Don't Deal With The IRS On Your Own!
In this video, CEO and founder of BPB Tax Resolutions discusses your rights as a taxpayer. He dives into your right to retain representation, what it is, why it's important, and how to take full advantage of this power. The IRS communicates your rights as a taxpayer through the publication 1. Item #9 on the taxpayer bill of rights states that you can hire an authorized representative to represent you if you have any sort of tax issue.
An authorized representative can be a lawyer, CPA, or enrolled an agent. Your typical tax payer cannot represent you unless they are in good standing with one of these credentials. The best thing you can do when you have a tax issue is to hire a professional to speak on your behalf. Sometimes, tax issues can become worse if you try to deal with the IRS directly. Because of this, it’s very important that you have a certified tax resolution specialist involved as early as possible.
When you want to to obtain representation, be sure to find a reputable firm to discuss your tax situation with. That firm will have you fill out a form that grants them power of attorney. This power of attorney is limited to dealing with tax matters to the IRS. The representative listed on the form presents the power of attorney form to the IRS and steps into your shoes as a taxpayer to negotiate the desired outcome.
After the tax matter is resolved, the authorized representative will revoke power of attorney. It’s very important to ensure that the representative has done this before ending your engagement with the authorized representative.
If you have a challenging tax situation that you’re trying to deal with on your own, make sure to contact BPB Tax Resolutions.
Filing Your Taxes When You Know You'll Owe Money to The IRS
As we wrap up the year the last thing most people are thinking about is their taxes. But planning ahead can have a serious impact on your tax bill next year, especially if you know you’ll owe taxes.
In this article, we’ll talk about some steps you must take if you know you’ll be owing taxes to the IRS or state.
Note: If you already have tax troubles or owe more than $10k to the IRS or state but can’t pay in full, contact our firm today. We help people find tax relief, file years of unfiled tax returns, and sometimes settle their tax debt for a fraction of what’s owed.
Report All Your Income
One of the biggest reasons people get in trouble with the IRS is their failure to report income. Oftentimes it’s an honest mistake and they simply forget about income they’ve made throughout the year.
Did you take on a consulting gig? Your client might have filed a 1099 reporting your income.
Did your savings and investments earn interest? You’ll likely need to report that income as well.
The stock market has been on a wild ride, and breaking records despite COVID-19. If you sold stock and cashed on on the gains, these gains are reported to the IRS and it means that a lot of Americans might get an unexpected tax bill.
As the year wraps up, it’s wise to take inventory of where your income came from this year so you can stay on top of any tax forms you might get outside of your normal W2.
Run The Numbers Ahead of Time
Some people like surprises but when it comes to taxes, it’s best to avoid them.
You do not have to wait for tax filing season to estimate how much you might owe. Be proactive about consulting with your tax advisor and estimate your tax liability based on how you did for the year.
They’ll be able to suggest tax strategies before the year ends that can save you thousands of dollars on your tax bill.
Set Money Aside to Pay Your Taxes
Taxes are inevitable. If you know for certain you’ll owe money to the IRS but don’t have the money to pay all of it up front, it’s best to set at least some money aside early so you can pay as much of your tax bill upfront as possible.
The IRS can be more lenient if they see you’re trying to honor your responsibilities and settle your tax debt.
Learn About Tax Relief Options
The IRS has the authority to levy your bank account, garnish your paycheck and seize your assets if it has to, but they also have many tax relief options to help taxpayers in need.
Things like settling your tax debt for a fraction of what you owe, installment plans, penalty abatements, and more, can all be viable tax relief options depending on your situation.
If you owe money to the IRS and can’t afford to pay, you have options. It’s best to reach out to a tax relief firm like ours to learn more about them.
Don’t talk to the IRS, talk to us first
If you do get hit with a surprise tax bill and lack the money to pay it, you need to settle your tax problem as soon as possible. The IRS wants their money, and they have unbridled authority to get it, so simply avoiding the tax bill will not make it go away, but make it worse. A lot worse.
However, dealing with the IRS is often intimidating for most taxpayers. Talking to the IRS and trying to resolve your own tax problem is like going to court without a lawyer, you’ll most likely get crushed.
A tax resolution firm like ours has years of experience helping taxpayers just like you resolve IRS and State tax problems and negotiating the best deal on your behalf. If you owe the IRS money either for 2019 or prior years, contact us now for a consultation to learn about your options.
