Recession Proof Tax & Co, 1234 Beaver Ruin Road, Norcross, GA (2026)

03/01/2024

Hobby or Business - Did You Know?

Recent years have seen a rise in the number of people pursuing “side hustles,” such as delivery driving, dog walking and online craft selling. Many of these activities could be classified as either hobbies or business ventures, depending on how you pursue them. Since different tax rules apply for businesses and hobbies, it is important to know how the IRS will likely classify your side gig. The IRS considers a variety of questions, including:

- Do you depend on the activity for your livelihood?
- Do you pursue the activity in a professional, businesslike manner, and keep detailed records?
- Is the activity currently profitable for you, and if not, is there good reason to believe it will become consistently profitable in future years?
- Do you have the knowledge and skills needed to pursue the activity as a business?
- Do you approach the activity in a way that shows the intent to make a profit, such as changing methods to boost revenues?

In many cases, business income is subject to both income and self-employment tax, whereas hobbies may be subject to income tax. However, pursuing an activity as a business may enable you to reduce your taxable income by deducting business expenses, such as supplies, business vehicle use, and home office costs. A tax professional can help you determine how your side gigs should be classified, and how to account for that classification in your tax planning.

02/28/2024

Refund Amounts - Did You Know?

If your refund amount is different than stated on the filed tax return, part or all of your refund may have been used to pay off (offset) past-due federal tax, student loans, state income tax or other past-due debts.

You'll receive a notice from the IRS if such an offset occurs that will show the original tax refund amount, the offset amount, as well as the name, address and telephone number of the agency receiving the payment.

If you haven't received your refund yet, you may be able to check the status using the IRS' "Where's my Refund?" tool: https://www.irs.gov/refunds.

02/23/2024

Recipients of the Healthcare Premium Tax Credit Must File Form 8962 – Did You Know?

The health insurance Premium Tax Credit (PTC) helps millions of Americans with affordable healthcare. Most people who qualify for the credit receive it as a reduction in their monthly insurance premiums, known as the Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC). If you purchased coverage through the Insurance Marketplace, watch your mail for IRS Form 1095-A (Health Insurance Marketplace Statement). This form shows whether you received the APTC during 2023.

The IRS requires all recipients of the APTC to file a 2023 tax return that includes Form 8962 (Premium Tax Credit), even if they would not otherwise have to file. On this form, you will reconcile your APTC premium reductions with your actual PTC amount for the year. If your credit amount exceeds those premium reductions, you may claim the excess credit as either a decrease in your tax or increase in your tax refund. However, if your premium reductions were greater than your actual PTC, you may need to repay part of the APTC.

If you qualified for the PTC in 2023 but did not receive APTC premium reductions, you may be able to claim claim your entire credit amount on Form 8962. A tax professional can help you complete the form, and file your return electronically to receive your refund as quickly as possible.

02/21/2024

Common Tax Filing Errors – Did You Know? (2/2)

Every year, many taxpayers may make mistakes on their returns that cause IRS processing delays. Be sure to also check for the following:

Math Mistakes:
Even mathematicians sometimes make errors in simple addition and subtraction, and some of the calculations required for 1040 schedules can be complicated. Thoroughly double-check every bit of math on your return.

Incorrect Filing Status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, etc.):
The IRS will not accept a return showing a filing status that you are not eligible to claim. If you qualify for more than one status (for example, filing jointly or separately if you are married), the option you choose may significantly change your tax.

Incorrectly Figuring Credits or Deductions:
Once you determine that you qualify for a tax deduction or credit, you must carefully compute the amount that you can claim. Many taxpayers fail to take into account income limitations (including the calculations that must be made if your income falls within a “phase-out” range) and other restrictions. Others claim less than they could, or miss out on deductions and credits entirely by not filing the required forms and schedules.

Expired ITIN:
Those who file their IRS returns using individual tax identification numbers (ITINs) must keep in mind that ITINs periodically expire. Although a return filed with an expired ITIN may be accepted, the IRS generally will not allow any of the exemptions or tax credits claimed. The taxpayer must renew their ITIN in order to obtain the full refund that they are owed.

To avoid costly mistakes, a tax professional can help prepare or check your return and file it electronically. A tax pro might also help you claim deductions and credits that you would otherwise miss.

02/16/2024

Common Tax Filing Errors – Did You Know? (1/2)

Every year, many taxpayers may make mistakes on their returns that cause IRS processing delays. Some common errors may also result in paying too much or too little tax. A miscalculation in either direction can be costly, since the IRS may assess penalties for underpayment.

The following mistakes may not change your tax, but they can cause processing problems. The IRS may even withhold your refund until the errors are corrected. Be sure to check for the following:

Missing or Inaccurate Social Security Number (SSN):
Even when filing electronically, many people mistype their SSNs and do not catch the error. If the SSN on your return does not match the number on your Social Security card, the IRS may not be able to process your return.

Misspelled Name:
Take your time when filling in every blank on your return, even your name. A misspelling or illegible writing can prevent proper processing.

Incorrect Bank Account or Routing Number:
Getting your return filed electronically and requesting direct deposit is the fastest way to get your refund, IF you provide accurate information. An error in your banking info can cause big headaches.

Missing Signature:
Remember that in most cases, couples filing jointly must both sign their return.

To avoid costly mistakes, a tax professional can help prepare or check your return and file it electronically. A tax pro might also help you claim deductions and credits that you would otherwise miss.

02/13/2024

Discounted Repayment Program for Invalid ERC Claims

Between now and March 22, 2024, businesses that received employee retention credit (ERC) funds but did not qualify for the credit may apply to repay the credit at a discounted rate. While the ERC program gave vital assistance to many employers during the pandemic, it also became a target of scammers, who lured ineligible business owners into falsely claiming the credit.

