REMINDER: General Welfare Exclusions for Indian Tribal Governments

REMINDER: General Welfare Exclusions for Indian Tribal Governments Register 9.3.2014!!

Free Webcast about General Welfare Exclusions for Indian Tribal Governments

When: September 4, 2014; 2 p.m. (Eastern)  

This webinar is free, and contains important information for the Native Tribal Governments. 

Topics to be covered: 

• The Tribal General Welfare exclusion principles in Revenue Procedure 2014-3
• Safe harbors benefits provided by the guidance (IRS Link to updated Indian Gaming Regulatory Act trust Guidance.)
• The procedures for falling within the Safe Harbor
• Specific benefits that are not compensation for services

Native Vote: Summer of Action - National Congress of American Indians

For many involved within the Indian Tribal Governments, tax rules and processes, this can be very complicated. Here is a link to the ITG (Indian Tribal Governments) Tax Kit

Another resource that may be helpful: The Tribal Business Structure Handbook, here is the PDF Link.

NCAI - Webinar On The Resolution Process

I hope this has been helpful, and for other pod casts and information, here is the link to the Tribal Portal. 

To keep up with recent developments between the IRS and Tribal Governments, here is a link.

IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2014-17: Use IRS Online Tools to Get Year-Round Tax Help

IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2014-17: Use IRS Online Tools to Get Year-Round Tax Help

The I.R.S. (Internal Revenue Service) often gets a bad rap, and all we hear are horror stories of how the IRS has targeted Right-Wing groups for audits, and other scary stories. It would be helpful if U.S. Taxpayers realized that the IRS is basically the clearing house/administrative branch of the U.S. Treasury.

Rules are made, and tax law changes come via the Senate and House of Representatives. All of this is policed and monitored by the United States Treasury Department. That is the reason why U.S. Taxpayers must wait for the Congress to complete it's job, in completing tax law changes, before the IRS can open the "gates" for the acceptance of tax returns for the previous tax year. 

2014 taxes will be prepared and filed in 2015 - There are some entities who have different times when their "fiscal year" stops and starts. An example is that the State of Arkansas.gov, has a fiscal tax year starting in July, and ending in June. Many business owners end up filing extensions, changing their tax filing years some.

Again, lately all I have heard about the IRS in the news has been how their investigations have focused on GOP / Tea Party participants. Here are some facts that media does not tell: 

1. 90% of the Tea Party / GOP members who have been "targeted" by the Department of Justice (D.O.J. the police force of Federal Agencies), has been due to their own A). Arrogance and Ignorance, and B). The violators of 501(c)3 non-profits, have been foolish enough to call in the press, and use social media to trumpet their violations, as some sort of victory. 
2. When an organization decides to register themselves as an entity with the IRS, they have choices: Sole Proprietor, Corporation, Non-Profit, Charitable Non-Profit, etc.. As a charitable non-profit, an entity would be given a pass on paying taxes, because they are set up as a CHARITY, who is not POLITICKING. If their organization wants to push a political agenda, as a focus, and deride charity, they are not eligible for a tax break from our society. 

Here is a link to Politicus USA article: "1000 Evangelical Preachers Will Break the Law and Support Republicans from The Pulpit" by Rmuse.

Here is what the IRS has to say about churches and religious organizations: IRS; PDF - Churches & Religious Organizations

A new easier form: 1023-EZ - IRS ASL Videos - YouTube

*****************

I said all of that above, to say this; the IRS is made up of a wide variety of people from all walks of life. There was a time during the 1970 -1980's, when the IRS's authority and over-reach were stopped, and the agency became more "taxpayer friendly."

The Internal Revenue Service, has many avenues for the help and assistance to taxpayers. The Summer Tax Tip announced by the IRS today if full of links to help from the IRS. 

IRS Free File Fillable Forms and Free File is one benefit offered through the IRS website. It is possible for a taxpayer to go directly to companies offering tax software, I think it is more legitimate going through the IRS Website. 

Withholding Calculator: This is important for those who may be over withholding, or worse, under-withholding on their income tax. 

Help Yourself: In Spanish:

There are many other ways to get taxpayer assistance through the IRS. Stay informed. 

IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2014-15: Five Basic Tax Tips about Hobbies

IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2014-15: Five Basic Tax Tips about Hobbies by The IRS.gov Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sent this bulletin at 08/06/2014 07:30 AM EDT

Are you really running a business, or is this just a hobby? There is a long list of things to consider before being sure someone is a business: One of the nine items to think about is, "...

• Whether you depend on income from the activity for your livelihood." 

If a person requires assistance to survive, even though they depend on an activity for income, it is possibly not enough to consider the activity a business. 

There are many other things to consider:

Straight from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), are some resources and ways to find out if you have a business, or a hobby.  The best resource to start with is PUB 535 (2013) Business Expenses (HTML link), or Pub 535 (PDF link)

If you are a business, and wonder about legit deductions, here is a helpful video from the I.R.S. 