The good news is the IRS has several debt settlement options including their Fresh Start Initiative and is generally willing to settle with taxpayers who have been blindsided by a surprise tax bill and can’t pay it off in full.
Hopefully, tax filing season will bring the big fat refund you are expecting, but it is important to be prepared for the unexpected. The new tax bill has unleashed a host of unintended consequences, including smaller refunds and surprise tax bills. By being prepared, you can reduce the pain of a surprise tax bill, so you can get on with the rest of your life.
Do You Need A Tax Attorney if You Owe Back Taxes?
If you owe back taxes you might think you need a tax attorney, but that’s not necessarily always the case. Just like hiring a traditional accountant to try to resolve your tax debt might not be the best choice, hiring a tax attorney, who doesn’t specialize in tax resolution might be the same thing.
When you owe the IRS back taxes, it’s best to have the right tax relief firm representing you so you can get the best result possible. Don’t try to face the most brutal collection agency on the planet alone. You’ll be sorry you did.
In this article we talk about some of the differences between a tax attorney and someone who specializes in tax relief and IRS negotiation.
Note: If you already have a tax problem and owe more than $10k to the IRS or state but can’t pay in full, contact our firm today. We help people find tax relief, file years of unfiled tax returns, and sometimes settle their tax debt for a fraction of what’s owed.
What Do Tax Attorneys Do?
Tax lawyers help businesses and taxpayers with a number of tax related issues such as;
● Legal issues pertaining to taxes
● Corporate tax matters
● Starting up a business and entity formation
● Taxable estate matters
● Tax controversy and tax negotiation (only if a tax resolution specialist too)
Tax attorneys work on both the state level and the federal level. Though some tax attorneys might be able to negotiate with the IRS to settle your tax debt, not all tax attorneys specialize in tax controversy and resolution, nor do they have the experience to do so.
The biggest and most important difference between a regular tax attorney and someone who is a tax resolution specialist, (who’s a CPA, Enrolled Agent or attorney), is regular tax attorneys specialize in transactional tax planning. Their work generally includes minimizing taxes on a go-forward basis. A tax resolution specialist is someone who can help resolve your back tax issues on amounts already owed, or will be owing, to the IRS/State.
It’s important to ask what type of tax matters they handle before engaging a tax attorney to solve your tax debt. Most CPAs and Enrolled Agents, who are tax resolution specialists too, can be just as effective as an attorney that has experience in tax resolution matters.
Are tax attorneys accountants?
The short answer is no.
They both work with taxes, yes, and they both have a background education in accounting, but tax attorneys focus on the legalities of taxes, and their goal is to help you understand and navigate legal matters as they relate to taxes.
They do not generally help you to prepare your tax returns unless they specialize in tax relief and specifically help you catch up on years of unfiled tax returns.
Additionally, while tax lawyers are always legally bound by confidentiality policies, accountants and CPAs are not bound by the same rules because they are not all subject under the same laws.
Common Reasons for Hiring a Tax Attorney
Common reasons why people seek out the assistance of these professionals include when:
● They need legal tax advice for business purposes
● They are faced with complex or criminal IRS matters.
● They are dealing with estate-related issues.
● They need to file a suit against the IRS.
You can consult a tax attorney either before you run into any problems in order to avoid any potential problems in the future, after a problem has already arisen, in which case they will help you to sort things out and get you back on the right track and where you need to be.
OWE BACK TAXES?
It’s important to note that only experienced firms like ours are able to handle tax debt cases since negotiating with the IRS requires specialized skills that often fall outside of the scope of most conventional firms.
Our firm specializes in tax problem resolution. We have CPAs, EAs and attorneys who can represent you before the IRS. We serve clients virtually so don’t hesitate to reach out. If you want an expert tax resolution specialist who knows how to navigate the IRS maze, reach out to our firm and we’ll schedule a no-obligation confidential consultation to explain your options to permanently resolve your tax problem.
Did You Make Money with Cryptocurrency? How to Get Right with the IRS
For early adopters of Bitcoin, Ethereum and other popular cryptocurrencies, the profit potential has been simply stunning. While there have been some heart stopping moments and frightening ups and downs, the clear long-term trajectory has been upward.
