Thursday, July 23, 2015

IRS Notices and Letters

If you receive a letter or notice from the IRS, it will explain the reason for the correspondence and provide instructions. Many of these letters and notices can be dealt with simply, without having to call or visit an IRS office.

The notice you receive covers a very specific issue about your account or tax return. Generally, the IRS will send a notice if it believes you owe additional tax, are due a larger refund, if there is a question about your tax return or a need for additional information.

The following are examples of IRS notices and letters:

Notices

Notice Number Description Topic
CP01H You received a CP 01H notice because we were unable to process your tax return. The IRS has locked your account because the Social Security Administration informed us that the Social Security number (SSN) of the primary or secondary taxpayer on the return belongs to someone who was deceased prior to the current tax year (before January 1, 2010 for a 2010 tax return).
CP02H You owe a balance due as a result of amending your tax return to show receipt of a grant received as a result of Hurricane Katrina, Rita or Wilma. Balance Due
CP03C You received a tax credit (called the First-Time Homebuyer Credit) for a house you purchased. You may need to file a form to report a change in ownership to the house you purchased.
CP04 Our records show that you or your spouse served in a combat zone, a qualified contingency operation, or a hazardous duty station during the tax year specified on your notice. As a result, you may be eligible for tax deferment.
CP08 You may qualify for the Additional Child Tax Credit and be entitled to some additional money. Additional Child Tax Credit
CP09 We’ve sent you this notice because our records indicate you may be eligible for the Earned Income Credit (EIC), but didn’t claim it on your tax return.
CP10 We made a change(s) to your return because we believe there’s a miscalculation. This change(s) affected the estimated tax payment you wanted applied to your taxes for next year. Change To Your Estimated Tax Credit Amount
CP10A We made a change(s) to your return because we believe there’s a miscalculation involving your Earned Income Credit. This change(s) affected the estimated tax payment you wanted applied to your taxes for next year. Change To Your Estimated Tax Credit Amount
CP11 We made changes to your return because we believe there’s a miscalculation. You owe money on your taxes as a result of these changes. Balance Due
CP11A We made changes to your return because we believe there’s a miscalculation involving your Earned Income Credit. You owe money on your taxes as a result of these changes. Balance Due
CP11M We made changes to your return involving the Making Work Pay and Government Retiree Credit. You owe money on your taxes as a result of these changes. Balance Due
CP12 We made changes to correct a miscalculation on your return.
CP12A We made changes to correct the Earned Income Credit (EIC) claimed on your tax return.
CP12E We made changes to correct a miscalculation on your return.
CP12M We made changes to the computation of the Making Work Pay and/or Government Retiree Credits on your return.
CP12R We made changes to the computation of the Rebate Recovery Credit on your return.
CP13 We made changes to your return because we believe there’s a miscalculation. You’re not due a refund nor do you owe an additional amount because of our changes. Your account balance is zero.
CP13A We made changes to your return because we found an error involving your Earned Income Credit. You’re not due a refund nor do you owe an additional amount because of our changes. Your account balance is zero.
CP13M We made changes to your return involving the Making Work Pay credit or the Government Retiree Credit. You’re not due a refund nor do you owe an additional amount because of our changes. Your account balance is zero.
CP13R We made changes to your return involving the Recovery Rebate Credit. You’re not due a refund nor do you owe an additional amount because of our changes. Your account balance is zero.
CP14 We sent you this notice because you owe money on unpaid taxes.
CP14I You owe taxes and penalties because you didn’t take out the minimum amount you had to from your traditional individual retirement arrangement (IRA). Or, you put into a tax-sheltered account more than you can legally.
CP16 We sent you this notice to tell you about changes we made to your return that affect your refund. We made these changes because we believe there was a miscalculation. Our records show you owe other tax debts and we applied all or part of your refund to them.
CP19 We have increased the amount of tax you owe because we believe you incorrectly claimed one or more deductions or credits.
CP20 We believe you incorrectly claimed one or more deductions or credits. As a result, your refund is less than you expected.
CP21A We made the change(s) you requested to your tax return for the tax year specified on the notice. You owe money on your taxes as a result of the change(s). Balance Due
CP21B We made the change(s) you requested to your tax return for the tax year specified on the notice. You should receive your refund within 2-3 weeks of your notice. Refund
CP21C We made the change(s) you requested to your tax return for the tax year specified on the notice. You’re not due a refund nor do you owe any additional amount. Your account balance for this tax form and tax year is zero. Even Balance
CP21E As a result of your recent audit, we made changes to your tax return for the tax year specified on the notice. You owe money on your taxes as a result of these changes. Balance Due
CP21I We made changes to your tax return for the tax year specified on the notice for Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) taxes. You owe money on your taxes as a result of these changes. Balance Due
CP22A We made the change(s) you requested to your tax return for the tax year specified on the notice. You owe money on your taxes as a result of the change(s). Balance Due
CP22E As a result of your recent audit, we made changes to your tax return for the tax year specified on the notice. You owe money on your taxes as a result of these changes. Balance Due
CP22I We made changes to your tax return for the tax year specified on the notice for Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) taxes. You owe money on your taxes as a result of these changes. Balance Due
CP23 We made changes to your return because we found a difference between the amount of estimated tax payments on your tax return and the amount we posted to your account. You have a balance due because of these changes.
