IRS Tax Tips

The IRS Mission: Provide America's taxpayers top quality service by helping them understand and meet their tax responsibilities and by applying the tax law with integrity and fairness to all.

This mission statement describes our role and the public’s expectation about how we should perform that role.

In the United States, the Congress passes tax laws and requires taxpayers to comply.
The taxpayer’s role is to understand and meet his or her tax obligations.
The IRS role is to help the large majority of compliant taxpayers with the tax law, while ensuring that the minority who are unwilling to comply pay their fair share.

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TT-2008-01: SEVEN WAYS TO GET A JUMP START ON YOUR TAXES

Earlier is better when it comes to working on your taxes. Taxpayers are encouraged to get a head start on tax preparation, especially since early filers avoid the last minute rush and get their refunds sooner.

Here are seven easy ways to get a good jump on your taxes long before the April deadline is here:

Gather your records in advance. Make sure you have all the records you need, including W-2s and 1099s. Don’t forget to save a copy for your files.
Get the right forms. They’re available around the clock on the IRS Web site, IRS.gov.
Take your time. Don’t forget to leave room for a coffee break when filling out your tax return as rushing can mean making a mistake.
Double-check your math and verify all Social Security numbers. These are among the most common errors found on tax returns. Taking care will reduce your chance of hearing from the IRS and speed up your refund.
E-filing is easy. E-filing catches math errors and provides confirmation your return has been received and gives you a faster refund.
Get the fastest refund. When you e-file file early, you receive your refund faster. When you choose direct deposit, you receive your refund sooner than waiting for a check.
Don’t panic. If you have a problem or a question, remember the IRS is there to help. Try the IRS Web site at IRS.gov or call the IRS customer service number at 800-829-1040.

Are you concerned that your efforts to get ready early may be affected by the Alternative Minimum Tax legislation passed by Congress in December? Most individuals will not be impacted, so it is still a good idea to get an early start on your preparations. Even if you are filing one of five forms affected by the recent legislation, the IRS expects to be ready for your return by February 11. You can review a list of the impacted forms and find out the latest news about when the IRS will be ready for your return at IRS.gov.

TT-2008-02: SHOULD YOU FILE A TAX RETURN?

You must file a tax return if your income is above a certain level. The amount varies depending on filing status, age and the type of income you receive.

For example, a married couple both under age 65 generally is not required to file until their joint income reaches $17,500. However self-employed individuals generally must file a tax return if their net income from self employment was at least $400.

Check the “individuals” section of the IRS Web site at IRS.gov or consult the instructions for form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ for specific details that may affect your need to file a tax return with IRS this year.

Even if you do not have to file, you should file to get money back if Federal Income Tax was withheld from your pay, or you qualify for a refundable credit that may give you a refund even if you do not owe any tax. Refundable credits include:

Earned Income Tax Credit. The Earned Income Tax Credit is a federal income tax credit for eligible low-income workers. The credit reduces the amount of tax an individual owes, and may be returned in the form of a refund.
Additional Child Tax Credit. This credit may be available to you if you have at least one qualifying child and you did not use the full amount of your Child Tax Credit
Health Coverage Tax Credit. Limited to certain individuals who are receiving certain Trade Adjustment Assistance, Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance, or pension benefit payments from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

For more information about filing requirements and your eligibility to receive tax credits, visit the IRS Web site at IRS.gov.

TT-2008-03: CHOOSE YOUR CORRECT FILING STATUS

Your federal tax filing status is based on your marital and family situation. It is an important factor in determining whether you must file a return, your standard deduction and your correct amount of tax.

Your marital status on the last day of the year determines your status for the entire year. If more than one filing status applies to you, you may choose the one that gives you the lowest tax obligation.

There are five filing status options:

Single. Generally, if you are unmarried, divorced or legally separated according to your state law, your filing status is Single.
Married Filing Jointly. If you are married, you and your spouse may file a joint return. If your spouse died during the year and you did not remarry, you may still file a joint return with that spouse for the year of death.
Married Filing Separately. Married taxpayers may elect to file separate returns.
Head of Household. You generally must be unmarried and you must have paid more than half the cost of maintaining a home for you and a qualifying person.
Qualifying Widow(er) with Dependent Child. If your spouse died during 2005 or 2006, you have a qualifying child and meet certain other conditions; you may be able to choose this filing status.