Simplified Home Office Deduction, IRS.gov Videos - YouTube

Some hobbies are very expensive, and taxpayers may be stunned to learn that the 100K they won from the bass tournament is only deductible up to the amount laid out to be eligible to fish in a tournament with grand prizes
. 
With a business, the owner may often deduct many expenses that have been laid out to get the business going. This is in earnest hope and planning that the business will be taking in more than it loses, at least three out of the five prior years. If it does not, the business may be reclassified as a hobby.

ASL: Small Business Health Care Tax Credit (Captions & Audio), IRS - YouTube

When that happens: the financial lay-out may have been substantial, with continuing expenses, but once classified as a hobby, they may deduct expenses only up to and equal to any amounts earned.

This is a link to the U.S. Treasury, the place where tax money is processed. The I.R.S. is just a giant clearing house for the Treasury. It is the Treasury who enforces tax code. Here is a link to a definition by the IRS in agreement with the U.S Treasury "What Constitutes A Business?" 

 Like gambling, if you never win, it is just loss, and not deductible.

For those who are businesses, I hope you find this information useful. Thank you. 

USA.gov Update: 2014 State Sales Tax Holidays

USA.gov Update: 2014 State Sales Tax Holidays from USA.gov "Updates: 2014 Sales Tax Holidays"

Good news folks, it seems shoppers / consumers in the States of lower North America, may benefit from a sales tax holiday! It is getting close to back-to-school time, some nearer than others, so it appears that many States join in to help parents, and retailers get ready for school, and give them a day, weekend or longer to make purchases, without having to pay sales tax. 

States who participate are likely to see increased sales figures, because sometimes just a few dollars in savings, can help a parent provide more for their students. 

MA State Senators Michael Knapik, Stephen Brewer discuss holiday sales tax - YouTube

    Published on Jul 23, 2014

State Senators Michael Knapik, R-Westfield and Stephen Brewer, D-Barre, speak on the Senate floor after a long debate over the sales tax holiday, which passed 28-9

The link to the chart which shows participating States is in the linked article at the top. If you want to pop this up real quick, the link is 2014 Sales Tax Holiday. There are only 17 States which participate, and some of them come and go. This would be a nice thing for other States to participate in.

I live in Arkansas, and clicking on the DFA - (Department of Finance & Admin) Sales Tax Holiday. From this page and link: 

"2014 Sales Tax Holiday
Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday August 2, 2014, and ending at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday August 3, 2014, the State of Arkansas will hold its sales tax holiday allowing shoppers the opportunity to purchase certain School Supplies, School Art Supplies, School Instructional Materials, and clothing free of state and local sales or use tax. 
All retailers are required to participate and may not charge tax on items that are legally tax-exempt during the Sales Tax Holiday."

The itemized list of items tax free can be found on the DFA's website as well: DF&A - 2014 Itemized List. Arkansas 

Please spread the word for your friends, neighbors and loved ones. Thank you for all of the good you do.  

IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2014-08: Top Ten Tax Facts if You Sell Your Home

IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2014-08: Top Ten Tax Facts if You Sell Your Home

Remember, that if your tax situation is complicated, it is advisable to get professional taxpayer assistance. Make sure the person doing your tax return is certified, and is in good standing. Unfortunately the tax payer is responsible for his / her tax return, even if the person doing it, erred. 

Getting ready to sell your home, or have you already done so in tax year 2014? The following are some tips that you may want to know come tax time.

• Capital Gains Taxes - A capital gain happens when a taxpayer sells something for more than they paid for it. 

1. Exceptions to Capital Gains Taxes on the Sale of the taxpayers Primary residence:

        a. Must have used as primary residence at least 2 out of the 5 years before the sale.

        b. The gain of $250,000.00 or less can be excluded for tax purposes. ($500,000) for MFJ [Married 

Filing Jointly] returns. 

The $250G/$500G is not the Sale Price, but the Gain gotten over and above the original purchase price.

Publication 523, from the I.R.S. gives the special qualifications and rules for those selling their homes. Included are special rules for some persons with Disabilities and Service Persons.

"Selling Your Home" - YouTube - IRS Videos

Many may not realize the I.R.S. has information in multiple languages: In Espanol:

"Venta de Su Casa" - YouTube - IRS Videos

and...

ASL: Selling Your Home (Captions & Audio) - YouTube - IRS Videos

Having said all of that, more good news, if your Gain is Not Taxable, you may not be required to report the sale to the I.R.S.

Other news: If the taxpayer decides not to take the exemption, or if any part of the sale is a gain, they may be required to claim it on their taxes. Here is a link to "Questions and Answers on the Net Investment Income Tax."

• First Time Homebuyer Credit - Exception(s): There may be special rules regarding the sale of that home. Check Publication 523, to find out what they are.