CP24 We made changes to your return because we found a difference between the amount of estimated tax payments on your tax return and the amount we posted to your account. You have a potential overpayment credit because of these changes.
CP24E We made changes to your return because we found a difference between the amount of estimated tax payments on your tax return and the amount we posted to your account. You have a potential overpayment credit because of these changes.
CP25 We made changes to your return because we found a difference between the amount of estimated tax payments on your tax return and the amount we posted to your account. You’re not due a refund nor do you owe an additional amount because of our changes. Your account balance is zero.
CP27 We’ve sent you this notice because our records indicate you may be eligible for the Earned Income Credit (EIC), but didn’t claim it on your tax return.
CP30 We charged you a penalty for not pre-paying enough of your tax either by having taxes withheld from your income, or by making timely estimated tax payments.
CP30A We reduced or removed the penalty for underpayment of estimated tax reported on your tax return.
CP31 Your refund check was returned to us, so you need to update your address. Refund
CP32 We sent you a replacement refund check.
CP32A Call us to request your refund check.
CP39 We used a refund from your spouse or former spouse to pay your past due tax debt. You may still owe money.
CP42 The amount of your refund has changed because we used it to pay your spouse’s past due tax debt.
CP45 We were unable to apply your overpayment to your estimated tax as you requested. Overpayment
CP49 We sent you this notice to tell you we used all or part of your refund to pay a tax debt. Overpayment
CP51A We computed the tax on your Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ. You owe taxes.
CP51B We computed the tax on your Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ. You owe taxes.
CP51C We computed the tax on your Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ. You owe taxes.
CP53 We can’t provide your refund through direct deposit, so we’re sending you a refund check by mail. Direct Deposits
CP59 We sent you this notice because we have no record that you filed your prior personal tax return or returns.
CP60 We removed a payment erroneously applied to your account.
CP62 We applied a payment to your account.
CP63 We are holding your refund because you have not filed one or more tax returns and we believe you will owe tax.
CP71 You received this notice to remind you of the amount you owe in tax, penalty and interest.
CP71A You received this notice to remind you of the amount you owe in tax, penalty and interest.
CP71C You received this notice to remind you of the amount you owe in tax, penalty and interest.
CP71D You received this notice to remind you of the amount you owe in tax, penalty and interest.
CP88 We are holding your refund because you have not filed one or more tax returns and we believe you will owe tax.
CP90C We levied you for unpaid taxes. You have the right to a Collection Due Process hearing.
CP120 You need to send us documentation of your tax-exempt status. Tax Exemptions
CP120A Your organization’s tax-exempt status has been revoked for failure to file a Form 990 series return for three consecutive years. In addition, you are no longer eligible to sponsor a tax-sheltered annuity plan (Internal Revenue Code section 403(b) retirement plan).
CP130 Your tax return filing requirements may have changed: You may no longer need to pay the Alternative Minimum Tax. Filing Requirements
CP152 We have received your return. Confirmation of Return Receipt
CP153 We can’t provide you with your refund through a direct deposit, so we’re sending you a refund check/credit payment by mail. Refund
CP166 We were unable to process your monthly payment because there were insufficient funds in your bank account. Payment Process
CP178 Your tax return filing requirements may have changed: You may no longer owe excise tax. Filing Requirements
CP180/CP181 We sent you this notice because your tax return is missing a schedule or form.
CP188 We are holding your refund until we determine you owe no other taxes.
CP231 Your refund or credit payment was returned to us and we need you to update your current address. Address Update Needed
CP237 We sent you a replacement refund check.
CP237A Call us to request your refund check.
CP259 We’ve sent you this notice because our records indicate you didn’t file the required business tax return identified in the notice.
CP259A We sent you this notice because our records indicate you did not file a required Form 990/990-EZ, Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax.
CP259B We sent you this notice because our records indicate you didn’t file a required Form 990-PF, Return of Private Foundation or Section 4947(a)(1) Nonexempt Charitable Trust Treated as a Private Foundation.
CP259C We sent you this notice because our records indicate you are presumed to be a private foundation and you didn’t file a required Form 990-PF, Return of Private Foundation or Section 4947(a)(1) Nonexempt Charitable Trust Treated as a Private Foundation.
CP259D We sent you this notice because our records indicate you did not file a required Form 990-T, Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return.
CP259E We sent you this notice because our records indicate you did not file a required Form 990-N, e-Postcard.
CP259F We’re sending you this notice because our records indicate you did not file a required Form 5227, Split-Interest Trust information Return.
CP259G We sent you this notice because our records indicate you did not file a required Form 1120-POL, U.S. Income Tax Return for Certain Political Organizations.
CP259H We sent you this notice because our records indicate you are a tax-exempt political organization and you did not file a required Form 990/990-EZ, Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax.
CP267A You received a CP267A Notice because you’ve overpaid the Branded Prescription Drug Fee.
CP276A We didn’t receive a correctly completed tax liability schedule. We normally charge a Federal Tax Deposit (FTD) penalty when this happens. We decided not to do so this time. FTD Penalty
CP276B We didn’t receive the correct amount of tax deposits. We normally charge a Federal Tax Deposit penalty when this happens. We decided not to do so this time. FTD Penalty
CP297C We levied you for unpaid taxes. You have the right to a Collection Due Process hearing.