For more information about filing status see publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information available on the IRS website at IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAXFORM (800-829-3676).

TT-2008-04: WILL THE AMT DELAY YOUR REFUND?

This year, some early filers may have to wait a few extra weeks for their refunds. The delay is due to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) legislation enacted in December.

Most tax filers will not be affected by the AMT legislation. The delays in processing and refunds will be experienced only by those who include any of the following five forms with their 2007 individual income tax return:

Form 8863, Education Credits.
Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits.
Schedule 2 (Form 1040A), Child and Dependent Care Expenses for Form 1040A Filers.
Form 8396, Mortgage Interest Credit.
Form 8859, District of Columbia First-Time Homebuyer Credit

If you are filing using one of the five affected forms you won’t be able to send your return to the IRS for a few weeks until the IRS computers are reprogrammed for the late tax law change. The IRS expects to be ready for these returns by February 11.

Even if you are affected, you should remember that it is always a good idea to start working on your tax return sooner rather than later.

Filing electronically is the best option for everyone, including people impacted by the AMT changes. Whether or not your return claims an AMT related credit, filing electronically results in faster refunds and fewer errors. When you e-file combined with direct deposit you can expect your refund in as little as 10 days. Refunds from paper returns typically take four to six weeks.

For the latest information on the AMT, e-file, direct deposit and other tax matters visit the IRS website at IRS.gov.

TT-2008-05: CHOOSE THE SIMPLEST FEDERAL TAX FORM FOR YOUR NEEDS

The three forms used for filing individual federal income tax returns are Form 1040EZ, Form 1040A and Form 1040. If you are filing a federal income tax return on paper, use the simplest form you can. Using the simplest allowable form will reduce the chance of an error that may cost you money or delay the processing of your return.

1040EZ You may qualify to use Form 1040EZ, the simplest form, if:

Your taxable income is below $100,000
Your filing status is Single or Married Filing Jointly
You (and spouse) are under age 65 and not blind
You are not claiming any dependents
Your interest income is $1,500 or less

1040A You may be able to use Form 1040A if:

Your taxable income is below $100,000
You have capital gain distributions
You claim certain tax credits
You claim deductions for IRA contributions, student loan interest, educator expenses or higher education tuition and fees

1040 If you cannot use either a 1040EZ or 1040A, you probably need to use Form 1040. You must file form 1040 if:

Your taxable income is $100,000 or more
You claim itemized deductions
You are reporting self-employment income
You are reporting income from sale of property

Choosing the correct tax form could mean money in your pocket. Check your tax instructions carefully. Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax, is a helpful guide to preparing your federal tax forms. It is available on the IRS Web site at IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

TT-2008-06: SHOULD I ITEMIZE?

Whether to itemize deductions on your tax return depends on how much you spent on certain expenses last year. Money paid for medical care, mortgage interest, taxes, charitable contributions, casualty losses and miscellaneous deductions can reduce your taxes. If the total amount spent on those categories is more than the standard deduction, you can usually benefit by itemizing.

The standard deduction amounts are based on your filing status and are subject to inflation adjustments each year. For 2007, they are:

Single $5,350

Married Filing Jointly $10,700

Head of Household $7,850

Married Filing Separately $5,350

• Some taxpayers have different standard deductions. The standard deduction is more for taxpayers age 65 or older and for those who are blind. It is generally less for those who can be claimed as a dependent on some other taxpayer’s return.

• Limited itemized deductions. Your itemized deductions may be limited if your adjusted gross income is more than $156,400 or $78,200 for Married Filing Separately. This limit applies to all itemized deductions except medical and dental expenses, casualty and theft losses, gambling losses, and investment interest.

• Married Filing Separately. When a married couple files separate returns and one spouse itemizes deductions, the other spouse must also itemize and cannot claim the standard deduction.

