TaxAudit Blog

Category: Tax Preparation and Planning

File Tax Return! written on a sticky-note

A CP518 notice is issued by the IRS to taxpayers because they have no record of a tax return being filed for the year listed on the notice.

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Woman starting mileage tracker on smartphone

A number of different software applications that use a smartphone have become available for the purpose of recording business and personal mileage. 

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Variety of rolled banknotes from around the world

You can use the US tax code to reduce the impact of foreign taxes you have paid or incurred depending on the country or countries involved.

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California License plate that says EST TAX

Much like the IRS, California’s taxing agency, the California Franchise Tax Board (or CA-FTB), expects to collect your owed taxes throughout the tax year.

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New York State EST TAX License Plate

Similar to the IRS, New York’s taxing agency, the New York State Department of Tax and Finance, expects to collect your owed taxes throughout the tax year.

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Two children dressed as office workers reading finance documents and working on the computer

A child who qualifies as a dependent on their parent’s tax return will need to file a tax return in certain situations. Let's explore when they need to file.

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Paternity Test DNA Test Result

What if you want to claim the Child Tax Credit, but your name is not on the birth certificate? This may be time to consider an IRS approved paternity test.

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April 2023 Calendar with Tax Day written on April 18th

In 2023 the tax returns are due April 18th for most taxpayers. However, if you live in California, Alabama, or Georgia your taxes may be due at a later date.

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Woman looking at paperwork

If the IRS applies your payment to the wrong tax year, they will generally fix the issue once they know the problem. Let's learn more.

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Amended Tax Return

Making sure your tax return is correct, even if that means amending your return, is better than having an incorrect return and hoping the IRS doesn’t notice!

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Cryptocurrency Coin on 1040 Tax Return

Cryptocurrency is not treated as money for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but rather as property so tax rules that apply to property apply to cryptocurrency.

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Amended Tax Return

If the IRS notices that you filed an amended return, will that cause them to inspect your tax return more closely and trigger a full-blown tax audit?

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Crypto Currency written in lights with a city in the background

First, the essential concept to understand is that cryptocurrency is not treated as money for U.S. federal income tax purposes but is treated as property.

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TaxAudit Audit Defense Member and her Family

Yes! Audit Defense is worth it. Not only do audit defense members get help with IRS and state correspondences – there are a variety of other benefits.

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Happy woman looking at her laptop

If you are one of the millions of taxpayers who use TurboTax to file their taxes, you may have asked: Can I deduct my TurboTax purchase? In short: it depends!

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Estate Tax

New Jersey, NJ imposes a tax on the beneficiaries of estates. The tax return requires the tax be paid by the estate on behalf of all the estate’s beneficiaries.

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House with for sale sign that has sold

My Aunt died and the bank sold her house. The bank sent me a check for "excess proceeds" from the house sale. Do I owe any tax on this money?

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Tax Extension

As taxpayers, we are personally responsible for filing our returns both on time and accurately. Failure to do one or both can result in significant penalties.

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calculator

The fastest answer is how far back do you need to file? How deep do you want or need to dig into your records to get your taxes up-to-date with the IRS?

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Back Taxes sign with a money background

You are ready to begin the process of preparing your back taxes – but you realize your records are lost. Never fear. There are ways to rebuild your records.

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AUDIT spelled out with small blocks

If you are under audit, it is acceptable to submit your current tax return. Just be mindful that you may have to amend it once the previous year's audit closes.

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Form 2848

An incarcerated person can actually e-file for themselves online if they have internet access in prison. If they are unable to do so, you can do it for them.

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tax return in an envelope

The IRS encourages electronic filing to avoid processing delays. However, you may mail your IRS and state returns in. You can find the address required here.

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Man opening letter

What should I do if I receive a notice for overpayment from work benefits with the workforce commission, and I have already filed my taxes?

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File Folders with one labeled Taxes

If I haven't worked in a couple of years and didn't file taxes or get the first stimulus check, then where do I start or how do I file?

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Tax Return Help

When people ask me for advice on how they should deal with filing unfiled tax returns, I usually tell them to file the most recent year first.

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Mailing a Letter

If you choose to mail in your tax payment to the IRS or state, I recommend mailing it via certified return receipt or priority mail so that you can track it.