CP501 You have a balance due (money you owe the IRS) on one of your tax accounts.
CP503 We have not heard from you and you still have an unpaid balance on one of your tax accounts.
CP504 You have an unpaid amount due on your account. If you do not pay the amount due immediately, the IRS will seize (levy) your state income tax refund and apply it to pay the amount you owe.
CP504B You have an unpaid amount due on your account. If you do not pay the amount due immediately, the IRS will seize (levy) certain property or rights to property and apply it to pay the amount you owe.
CP521 This notice is to remind you that you have an installment agreement payment due. Please send your payment immediately.
CP523 This notice informs you of our intent to terminate your installment agreement and seize (levy) your assets. You have defaulted on your agreement.
CP565 We gave you an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
CP565 (SP) Nosotros le asignamos un Número de Identificación Personal del Contribuyente (ITIN, por sus siglas en inglés).
CP566 We need more information to process your application for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You may have sent us an incomplete form. You may have sent us the wrong documents.
CP566 (SP) Necesitamos más información para poder tramitar su solicitud para un Número de Identificación Personal del Contribuyente (ITIN, por sus siglas en inglés). Usted quizá nos envió un formulario incompleto. O, quizá nos envió los documentos incorrectos.
CP567 We rejected your application for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You may not be eligible for an ITIN. Your documents may be invalid. We may not have received a reply when we asked for more information.
CP567 (SP) Hemos rechazado su solicitud para un Número de Identificación Personal de Contribuyente (ITIN, por sus siglas en inglés). Es posible que no reúna los requisitos para un ITIN o que sus documentos no sean válidos. O es posible que no hayamos recibido una contestación de su parte cuando solicitamos más información.
CP601 Usted tiene un saldo pendiente de pago (dinero que le debe al IRS) en una de sus cuentas contributivas.
CP603 No hemos recibido respuesta de parte de usted y todavía tiene un saldo sin pagar en una de sus cuentas contributivas.
CP604 Usted tiene un saldo sin pagar en su cuenta. De no pagar esta cantidad inmediatemente, el IRS embargará cualquier reembolso de impuestos estatales al que tenga derecho y aplicarlo al pago de su deuda.
CP604B Usted tiene un saldo sin pagar en su cuenta. De no pagar esta cantidad inmediatemente, el IRS embargará ciertas propiedades o derechos de propiedad y lo aplicará al pago de su deuda.
CP621 Este aviso es para notificarle que usted tiene un plan de pagos a plazos vencido. Por favor, envíe el pago inmediatamente.
CP623 Este aviso es para informarle nuestra intención de cancelar su plan de pagos a plazos y confiscar (embargar) sus bienes. Usted incumplió en su acuerdo.
CP711 Nosotros realizamos cambios a su planilla debido a que entendemos que hubo un cálculo erróneo. Como resultado de estos cambios, usted adeuda dinero por sus contribuciones.
CP712 Hemos realizado cambios para corregir un error de cálculo en su planilla.
CP713 Hemos realizado cambios para corregir un error de cálculo en su planilla. No se le debe un reembolso y no adeuda una cantidad de dinero adicional a causa de estos cambios. El saldo de su cuenta es cero.
CP714 Le enviamos este aviso porque usted adeuda contribuciones pendientes de pago.
CP721 Hicimos el(los) cambio(s) que usted solicitó a su declaración de impuestos para el año tributario que aparece en su aviso. Como resultado de éste(estos) cambio(s) usted debe dinero en sus impuestos.
CP722 Hicimos el(los) cambio(s) que usted solicitó a su declaración de impuestos para el año tributario que aparece en su aviso. Como resultado de éste(estos) cambio(s) usted debe dinero en sus impuestos.
CP749 Le enviamos este aviso para informarle que hemos utilizado todo o parte de su reintegro para pagar una deuda contributiva.
CP759 Le enviamos este aviso porque no tenemos registro que indique que usted radicó su planilla o planillas de contribuciones personales para uno o varios años anteriores.
CP771 Usted recibió este aviso para recordarle sobre la cantidad que adeuda en contribuciones, multas e intereses.
CP772 Usted recibió este aviso para recordarle sobre la cantidad que adeuda en contribuciones, multas e intereses.
CP773 Usted recibió este aviso para recordarle sobre la cantidad que adeuda en contribuciones, multas e intereses.
CP774 Usted recibió este aviso para recordarle sobre la cantidad que adeuda en contribuciones, multas e intereses.
CP959 Usted no radicó su planilla de contribución de negocios identificada en este aviso.
CP2000 The income and/or payment information we have on file doesn’t match the information you reported on your tax return. This could affect your tax return; it may cause an increase or decrease in your tax, or may not change it at all.
CP2005 We accepted the information you sent us. We’re not going to change your tax return. We’ve closed our review of it.
CP2006 We received your information. We’ll look at it and let you know what we’re going to do.
CP2030 We are proposing changes in income, credits, and deductions reported on your U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return. We compared your information with items reported to us by banks, businesses and other payers.
CP2057 You need to file an amended return. We’ve received information not reported on your tax return.
CP2501 You need to contact us. We’ve received information not reported on your tax return.
CP2566 We didn’t receive your tax return. We have calculated your tax, penalty and interest based on wages and other income reported to us by employers, financial institutions and others.
CP2566R We previously sent you a CP63 notice informing you we are holding your refund until we receive one or more unfiled tax returns. Because we received no reply to our previous notice, we have calculated your tax, penalty and interest based on wages and other income reported to us by employers, financial institutions and others.
CP3219A We’ve received information that is different from what you reported on your tax return. This may result in an increase or decrease in your tax. The notice explains how the amount was calculated and how you can challenge it in U.S. Tax Court.
CP3219N We didn’t receive your tax return. We have calculated your tax, penalty and interest based on wages and other income reported to us by employers, financial institutions and others.