• Some taxpayers are not eligible for the standard deduction. They include nonresident aliens, dual-status aliens, and individuals who file returns for periods of less than 12 months.

• Forms to use. To itemize your deductions, use Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, and Schedule A, Itemized Deductions.

TT-2008-07: ADVICE FOR CHOOSING A TAX RETURN PREPARER

Taxpayers who pay someone to do their taxes should choose a preparer wisely. If you choose to use a paid tax preparer, it is important that you find a qualified tax professional. Taxpayers are ultimately responsible for everything on their return even when it’s prepared by someone else

The most reputable preparers will request to see your records and receipts and will ask you multiple questions to determine your total income and your qualifications for expenses, deductions, and other items. By doing so, they have your best interest in mind and are trying to help you avoid penalties, interest, or additional taxes that could result from later IRS contacts.

While most tax return preparers are professional and honest, taxpayers can use the following tips to choose a preparer who will offer the best service for their tax preparation needs.

• Ask about service fees. Avoid preparers who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers, or those who guarantee a refund or base fees on a percentage of the amount of the refund.

• Plan Ahead. Choose a preparer you will be able to contact after the return is filed and one who will be responsive to your needs.

• Get References. Ask questions and get references from clients who have used the tax professional before. Were they satisfied with the service received?

• Research. Check to see if the preparer has any questionable history with the Better Business Bureau, the state’s board of accountancy for CPAs or the state’s bar association for attorneys. Find out if the preparer belongs to a professional organization that requires its members to pursue continuing education and also holds them accountable to a code of ethics.

• Determine if the preparer’s credentials meet your needs. Does your state have licensing or registration requirements for paid preparers? Is he or she an Enrolled Agent, Certified Public Accountant, or Attorney? If so, the preparer can represent taxpayers before the IRS on all matters – including audits, collections, and appeals. Other return preparers can represent taxpayers only in audits regarding a return signed as a preparer.

You can report suspected tax fraud and abusive tax preparers to the IRS on Form 3949-A, Information Referral or by sending a letter to Internal Revenue Service, Fresno, CA 93888. Download Form 3949-A from IRS.gov or order by mail at 800-829-3676.

TT-2008-08: KEEPING GOOD RECORDS

You can avoid headaches at tax time by keeping track of your receipts and other records throughout the year. Good recordkeeping will help you remember the various transactions you made during the year, which in turn may make filing your return a less taxing experience.

Records help you document the deductions you’ve claimed on your return. You’ll need this documentation should the IRS select your return for examination. Normally, tax records should be kept for three years, but some documents — such as records relating to a home purchase or sale, stock transactions, IRA and business or rental property — should be kept longer.

In most cases, the IRS does not require you to keep records in any special manner. Generally speaking, however, you should keep any and all documents that may have an impact on your federal tax return:

Bills
Credit card and other receipts
Invoices
Mileage logs
Canceled, imaged or substitute checks or any other proof of payment
Any other records to support deductions or credits you claim on your return.

Good recordkeeping throughout the year saves you time and effort at tax time when organizing and completing your return. If you hire a paid professional to complete your return, the records you have kept will assist the preparer in quickly and accurately completing your return.

For more information on what kinds of records to keep, see IRS Publication 552, Recordkeeping for Individuals, which is available on IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

TT-2008-09: 1040 CENTRAL — ONE CLICK AWAY

Don’t wait in line, go on-line. The IRS Web site is a great resource for answers to tax questions that arise during the filing season. Access 1040 Central at IRS.gov under the “Individuals” tab and discover user-friendly tools that will make completing your 2007 tax return quick and easy.

