Tax Season 2023 has already started, and the deadline is Apr 18, 2023, for the 2022 tax filing.  While preparing tax returns, taxpayers are expected to have completed all relevant and important paperwork in hand.  This aids in the accuracy of tax filing.  There are chances of errors and omissions in the tax filing which results in the delayed filing as well as delayed tax refunds.  A tax preparation checklist will keep you organized and help you feel less stressed when it’s time to file your taxes.  There are multiple benefits if you engage a Certified Tax Professional as well.

Benefits of Engaging a Certified Tax Professional

Numerous credits, exemptions, and deductions can significantly reduce your tax obligation.  It is good to hire a tax professional who goes through such minute details and prepares the tax return to reduce obligation in compliance with IRS rules.  Such tax professionals will thoroughly examine the tax details,  and at the same time, the tax professional will take all care to avoid the burden of an IRS audit at a later stage.  If you own a business or have a complicated personal tax return, engaging a tax professional is especially advantageous. Here are a few advantages of engaging tax professionals.

• Helps to develop a Tax Strategy
• Knows how to represent clients for tax audits.
• Knows how to make a report taking into account the audit.
• Reduce errors.

Tax Filing Modes

Whether you’re an individual or a business owner, you need to pay taxes under every head of income received.  IRS recommends filing taxes electronically to get accurate filing and faster refunds.  Two ways to transmit tax returns electronically are:

• By personal computer with online filing using tax prep software
• Through an e-file provider or tax professional who is an electronic return originator (ERO).
• Use IRS Free File or Fillable Forms for individuals with an adjusted gross income is $73,000 or less.
• Use a Free Tax Return Preparation website for Qualifying Taxpayers

Basic Documents Required to File Your Tax

• Personal Information includes your name, Social Security Card and number, Date of Birth, Home address, copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns, Bank Account number, and routing number to receive your refund by direct deposit.
• Dependent Information is needed when you claim someone is dependent on you. You need the dependent’s name, Social Security Number, and Date of Birth.
• Sources of Income include several different forms documenting the income you received in 2022. Some common ones include:
• W2s from your employer
• 1099-G for unemployment income and state and local tax refunds.
• 1099-R and SSA-1099 for retirement plan distributions and Social Security benefits.
• Records of any transition involving cryptocurrency
• Self-Employment and Business include the documents showing income earned as an independent contractor, record of all business income and expenses, documentation of home expenses, and records of business assets to be depreciated along with date and cost placed in service.
• Deductions lower your taxable income and increase your refund or decrease the amount of tax you owe. If you itemize deductions, you need information on medical expenses, premium paid for long-term insurance, real estate taxes, tax paid with your vehicle registration, documentation of casualty loss, and charitable donations.
• Tax Credits show expenses for higher education, Child Care costs, Adoption costs, and purchase of Health Insurance.
• Estimated Tax Payments are when you are self-employed and earn money that doesn’t have federal and state income tax withheld; you may have to make estimated tax payments. It includes estimated payments made during the year, prior year refunds applied to the current year, and any amounts paid with an extension.
• Proof of Losses is various financial losses faced that can be deductible. It may be stocks or other investments or records of any non-business bad debts that are not collectible.

IRS Audit Group is a Tax Audit Representation Firm located in Los Angeles, California.  Irrespective of the location, our tax audit experts help clients across the country by representing them during IRS audits.  With 15 years of experience in the industry, we do not outsource our services.  A dedicated tax professional will be engaged with you from the beginning till resolving the case.  Please contact us for further queries https://irsauditgroup.com/contact/

(888) 300-6670

Emergency Number: (310) 498-7508

[email protected]

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will begin accepting tax filings on January 23, 2023. This time IRS has hired more employees to help the taxpayers for a seamless experience. Taxpayers can contact IRS customer representatives through telephone and online tools as given in this link. People can also visit the IRS official website to check on the basic question under the FAQ section before contacting the customer representative team.

IRS Free Service Programs

IRS has various free services to help taxpayers with tax filing.