Other Notices and Letters

Notice or Letter Number Title
CP 57 Notice of Insufficient Funds
CP 90/CP 297 Final Notice – Notice of Intent to Levy and Notice of Your Right to a Hearing
CP 297A Notice of Levy and Notice of Your Right to a Hearing
CP 91/CP 298 Final Notice Before Levy on Social Security Benefits
CP 161 Request for Payment or Notice of Unpaid Balance, Balance Due
CP 2000 Notice of Proposed Adjustment for Underpayment/Overpayment
Letter 0484C Collection Information Statement Requested (Form 433F/433D); Inability to Pay/Transfer
Letter 0549C Balance Due on Account is Paid
Letter 668D(LP 68) We released the taxpayer’s levy.
Letter 0681C Proposal to Pay Accepted
Letter 0757C Installment Privilege Terminated
Letter 1058 (LT 11) Final Notice prior to levy; your right to a hearing
Letter 1615 (LT 18) Mail us your overdue tax returns.
Letter 1731 (LP 64) Please help us locate a taxpayer.
Letter 1737 (LT 27) Please complete and site Form 433F, Collection Information Statement.
Letter 1961C Installment Agreement for Direct Debit 433-G
Letter 1962C Installment Agreement Reply to Taxpayer
Letter 2050 (LT 16) Please call us about your overdue taxes or tax return.
Letter 2257C Balance Due Total to Taxpayer
Letter 2271C Installment Agreement for Direct Debit Revisions
Letter 2272C Installment Agreement Cannot be Considered
Letter 2273C Installment Agreement Accepted: Terms Explained
Letter 2318C Installment Agreement: Payroll Deduction (F2159) Incomplete
Letter 2357C Abatement of Penalties and Interest
Letter 2603C Installment Agreement Accepted – Notice of Federal Tax Lien Will be Filed
Letter 2604C Pre-assessed Installment Agreement
Letter 2761C Request for Combat Zone Service Dates
Letter 2789C Taxpayer Response to Reminder of Balance Due
Letter 2800C Incorrect Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate.
Letter 2801C Exempt Status May not be Allowed
Letter 2840C CC IAPND Installment Agreement Confirmation
Letter 3030C Balance Due Explained:Tax/Interest Not Paid
Letter 3127C Revision to Installment Agreement
Letter 3217C Installment Agreement Accepted: Terms Explained
Letter 3228 (LT 39) Reminder notice.
Letter 4903 (LT 26) We have no record of receiving your tax returns.
Letter LP 47 Address Information Request
Letter LP 59 Please contact us about the taxpayer levy.



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It’s Time for a Mid-Year Premium Tax Credit Checkup

IRS Health Care Tax Tip 2015-43, July 23, 2015

If you have insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, you may be getting advance payments of the premium tax credit. These are paid directly to your insurance company to lower your monthly premium. Changes in your income or family size may affect your premium tax credit. If your circumstances have changed, the time is right for a mid-year checkup to see if you need to adjust the premium assistance you are receiving. You should report changes that have occurred since you signed up for your health insurance plan to your Marketplace as they occur.

Changes in circumstances that you should report to the Marketplace include:
  • an increase or decrease in your income
  • marriage or divorce
  • the birth or adoption of a child
  • starting a job with health insurance
  • gaining or losing your eligibility for other health care coverage
  • changing your residence
To estimate the effect that changes in your circumstances may have upon the amount of premium tax credit that you can claim - see this change in circumstances estimator.