If you are one of those early adopters who profited from the rise in cryptocurrency values, you are probably feeling pretty good about your decision. But your good fortune could soon take a dark turn, one that could leave you in hot water with the IRS.
After many years of taking a hands off approach to cryptocurrency investments, the IRS is now making up for lost time. At first, the tax agency seemed unsure how to calculate virtual profits or tax cryptocurrency gains, but now the rules are largely in place, and it is time for those who profited to pay up.
There has already been some movement on the cryptocurrency taxation front, and it is only a matter of time before the IRS takes notice of your holdings - and your profits. The tax agency has recently obtained data from major cryptocurrency exchanges, and letters are going out to large holders of these virtual currencies. But you should not simply wait for the IRS to contact you. The best approach is to do your homework now and make your plans for paying what you owe. Here are some simple tips to help you get right with the IRS.
Note: If you already have tax troubles or owe more than $10k to the IRS or state but can’t pay in full, contact our firm today. We help people find tax relief, file years of unfiled tax returns, and sometimes settle their tax debt for a fraction of what’s owed.
Learn The Rules
There has been a lot of confusion over how cryptocurrencies were to be taxed, and the IRS itself has issued a number of different rulings in that regard. With so much conflicting information, it is no wonder so many cryptocurrency investors chose to avoid the whole thing.
Studies suggest that only a small percentage of cryptocurrency investors have reported their holdings to the IRS. Some holders of cryptocurrency did not believe they were required to report their investments, while others assumed their transactions were anonymous. Now that the IRS has proven that neither contention is correct, it is time to learn the rules and follow the reporting requirements.
The IRS may have been slow to categorize cryptocurrencies, but the tax agency now has firm rules in place. If you hold cryptocurrency or have profited in the past, now is the time to learn the rules. Whether you do your own homework or seek out expert advice, the more you know the better off you will be.
Estimate Your Gains
Once you know the rules, the next step is to estimate your potential gains. The rules governing cryptocurrency profits are complex, but you should still be able to estimate the possible tax hit.
It may take some time to reconstruct the purchases and sales you made along the way, so take your time and gather as much information as you can. If you are missing some information, you may be able to find what you need through your favorite cryptocurrency exchange. Many major exchanges keep detailed records of purchases, sales and other cryptocurrency transactions. Once you know how much you made on those cryptocurrency transactions, you can work to calculate the taxes you might owe.
Work with a Cryptocurrency Tax Relief Expert
Tax calculations are not for the faint of heart, and it is easy to make a mistake. If you want to avoid problems with the IRS and head off any penalties and interest, you will need expert help and guidance.
The cryptocurrency market is still relatively new, and the current IRS tax treatment of these virtual assets is even newer. Even so, some tax experts have already started to specialize in these alternative investments, and seeking their expertise could help you pay what you owe while avoiding penalties and interest.
If you already have a tax preparer, start by asking about their experience with cryptocurrency investments. If your current tax advisor is not a cryptocurrency expert, it is time to shop around for someone who understands these unique assets and how they are taxed. It may take some time, but it is important to find an expert you can trust.
The IRS may have ignored the early days of the cryptocurrency revolution, but the tax agency is making up for lost time. Some early adopters have already received notices from the IRS, while others are scrambling to calculate their profits and pay what they owe. The tips listed above can help you develop a payment plan, so you can get right with the IRS before it is too late.
OWE BACK TAXES?
Our firm specializes in tax problem resolution. We serve clients virtually so don’t hesitate to reach out. If you want an expert tax resolution specialist who knows how to navigate the IRS maze, reach out to our firm and we’ll schedule a no-obligation confidential consultation to explain your options to permanently resolve your tax problem.
Avoid These 5 Common Tax Filing Mistakes That Can Get You In Tax Trouble
Whether you file the simple 1040EZ or a complex 1040 and a raft of schedules, making a mistake on your tax form could lead to big tax trouble. Something as simple as a math error or unsigned form could invite extra attention from the IRS.
The tax agency sees those mistakes every year, and IRS representatives warn taxpayers to be careful when filling out their forms. Even if you think you have everything filled out perfectly, it never hurts to double-check and look for these common tax day errors.