• The IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counselling for the Elderly programs are few that offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. Eligibility for the same can be checked on the above links.
• IRS Free File Program also opened on Jan 13, 2023. The service providers in this program will accept completed returns and file them electronically once it is open on Jan 23. This free file program is available only for taxpayers with AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) of $73,000 or less in 2022.
• For people in the service like the military community, the department of defense provides a free tax resource called MilTax. It includes software for tax preparation and electronic filing. It offers individualized assistance from tax advisers and up-to-date tax filing information. With MilTax, qualified taxpayers can file a federal tax return and up to three state taxes electronically for free.

Many software providers and tax professionals are already preparing taxpayers’ returns and will file them once the window is open. Therefore, IRS advises taxpayers to choose their tax professionals wisely. There are various types of tax return preparers, including enrolled agents, certified public accountants, tax attorneys, and others who don’t have professional credentials. It has even provided guidelines on selecting tax preparers through this link.

Importance of IRS Tax Credits

The IRS recommends individuals and tax professionals review their tax situations, so they don’t miss out on important tax credits like Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). IRS even set an awareness day on Jan 27, 2023, to make them understand the benefits of the EITC program. EITC helps low- and moderate-income workers and families.

Information on IRS Refunds

Taxpayers are advised to collect and submit accurate information for error-free returns filing. This will avoid delays in processing refunds if any. If taxpayers choose direct deposit and there are no issues with their tax return, then IRS expects that most taxpayers will get their refund within 21 days of filing electronically. But taxpayers with EITC and ACTC will receive their refunds in mid-February due to processing time in identifying fraudulent refunds under the 2015 PATH Act. Taxpayers can check their refund status through Where’s My Refund? Link. This link will show an updated status by February 18, 2023, for early EITC/ACTC filers. Further, individuals can securely log in to their IRS Online Account to access personal tax account information, such as the balance, payments made, and tax records, including adjusted gross income.

National Due Date to File a 2022 Tax Return

This year the due date for tax season 2023 will be April 18, instead of April 15, unlike last year. Weekends and the District of Columbia’s Emancipation Day holiday affect the deadline, and thus the extension is given for the individuals. The taxpayers also need to file for an extension before Apr 18, if they need time to file the tax returns. Taxpayers requesting an extension will have until Monday, October 16, 2023, to file.

Key Deadlines to Remember

IRS Audit Group

IRS Audit Group consists of tax professionals, CPAs, enrolled agents, and tax attorneys. We are located in Los Angeles; California and our primary area of expertise is IRS Tax Audit Representation. But our certified professionals cooperate and work with all IRS offices across the country. Please contact us for more information. https://irsauditgroup.com/contact/

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The Section 501(c)(3) Internal Revenue Code specifies that any Tax-exempt organizations need to be organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes. Also, it needs to ensure that none of its earnings inure to any private shareholder or individual.  In this context, the private inurement means that the assets of the organization must not be used to benefit a single person excessively.

Here are a few types of Exempt Organizations.

• Charitable Organizations
• Churches and Religious Organizations
• Private Foundations
• Political Organizations
• Other Non-profits

  The IRS requires most tax-exempt organizations to file annual tax returns. Even though most tax-exempt non-profit organizations do not pay federal taxes, these entities are required to file an informational return with the IRS.  Hence, such entities need to file their IRS return for this tax season 2022.

 The annual reporting return for tax-exempt organizations is referred to as a Form 990. Most of the tax-exempt organizations need to file an annual return, and it can be done electronically. The financial activity of an organization determines which form it must file, as shown in the chart below.

 The deadline for the tax season 2022 has been fixed as May 16 to file IRS return by the tax-exempt organizations. Taxpayers who need more time to file beyond the May 16 deadline can request Form 8868 which is the Application for Extension of Time to File an Exempt Organization Return. This form will provide a 6-month automatic extension. Extending the time to file a return does not extend the deadline to pay tax in circumstances where tax is payable. Organizations requesting an extension are encouraged to complete Form 8868 electronically, according to the IRS.