Reporting the changes will help you avoid getting too much or too little advance payment of the premium tax credit.  Getting too much means you may owe additional money or get a smaller refund when you file your taxes. Getting too little could mean missing out on premium assistance to reduce your monthly premiums.

Repayments of excess premium assistance may be limited to an amount between $300 and $2,500 depending on your income and filing status.  However, if advance payments of the premium tax credit were made, but your income for the year turns out to be too high to receive the premium tax credit, you will have to repay all of the payments that were made on your behalf, with no limitation. Therefore, it is important that you report changes in circumstances that may have occurred since you signed up for your plan.

Changes in circumstances also may qualify you for a special enrollment period to change or get insurance through the Marketplace. In most cases, if you qualify for the special enrollment period, you will have sixty days to enroll following the change in circumstances. You can find Information about special enrollment at HealthCare.gov.

Find out more about the premium tax credit and other tax-related provisions of the health care law at IRS.gov/aca.

Source: Internal Revenue Service
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Keep Track of Miscellaneous Deductions

IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2015-09, July 22, 2015

Miscellaneous deductions can cut taxes. These may include certain expenses you paid for in your work if you are an employee. You must itemize deductions when you file to claim these costs. So if you usually claim the standard deduction, think about itemizing instead. You might pay less tax if you itemize.  Here are some IRS tax tips you should know that may help you reduce your taxes:

Deductions Subject to the Limit.  You can deduct most miscellaneous costs only if their sum is more than two percent of your adjusted gross income. These include expenses such as
  • Unreimbursed employee expenses.
  • Job search costs for a new job in the same line of work.
  • Some work clothes and uniforms.
  • Tools for your job.
  • Union dues.
  • Work-related travel and transportation.
  • The cost you paid to prepare your tax return. These fees include the cost you paid for tax preparation software. They also include any fee you paid for e-filing of your return.
Deductions Not Subject to the Limit.  Some deductions are not subject to the two percent limit. They include:
  • Certain casualty and theft losses. In most cases, this rule applies to damaged or stolen property you held for investment.  This may include property such as stocks, bonds and works of art.
  • Gambling losses up to the total of your gambling winnings.
  • Losses from Ponzi-type investment schemes.
There are many expenses that you can’t deduct. For example, you can’t deduct personal living or family expenses. You claim allowable miscellaneous deductions on Schedule A, Itemized Deductions. For more about this topic see Publication 529, Miscellaneous Deductions. You can get it on IRS.gov/forms at any time.
Additional IRS Resources:
IRS YouTube Videos:
IRS Podcasts:

Source: Internal Revenue Service
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Five Tax Tips about Hobbies that Earn Income

IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2015-08, July 20, 2015                                              

Millions of people enjoy hobbies. They can also be a source of income. Some of these types of hobbies include stamp or coin collecting, craft making and horse breeding. You must report any income you get from a hobby on your tax return. How you report the income is different than how you report income from a business. There are special rules and limits for deductions you can claim for a hobby. Here are five basic tax tips you should know if you get income from your hobby:
  1. Business versus Hobby.  A key feature of a business is that you do the activity to make a profit. This differs from a hobby that you may do for sport or recreation. There are nine factors to consider when you determine if you do the activity to make a profit. Make sure you base your decision on all the facts and circumstances of your situation. Refer to Publication 535, Business Expenses to learn more. You can also visit IRS.gov and type “not-for-profit” in the search box.

  2. Allowable Hobby Deductions.  You may be able to deduct ordinary and necessary hobby expenses. An ordinary expense is one that is common and accepted for the activity. A necessary expense is one that is helpful or appropriate. See Publication 535 for more on these rules.

  3. Limits on Expenses.  As a general rule, you can only deduct your hobby expenses up to the amount of your hobby income. If your expenses are more than your income, you have a loss from the activity. You can’t deduct that loss from your other income.

  4. How to Deduct Expenses.  You must itemize deductions on your tax return in order to deduct hobby expenses. Your costs may fall into three types of expenses. Special rules apply to each type. See Publication 535 for how you should report them on Schedule A, Itemized Deductions.

  5. Use IRS Free File.  Hobby rules can be complex. IRS Free File can make filing your tax return easier. IRS Free File is available until Oct. 15. If you make $60,000 or less, you can use brand-name tax software. If you earn more, you can use Free File Fillable Forms, an electronic version of IRS paper forms. You can only access Free File through IRS.gov.
You can get Publication 535 on IRS.gov/forms at any time.
Additional IRS Resources:

Source: Internal Revenue Service
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Top 10 Tips about Tax Breaks for the Military

IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2015-06, July 15, 2015
                                                
If you are in the U. S. Armed Forces, special tax breaks may apply to you. For example, some types of pay are not taxable. Certain rules apply to deductions or credits that you may be able to claim that can lower your tax. In some cases, you may get more time to file your tax return. You may also get more time to pay your income tax. Here are the top 10 IRS tax tips about these rules:
  1. Deadline Extensions.  Some members of the military, such as those who serve in a combat zone, can postpone some tax deadlines. If this applies to you, you can get automatic extensions of time to file your tax return and to pay your taxes.