No matter which form you use, 1040 Central has the links you’ll need to file your tax year 2007 federal income tax return:

Tax law changes. 1040 Central highlights changes in the tax law that directly affect taxpayers.
Current News. Access the latest IRS News Releases, Tax Tips and customer alerts.
Alternative Minimum Tax. Tax season will start on time for everyone except certain taxpayers affected by the Alternative Minimum Tax legislation, known as the AMT Patch, that was enacted late last year. 1040 Central has a link to check how AMT might affect your return.
Answers to important questions. 1040 Central includes Frequently Asked Questions on a broad range of tax issues.
Forms and Publications. 1040 Central also has links to all the tax forms, instructions and publications you may need.
Filing Options. 1040 Central links you to information about IRS e-file and Free File. Join the millions of people who already file their tax returns electronically. IRS e-file is the most accurate way to file, the fastest way to get your refund and get your taxes where you want them – done!
See the latest tax Fraud Alerts. Don't be taken in by scam artists. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Learn how to recognize a “phishing” e-mail and what to do if you receive one.
Check on your refund. Track your refund by clicking on the “Where’s My Refund?” link on 1040 Central.
Details about important tax credits. Find information about special tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Saver’s Credit.

TT-2008-10: IRS HAS FREE PUBLICATIONS ON EVERY TOPIC YOU NEED

The IRS has free publications to answer just about any tax question you have. Publications on a variety of tax-related topics are available by phone or the Internet at IRS.gov. From students to seniors, first-time home buyers to landlords…everyone can find useful information in IRS forms and publications.

To find what you’re looking for, follow any one of these easy steps:

Access the IRS Web site. Click on the Forms and Publications resource page to find what you need. There’s a search feature you can use if you know the topic but not the number of the form or publication.
Read Publication 910. The Guide to Free Tax Services identifies the many IRS tax materials and services available. You’ll also find information about accessing tax materials, filing options, tax publications, tax education and assistance programs.
Call Toll-free. If you know the name or number of the form or publication you need, call the toll-free Forms and Publications telephone line at 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676) to place your order.

If you still can’t find the information you need, visit IRS.gov or call the IRS toll-free customer service line at 800-829-1040.

TT-2008-11: IRS PUBLICATION 17 - NOW EASIER TO NAVIGATE ONLINE

Are you facing a lot of different tax questions this year? IRS experts have pulled together an overview of common tax issues in one convenient place — Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax. This updated publication, available on the IRS Web site, IRS.gov, contains a vast array of helpful information for individual taxpayers.

This year the IRS has added new features to assist taxpayers to more easily navigate this widely-used publication. The on-line version of Publication 17 now contains electronic links for greater ease of use. Both the downloadable PDF and on-line HTML 2007 Publication 17 have over 800 hyperlinks. These hyperlinks allow users to immediately go to other parts of the publication, reducing the time it takes to access key information.

From stock sales to student loans, this nearly 300-page publication holds the answers to many of your questions:

Need help deciphering the mysteries of the Roth IRA? Try Chapter 17 for Individual Retirement Arrangements.
Do you have a new child in the house? See Chapter 34 for the Child Tax Credit.
Are you selling stock for the first time? Check Chapter 16 for reporting capital gains. If you’re unloading losers, reporting capital losses is there, too.
Do you need to report the profit on your home sale? See Chapter 15 for some good news. Generally, if you qualify you only need to report the sale of your home if your gain is more than $250,000 ($500,000 if married filing a joint return).

And the best part about Publication 17? It’s free. To get a copy, visit the IRS Web site at IRS.gov or call 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

TT-2008-12: TAX INFORMATION AVAILABLE IN SPANISH INFORMACIÓN TRIBUTARIA EN ESPAÑOL

If you need federal tax information, the IRS provides free Spanish language products and services. Pages on the Internal Revenue Service’s Web site, pre-recorded tax topics, refund information, tax publications and toll-free telephone assistance are all available in the Spanish language.

The Spanish language page (El IRS en Español) on the IRS Web site is located at IRS.gov/espanol. You will find links to tax related information like forms and publications, warnings about tax scams that victimize taxpayers, information on the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, various other tax credits, and more.
TeleTax is a toll-free, automated telephone service available in English and Spanish. TeleTax provides helpful pre-recorded tax topic messages and refund information. You can find a list of over 150 TeleTax topics in the instructions for Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ. TeleTax can also help if at least four weeks have passed since you filed your tax return and you want to check on the status of your federal refund. Having a copy of the tax return handy will help you respond to the prompts on the automated system. TeleTax is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-829-4477.
Spanish Publications are available by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676) or on the IRS Web site, IRS.gov.
Toll-Free Telephone Assistance is available from Spanish-speaking IRS representatives by calling the IRS customer service line at 800-829-1040.

