ASAP Mobile Income Tax Services

12/29/2022

IRS issues standard mileage rates for 2023; business use increases 3 cents per mile

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2023 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2023, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:

5 cents per mile driven for business use, up 3 cents from the midyear increase setting the rate for the second half of 2022.
22 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes for qualified active-duty members of the Armed Forces, consistent with the increased midyear rate set for the second half of 2022.
14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations; the rate is set by statute and remains unchanged from 2022.
These rates apply to electric and hybrid-electric automobiles, as well as gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles.

The standard mileage rate for business use is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. The rate for medical and moving purposes is based on the variable costs.

12/26/2022

The IRS has announced a delay in reporting thresholds for third-party settlement organizations set to take effect for the upcoming tax filing season. As a result of this delay, third-party settlement organizations will not be required to report tax year 2022 transactions on a Form 1099-K to the IRS or the payee for the lower, $600 threshold amount enacted as part of the American Rescue Plan of 2021. The IRS also has released guidance outlining that calendar year 2022 will be a transition period for implementation of the lowered threshold reporting for third-party settlement organizations (TPSOs) that would have generated Form 1099-Ks for taxpayers

12/26/2022

Tax season is approaching. Are you going to be prepared?

IR-2022-213, December 6, 2022 — The Internal Revenue Service encouraged taxpayers to take important actions this month to help them file their 2022 federal tax returns.

04/04/2022

https://go.usa.gov/xzzy8

Tax Tip 2022-51, April 4, 2022 — In 2018, over a million taxpayers didn’t file their federal return, leaving $1.5 billion in unclaimed refund money. It’s not too late for people to file and get their refund, but the deadline is soon.

01/26/2022

How a taxpayer’s filing status affects their tax return

A taxpayer’s filing status tells the IRS about them and their tax situation. This is just one reason taxpayers should familiarize themselves with each option and know their correct filing status. The IRS Interactive Tax Assistant can help them determine their filing status.

A taxpayer's filing status typically depends on whether they are considered unmarried or married on Dec. 31, which determines their filing status for that entire year.

More than one filing status may apply in certain situations. If this is the case, taxpayers can usually choose the filing status that allows them to owe the least amount of tax.

When preparing and filing a tax return, filing status determines:

If the taxpayer is required to file a federal tax return
If they should file a return to receive a refund
Their standard deduction amount
If they can claim certain tax credits
The amount of tax they owe
Here are the five filing statuses:

Single. Normally, this status is for taxpayers who are unmarried, divorced or legally separated under a divorce or separate maintenance decree governed by state law.

Married filing jointly. If a taxpayer is married, they can file a joint tax return with their spouse. If one spouse died in 2021, the surviving spouse can use married filing jointly as their filing status for 2021 if they otherwise qualify to use that status.

Married filing separately. Married couples can choose to file separate tax returns. This may benefit taxpayers who want to be responsible only for their own tax or if it results in less tax than filing a joint return.

Head of household. Unmarried taxpayers may be able to file using this status, but special rules apply. For example, the taxpayer must have paid more than half the cost of keeping up a home for themselves and a qualifying person living in the home for half the year.

Qualifying widow or widower with dependent child. This status may apply to a taxpayer filing a 2021 tax return if their spouse died in 2019 or 2020, and they didn't remarry before the end of 2021 and have a dependent child. Other conditions also apply.

01/26/2022

Why taxpayers should have their tax refund direct deposited

As the 2022 filing season begins, the IRS encourages taxpayers to file electronically when they are ready and choose direct deposit to get their refund. Direct deposit is the safest and most convenient way to receive a tax refund.