  2. Combat Pay Exclusion.  If you serve in a combat zone, certain combat pay you get is not taxable. You won’t need to show the pay on your tax return because combat pay is not part of the wages reported on your Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement. If you serve in support of a combat zone, you may qualify for this exclusion.

  3. Earned Income Tax Credit or EITC.  If you get nontaxable combat pay, you can include it to figure your EITC. Doing so may boost your credit. Even if you do, the combat pay stays nontaxable.

  4. Moving Expense Deduction.  You may be able to deduct some of your unreimbursed moving costs. This applies if the move is due to a permanent change of station.

  5. Uniform Deduction.  You can deduct the costs of certain uniforms that you can’t wear while off duty. This includes the costs of purchase and upkeep. You must reduce your deduction by any allowance you get for these costs.

  6. Signing Joint Returns.  Both spouses normally must sign a joint income tax return. If your spouse is absent due to certain military duty or conditions, you may be able to sign for your spouse. In other cases when your spouse is absent, you may need a power of attorney to file a joint return.

  7. Reservists’ Travel Deduction.  If you’re a member of the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves, you may deduct certain costs of travel on your tax return. This applies to the unreimbursed costs of travel to perform your reserve duties that are more than 100 miles away from home.

  8. ROTC Allowances.  Some amounts paid to ROTC students in advanced training are not taxable. This applies to allowances for education and subsistence. Active duty ROTC pay is taxable. For instance, pay for summer advanced camp is taxable.

  9. Civilian Life.  If you leave the military and look for work, you may be able to deduct some job search expenses. You may be able to include the costs of travel, preparing a resume and job placement agency fees. Moving expenses may also qualify for a tax deduction.

  10. Tax Help.  Most military bases offer free tax preparation and filing assistance during the tax filing season. Some also offer free tax help after April 15.
For more, refer to Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide. It is available on IRS.gov/forms at any time.
Additional IRS Resources:
IRS YouTube Videos:
IRS Podcasts:

Source: Internal Revenue Service
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If You Get an IRS Notice, Here’s What to Do

IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2015-05, July 13, 2015

Update July 13, 2015: The item on the Right to Retain Representation was added.

Each year the IRS mails millions of notices and letters to taxpayers. If you receive a notice from the IRS, here is what you should do:
  • Don’t Ignore It.  You can respond to most IRS notices quickly and easily. It is important that you reply right away.

  • Focus on the Issue.  IRS notices usually deal with a specific issue about your tax return or tax account. Understanding the reason for your notice is important before you can comply.

  • Follow Instructions.  Read the notice carefully. It will tell you if you need to take any action to resolve the matter. You should follow the instructions.

  • Correction Notice.  If it says that the IRS corrected your tax return, you should review the information provided and compare it to your tax return.

    If you agree, you don’t need to reply unless a payment is due.

    If you don’t agree, it’s important that you respond to the IRS. Write a letter that explains why you don’t agree. Make sure to include information and any documents you want the IRS to consider. Include the bottom tear-off portion of the notice with your letter. Mail your reply to the IRS at the address shown in the lower left part of the notice. Allow at least 30 days for a response from the IRS.

  • Premium Tax Credit.  The IRS may send you a letter asking you to clarify or verify your premium tax credit information. The letter may ask for a copy of your Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement.  You should follow the instructions on the letter that you receive. This will help the IRS verify information and issue the appropriate refund.

  • No Need to Visit IRS.  You can handle most notices without calling or visiting the IRS. If you do have questions, call the phone number in the upper right corner of the notice. You should have a copy of your tax return and the notice with you when you call.

  • Keep the Notice.  Keep a copy of the notice you get from the IRS with your tax records.

  • Watch Out for Scams.  Don’t fall for phone and phishing email scams that use the IRS as a lure. The IRS first contacts people about unpaid taxes by mail – not by phone. The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text or social media.

  • The Right to Retain Representation.   The Taxpayer Bill of Rights, or TBOR, takes many of your rights in our tax laws and groups them into 10 broad categories. For instance, you have the right to retain an authorized representative to represent you in your dealings with the IRS. You also have the right to seek assistance from a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic if you can’t afford representation. For more, visit IRS.gov and type TBOR in the search box.
Additional IRS Resources:

Source: Internal Revenue Service
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Sunday, July 12, 2015

Surf the Net to IRS.gov this Summer

IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2015-04, July 10, 2015               
                           
Summertime or anytime, get the tax help and information you need on IRS.gov. Our many online tools and services make it easy for you to do business with the IRS. Here are the top reasons to visit IRS.gov this summer:
  • Use IRS Free File.  If you still need to file your 2014 tax return, you can use IRS Free File to e-file for free. Free File is available through Oct. 15. If you earned $60,000 or less you can prepare and e-file your taxes with free tax software. If you made more, use Free File Fillable Forms to e-file for free. This option is the electronic version of IRS paper forms.