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Tax Deadline written on July 15th

With the July 15th tax deadline approaching, here’s what you need to know. (1) If You Need More Time, You Can Still File for an Extension (2) Pay What You Owe

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401k binder on desk

While there are several ways to save on your tax bill, one of the easiest ways is to put money away for retirement.

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Football Play

On the IRS’s website is a list of Audit Technique Guides (or ATGs) that IRS examiners use as a roadmap when auditing various types of income tax returns.

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Tax Refund Check and 1040

You can call the IRS to see if your refund has been flagged for garnishment. Then you can reach out to set up a payment plan − if warranted.

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boy selling lemonade

Yes, kids may have to pay taxes. No matter a person's age, if they have income that exceed certain IRS thresholds, the income should be reported.

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Man looking at tax return with magnifying glass

Audit defense is a service offered through TaxAudit to support our members in the event that their state or federal tax return is selected for review or audit.

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Bitcoin Tax

The IRS declared that any cryptocurrency with an equivalent cash value is to be treated as property for tax purposes, and transactions are therefore taxable.

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standard deduction or itemized deduction

Most taxpayers are familiar with the terms standard deduction and itemized deductions, but many are unaware of the differences between the two.

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Tax Credits

Non-refundable credits can reduce your tax liability to zero. Refundable credits can give you money back if the amount of the credit is more than you owe.

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Amend spelled out with white blocks

If you need to amend your federal tax return, this is done on Form 1040X. Here are some dos and don'ts when filing an amended tax return.

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1040 tax return with handcuffs laying on top

Inmates are responsible for filing taxes. While you can certainly help your boyfriend file his taxes, you can’t sign and submit the return on his behalf.

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Tax Return Preparation Sticky Note

Choosing the right tax preparer is serious. Picking the wrong tax professional may have a severe impact on the health of your finances. So choose wisely!

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Tax Filing

Not all taxpayers are required to file a federal income tax return. Determining if you have a filing requirement starts by evaluating your gross income.

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Money being handed over

While increasing allowances leaves you with more available funds throughout the year, it will have a rippling effect and your tax refund will decrease.

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Man distressed with tax bill

If you are facing an unexpected tax bill, here are some things to keep in mind. The IRS offers multiple payment options.

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1040 with happy clips

Taking these few steps today will save you time and hassle come time to file your 2018 tax returns in 2019.

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Important Document Folder

When it comes to taxes, there is no shortage of situations to prepare for. One of the most overlooked areas relates to natural disasters.

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Four Ice Cream Cones

So, what happens if you miss an Installment Agreement payment and/or can no longer make the agreed upon payments?

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Tax Extension

Taxpayers who filed for an extension to file their 2017 tax returns should keep in mind that the extension deadline is October 15th, 2018.

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Ice Cream Sundae

Of all the types of Installment Agreement requests, Streamlined Installment Agreements are the most varied and provide a bit of flexibility for the taxpayer.

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Woman on the phone holding nephew

When more than one person wants to claim a child on their tax return, sorting it out becomes complicated. Not only are there five tests to meet for a child...

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Colorful balls with numbers

Lottery earnings are generally reported on Form W-2G, taxed as ordinary income, and expected to be reported as “other income” on the federal tax return.

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Tax Credits written on a Sticky Note

This may seem like a strange question, but with over 1.1 billion dollars of unclaimed money at stake, it's a question worth asking.

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Two bowls of ice cream

This blog post discusses the rules and fees regarding Guaranteed Installment Agreements for taxpayers whose tax debt is $10,000 or less.

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Tax WIthholding written in a notebook

The IRS offers a number of resources to help you make sense of your withholding requirements, including YouTube videos and an online withholding calculator.

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Driver pointing to a smart-phone attached to the windshield

With the increasing popularity of ridesharing services such as Lyft and Uber, you may be asking yourself, “Can I make extra money doing this?”

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tax records

The IRS general rules for keeping tax records and returns is you must keep them for the period of time in which the IRS can audit you and assess additional tax.

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$100 bills with magnifying glass and stock price chart

Your company offers you employee stock options. The paperwork says they are Nonqualified Stock Options (NQSO’s). You don’t quite understand what that means...

