The Most Common IRS Audit Triggers


by Jill Bridges on October 30, 2018  0 Comment

The Most Common IRS Audit Triggers
An IRS audit can be triggered in several ways, and even taxpayers who believe they've correctly filled out and submitted their tax return may find themselves facing an audit. In addition to incorrectly reporting income, some of the most common audit triggers include taking too many business deductions, operating a cash-only business, and not reporting money in foreign bank accounts. When an audit is triggered, hiring a tax attorney is the best way to deal with the lengthy and potentially expensive process.No taxpayer wants to have to deal with an audit, but unfortunately, they do occur. Because facing an audit can be very time-consuming and stressful, it's important to avoid this situation in whatever way you can. Many people ...

How Far Back Can the IRS Audit?


by Jill Bridges on October 30, 2018  0 Comment

If you're like most taxpayers, you dread the possibility of undergoing an audit by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). No matter how careful you are about filing and paying your taxes, it's still possible to make a mistake, and an error on your return may result in an IRS audit.Even if you're familiar with the audit process, it's likely that you still have some questions about this issue, including how far back the IRS can audit. Here is some information to help you understand how far back the IRS can audit you, and how you should respond if you find yourself dealing with back taxes.Audit Statute of LimitationsAs a taxpayer, it's important to understand that there is ...

Clearing Tax Penalties with a First-Time IRS Penalty Abatement Waiver


by Jill Bridges on October 30, 2018  0 Comment

Clearing Tax Penalties with a First-Time IRS Penalty Abatement Waiver
Taxpayers can use the first-time penalty abatement (FTA) waiver to remove IRS penalties for late tax filings. To qualify for this waiver, a taxpayer cannot have an outstanding return for the previous year, and they must have a history of paying their taxes on time. Those who don't qualify for the waiver may be able to clear their penalties if they can prove a reasonable cause for the late return or payment.Almost everyone knows how important it is to file and pay their taxes, but despite this fact, numerous people every year forget to file their annual returns or pay their owed taxes. If you don't file your return or pay your taxes, you may face a variety of ...

What Triggers an IRS Criminal Investigation?


by Jill Bridges on October 30, 2018  0 Comment

Dealing with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can be intimidating for many taxpayers, and this is especially true if you're involved in an IRS criminal investigation. If you are contacted by an IRS special agent, it means that there is some evidence that you may have committed a crime, which could possibly lead to you facing criminal charges and a potential prison sentence. Here are a few facts that you should know when facing an IRS criminal investigation, including how you should interact with the special agent.How Are Investigations Initiated?An IRS criminal investigation can begin in one of several different ways. Understanding how these investigations work will help you better prepare for the possibility that a special agent ...

IRS Penalty Calculator


by Anna Chumakova on October 29, 2018  0 Comment

We all know that we should file our tax returns and pay any additional taxes owed on time. The major reason is because the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) levies penalty fees and interest for late filings and payments, which start accruing immediately after the due date of the tax return. The good news is that those penalty fees are standardized and can be calculated and accounted for, should you need to file your tax return or send your payment late. The better news is that both penalties and interest stop accumulating once you pay off your balance. Tax Extension Unsurprisingly, the best option is to always file your tax return on time and pay your balance in full by the ...

IRS Payment Agreement


by Anna Chumakova on October 29, 2018  0 Comment

IRS Payment Agreement
The IRS offers various plans and programs for individuals and businesses who are behind on their taxes. Depending on the amount you owe and other circumstances, you could qualify for a short-term or long-term installment agreement. In rare cases and under specific conditions, you could be eligible for an undue hardship plan or offer in compromise.For many individuals, the tax season can be the most stressful time of the year. While many of us are simply anxious about filing our taxes on time and are impatient to get our tax refunds to celebrate or buy something nice, others might feel completely overwhelmed by the amount of paperwork required for filing and the amount of taxes that they owe. Belonging ...

Reduce IRS Back Taxes With an Offer in Compromise


by Andrea Miller on October 29, 2018  0 Comment

Reduce IRS Back Taxes With an Offer in Compromise
If you cannot afford to pay your tax debt and are unlikely to be able to do so before the statute of limitations expires, the IRS may accept an offer in compromise. This offer can be less than the full amount of past-due taxes but must represent the most the agency can realistically collect from you. A tax professional can help you make an offer that is more likely to be accepted by the IRS.Offer in compromise is an agreement with the IRS to allow an individual to settle tax debt for less than the full amount he or she owes. To qualify for an offer in compromise (OIC), you must generally demonstrate you are unable to pay the ...

Insolvency Worksheet


by Anna Chumakova on October 29, 2018  0 Comment

Getting all or portion of your back taxes pardoned can help you or your business start afresh. To take advantage of debt cancellation, it is important to follow all the requirements and have the right information about your options. Learn what debt cancellation entails, what steps to take right after, and how an insolvency worksheet can help you avoid falling back into owing to the IRS again. Canceled Debt as Income When a debt (such as a credit card or a loan) gets canceled, the debtor must report the canceled debt as income. Numerous exceptions exist that may allow the debtor to exclude the canceled debt from their income, such as if there is a foreclosure on the debtor's primary residence ...

Protect Yourself from Scammers: Understand How the IRS Will Contact You


by Jill Bridges on October 29, 2018  0 Comment

Maintaining communication with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is one of your most important responsibilities as a taxpayer. Unfortunately, scammers will attempt to take advantage of this responsibility by posing as IRS agents, which is why it's important to learn about the different ways the IRS will communicate with you and how to tell official correspondence from a fake. If you've ever wondered, “how does the IRS contact you?” this article has all of the information that you need.Reaching You by MailIf the IRS needs to get in touch with you, they will first send you a notice by mail. IRS letters are sent through the United States Postal Service and should have the agency's shield on both ...

What Is a Tax Warrant?


by Andrea Miller on October 29, 2018  0 Comment

A tax warrant is a legal action that can be brought against you by the state or federal government if you fail to pay your taxes. Also called a lien, the warrant is a public record that allows the government to claim your personal property or assets to satisfy the unpaid taxes. If you have unpaid taxes and have received notification of a tax warrant, here's what you need to know. How Does a Tax Warrant Work? When you file your taxes, you'll receive a correspondence from the IRS labeled Notice and Demand for Payment, otherwise known as a bill. If you do not make arrangements to pay the past-due tax amount, whether as a lump sum or by entering ...