The IRS has expanded the Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program to all taxpayers who can verify their identity. The Identity Protection PIN is a six-digit code known only to the taxpayer and to the IRS. It helps prevent identity thieves from filing fraudulent tax returns using a taxpayers' personally identifiable information. Here are a few [...]
The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2021 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2021, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: • 56 cents [...]
The arrival of the holiday season is when many people think about how they can give back. Often taxpayers want to donate to a charity. This year, the new “universal” deduction makes it easier for people to receive a tax benefit for giving. Because the deduction is taken “above the line,” it reduces, by up [...]
In a press release from Governor Ivey published on November 18, 2020: Governor Kay Ivey announced Revive Plus, a $200 million grant program to support small businesses, non-profits and faith-based organizations in Alabama that have been impacted by COVID-19. Revive Plus is the second wave of funding for these organizations with 50 or fewer employees [...]
Here's how the CARES Act changes deducting charitable contributions made in 2020: Whether taxpayers are supporting natural disaster recovery, COVID-19 pandemic aid or another cause that's personally meaningful to them, their charitable donations may be tax deductible. These deductions basically reduce the amount of their taxable income. Passed in late March, the federal government's COVID-19 relief package [...]
Marriage changes a lot of things and taxes are on that list. Newlyweds should know how saying “I do” can affect their tax situation. Here’s a checklist of items for newly married couples to review: Name and address changes Name. When a name changes through marriage, it is important to report that change to the Social [...]
Planning what to do in case of a disaster is an important part of being prepared. The Internal Revenue Service encourages taxpayers to safeguard their records. Some simple steps can help taxpayers and businesses protect financial and tax records in case of disasters. Listed below are tips for individuals and businesses on preparing for a [...]
Whether it's something they've been doing for years or something they just started to make extra money, taxpayers must report income earned from hobbies in 2020 on next year's tax return. What's the difference between a hobby and a business? A business operates to make a profit. People engage in a hobby for sport or [...]
Marking a major milestone in tax administration, the Internal Revenue Service announced that taxpayers can now submit Form 1040-X electronically with commercial tax-filing software. As IRS e-filing has grown during the past 30 years, the 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, has been one of the last major individual tax forms that needed to be [...]
With millions of Americans now receiving taxable unemployment compensation, many of them for the first time, the Internal Revenue Service today reminded people receiving unemployment compensation that they can have tax withheld from their benefits now to help avoid owing taxes on this income when they file their federal income tax return next year. By law, [...]