Extended Support From IRS

IRS helps taxpayers, board members, volunteers, and officers in filling returns to comply with their tax filing obligations. Therefore, it lists few modernized e-File (MeF) providers who have passed the IRS Assurance Testing System (ATS) requirements for Software Developers of electronic Exempt Organizations. The list of such service providers can be found using the below IRS webpage

https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/tax-year-2021-exempt-organizations-modernized-e-file-mef-providers

IRS Audit Group is a Tax Audit Representation firm in Los Angeles, California. We are a team of tax attorneys having hands-on experience in dealing with IRS audit process. We help you file your tax return for 2022 complying with all obligations and represent you on IRS audit. Contact us to get free consultation to understand your issues. https://irsauditgroup.com/contact/

Toll Free: (888) 300-6670

Emergency Number: (310) 498-7508

Email address: [email protected]

Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF) is an investment vehicle formed as a company or partnership with the goal of investing in property within Qualified Opportunity Zones. This program was formed per the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to provide a tax incentive for private, long-term investment in economically distressed communities. There are thousands of low-income communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories that are designated as Qualified Opportunity Zones. Taxpayers can invest in these zones through Qualified Opportunity Funds. This type of opportunity funds assists taxpayers in giving tax advantages and rewards to investors.

Certain types of businesses cannot be included in opportunity funds, even if it falls within opportunity zones. Following are types of business which are not included in opportunity funds.

• Golf courses
• Country clubs
• Massage parlors
• Hot tub facilities
• Suntan facilities
• Racetracks or other facilities used for gambling
• Liquor stores

Eligibility Criteria

To certify and maintain a Qualified Opportunity Fund, an entity must:

• Be a partnership, corporation, or LLC that is treated as a partnership or corporation, and it must have filed a federal income tax return;
• Be organized for the purpose of investing in Qualified Opportunity Zone property under the laws in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, a U.S. possession, or a federally recognized Indian tribal government: and
• Hold 90% of its assets in Qualified Opportunity Zone property.

IRS Form Required to Certify as a Qualified Opportunity Fund

The entity must file Form 8996, QOF, with the qualifying partnership or corporation’s federal tax return each year to attest and retain its status as a Qualified Opportunity Fund. The entity must file Form 8996 by the due date for 2022 tax return (including extensions).

Form 8996 is used to:

• Certify the corporation or partnership is organized to invest in Qualified Opportunity Zone property.
• Report that it meets the 90% investment standard of section 1400Z-2.
• Figure the penalty if it fails to meet the 90% investment standard.

Benefits to the Taxpayers

The QOF basically provides tax deferral to the capital gains if the taxpayer elects to do so. The basis in the QOF investment becomes zero when one elect to defer the gain. The longer the investment in the QOF, the higher the basis grows. The tax benefit received is determined by the length of time one retains the Qualified Opportunity Fund investment. For instance

• After five years, a taxpayer who defers gains through a Qualified Opportunity Fund investment obtains a 10% step-up in tax basis
• It will be followed by another 5% step-up after seven years. Note that the taxpayer must have invested before December 31, 2019, to receive the entire 15% step-up in tax base. The taxpayer will have held the investment in the fund for seven years when the tax is triggered at the end of 2026, thereby qualifying for the 15% increase in tax basis.
• If the taxpayer holds the investment in the QOF for at least 10 years, then such taxpayer may be able to permanently exclude gain resulting from a qualifying investment when it is sold or exchanged.

A team of tax attorneys from IRS Audit Groups helps taxpayers in filling their IRS return for 2022. We are certified tax lawyers who represent taxpayers during any IRS audit. We can resolve common tax problems to complex audit sessions to help comply our clients. Get free consultation by calling or filling the enquiry from our website below

https://irsauditgroup.com/contact/

Toll Free: (888) 300-6670

Emergency Number: (310) 498-7508

Email address: [email protected]

As the Tax season for 2021 is nearing, it is good to have a basic understanding of the recent adjustments in tax structure, exemptions, and credits.  Such info will help taxpayers to plan and file tax returns in time.  Every year, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) updates tax rates, rebates and thresholds that are adjusted with the annual inflation. On Nov. 10, 2021, the IRS announced inflation adjustments for 2022 affecting standard deductions, tax brackets, and more.

Thus, the Tax Filing Year 2022 got many updates that are listed in detail by IRS in this document. It is important to discuss a few such changes that need spotlight among every taxpayers which are listed below.

