Like many taxpayers, your tax refund may be delayed.
The COVID-19 pandemic hit the world by storm. From stimulus payments, tax changes and extending the tax deadline, your refund may be taking longer than expected.
If you noticed that your tax refund is stuck on the “processing” status when checking the IRS Where’s My Refund Tool, you may need to allow some more time for the IRS to disburse your refund. Instead of taxpayers receiving their tax refund within two to three weeks, taxpayers are waiting from six to eight weeks to get their refund.
Here’s why your refund may still be delayed with the IRS.
For the 2020 tax year, there’s a new income statement.
The IRS has introduced a new form called Form 1099-NEC. Whether you’re well versed in reporting your taxes or not, this may be confusing.
Typically, your self employment income is reported on box 7 of your 1099-MISC statement. For the 2020 tax year it is now reported on a 1099-NEC. The IRS has done this to separate filing deadlines.
The IRS’ goal is to simplify the W-4 form to reflect a transparent withholding system. The 2021 W-4 form is still in it’s draft stages, but will most likely reflect the 2020 W-4.
Although the 2020 and 2021 W-4 forms appear different from previous forms, we’re here to break down the changes for you.
With the IRS system in place for stimulus payments, the only individuals targeted to use the Non-Filers tool had to have social security benefits or did not have any requirement to file a 2019 tax return. Typically, these taxpayers are retired individuals.
Trying to understand anything tax related makes you feel like you’re back in grade school.
However, it doesn’t have to be difficult. Here’s some sure-fire information that may help you out if you’re a first time filer, or if you have some general questions about claiming tax deductions.
What’s the difference between claiming the standard deduction and itemizing deductions?
In general terms, a tax deduction is a certain amount you are allowed to exclude from your income. This means that you are taxed on a lower amount of income, and thus pay less in taxes.
While not as valuable as tax credits – which directly decrease your tax liability – deductions can still reduce your tax burden significantly.
There are two ways to claim deductions.
Itemize deductions. Add up all of your allowable expenses and subtract them from your income.
Claim the standard deduction. Deduct the basic amount available to everyone.
While preparing your taxes you need to figure out whether you get a bigger tax break from itemizing your deductions or claiming the standard deduction. Most people end up claiming the standard deduction, but some people have enough allowable expenses to make it worth their while to itemize deductions.
With the year ending soon, another tax season is on the way. If you’re stuck trying to figure out what the next steps are for the missed 2018 tax deadline, keep reading.
Can you still e-file your 2018 tax return?
Although April 15, 2019, was the original tax deadline, you can still e-file your tax return until October 15, 2019. After this date, you will be required to paper-file your tax return. This means that you must to print, sign, and mail your tax return to the IRS and your state department of revenue.
With life, situations change and they come with certain tax implications.
One year makes a difference. From getting married, transitioning into a new job to having your own bundle of joy, your tax situation changes as well.
Here are some examples.
1. Tying the knot
Getting married is a big step in everyone’s lives. Along with getting married, you now are able to file jointly which should lower your tax rate. For the 2018 tax year, your standard deduction is now $24,000. With that in mind, don’t forget to update your allowances (Form W-4) at your job. (more…)
Did you miss the tax deadline for your 2017 taxes?
Although you’re late, you can still file your late 2017 taxes. However, you won’t be able to e-file your tax return.
Dates to remember
The 2018 tax season ran from January 29, 2018, to October 15, 2018. The official tax deadline was April 17, 2018, due to April 15 falling on a weekend and Emancipation Day following after. The e-file and extension deadline was October 15, 2018; therefore, you are now required to mail your return to the IRS.
Unfortunately, education isn’t free for some students.
If you’re a college student, parent, guardian or anyone paying out-of-pocket for tuition, fees, and required course materials needed for enrollment, you will receive a Form 1098-T. This tuition statement form reports all of your transactions, which means the payments you make to your school.