Under this new voluntary disclosure program, taxpayers whose applications are approved by the IRS will only have to pay back 80% of the credit amount. The remaining 20% will be forgiven without penalty, since many businesses lost a percentage of their credit to ERC promoters. Note that if a business uses a third-party payroll management service, that third party must submit the application to participate in the discounted repayment program.

The IRS also reminds businesses to act quickly to withdraw pending questionable ERC claims. Taxpayers whose ERC applications have not yet been processed, or who received an ERC refund check but not cashed it, may be able to withdraw their applications (and return the check) without penalty. A business tax professional can help determine whether an ERC claim was valid, and if not, what steps can be taken to try to resolve the issue.

02/09/2024

Increased Additional Child Tax Credit Available for 2023 – Did You Know?

The maximum Child Tax Credit (CTC) amount remained at $2,000 per qualifying child for tax year 2023 and generally isn't a refundable credit. However, many taxpayers who qualify for the CTC are also eligible for the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), which may make the CTC partially refundable. In other words, if your CTC amount exceeds the tax you owe, claiming the ACTC may enable you to receive part of the excess credit as an IRS refund.

Unlike the basic CTC, the ACTC gets adjusted annually for inflation. For 2023, the maximum ACTC amount rose to $1,600 per qualifying child. Therefore, those who qualify for the ACTC may receive up to $1,600 per qualifying child as a tax refund. However, you must file a tax return to claim your refund, even if you do not owe any tax.

A tax professional can help you determine whether you qualify for the 2023 CTC and ACTC, and if so, help you file a return electronically to get your refund as quickly as possible.

02/06/2024

Protecting Yourself from Tax Related Identity Theft - Did You Know?

Tax related ID theft is when someone uses your information (name, SSN, etc.) to file a false tax return and claim a fraudulent refund.

The number one thing you can do to prevent this type of ID theft is to file early and file electronically. The IRS is “first-come, first-served”, meaning whoever files first, electronically, will be the only electronic return accepted. All others for that SSN will be blocked and must file manually. This can lead to big delays for your refund. Filing season began January 29 this year.

02/02/2024

Potentially Taxable Events – Did You Know?

In addition to traditional income sources like employee wages and business profits, there are a number of other activities and transactions that the IRS classifies as potentially taxable. It is important to consider all of these “taxable events” for your tax return.

The most commonly overlooked taxable events include:

- Investment income, including receiving stock dividends or cashing in bonds
- Converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA
- Forgiveness (discharge) of a loan or other debt, including student loans
- Sale of assets such as vehicles, musical instruments, or a home at a gain (that is, for more than you paid to purchase the assets)
- Sale or exchange of cryptocurrency (like Bitcoin), or making purchases with cryptocurrency
- Withdrawing funds from a retirement plan (or from the cash value of a life insurance policy if you withdraw more than you have paid in premiums)
- Gifts and inheritances

A tax professional can advise you about which events in your life may have tax implications, and how to properly report those events. For example, in some cases, you may only need to declare the event to the IRS if the amount of money involved exceeds a minimum threshold, known as an “exclusion.”

01/29/2024

Tax Filing Season Begins

The 2024 Tax Filing Season opens today, January 29th, 2024, for your 2023 returns. Here are some tips to make your tax filing season easier.

Gather Documents Showing Wage, Business And Other Income:
If you work as an employee, you should receive a W-2 from your employer(s) by early February, showing your earnings for the year and the total tax withheld from your paychecks. If you are self-employed (including gig economy work) or own a business, you may also receive 1099 forms from your clients showing fees paid to you.

Interest and dividend income, along with royalties from past work, are also reported on 1099 forms. Recipients of unemployment benefits and/or taxable Social Security benefits should receive a year-end statement detailing these payments as well. Store all of these documents with your tax records.

Organize Records Of Other Potentially Taxable Transactions:
The sale of major assets like stock, a house or any other “big ticket” item may yield a taxable capital gain. Many cryptocurrency transactions (such as buying and selling Bitcoin) also have tax implications, since the IRS classifies cryptocurrencies as property. Make sure you have complete records of all your significant financial and property transactions during 2023.

Start Early:
Assemble your records and file your taxes early. If issues come up, you'll have much more time to resolve them. A tax professional can help you with identifying and organizing your documents as well as filing your tax return.

01/26/2024

Filing Deadline for W-2 and 1099 Forms

Taxpayers who paid employees or independent contractors in 2023 are reminded to file all required payment reporting forms by January 31, 2024.

If you operate a business and pay employees, you generally must file a Form W-2 for each employee with the Social Security Administration (SSA) by January 31. You must also send each employee a copy of their W-2

January 31 is also the deadline for 1099 forms if you are required to file 1099-MISC and 1099-NEC forms.

If you are an employee, you should expect to receive your W-2 from your employer soon, if you have not received it already.

01/19/2024

Open Filing Season for 2023 Tax Returns (2/2)

When this year's tax season officially opens on January 29, it will feature several improvements to IRS services. Two key upgrades relate to digital form submission and options for taxpayers to access their IRS account information online.

Enhancements to IRS paperless processing systems include the addition of 20 more tax forms to e-filing platforms, and new ways to respond to IRS letters online. Taxpayers with online IRS accounts will also discover new account features, including options to schedule and cancel future payments, and to securely save bank information for greater convenience.

A tax professional can help you file your tax return and any other required forms electronically, to save resources and ensure the fastest possible refund delivery.

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