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tax preperation

One of the most frequent scams we see during tax season is that of the crooked tax preparer.

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Armed Forces member writing on a notepad

There are some tax benefits available to our military personnel. These adjustments are designed to give back to the men and women who have given so much for us!

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Tax Time

The IRS has some quick and helpful tips for those who are anxious to get their yearly tax filing out of the way.

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Person receiving fast food

The IRS is currently offering this cash payment alternative at participating 7-Eleven stores in 34 states.

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Tax Transcript

The IRS recently announced that their "Get Transcript Online" feature is now available for taxpayers who would like to obtain their tax transcripts.

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man playing poker

There are a few things you should know about gambling and how it can affect you when tax time rolls around.

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glasses and pen laying on top of tax form

You have three extra days this year to file, as 2015 federal tax returns are not due until April 18th (or April 19th for residents of Maine or Massachusetts).

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Lite Christmas tree on the floating barge

January is right around the corner, so let’s make a tax list - and check it twice - for last minute tax saving opportunities!

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Donation Box

This is a brief summary of the IRS's numerous requirements in regard to charitable giving.

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Tax Planning

Here are 3 tips to help make the upcoming tax filing season just a little bit easier.

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Pencil on Monthly Expense Guidelines paper

There are only two months left in the year. What can I do now to avoid paying a big tax liablity on my Schedule C business next year?

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Block with Tax words on it

The letter you hoped would never come arrived. You open it and discover the IRS has graciously sent you an invitation to their work mileage deduction review.

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Wedding Checklist

If you are getting married, keep these tax items in mind as part of your wedding checklist.

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Couple sitting in chairs relaxing on the beach

You remember you hit the snooze button on preparing your 2014 return in April and decided to file an extension, instead. 

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Pen, calculator, and blocks that spell out TAX on financial papers

I would really appreciate some advice on filing estimated taxes. Please let me know if you provide this service.

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Hurricane Season Ahead

The IRS has taken the initiative to remind taxpayers about the importance of protecting and preserving important documents, should disaster choose to strike.

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Old orange truck

What is the best option are for getting rid of an old vehicle? Should I donate it for the auto valuation guide value of $3,000 or sell it now for $1,500? 

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woman hitting the snooze button on alarm

You may not be feeling the groove just yet. It’s been a long winter, and you are hoping that maybe the deep freeze caused the IRS to forget about you this year.

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Woman

My boyfriend and I have been living together for nine years. Can we file a joint tax return this year? 

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Calculator that says Tax Help? on top of 1040 tax forms

How long does it take to get my refund if I e-filed my taxes? It seems like I should have received it by now.

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man and woman getting married

My wife and I are preparing our taxes, and, due to her employment situation(s) and our investments, we have received a number of 1099s...

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E-Filling

When your electronically filed tax return is rejected by the IRS, it can be frustrating. But, most of the time, there’s a simple explanation for the rejection.

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speedometer

How many miles can I claim on my tax return when driving for work? 

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Internal Revenue Service building with traffic signal in front displaying a red light

Are you short on cash and don’t have the money to pay your tax bill? The IRS does have a few options for the taxpayer who is cash short at tax time.

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W-2 Wage Statement

 filed my tax return, and then a W-2 came in the mail for a job I worked earlier this year that I had forgotten about. How do I file this? 

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Woman exhausted doing taxes

Are you gathering all your necessary tax documentation now?

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bacon

There is some misconception in the words “head of household.” Yes, in the ordinary sense of the term you may be head of household, but when it comes to taxes...

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$100 bill

The holidays have come and gone, footballs are filling the air as bowl games and playoffs are well underway, and it’s time to start thinking about…taxes?

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The Grinch

The holiday season is a time for giving, but if you don’t follow the carefully prescribed rules for charitable giving, the IRS may disallow your deduction.

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October 15

If at this late date you still haven’t filed your tax return, here are some tips to help you avoid many of the most common tax return errors.

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Flood

Casualty losses can happen to taxpayers, such as a fire caused by a faulty heater. Do you have copies of your important documents in a safe place? 

