LITC Announcement

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Mega Refund

02.25.2016

Here is some information from the IRS about the announcement for LITC qualifications! 

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced it will accept applications for a part-year Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) matching grant from qualified organizations, in certain identified geographic areas, to provide representation to low income taxpayers and education about taxpayer rights and responsibilities to individuals who speak English as a second language.

The supplemental application period will run from March 1, 2016, to April 1, 2016.

Geographic Underserved Areas in Need of LITC Services

Alabama – Statewide

California – El Dorado, Imperial, Nevada, Placer, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba counties

Colorado – Statewide

Georgia - Statewide

Illinois – Southern Part of the State

Mississippi – Statewide

Nevada – Statewide

New Mexico – Statewide

New York – Nassau and Suffolk counties

North Carolina – Statewide

North Dakota – Statewide

Oklahoma – Statewide

Puerto Rico – Commonwealth-wide

South Carolina – Statewide

Tennessee – Eastern Part of the State

Texas – Statewide

Utah – Statewide

Washington – Central Part of the State




Grants will cover the last six months of the 2016 grant year, from July 1, 2016, to Dec. 31, 2016. Organizations currently receiving grants are not eligible. Grant funds may be awarded for start-up expenditures incurred during the grant year. An organization awarded a part-year grant will be expected to submit a separate application for full-year funding for the 2017 grant year during the 2017 grant application period, when announced later this year.

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Source information at IRS.gov

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Dirty Dozen!

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Mega Refund

02.10.2016

A statement form the IRS! Here is a clip of their latest "Dirty Dozen" article! 

Falsely Padding Deductions on Returns is on the IRS Annual “Dirty Dozen” List of Tax Scams to Avoid!

IR-2016-21, Feb. 10, 2016

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today warned taxpayers to avoid the temptation of falsely inflating deductions or expenses on their returns to under pay what they owe and possibly receive larger refunds.

The vast majority of taxpayers file honest and accurate tax returns on time every year. However, each year some taxpayers fail to resist the temptation of fudging their information. That’s why falsely claiming deductions, expenses or credits on tax returns is on the “Dirty Dozen” tax scams list for the 2016 filing season.

"Taxpayers should file accurate returns to receive the refunds they are entitled to receive and shouldn't gamble with their taxes by padding their deductions," said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen.

Taxpayers should think twice before overstating deductions such as charitable contributions, padding their claimed business expenses or including credits that they are not entitled to receive – like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit.

Increasingly efficient automated systems generate most IRS audits. The IRS can normally audit returns filed within the last three years. Additional years can be added if substantial errors are identified or fraud is suspected.

Significant civil penalties may apply for taxpayers who file incorrect tax returns including:
20 percent of the disallowed amount for filing an erroneous claim for a refund or credit.
$5,000 if the IRS determines a taxpayer has filed a “frivolous tax return.” A frivolous tax return is one that does not include enough information to figure the correct tax or that contains information clearly showing that the tax reported is substantially incorrect.
In addition to the full amount of tax owed, a taxpayer could be assessed a penalty of 75 percent of the amount owed if the underpayment on the return resulted from tax fraud.


Taxpayers even may be subject to criminal prosecution (brought to trial) for actions such as:
Tax evasion
Willful failure to file a return, supply information, or pay any tax due
Fraud and false statements
Preparing and filing a fraudulent return, or
Identity theft.

Criminal prosecution could lead to additional penalties and even prison time.

Using tax software is one of the best ways for taxpayers to ensure they file an accurate return and claim only the tax benefits they’re eligible to receive. IRS Free File is an option for taxpayers to use online software programs to prepare and e-file their tax returns for free.

Community-based volunteers at locations around the country also provide free face-to-face tax assistance to qualifying taxpayers helping make sure they file their taxes correctly, claiming only the credits and deductions for which they’re entitled by law.

Taxpayers should remember that they are legally responsible for what is on their tax return even if it is prepared by someone else, so they should be wise when selecting a tax professional. The IRS offers important tips for choosing a tax preparer at IRS.gov.

More information about IRS audits, the balance due collection process and possible civil and criminal penalties for noncompliance is available at the IRS.gov website.

Taxpayers can also learn more about the Taxpayer Bill of Rights at IRS.gov. This is a set of fundamental rights each and every taxpayer should be aware of when dealing with the IRS, including when the IRS audits a tax return.

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Source information at the IRS.gov. 

