Payment Plans
It’s in your best interest to pay your tax debt as soon as possible because paying can limit the penalties and interest the IRS may charge.However, if you can’t pay your taxes in full, the IRS offers a...
View ArticleGetting an EIN
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also called a Federal Tax Identification Number. It identifies a business entity for tax purposes like filing returns or making deposits. Generally,...
View ArticleGetting an ITIN
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to be used on a tax return.You need this number if you’re required to file a return and you don’t have or...
View ArticleExpediting a Refund
You filed your return and you’re waiting for your refund. The IRS generally releases refunds within specified times.If you are facing a hardship, like a financial hardship, and you need your refund...
View ArticleLost or Stolen Refund
You can always check the status of your refund using "Where's My Refund?" at IRS.gov or the IRS2Go mobile app. "Where's My Refund?" is updated no more than once every 24 hours, usually overnight.If one...
View ArticleI got a notice from the IRS
What should I do?The IRS will send a notice or a letter for any number of reasons. It may be about a specific issue on your federal tax return or account, or may tell you about changes to your account,...
View ArticleLevies
If you have a tax debt, the IRS can issue a levy, which is a legal seizure of your property or assets. It is different from a lien — while a lien makes a claim to your assets as security for a tax...
View ArticleAudits by Mail
Most of the time, the IRS accepts tax returns as filed. However, it selects some for audit to determine if income, expenses, and/or credits are being reported accurately.If your return was selected for...
View ArticleAudits in Person
Most of the time, the IRS accepts tax returns as filed. However, it selects some for audit to determine if income, expenses, and/or credits are being reported accurately.If your return was selected for...
View ArticleSelf-Employment Taxes
Self-Employment tax (SE tax) applies to people who work for themselves. It is in addition to income tax and covers Social Security and Medicare tax. The Social Security Administration uses the...
View ArticleGetting a Transcript
Tax Transcripts are often used to validate your income and tax filing status for things like mortgage applications, student loans, and small business loan applications. They can also be useful when...
View ArticleGetting a PTIN
A preparer tax identification number (PTIN) is a requirement for anyone who is paid for preparing or helping to prepare all or substantially all of a federal tax return, claim for refund, or certain...
View ArticleHome Credits
If you own a home or are planning to buy one, you may have tax credits available. This article will cover two common home credits:Home Mortgage Interest Credit: helps lower-income individuals afford...
View ArticleEducation Credits
An education credit helps with the cost of higher education by reducing the tax you owe on your return.The American Opportunity Tax Credit is a partially-refundable tax credit for college education....
View ArticleVolunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
If you have limited income and need help preparing your tax return, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program may be able to help.Each year,...
View ArticleTAS Helps Taxpayer Get Levy Released
Every year, the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) helps thousands of people with tax problems. All personal details are removed to protect the privacy of the taxpayer.A local TAS office received a...
View ArticleCancellation of Debt
If you owe a debt to someone who cancels (or forgives) all or some of the debt, you are ususally treated as having received income for income tax purposes, and you may have to pay tax on this income.A...
View ArticleExtensions
April 15 - the date individual tax returns are due to the IRS. But circumstances may keep you from filing on time. Fortunately, you can request extra time to file.Extensions are available for...
View Article5 Tips for Choosing a Tax Return Preparer
Your annual physical. Spring cleaning. Flu shots. What do these activities have in common? Just like preparing and filing your taxes, you need to complete them every year. Yet filing your annual tax...
View ArticleSuccess Stories: Helping a Family Deal with a Stolen Identity
Every year, the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) helps thousands of people with tax problems. All personal details are removed to protect the privacy of the taxpayer.When a husband and wife were billed...
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