TT-2008-13: HOW TO GET A COPY OF YOUR TAX RETURN INFORMATION

There are two easy and convenient options for obtaining copies of your federal tax return information — tax return transcripts and tax account transcripts — by phone or by mail.

A tax return transcript shows most line items from the tax return (Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ) as it was originally filed, including any accompanying forms and schedules. It does not reflect any changes you, your representative or the IRS made after the return was filed. In many cases, a return transcript will meet the requirements of lending institutions such as those offering mortgages and student loans. You should receive your tax return transcript within 10 working days from the time the IRS receives your request.

A tax account transcript shows any later adjustments either you or the IRS made after the tax return was filed. This transcript shows basic data, including marital status, type of return filed, adjusted gross income and taxable income. The IRS does not charge a fee for transcripts, which are available for the current and three prior calendar years. Allow 30 calendar days for delivery of a tax account transcript.

To request either transcript:

Phone: Call 800-829-1040 and follow the prompts in the recorded message
Mail: Complete IRS Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return. If you need a photocopy of a previously processed tax return and attachments, complete Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Form, and mail it to the IRS address listed on the form for your area. There is a fee of $39.00 for each tax period requested. Copies are generally available for the current and past 6 years.

Forms 4506-T and 4506 can be found on the IRS Web site at IRS.gov or by calling the IRS forms and publications order line at 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

TT-2008-14: QUICK AND EASY ACCESS TO IRS FORMS AND PUBLICATIONS

The Internal Revenue Service has many forms and free publications on a wide variety of topics to help you understand and meet tax filing requirements. If you need IRS materials try one of these easy options:

Internet: You can access forms and publications on the IRS website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at IRS.gov.
Phone: Call 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676) to order current year forms, instructions and publications and prior year forms and instructions. You should receive your order within 10 days.
Walk-in: During the tax-filing season, many libraries and post offices offer free tax forms to taxpayers. Some libraries also have copies of commonly-requested publications. Braille materials may also be available. Many large grocery stores, copy centers, and office supply stores have forms you can photocopy or print from a CD.
Mail: Send your order for tax forms and publications to National Distribution Center, P.O. Box 8903, Bloomington, IL 61702-8903. You should receive your products within 10 days after we receive your order.

You may be concerned about whether the forms you file are affected by the Alternative Minimum Tax legislation passed by Congress in late December. You can download the updated forms and get the latest news about when the IRS will be ready for your return at IRS.gov.

TT-2008-15: GIFT TAXES

If you gave any one person gifts in 2007 that are valued at more than $12,000, you must report the total gifts to the Internal Revenue Service and may have to pay tax on the gifts. The person who receives your gift does not have to report the gift to the IRS or pay gift or income tax on its value.

Gifts include money and property, including the use of property without expecting to receive something of equal value in return. If you sell something at less than its value or make an interest-free or reduced-interest loan, you may be making a gift.

There are some exceptions to the tax rules on gifts. The following gifts generally are not taxable and do not count against the annual limit:

Tuition or Medical Expenses that you pay directly to an educational or medical institution for someone's benefit
Gifts to your Spouse
Gifts to a Political Organization for its use
Gifts to Charities

If you are married, both you and your spouse can give separate gifts of up to the annual limit of $12,000 to the same person without making a taxable gift.

Alternatively, with consent from your spouse, you can make a gift of up to $24,000 ($12,000 x 2) to the same person without making a taxable gift. This is commonly known as splitting gifts between spouses. Essentially, it means a gift by you or your spouse to a third person can be considered as made one-half by each of you provided there is consent by both spouses.

For more information, get the IRS Publication 950, Introduction to Estate and Gift Taxes, IRS Form 709, United States Gift Tax Return, and Instructions for Form 709. They are available at the IRS Web site at IRS.gov in the Forms and Publications section or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

TT-2008-16: MOVING SOON? LET THE IRS KNOW

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