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Dirty Dozen List of Tax Scams

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Mega Refund
02.05.2016

A message from the IRS on how to spot just one of the 'Dirty Dozen' in Tax scams! 

Hiding Money or Income Offshore Resides on the Dirty Dozen List of Tax Scams for the 2016 Filing Season

IR-2016-17, Feb. 5, 2016

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today said avoiding taxes by hiding money or assets in unreported offshore accounts remains on its annual list of tax scams known as the “Dirty Dozen” for the 2015 filing season.

"Our continued enforcement actions should discourage anyone from trying to illegally hide money and income offshore," said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen. "We have voluntary options to help taxpayers get their taxes and filing obligations in order."

Since the first Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program (OVDP) opened in 2009, there have been more than 54,000 disclosures and we have collected more than $8 billion from this initiative alone. The IRS conducted thousands of offshore-related civil audits that have produced tens of millions of dollars. The IRS has also pursued criminal charges leading to billions of dollars in criminal fines and restitutions.

The IRS remains committed to our priority efforts to stop offshore tax evasion wherever it occurs. Even though the IRS has faced several years of budget reductions, the IRS continues to pursue cases in all parts of the world, regardless of whether the person hiding money overseas chooses a bank with no offices on U.S. soil.

Through the years, offshore accounts have been used to lure taxpayers into scams and schemes.

Compiled annually, the “Dirty Dozen” lists a variety of common scams that taxpayers may encounter anytime, but many of these schemes peak during filing season as people prepare their returns or hire people to help with their taxes.

Illegal scams can lead to significant penalties and interest and possible criminal prosecution. IRS Criminal Investigation works closely with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to shut down scams and prosecute the criminals behind them.

Hiding Income Offshore

Over the years, numerous individuals have been identified as evading U.S. taxes by hiding income in offshore banks, brokerage accounts or nominee entities and then using debit cards, credit cards or wire transfers to access the funds. Others have employed foreign trusts, employee-leasing schemes, private annuities or insurance plans for the same purpose.

The IRS uses information gained from its investigations to pursue taxpayers with undeclared accounts, as well as the banks and bankers suspected of helping clients hide their assets overseas. The IRS works closely with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to prosecute tax evasion cases.

While there are legitimate reasons for maintaining financial accounts abroad, there are reporting requirements that need to be fulfilled. U.S. taxpayers who maintain such accounts and who do not comply with reporting requirements are breaking the law and risk significant penalties and fines, as well as the possibility of criminal prosecution.

Since 2009, tens of thousands of individuals have come forward voluntarily to disclose their foreign financial accounts, taking advantage of special opportunities to comply with the U.S. tax system and resolve their tax obligations. And, with new foreign account reporting requirements being phased in over the next few years, hiding income offshore is increasingly more difficult.

At the beginning of 2012, the IRS reopened the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program (OVDP) following continued strong interest from taxpayers and tax practitioners after the closure of the 2011 and 2009 programs. This program will be open for an indefinite period until otherwise announced.

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Source information found at IRS.gov. 

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Missing your W-2 ?

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Mega Refund
02.03.2016

This is an article from the IRS, over the issue of not knowing when your W-2 statement will be arriving. For those of you who are facing a similar problem, this article might help you report your pending W-2 statement!






IRS Tax Tip 2016-12, February 3, 2016

Most people get their W-2 forms by the end of January. Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, shows your income and the taxes withheld from your pay for the year. You need it to file an accurate tax return.

If you haven’t received your form by mid-February, here’s what you should do:
Contact your Employer. Ask your employer (or former employer) for a copy. Be sure they have your correct address.


Call the IRS. If you are unable to get a copy from your employer, you may call the IRS at 800-829-1040 after Feb. 23. The IRS will send a letter to your employer on your behalf. You’ll need the following when you call:
Your name, address, Social Security number and phone number;
Your employer’s name, address and phone number;
The dates you worked for the employer; and
An estimate of your wages and federal income tax withheld in 2015. You can use your final pay stub for these amounts.


File on Time. Your tax return is normally due on or before April 18, 2016. Use Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, if you don't get your W-2 in time to file. Estimate your wages and taxes withheld as best as you can. If you can’t get it done by the due date, ask for an extra six months to file. Use Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to request more time. You can also e-file a request for more time. Do it for free with IRS Free File.


Correct if Necessary. You may need to correct your tax return if you get your missing W-2 after you file. If the tax information on the W-2 is different from what you originally reported, you may need to file an amended tax return. Use Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to make the change.

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Source information at IRS.GOV. 

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