Here are some other benefits of choosing IRS direct deposit:

It’s fast. The fastest way for taxpayers to get their refund is to electronically file and choose direct deposit. Visit IRS.gov for details about IRS Free File, Free File Fillable Forms, free tax return preparation and more. Taxpayers who file a paper return can also choose direct deposit, but it will take longer to process the return and get a refund.
It’s secure. Since refunds are electronically deposited, there's no risk of having a paper check stolen or lost in the mail.
It’s easy. Taxpayers can simply follow the instructions when selecting direct deposit as a refund method and enter their account information as directed. They must enter the correct account and routing numbers when they file.
It provides options. Taxpayers can split a refund into several financial accounts. These include checking, savings, health, education and certain retirement accounts. They should use IRS Form 8888, Allocation of Refund, Including Savings Bond Purchases to deposit a refund in up to three accounts. However, this form cannot be used to designate part of a refund to pay tax preparers.
Taxpayers should deposit refunds into U.S. bank accounts in their own name, their spouse's name or both. They should avoid making a deposit into accounts owned by others. Some banks require both spouses' names on the account to deposit a tax refund from a joint return. Taxpayers should check with their bank for direct deposit rules.

Get banked
Taxpayers who don't have a bank account can visit the FDIC website for information on banks that allow them to open an account online and how to choose the right account. Veterans can use the Veterans Benefits Banking Program for access to financial services at participating banks. Tax preparers may also offer electronic payment options.

Mobile apps may be an option
Some mobile apps and prepaid debit cards allow for direct deposit of tax refunds. They must have routing and account numbers associated with them that can be entered on a tax return. Taxpayers should check with the mobile app provider or financial institution to confirm which numbers to use.

Taxpayers must have their routing and account numbers for direct deposit available when they are ready to file. The IRS can't accept this information after a return is filed.

There is a limit of three direct deposit refunds made into a single financial account or prepaid debit card.

01/24/2022

******You will be receiving (2) Letters in the Mail (if applicable) 1 is for Child Tax Credit Money Received and the other is for Stimulus Payments. They will start mailing them on January 19, 2022. Please carry them to your tax return preparer to make sure you get you refund in a timely manner. If NOT the Your REFUND could be delayed as much as 12 months due to the IRS being so far behind currently.*******

01/20/2022

How small business owners can deduct their home office from their taxes

The home office deduction allows qualified taxpayers to deduct certain home expenses when they file taxes. To claim the home office deduction on their 2021 tax return, taxpayers generally must exclusively and regularly use part of their home or a separate structure on their property as their primary place of business.

Here are some details about this deduction to help taxpayers determine if they can claim it:

Employees are not eligible to claim the home office deduction.

The home office deduction, calculated on Form 8829, is available to both homeowners and renters.

There are certain expenses taxpayers can deduct. These may include mortgage interest, insurance, utilities, repairs, maintenance, depreciation and rent.

Taxpayers must meet specific requirements to claim home expenses as a deduction. Even then, the deductible amount of these types of expenses may be limited.

The term "home" for purposes of this deduction:
Includes a house, apartment, condominium, mobile home, boat or similar property.
Also includes structures on the property. These are places like an unattached garage, studio, barn or greenhouse.
Doesn't include any part of the taxpayer's property used exclusively as a hotel, motel, inn or similar business.

Generally, there are two basic requirements for the taxpayer's home to qualify as a deduction:
There generally must be exclusive use of a portion of the home for conducting business on a regular basis. For example, a taxpayer who uses an extra room to run their business can take a home office deduction only for that extra room so long as it is used both regularly and exclusively in the business.
The home must generally be the taxpayer's principal place of business. A taxpayer can also meet this requirement if administrative or management activities are conducted at the home and there is no other location to perform these duties. Therefore, someone who conducts business outside of their home but also uses their home to conduct business may still qualify for a home office deduction.

Expenses that relate to a separate structure not attached to the home may qualify for a home office deduction. They will qualify only if the structure is used exclusively and regularly for business.

Taxpayers who qualify may choose one of two methods to calculate their home office expense deduction:
The simplified option has a rate of $5 a square foot for business use of the home. The maximum size for this option is 300 square feet. The maximum deduction under this method is $1,500.
When using the regular method, deductions for a home office are based on the percentage of the home devoted to business use. Taxpayers who use a whole room or part of a room for conducting their business need to figure out the percentage of the home used for business activities to deduct indirect expenses. Direct expenses are deducted in full.