#1 - Assuming Your Tax Pro Prepared Your Taxes Properly
Blindly trusting your accountant or tax preparer to file your taxes correctly can be costly. Of course you want to assume they do a great job, and most tax professionals do, but letting them file without your thorough review is a mistake.
We resolve back tax problems for people, and often what gets people in trouble is a simple mistake; like forgetting to report income, missing deductions, or taking too many deductions.
These are sometimes honest mistakes that if not caught early, can trigger red flags and have the IRS sending you letters of balances due.
No one knows your financial situation better than you do so it’s important you double check your return so you’re not blindsided with an unwanted surprise.
#2 - Waiting Until the Last Minute
Filing taxes is stressful enough. You do not need to make things worse by waiting until midnight on April 15 to get your return in the mail. Give yourself plenty of time to gather all the necessary documents and complete your return.
Keep in mind that unexpected problems could interfere with your last-minute tax filing plans. Getting your taxes done early is the only way to protect yourself from unforeseen circumstances that can delay your tax filing.
#3 - Failing to File on Time
If you cannot file your return on time, you can ask for an extension by filling out a single form. Even if your documents are in disarray, there is no excuse for not filing on time. Filing an extension gives you six more months to get everything in order and complete your return.
Keep in mind that you will still need to estimate the tax you owe and make your payment, even if you file an extension. Filing an extension extends the amount of time you have to get your return to the IRS, but it does not provide a reprieve from your tax debt. If you wait to make your tax payment, you will get hit with penalties and interest.
#4 - Not Making a Backup or Keeping Good Records
Making backup copies of your tax returns, income documents and schedules is an essential part of tax planning and preparation. Set up a folder or file box and use it to store your tax documents as they come in, and then scan each one before you put it away.
Once you have completed your return, be sure to make copies of every document, including your W-2 form and tax schedules, before sending the return to the IRS. If you file electronically, be sure to save a PDF copy of your return before completing the final step. Save all of those electronic tax documents on your computer or cloud storage device. Ordering a lost copy of a past year's return from the IRS is time-consuming and expensive. You can save time and money by making your own backup copies. If the IRS audits you or requests more information from you, all your records will be extremely helpful in the process.
#5 - Ignoring Letters From The IRS After You File Your Taxes.
Sometimes the IRS will send follow up correspondence, especially if you owe money to the IRS. It can be easy to ignore the first few letters. Even if you have the intention of paying your taxes soon you should still take action and either get on an installment agreement or reach out to a tax relief firm if your financial situation requires it.
OWE BACK TAXES?
Our firm specializes in tax problem resolution. We serve clients virtually so don’t hesitate to reach out. If you want an expert tax resolution specialist who knows how to navigate the IRS maze, reach out to our firm and we’ll schedule a no-obligation confidential consultation to explain your options to permanently resolve your tax problem.
What is a Levy? IRS and Other Asset Levies Explained
Falling behind on your debts is never a fun place to be. It’s less fun when a levy is placed on your assets. In this article, we take a look at what an IRS levy is, why it happens, and what you can do about it.
Note: If you have any tax trouble or owe more than $10k to the IRS or state but can’t pay in full, contact our firm today. We help people find tax relief. Often, we can resolve your IRS levy without you having to talk to the IRS. Call today.
What is an IRS Levy?
Simply put, if you owe back taxes and you ignore the IRS, the IRS can seize your property, take money from your bank accounts, or sell your assets in order to satisfy the balance due.
The IRS will give you plenty of notices via mail before they take this step. If you do not satisfy the debt or make payment arrangements by the specified date, the IRS will attempt to take the amount of the levy directly out of your bank account.
Other types of levies
Private creditors may issue a levy against your bank account with a court order. Court orders are not required for levies by government agencies. The creditor must notify you of the upcoming levy at least 21 days before removing any funds from your account. You may not withdraw money or close the account during this waiting period.
Funds earned from child support, social security, unemployment, workers' compensation settlements and certain other types of government agency payments are exempt from levy. You must request the exemption and offer proof of the source of the funds.
Wage Garnishments
Government agencies may also garnish an employee's wages for back taxes, child support and other delinquent payments required by law.
The IRS has the authority to levy up to 85 percent of the employee's paycheck. The levy notice will be sent to your company's payroll or human resources department. You must then withhold the appropriate amount of money from the employee's paycheck and send it to the IRS or state tax board. The employee must provide a wage garnishment release if he is able to work out a payment arrangement.
