The IRS is cracking down on schemes that use ID theft to file for fraudulent tax refunds. New safeguards are delaying refunds to early filers.
Congress made few changes that will affect this year's returns. But the system is still complex enough to keep CPAs employed. Here are the issues to keep in mind.
The paid programs are better and easier to use this year. Here is a comparision of the three most popular programs and their cost.
Taxpayers with simple returns have several free filing options, from using IRS forms online to getting help from tax prep firms at Wal-Mart.
Pay attention to your 1099 forms, because the IRS does. Even if you don't get a form, you still have to report the income.
The GOP candidate classified millions as profits, not regular compensation, avoiding tens of thousands in Medicare tax. The IRS has won court challenges of this common tactic.
The previous exemption of the first $2,400 in unemployment benefits from federal tax is over. Job-search costs, training for a new job and relocation expenses may be deductible.
Start by contacting your employer. If that doesn't work, call the IRS. Even if you never get the form, you still have to file on time.
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