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Woman filling out a tax form

When it comes to proving deductions taken on a tax return, the burden of proof is on the taxpayer, according to the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). 

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Dictionary with the focus on the word Taxpayer

If you made an mistake on your taxes or omitted required information, such as a late-received W-2 or K-1, you can file an amended return on Form 1040X.

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Woman filling out a tax form

It’s still not too late to make adjustments to your withholding or estimates to make sure your 2014 taxes will be done correctly and you will not be surprised..

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Ocean

We have been asked to build some basic boxes to be used as a stage for a company. They plan to pay us but are not placing us on their payroll as employees.

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Dice

If you like to gamble, you probably already know that your gambling winnings are considered income, especially if you gamble within the United States.

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Man asleep at desk

Years ago, I was just like most people when it came to taxes. Just the thought of doing my tax return gave me hives. I had been burned twice at tax time...

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boy with glasses thinking

1. Taxes Might Be Your Biggest Expenditure 2. Many Major Life Decisions Have Tax Consequences 3. Knowing About the Latest Tax Breaks Could Save Money 4. Taxes..

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Gavel

Yes, Uncle Sam loves lawsuit settlements just like plaintiffs do. Before you start spending the money, there are some things you need to know.

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Woman in white hat in a swimming pool

I bet you all do not want to even see the word TAX right now! I know what you are doing. Lying in your hammock or lounging by the pool drinking a lemonade.

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Internal Revenue Service building with traffic signal in front displaying a red light

The IRS generally won’t look for you unless you owe them money. If you don’t file for a refund within 3 years of the original due date of the return...

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Rolled up receipt

If you have a dedicated credit card for your business, can you use the statement as the receipt for your business entertainment, meals, travel, etc.?

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laptop, globe, and financial documents

Tax returns are due on June 16th for U.S. taxpayers living abroad who qualify for and are taking advantage of the automatic two-month extension.

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drive through window

First job ever? What do you do about those pesky tax forms they gave you at the job? How do you fill them out? Why are they taking all that money out!?

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Refund Check

There could be a number of reasons for a delayed refund. The IRS may be eliminating the possibility of identity theft, or it is possible a tax audit is pending.

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Clock pointing the time hands towards the word TAX

You got your return filed on time and you’ve got a nice big refund coming. But the funds don’t show up in your bank account when you expected them to. Now what?

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TAX DAY written with blocks

You owe money to the IRS – now what? Don’t faint, don’t freak out, and don’t worry! There are simple ways to take care of that balance due.

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Tax Day and April 15th stamps by stack of papers

The April 15th deadline is approaching. Taxpayers are most likely to make errors on returns when they are rushing to finish their returns before the deadline.

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Money

If you are upset about the national debt, you can make a deductible charitable contribution to the Bureau of the Public Debt to help out.

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Tax Extension

Filing for a tax return extension does NOT give you an extension of time to pay your tax bill.

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Cube with Tax words on written on it

A refund is NOT a bonus and a balance due is NOT a penalty. When you began working, you filled out a W-4 stating how many exemptions you wanted.

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Key in locked box

The fastest way to get your money without paying additional fees is to e-file your return and have the money Direct Deposited to your bank account.

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ipad

As for an individual with a business, it is beneficial to research what is on the market in regards to business accounting software. There are numerous...

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SmartPhone with Apps

The IRS just announced a new version of their mobile app, IRS2Go. You can use the app to track your refund status and more.

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Donation Box full of sweaters

You cleaned out your closets, attic and garage this year and took all of those piles down to your local charity drop-off location. (I bet that felt good.) 

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Woman filling out a tax form

It’s that time of year when taxpayers begin to get massive headaches. If you feel your head pounding, following these simple tips could save you more pain.

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Tax Time written out on a calculator

Have you ever thought about New Year’s Tax Resolutions? What can I do better when it comes to my personal and business taxes?

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Woman working aboard

If you are a U.S. citizen living and working overseas, the IRS expects you to report the money you earn just as if you were residing on U.S. soil.

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This blog does not provide legal, financial, accounting, or tax advice. The content on this blog is “as is” and carries no warranties. TaxAudit does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the content of this blog. Content may become out of date as tax laws change. TaxAudit may, but has no obligation to monitor or respond to comments.