If you are behind on your taxes, the IRS may levy most payments from federal agencies. This includes railroad retirement benefits, Medicare supplier and provider payments, payments on contracts between your company and a government agency, federal retirement annuities and travel reimbursements.
You may apply for a hardship exemption if the levy will cause your company undue financial distress. Companies going through bankruptcy proceedings are automatically exempt from IRS levies.
Seizing Your Assets
The IRS may also seize your real estate and personal property such as a car or boat. You will receive a 30-day notice indicating that seizures will follow if you do not pay your outstanding taxes or contact the IRS to make payment arrangements. This authority also extends to property and money you own that are being held by another party, such as life insurance cash value. The government sells its seized property at auction to recover some of the funds owed by delinquent taxpayers.
What To Do If You Have An IRS Levy
Back taxes don’t just disappear if you ignore them long enough. Putting your head in the sand will cause the problem to get worse.
If you have back tax debt, we highly recommend you reach out to our firm first. Our clients never have to talk to the IRS, and tax resolution through our firm can save you money and time in the long run. You might also be eligible for other IRS relief programs or get your penalties reduced or removed. Reach out to our firm today for a consultation.
Think Tax Filing Season is Over? Why You May Need to File an Amended Return
Few people look forward to tax filing season. Unless you are an accountant who loves tax season, you probably dread this time of year, and you are thrilled when your return is in and your refund is on the way or your tax debt is all paid off.
When you sign your tax return and send it in, you may think that tax filing season is finally over, and that the IRS will not be bugging you for another year. That’s unfortunately not the case. Millions of Americans get letters from the IRS stating they owe more money or asking for more information. So there are times when you may need to revisit your old return and file an amended one.
NOTE: If you have back tax debt, are under audit, or have multiple years of unfiled tax returns, we highly recommend readers to reach out to our firm first. Our clients never have to talk to the IRS, and tax resolution through our firm can save you money and time in the long run. You might also be eligible for other IRS relief programs or get your penalties reduced or removed. Reach out to our firm today for a consultation.
So when should you file an amended return, and how do you go about it? Here are some key things you need to know.
You Forgot to Report All Your Income
If you neglected to report all of your income, it is only a matter of time until the IRS finds out, and when they do you could be on the wrong side of a big bill. So instead of waiting for the IRS to catch up, fess up by filing an amended return.
Be sure to gather up all of your documents and compare the income you reported to the new total you have now calculated. If you owe any additional tax, you will want to pay it right away to avoid interest and penalties.
Brokerage Forms are Sometimes Late
If you have stock market holdings and own mutual funds, you will be receiving forms from the brokerage firms that hold those accounts. Those forms will provide details of the dividend income and capital gains you received, so you can provide accurate filings to the IRS.
What you may not know is that those brokerage and mutual fund statements are sometimes sent out late. Worse yet, the numbers are often updated after the fact, meaning the information you filed on your original return may no longer be accurate.
If you receive an updated 1099 from your brokerage firm or mutual fund company, you may need to file an amended return to account for the discrepancy. If you fail to update your own numbers, the IRS could come after you for additional taxes and penalties.
You Got a Tax Bill But You Know You Don’t Owe It
This can be tricky and it’s best to have representation from a tax resolution firm like ours. If the IRS is sending you letters claiming you owe money, but you’re certain you don’t owe, then filing an amended return can sometimes do the trick.
Another thing to note is that the IRS makes mistakes. So having an IRS Relief firm like ours on your side can help clear these mistakes and settle your tax debt.
You Forgot to Claim a Legitimate Credit or Deduction
Sometimes an amended return can reduce the amount you owe if you forgot to claim a legitimate tax credit or deduction.
Even if you have already filed your return, you can still go back and claim any credits or deductions you may have missed.
File Your Amended Return Within Three Years
You only have a limited amount of time to file an amended return, so you need to act quickly. In most cases you will need to file your amended return within three years, and if you miss the deadline you could be out of luck.
If you think you need to file an amended return, check out your tax records for the last three years. If you identify any potential issues, or overlooked credits and deductions, it is time to file your amended return.