01/14/2022

Tax filing step 1: Gather all year-end income documents

As taxpayers are getting ready to file their taxes, the first thing they should do is gather their records. To avoid processing delays that may slow their refund, taxpayers should gather all year-end income documents before filing a 2021 tax return.

It's important for people to have all the necessary documents before starting to prepare their return. This helps them file a complete and accurate tax return. Here are some things taxpayers need to have before they begin doing their taxes.

• Social Security numbers of everyone listed on the tax return. Many taxpayers have these numbers memorized. Still, it's a good idea to have them on hand to double check that the numbers on the tax return are correct. An SSN with one number wrong or two numbers switched will cause processing delays.

• Bank account and routing numbers. People will need these for direct deposit refunds. Direct deposit is the fastest way for taxpayers to get their money and avoids a check getting lost, stolen or returned to IRS as undeliverable.

• Don't have a bank account? Learn how to open an account at an FDIC-Insured bank or through the National Credit Union Locator Tool. Veterans can access the Veterans Benefits Banking Program.

• Forms W-2 from employer(s).

• Forms 1099 from banks, issuing agencies and other payers including unemployment compensation, dividends, distributions from a pension, annuity or retirement plan.

• Form 1099-K, 1099-MISC, W-2 or other income statement for workers in the gig economy.

• Form 1099-INT for interest received.

• Other income documents and records of virtual currency transactions.

• Forms 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement. Taxpayers will need this form to reconcile advance payments or claim the premium tax credit.

• Letter 6419, 2021 Total Advance Child Tax Credit Payments, to reconcile advance child tax credit payments.

• Letter 6475, Your 2021 Economic Impact Payment, to determine eligibility to claim the recovery rebate credit.

Forms usually start arriving by mail or are available online from employers and financial institutions in January. Taxpayers should review them carefully. If any information shown on the forms is inaccurate, the taxpayer should contact the payer ASAP for a correction.

11/05/2021

IRS issues another 430,000 refunds for adjustments related to unemployment compensation

WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service recently sent approximately 430,000 refunds totaling more than $510 million to taxpayers who paid taxes on unemployment compensation excluded from income for tax year 2020.

The IRS efforts to correct unemployment compensation overpayments will help most of the affected taxpayers avoid filing an amended tax return. So far, the IRS has identified over 16 million taxpayers who may be eligible for the adjustment. Some will receive refunds, while others will have the overpayment applied to taxes due or other debts.

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021, enacted in March, excluded the first $10,200 in unemployment compensation per taxpayer paid in 2020. The $10,200 is the amount excluded when calculating one’s adjusted gross income (AGI); it is not the amount of refund. The exclusion applied to individuals and married couples whose modified adjusted gross income was less than $150,000.

Earlier this year, the IRS began its review of tax returns filed prior to the enactment of ARPA to identify the excludible unemployment compensation. To date, the IRS has issued over 11.7 million refunds totaling $14.4 billion. This latest batch of corrections affected over 519,000 returns, with 430,000 taxpayers receiving refunds averaging about $1,189.

The review of returns and processing corrections is nearly complete as the IRS already reviewed the simplest returns and is now concentrating on more complex returns. The IRS plans to issue another batch of corrections before the end of the year.

Impacted taxpayers will generally receive letters from the IRS within 30 days of the adjustment, informing them of what kind of adjustment was made (refund, payment of IRS debt payment or payment offset for other authorized debts) and the amount of the adjustment.

The IRS also is making corrections for Earned Income Tax Credit, Additional Child Tax Credit, American Opportunity Credit, Premium Tax Credit and Recovery Rebate Credit amounts affected by the exclusion. Most taxpayers need not take any action and there is no need to call the IRS.

The IRS will be sending notices in November and December to individuals who did not claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit but may now be eligible for them.