  • Check on your refund.  The Where’s My Refund? tool is a fast and easy way to check on your tax refund. Use the IRS2Go mobile app to access it or click on the “Refunds” tab on IRS.gov.

  • Try IRS Direct Pay.  If you owe taxes, pay them with IRS Direct Pay. It’s the safe, easy and free way to pay from your checking or savings account. Just click on the “Pay Your Tax Bill” link on the IRS home page.

  • Apply to make payments.  If you are not able to pay your tax in full, you may apply for an Online Payment Agreement. Check out the direct debit payment plan. It has a lower set-up fee and you will not miss a payment. With a direct debit plan the IRS will not send you a monthly reminder to send your check.

  • Correct your tax withholding.  Did you get a big refund or owed more tax than you expected when you filed your tax return? If so, you may want to change your tax withholding. To make a change, complete and give your employer a new Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate. The IRS Withholding Calculator tool can help you fill out a new Form W-4.

  • Get health care tax information.  The IRS website also has information about the Affordable Care Act tax provisions at IRS.gov/aca. You can visit this site for educational material that describes how the health care law tax provisions affect individuals and businesses. There you will find information about the law and its provisions, legal guidance, the latest news, frequently asked questions and links to additional resources.

  • Check out a charity.  If you donate to a charity, the value of your gift may be deductible. Use the Select Check tool to see if your charity qualifies.

  • Get answers to tax questions.  The Interactive Tax Assistant covers many common tax topics. Type in your question or search terms and it can lead you step-by-step to the answer. The IRS Tax Map gives you a single point of access to tax law information by subject. It integrates tax topics, forms, instructions and publications into one tool.

  • Get forms and publications.  View, download and print federal tax forms and publications on IRS.gov/forms at any time.
Additional IRS Resources:
IRS YouTube Videos:
IRS Podcasts:
Source: Internal Revenue Service
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Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Health Care Tax Credit for Small Businesses

The IRS recently released information pertaining to the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, outlining the prerequisites for receiving the credit and which forms need to be filed.


For a business to receive the credit, it must have used the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) to purchase health care for employees. Eligible businesses must pay at least half the cost of employee premiums, and must have “fewer than 25 full-time equivalent” workers who – on average – are paid less than $50,000 annually.

To file, the eligible business must complete Form 8941. Some non-profits might also be eligible for the credit: They would include the information on their Form 990-T.

It may still be possible to claim the credit for 2014 returns. The window for applying for a refund is “within three years from the time the return was filed or two years from the time the tax was paid, whichever … expires later.”

To read the full article, click here.

Source: Internal Revenue Service
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IRS Tips about Vacation Home Rentals

IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2015-03, July 8, 2015

If you rent a home to others, you usually must report the rental income on your tax return. However, you may not have to report the rent you get if the rental period is short and you also use the property as your home. In most cases, you can deduct your rental expenses. When you also use the rental as your home, your deduction may be limited. Here are some basic tax tips that you should know if you rent out a vacation home:
  • Vacation Home.  A vacation home can be a house, apartment, condominium, mobile home, boat or similar property.

  • Schedule E.  You usually report rental income and rental expenses on Schedule E, Supplemental Income and Loss. Your rental income may also be subject to Net Investment Income Tax.

  • Used as a Home.  If the property is “used as a home,” your rental expense deduction is limited. This means your deduction for rental expenses can’t be more than the rent you received. For more about these rules, see Publication 527, Residential Rental Property (Including Rental of Vacation Homes).

  • Divide Expenses.  If you personally use your property and also rent it to others, special rules apply. You must divide your expenses between the rental use and the personal use. To figure how to divide your costs, you must compare the number of days for each type of use with the total days of use.

  • Personal Use.  Personal use may include use by your family. It may also include use by any other property owners or their family. Use by anyone who pays less than a fair rental price is also personal use.

  • Schedule A.  Report deductible expenses for personal use on Schedule A, Itemized Deductions. These may include costs such as mortgage interest, property taxes and casualty losses.

  • Rented Less than 15 Days.  If the property is “used as a home” and you rent it out fewer than 15 days per year, you do not have to report the rental income. In this case you deduct your qualified expenses on schedule A.

  • Use IRS Free File.  If you still need to file your 2014 tax return, you can use IRS Free File to make filing easier. Free File is available until Oct. 15. If you make $60,000 or less, you can use brand-name tax software. If you earn more, you can use Free File Fillable Forms, an electronic version of IRS paper forms. Free File is available only through the IRS.gov website.
You can get forms and publications on IRS.gov/forms at any time.

Additional IRS Resources:
IRS YouTube Videos:
IRS Podcasts:
Renting Your Vacation Home – English | Spanish

Source: Internal Revenue Service

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Monday, July 6, 2015

Reporting Gambling Income and Losses on Your Tax Return

IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2015-02, July 6, 2015

If you play the ponies, play cards or pull the slots, your gambling winnings are taxable. You must report them on your tax return. If you gamble, these IRS tax tips can help you at tax time next year:
  1. Gambling income.  Income from gambling includes winnings from the lottery, horse racing and casinos. It also includes cash and non-cash prizes. You must report the fair market value of non-cash prizes like cars and trips.