Tax filing season may be over, but you can always file an amended return. As long as you are within the allowable time period, you can adjust your already filed returns to reflect previous omissions, or take advantage of overlooked deductions.
OWE BACK TAXES?
Our firm specializes in tax resolution. We serve clients virtually so don’t hesitate to reach out. If you want an expert tax resolution specialist who knows how to navigate the IRS maze, reach out to our firm and we’ll schedule a no-obligation confidential consultation to explain your options to permanently resolve your tax problem.
Four Things Your Tax Preparer Won't Tell You (and How It Can Get You In Tax Trouble)
Tax time will be here (again) before you know it. If your tax return is a simple one, you may be up to filing the return yourself. But if your situation is somewhat complicated, seeking the help of a qualified professional is probably the best move.
Our firm specializes in helping people resolve their back tax problems such as filing years of unfiled returns, settling your back taxes with the IRS, or negotiating favorable payment plans often unknown to the common taxpayer.
There are millions of people getting threatening letters from the IRS every year and we can help. But how did these mostly honest people end up in trouble in the first place?
When you hire a professional to do your taxes, you assume that the person doing your taxes is an expert, with years of training, the right licenses and certifications and the expertise needed to do the job and do it right. In many cases, that blind trust is not too bad, but you cannot simply pick any old tax preparer.
The fact that the person you hire is allowed to do taxes is no guarantee of quality, or even of qualifications. Here are five things your tax preparer may not tell you, and how they can earn you with an unwanted tax bill at the end of the year.
Note: The COVID-19 tax relief, forgivable loan programs and stimulus checks all have different and unforeseen tax consequences that you’ll need to consider. If you have any tax trouble or owe more than $10k to the IRS or state but can’t pay in full, contact our firm today.
#1. A Lot Of Tax Preparers Have No Tax-Specific Training or Expertise
The fact that an individual, or an employee of a large tax preparation company, is allowed to complete tax returns means almost nothing. The tax preparer is not required to have tax-specific training or expertise to obtain the paid preparer tax identification number (PTIN) they need. The only requirement for getting the required PTIN is the completion of a simple form - one that takes about 15 minutes to fill out.
Before you hire any tax professional, you should ask about their specific training, qualifications and expertise. Find out how long they have been doing taxes, ask about audits they have been involved in and share your personal tax situation. Above all, do not hire anyone until you feel comfortable with their ability to handle your tax return properly.
A CPA or Enrolled Agent licensed by the IRS is your best bet when looking for qualified tax professionals. We hear horror stories from our tax relief clients all the time where the tax preparer messed up something on their tax return or didn’t give the client the right tax strategy, so they ended up with a burdensome tax bill.
#2. They Won't Be Preparing Your Return
It is an open secret in the world of tax preparers that returns are prepared in stages. That means the owner of the firm or the most experienced professional will probably not be the one who initiates your return.
Instead, a junior associate will likely enter your income information and other relevant data, identify potential deductions and tax credits and give your return a quick review. Once that is done, a senior advisor or tax preparer should look at the return, verify that it is correct and sign off on it.
This can often cause a communication breakdown causing issues that could land you with a large tax debt. Most taxpayers blindly trust their tax pro and don’t thoroughly review the deductions and tax return draft.
If you are not comfortable about this multi-step process, it is important to share your concerns with your preparer. The sheer number of tax returns large firms handle during a busy season makes this multi-step process necessary, but it is important to know how things work and what you can do to ensure the right level of attention.
It’s also extremely important to review the return in full detail to avoid any unwanted surprises, audits, or unforeseen tax debt.
#3. I May Not Research Unusual Deductions and Tax Breaks
Professional tax preparers tend to be a pretty conservative bunch, and that is good news when it comes to your chances of being audited. It can be bad news, however, for your overall tax bill.
Your tax preparer will no doubt apply the most common deductions and tax credits to your return, things like the deduction for educational expenses and health care costs and the earned income and retirement tax credits. What they may not do is research more unusual tax credits and deductions, even if they could potentially save you money.
If these special circumstances apply to your return, you should discuss the situation with your tax preparer and look for ways to include them with your filing. You may need to pay an extra research fee or renegotiate the cost of preparing and filing your return, but the tax savings could be worth the extra cost.