1. Child Credit on Monthly Basis

Child Tax Credit provides financial benefits to those with qualifying kids. For those Tax Years before 2021, the IRS allowed claim up to $2,000 per child under the age of 17 in Tax Filing.  However, during the Tax Year 2021, the following changes were done.

• Child tax credit amount has increased up to $3,600 per child under 6
• Child tax credit amount has increased up to $3,000 per child ages 6 to 17
• Child tax credit is now fully refundable.
• Child tax credit has been converted to monthly payment

As the COVID-19 has negatively impacted the country’s economy and the taxpayers, the IRS provided 50% of the child tax credit as advance monthly payments during the period July to December 2021. Tax filers may need to repay if they received more than the eligible pay.  Similarly, those who received lesser credit can file and claim back. Thus, the expanded child tax credit payments could impact many families’ tax refunds. For more specific details, please be guided by the IRS government portal

https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021

2. Recovery Rebate Tax Credit

Recovery Rebate Tax Credit or Stimulus Payment is another benefit in case you haven’t received the third economic impact payment while preparing Tax Filing. Those who lost jobs or whose income drastically decreased in 2021 can now claim the Recovery Rebate Tax Credit. Here are the eligibility criteria to receive the economic impact payment.

• You’re not dependent of a taxpayer
• Your adjusted gross income (AGI) can’t exceed:
• $150,000 for married filing jointly
• $112,500 for heads of household
• $75,000 for single filers

One must file 2021 Tax Return to receive the Recovery Rebate Tax Credit even if not done Tax Filing or any tax return in the past. You can use any one of IRS’ Free File Providers from the list given.

Note: You must have AGI of less than $73,000 to use the IRS’ free file program.

Learn more from IRS official website below

https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center

3. Claim Charitable Donations

For the Tax Year 2021 Tax filing, the claims on Charitable Donations are changed with the increase in tax deductions. Taxpayers both individuals who itemized and those who do not itemize can avail such benefits of these deductions while filing the return.  Now, the tax filers can deduct up to $300 for cash donations to qualifying charities (up to $600 combined for married filers) whether you itemize or take the standard deduction for 2021.

Those who claim charitable contributions as itemized deductions can claim cash contributions made to qualifying organizations up to 100% of their adjusted gross income (AGI) for the 2021 tax year only. Such deductions used to be limited to 60% of the taxpayer’s AGI. More specific info can be found at https://www.irs.gov/about-irs/the-irs-encourages-taxpayers-to-consider-charitable-contributions

IRS Audit Group continues to monitor the tax provision updates every year and highlights important changes that benefit the taxpayers in Tax Filing. We are certified tax lawyers having immense experience in state and federal tax laws. Get a free consultation with us to understand your tax problems and help you deal with IRS on this upcoming Tax season 2022. Contact us (888) 300-6670 (or) [email protected]

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you didn’t file your tax return? Well … You basically lose your refund (if you pass the three year tax deadline date) which for some people can be a significant loss. Also, you put yourself at risk of having the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) file for you.

Don’t wait on the IRS to file your taxes on your behalf. Let IRS Audit Group file your taxes in full compliance with the IRS. We will collect all the information from tax authorities, review it with you and file your tax return.

According to the IRS, substitute for return (SFR) and delinquent return procedures were developed to deal with taxpayers who do not file required tax returns. They use this to assess the correct tax liability by either:

1. Securing a valid voluntary tax return from the taxpayer (delinquent return), or
2. If securing a return is not possible, computing tax, interest, and penalties based upon information submitted by payers, or based on other available information (SFR).

If the IRS files a return, it will be based on the information they have available through existing records and it is usually done automatically. The downfall to this is that whether you were married filing jointly, had dependents you could claim for that year or whether you had any deductions are not taken into consideration. You’d sacrifice any of the credits that could lower your taxes and may end up owing substantially more taxes based on the SFR than if you filed your own tax return.

This triggers the snowball effect: If you fail to pay the taxes the IRS has assessed against you, the IRS will begin collection proceedings to collect the taxes. Which could include issuing levies against your bank account or wages and filing liens against your property.

Don’t face the risk of increasing your tax liability – contact IRS Audit Group today to file your returns or for help on other tax issues. You still have options in cases like this and our team of tax professionals would be happy to guide you through them!