  2. Payer tax form.  If you win, the payer may give you a Form W-2G, Certain Gambling Winnings. The payer also sends a copy of the W-2G to the IRS. The payer must issue the form based on the type of gambling, the amount you win and other factors. You’ll also get a form W-2G if the payer must withhold income tax from what you win.

  3. How to report winnings.  You normally report your winnings for the year on your tax return as “Other Income.” You must report all your gambling winnings as income. This is true even if you don’t receive a Form W-2G.

  4. How to deduct losses.  You can deduct your gambling losses on Schedule A, Itemized Deductions. The amount you can deduct is limited to the amount of the gambling income you report on your return.

  5. Keep gambling receipts.  You should keep track of your wins and losses. This includes keeping items such as a gambling log or diary, receipts, statements or tickets.
See Publication 525, Taxable and Nontaxable Income for rules on this topic. Refer to Publication 529, Miscellaneous Deductions for more on losses. It also lists some of the types of records you should keep. You can download and view both on IRS.gov/forms at any time.

Additional IRS Resources:
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IRS Podcasts:
Source: Internal Revenue Service
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Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Ten Things to Know about Identity Theft and Your Taxes

IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2015-01, July 1, 2015

Learning you are a victim of identity theft can be a stressful event. Identity theft is also a challenge to businesses, organizations and government agencies, including the IRS. Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your stolen Social Security number to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund.

Many times, you may not be aware that someone has stolen your identity. The IRS may be the first to let you know you’re a victim of ID theft after you try to file your taxes.
The IRS combats tax-related identity theft with a strategy of prevention, detection and victim assistance. The IRS is making progress against this crime and it remains one of the agency’s highest priorities.

Here are ten things to know about ID Theft:
  1. Protect your Records.  Do not carry your Social Security card or other documents with your SSN on them. Only provide your SSN if it’s necessary and you know the person requesting it. Protect your personal information at home and protect your computers with anti-spam and anti-virus software. Routinely change passwords for Internet accounts.

  2. Don’t Fall for Scams.  The IRS will not call you to demand immediate payment, nor will it call about taxes owed without first mailing you a bill. Beware of threatening phone calls from someone claiming to be from the IRS. If you have no reason to believe you owe taxes, report the incident to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at 1-800-366-4484 FREE.

  3. Report ID Theft to Law Enforcement.  If your SSN was compromised and you think you may be the victim of tax-related ID theft, file a police report. You can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission using the FTC Complaint Assistant. It’s also important to contact one of the three credit bureaus so they can place a freeze on your account.

  4. Complete an IRS Form 14039 Identity Theft Affidavit.  Once you’ve filed a police report, file an IRS Form 14039 Identity Theft Affidavit.  Print the form and mail or fax it according to the instructions. Continue to pay your taxes and file your tax return, even if you must do so by paper.

  5. Understand IRS Notices.  Once the IRS verifies a taxpayer’s identity, the agency will mail a particular letter to the taxpayer. The notice says that the IRS is monitoring the taxpayer’s account. Some notices may contain a unique Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) for tax filing purposes.

  6. IP PINs.  If a taxpayer reports that they are a victim of ID theft or the IRS identifies a taxpayer as being a victim, they will be issued an IP PIN. The IP PIN is a unique six-digit number that a victim of ID theft uses to file a tax return. In 2014, the IRS launched an IP PIN Pilot program. The program offers residents of Florida, Georgia and Washington, D.C., the opportunity to apply for an IP PIN, due to high levels of tax-related identity theft there.

  7. Data Breaches.  If you learn about a data breach that may have compromised your personal information, keep in mind not every data breach results in identity theft.  Further, not every identity theft case involves taxes. Make sure you know what kind of information has been stolen so you can take the appropriate steps before contacting the IRS.

  8. Report Suspicious Activity.  If you suspect or know of an individual or business that is committing tax fraud, you can visit IRS.gov and follow the chart on How to Report Suspected Tax Fraud Activity.

  9. Combating ID Theft.  Over the past few years, nearly 2,000 people were convicted in connection with refund fraud related to identity theft. The average prison sentence for identity theft-related tax refund fraud grew to 43 months in 2014 from 38 months in 2013, with the longest sentence being 27 years.

    During 2014, the IRS stopped more than $15 billion of fraudulent refunds, including those related to identity theft.  Additionally, as the IRS improves its processing filters, the agency has also been able to halt more suspicious returns before they are processed. So far this year, new fraud filters stopped about 3 million suspicious returns for review, an increase of more than 700,000 from the year before.

  10. Service Options.  Information about tax-related identity theft is available online. We have a special section on IRS.gov devoted to identity theft and a phone number available for victims to obtain assistance.
For more on this Topic, see the Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft.
Additional IRS Resources:
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IRS Podcasts:
Source: Internal Revenue Service
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