#4. CPA Does Not Mean Tax Relief Pro
When clients get into tax trouble or get behind on paying their tax debt, they often turn to the very same tax pro that prepared the return. Unfortunately, most CPAs and tax preparers are not skilled in tax relief.
Tax relief means they know all the available programs the IRS has to settle your tax debt or give you favorable payment terms that don't drown you in penalties and interests. Even if they think they know, they often aren’t experienced in negotiating with the IRS on your behalf.
It is easy to assume that every CPA is a tax relief expert. After all, the CPA designation is one of the most difficult professional statuses to obtain, and only the most qualified accountants get to put the letters CPA on their business cards.
Even so, not all certified public accountants are tax relief experts, and many do not know any more about settling your tax debt than you do. Some CPA firms prepare tax returns for their clients as a courtesy, but their staffs may not have specific training or expertise in tax law, or tax relief negotiations.
If you have back tax debt, we highly recommend readers to reach out to our firm first. Our clients never have to talk to the IRS, and tax resolution through our firm can save you money and time in the long run. You might also be eligible for other IRS relief programs or get your penalties reduced or removed. Reach out to our firm today for a consultation.
Work from Home Tax Forms: How to Store Them, How to File Them and How to Reduce Your Liability
Working from home can be a dream come true, especially if you also work for yourself. Opportunities for freelancers, gig workers and other self-employed men and women have exploded in recent years, giving people the freedom they crave without sacrificing the income they need. This is far more evident with the current COVID situation where millions of Americans are now commuting from their bedroom to the dining room table for a Zoom call.
That freedom and flexibility can be intoxicating, but there is an unwelcome hangover as well. Tax issues can make working from home less attractive, and more expensive, leaving many gig workers, new freelancers, and small business owners frustrated. But if you plan carefully and know what to do, you can reduce the tax headache and enjoy the perks of working at home. Here are some key things to know before the tax man comes calling.
But before we jump into tax strategies, it’s important to note that the IRS is increasing enforcement in the coming months and even years after this pandemic. More small businesses and independent contractors are going to find themselves getting letters from the IRS requesting for more information or stating they owe money to the IRS. If you have any tax trouble or owe more than $10k to the IRS or state but can’t pay in full, contact our firm today.
So, lets jump into some best practices for keeping your tax records clean in case the IRS comes knocking on your door.
Gather Contact Information from Your Clients
Whether you are preparing sales brochures for local businesses, designing websites for new startups or putting together dozens of individual side hustles, it is important to have contact information for every client.
The typical freelancer may have dozens of clients in a single year, and being able to contact them is an essential part of doing business. So go through your email lists, sort out your invoices and create a database of addresses and telephone numbers. Hopefully you will receive all your documents on time, but if not, that contact information will help you track down the missing paperwork.
Store Electronic and Paper Copies
The old saying that it is better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it is doubly true when you are self-employed. For gig workers, freelancers and other self-employed individuals, the loss of a single tax form could delay filing for months and even trigger an audit by the IRS.
That is why it is so important to build redundancy into your document storage. That means scanning each 1099 form as it is received, storing it on your hard drive, cloud account and offline storage device. It also means making paper copies of those critical documents and storing them in a safe place. These tax forms will be important when the tax filing deadline rolls around, so make sure you have them when you need them.
Keep Your Own Ledger
In a perfect world, every freelancer and at-home worker would receive all the tax forms they need, but that perfect world is the exception and not the norm. If you want to be ready for tax time and avoid unwanted entanglements with the IRS, you need to keep your own ledger.
Having your own records to back up your earnings estimates will help you in many ways, from qualifying for lower cost health insurance to getting a jump start on your tax return. It may be a little extra work, but keeping your own ledger will pay off in the long run.
Check Off Each Form As It Is Received
Now that you have your ledger in hand (or on your computer), you can cross reference your records and check off each 1099 form as it is received. When you have crossed the last form off your list, you can start filing your taxes and get the refund you deserve.
Be sure to scan each form as you receive it and make several backup copies. Having this documentation on hand will make your life easier should the IRS question part of your return or request additional information about the income you are claiming.
Reduce Your Tax Liability with a Solo 401(k) or SEP-IRA
Many new freelancers and gig workers are surprised at the high taxes they are required to pay, and the self-employment tax can be a particularly devastating blow. This extra tax is assessed to self-employed individuals, and it can have a big impact on members of the gig economy.
