax provisions into the future. Unlike past extension legislation, Congress extended many provisions permanently. In more traditional fashion, some of the others were extended for five years, and many for two years. The Joint Committee on Taxation estimates that the total cost of the tax provisions in the bill will be $622 billion over 10 years. Without Congress extending these various provisions, millions of Americans were in danger of losing these beneficial tax breaks by 2017.
The Importance Of Form 8332
Divorced taxpayers with children that fail to include an executed Form 8332 with their tax return will lose the exemption for that particular tax year. Form 8332 (Release/Revocation of Release of Claim to Exemption for Child by Custodial Parent) allows parents to do the following.
- Release a claim to exemption for a child so that the noncustodial parent can claim an exemption for the child.
- Revoke a previous release of claim to exemption for a child.
IRS Agents – Who Are These People?
For individuals with delinquent tax debt, thoughts of IRS contact may haunt their daily thoughts. IRS operatives may be lurking, waiting, ready to move in and assert their authority. At least this has often been the public perception, albeit somewhat exaggerated. However, this may be more likely of an occurrence in 2016 as IRS representatives seem to be regularly “visiting” taxpayers at their homes and places of employment! The tax professionals at the Thorgood Law Firm can assist any taxpayer that receives an unexpected visit from IRS personnel. Just who are these representatives and agents of the IRS?
How Long Do I Have To Pay An Offer-In-Compromise?
Taxpayers that qualify may take advantage of the federal “Offer in Compromise” program to resolve and settle their tax problems. The Offer in Compromise (“OIC”) program is not for every taxpayer and the IRS advises that taxpayers explore all other payment options before applying for an OIC. An experienced tax professional is absolutely essential in all steps of the process of formulating, making, and awaiting the IRS to accept, an OIC.
I’m Retired And I Have Tax Debt, What Now? Part 1: Retirement Assets
Taxpayers that retire with unpaid tax debt seemingly face a grim retirement because of the thought that assets reserved and necessary for retirement will be taken by the IRS. Here is the first part of our blog on what retired taxpayers may expect in dealing with the IRS regarding certain assets such as retirement accounts.
How Long Does A Status Of “Currently Not Collectible” Last?
“Currently Not Collectible” (“CNC”) status exists when the IRS categorizes a taxpayer’s account as uncollectible. This status may occur when the ten-year statute of limitations for collecting a tax debt expires or the IRS is unable to locate a taxpayer. It may also occur if a taxpayer maintains that he or she cannot make monthly payments to repay tax debt because such payment is an economic hardship.
Tax Benefits For Disabled Taxpayers
The tax professionals at the Thorgood Law Firm can help any taxpayer pinpoint all of the tax benefits that are applicable to his or her situation or status. The following are some of the tax benefits that may assist disabled taxpayers.
- Credit for the Elderly or Disabled: This credit is generally available to certain taxpayers who are sixty-five (65) and older as well as to certain disabled taxpayers who are younger than sixty-five (65) but are on permanent and total disability.
Top Tax Deductions for Seniors and Retirees
Here are some of the most important tax deductions for seniors and retirees.
- Higher standard deduction.
Any taxpayer that is 65 and older by December 31 of the tax year is entitled to a higher standard deduction. Taxpayers may take the higher standard deduction if a spouse is age 65 or older and together they file a joint return. Also, the higher standard deduction may be taken if the taxpayer files a separate return and can claim an exemption for a spouse because the spouse had no gross income and can’t be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer.
The Most Overlooked Tax Deductions, Part 7
Many taxpayers overlook the long list of deductions that they may take when completing and filing their tax returns. The IRS has estimated that millions of taxpayers overpay their taxes each year mainly because they fail to avail themselves of all of the possible deductions. Here is the seventh part of our multi-part series of blogs on the most overlooked tax deductions:
BUSINESS EXPENSES AS DEDUCTIONS
Bonus Depreciation
When it comes to acquiring new equipment for an enterprise, business owners must regularly stay updated on all current, pertinent tax rules and regulations, which constantly change. The tax professionals at the Thorgood Law Firm can help ensure that all taxpayers take advantage of any and all deductions that may apply to them.
The Most Overlooked Tax Deductions, Part 6
Many taxpayers overlook the long list of deductions that they may take when completing and filing their tax returns. The IRS has estimated that millions of taxpayers overpay their taxes each year mainly because they fail to avail themselves of all of the possible deductions. The tax professionals at the Thorgood Law Firm can help ensure that all taxpayers take advantage of any and all deductions that may apply to them. Here is the sixth part of our multi-part series of blogs on the most overlooked tax deductions:
COLLEGE TUITION & LOAN DEDUCTIONS
The American Opportunity Credit