These notices are not confirmation that they are eligible for these credits and will require a response from the taxpayer if eligible rather than filing an amended return. For taxpayers who become eligible for other credits and/or deductions after the exclusion is calculated but not claimed on their original return, they must file a Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to claim any new benefits.

See the 2020 Unemployment Compensation Exclusion FAQs for more information, including details on filing an amended return.

11/05/2021

Common tax scams and tips to help taxpayers avoid them

In recent years, tax schemes and scams have been on the rise. Con artists work year-round which means taxpayers must remain vigilant to avoid being victimized. Here are some tips to help people recognize and avoid some of the most common tax-related scams.

Email phishing scams

The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. Generally, the IRS first mails a paper bill to the person who owes taxes. In some special situations, the IRS will call or come to a home or business.

Taxpayers should report IRS, Treasury or tax-related suspicious phishing scams by saving the email and then sending that file as an attachment to [email protected]. They should not open any attachments, click on any links, reply to the sender, or take any other actions that could put them at risk.

Phone scams

The IRS generally first mails a bill to the taxpayer who owes taxes. There are specific ways to pay taxes. The agency and its authorized private collection agencies will not:

• Leave pre-recorded, urgent, or threatening messages on an answering system.
• Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law enforcement groups to arrest the taxpayer for not paying, deport them or revoke their licenses.
• Call to demand immediate payment with a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer.
• Ask for checks to third parties.
• Demand payment without giving the taxpayer an opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.

Criminals can fake or spoof caller ID numbers to appear to be anywhere in the country. Scammers can even spoof an IRS office phone number or the numbers of various local, state, federal or tribal government agencies.

If a taxpayer receives an IRS or Treasury-related phone call, but doesn't owe taxes and has no reason to think they do, they should:

• Not give out any information. Hang up immediately.
• Contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to report the IRS impersonation scam call.
• Report the caller ID and callback number to the IRS by sending it to [email protected]. The subject line should include "IRS Phone Scam."
• Report the call to the Federal Trade Commission.

If a taxpayer wants to verify what taxes they owe the IRS, they should:

• View tax account information online at IRS.gov.
• Review their payment options.

08/09/2021

Financial safety: The often forgotten piece of disaster preparedness

After a natural disaster, having access to personal financial, insurance, medical and other records can help people starting the recovery process quickly. There are a few things taxpayers can do to help protect their financial safety in a disaster situation.

Here are some financial preparedness tips.

Update emergency plans. A disaster can strike at any time. Personal and business situations are constantly evolving, so taxpayers should review their emergency plans annually.

Create electronic copies of documents. Taxpayers should keep documents in a safe place. This includes bank statements, tax returns and insurance policies. This is especially easy now since many financial institutions provide statements and documents electronically. If original documents are available only on paper, taxpayers can use a scanner and save them on a USB flash drive, CD or in the cloud.

Document valuables. Documenting valuables by taking pictures or videoing them before a disaster strikes makes it easier to claim insurance and tax benefits, if necessary. IRS.gov has a disaster loss workbook that can help taxpayers compile a room-by-room list of belongings.

Understand tax relief is available in disaster situations. Information on Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief for Individuals and Businesses is available at IRS.gov. Taxpayers should also review the itemized deduction for casualty and theft losses. Net personal casualty and theft losses are deductible only to the extent they're attributable to a federally declared disaster. Claims must include the FEMA code assigned to the disaster.

Taxpayers who live in a federally declared disaster, can visit Around the Nation on IRS.gov and click on their state to review the available disaster tax relief. Those who live in counties qualifying for disaster relief receive automatic filing and payment extensions for many currently due tax forms and don't need to contact the agency to get relief. People with disaster-related questions can call the IRS at 866-562-5227 to speak with an IRS specialist trained to handle disaster issues. They can request copies of previously filed tax returns and attachments by filing Form 4506, order transcripts showing most line items through Get Transcript on IRS.gov or call 800-908-9946 for transcripts.