You may not be able to eliminate the self-employment tax, but there are steps you can take to keep your tax liability to a minimum. Retirement plans for the self-employed are among the most generous around, and opening a solo 401(k) or SEP-IRA could allow you to shelter tens of thousands of dollars in income.
These self-employed retirement plans do require some setup and a fair amount of paperwork, but once in place they can be used year after year to reduce your tax liability, so you can keep more money in your pocket and send less to the IRS.
Being self-employed and working from home can be wonderful, but it is important to be prepared for the realities. One of those unpleasant realities is taxes, and keeping track of your work at home tax forms will be critical as you make the transition. The tips listed above can help you keep proper records, stay on the right side of the IRS and even reduce your tax liability.
OWE BACK TAXES?
Our firm specializes in tax resolution. We serve clients virtually so don’t hesitate to reach out. If you want an expert tax resolution specialist who knows how to navigate the IRS maze, reach out to our firm and we’ll schedule a no-obligation confidential consultation to explain your options to permanently resolve your tax problem.
Considering Bankruptcy to Get Rid Of Your Back Taxes? 3 Alternatives to Explore Before You File
If you are drowning in late payments and working harder and harder to make ends meet, you may think a bankruptcy filing is the only way out, but that is not necessarily the case. Filing for bankruptcy is one solution, but it is a drastic step that should only be taken as a last resort.
This is especially true if you owe back taxes to the IRS or state. Depending on what type of taxes you owe, you might not be able to wipe out your back taxes in bankruptcy proceedings.
It’s important to weigh all your options and get a clear picture of your financial situation, so in this article, we share with you 3 smart steps to take before declaring bankruptcy.
Depending on how much you owe, who your creditors are, and how the rest of your financial life looks, you may be able to dig yourself out of the hole and take back control without having to declare bankruptcy. Here are three smart alternatives to consider before calling a bankruptcy attorney.
3 Alternatives to Explore Before You File
1. Contact A Tax Relief Firm
Most bankruptcy attorneys aren’t familiar with the complex tax laws so they won’t accurately be able to assess your tax situation.
A tax relief firm like ours can help you assess your back tax situation and often help you settle your back tax problems with the IRS. If you owe a substantial amount of back taxes, this may be a good way to reduce your overall burden. This can also be a good first step to getting back on track with your finances.
2. Request a Lower Interest Rate On Other Balances
When you are paying 18% or more in interest, it can be hard to keep up with the charges, let alone make any headway on the outstanding balance. Credit card interest rates are among the highest around, and those outrageous rates have trapped many consumers in a spiral of ever increasing balance.
How different would your finances look if your interest rate was cut in half? Would you finally be able to get ahead of the interest charges and start paying down your balance? If so, it is time to get your credit card issuer on the line.
Even if you do not think your credit card issuer will be receptive, it never hurts to ask. And when the credit card company finds out that you are thinking about filing bankruptcy, they may be more willing to negotiate than you think.
For tax problems, the IRS can sometimes remove penalties and interest from your tax balance, so it’s important to reach out to our firm to see what your options may be.
3. Refinance
Even if your credit card issuers and lenders are not willing to budge on the interest rates, you could still save money and avoid bankruptcy. Refinancing your existing balances through a home equity line of credit, a personal loan or other means could lower your interest rate substantially and slash your monthly payments.
If you do decide on this strategy, it pays to shop around. The more you can lower your interest rate, the more money you can save - and the faster you will be able to pay off your balances.
But it’s incredibly hard to refinance if you have an IRS tax lien or wage levy. Our firm can get these released and help you get on financial track.
A bankruptcy filing can provide a fresh start for those in dire financial circumstances, helping them recover and rebuild their shattered monetary lives.
Even so, bankruptcy is not the only way out, and it is important for those considering this solution to research the alternatives first. The three bankruptcy alternatives listed above can also give you the fresh start you need, without the stigma or long-lasting impacts of a bankruptcy filing.
IMPORTANT: We highly recommend readers to reach out to our firm first. Our clients never have to talk to the IRS, and tax resolution through our firm can save you money and time in the long run. You might also be eligible for other relief programs or get your penalties and interest forgiven. Reach out to our firm today for a consultation, at https://bpbtaxresolutions.com/contact-us/.