Important note about the Premium Tax Credit. If you receive advance payment of the Premium Tax Credit in 2014 it is important that you report changes in circumstances, such as changes in your income or family size, to your Health Insurance Marketplace. You should also notify the Marketplace when you move out of the area covered by your current Marketplace plan. Advance payments of the premium tax credit provide financial assistance to help you pay for the insurance you buy through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Reporting changes will help you get the proper type and amount of financial assistance so you can avoid getting too much or too little in advance.

Reporting Changes To The Marketplace As They Happen: Pub 5152: English
Reporting Changes To The Marketplace As They Happen: Pub 5152: Spanish 

Selling Your Home - Podcast: English
Selling Your Home - Podcast: Spanish

Premium Tax Credit - Podcast: English
Premium Tax Credit - Podcast: Spanish

IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2014-07: Special Tax Benefits for Members of the Armed Forces

IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2014-07: Special Tax Benefits for Members of the Armed Forces

Lately we have not heard much good news for our military members. The following are some key facts that taxpayers who serve, or have served within this tax year (2014), may not know. 

There are some tax breaks, and other rules that affect Active Military, ROTC, Reservists, and those leaving the service to go into civilian, that military tax filers may not know. 

Publication 3 is "The Armed Forces Tax Guide." Within this guide is important information for U.S. Military Taxpayers who are stateside, and around the world.

Some breaks for our Military personnel include:

• If you leave the military to find work, you may be able to deduct some job seeking expenses. Some moving expenses may be deductible as well. 
• Most military bases offer Free Tax Assistance during tax season, but there are some that offer help all year long. 
• Active duty ROTC pay is taxable, but there are some allowances during training that are not taxable. For more information, check the quick "Life Cycle" Series Fact Sheet.
• For Reservists traveling over 100 miles from home, who incur unreimbursed travel expenses, they may be deductible.
• Joint Returns - Signing a joint tax return, when one member of the couple is on active duty, may give an allowance for the active military member, to waive a signature. In some cases a Power of Attorney should be in place.
• If you are out-of-pocket expenses for uniforms you may NOT wear when off duty; cleaning and purchase costs may be deductible.
• Active Military personnel may be eligible for automatic extensions for time to file tax returns
• If you serve in an active Combat Zone, certain pay may NOT be Taxable, and may not need to be included as income on your tax return, BUT
• Active Military may want to check and see if adding it to the non-taxable income section of your tax return would give a higher Earned Income Credit allowance.

Always seek the help of a certified Tax Expert who is classified as an Enrolled Agent or higher, for very complicated returns. 

Some States also have Tax Credits, Allowances and Exclusion for Military personnel, so don't forget to check that, or make sure your tax professional checks this for you.

For answers to more military tax returns, order a copy of Publication 3.

I.R.S. en Espanol

Thank you for your service, and all you do.

HCTT-2014-14 -- IRS.gov has information about the health care law and its effect on your taxes

HCTT-2014-14 -- IRS.gov has information about the health care law and its effect on your taxes

U.S. Taxpayers are frequently being given erroneous or completely untrue information regarding the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare), and taxes. 

As of March 31, 2014, taxpayers who lived in States with expanded Medicaid were required to have insurance, or register for Health Care. 

It is sad and unfortunate that in many of the States, even where Medicaid was expanded, there are daily untruths, and propaganda being aired on News Stations, and Newspapers. Most of this is being paid for by Teabagger GOP, and propagated by Republicans who continue to act as if they lie long enough, it will become everyone's truth.

Come tax time, 2015 - when the filing for 2014 tax returns, the individuals and families who are going to get a rude awakening, will not have their GOP representatives to pay their fines for not complying with the law. It is my personal opinion (not shared by my employer or any other party in my area), that those who continue to lie, who are causing Americans to pass up benefits that they are entitled to, should be sued in a very large way. It is criminal enterprise, to brainwash people to give up those things that are in their best interest. 

Individual Shared Responsibility - Overview - IRS - YouTube

For those who are wanting to get to the fact of the matter, the IRS has several links to help taxpayers sort it out. There is a whole page dedicated to the ACA (ObamaCare) Tax Rules and Instructions at http://www.irs.gov/uac/Affordable-Care-Act-Tax-Provisions-Home another shorter resource is the IRS-pdf p5093 http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5093.pdf.

Some Good News for those who may have missed Open Enrollment due to any number of reasons, if you have had a "Change of Life" Experience, ie; Lost a Job, Got Married, Widowed, Increase or decrease in income, you will be allowed to Enroll in the ACA plan(s) available in your State. [If that State expanded Medicaid]. Here is the link to the Health Insurance Market Place: https://www.healthcare.gov/

The thing I will never understand about the TeaBagger movement is how billionaires convinced basically poverty ridden populations to be activists for them??????? This is what I consider shooting off your nose to spite your face. It doesn't make sense, and it is a no win situation. 

Please enroll for Healthcare if you have not, and you are able to enroll due to changes in circumstances. Don't get your tax information from the News Media. Go to the I.R.S. website or an Enrolled Agent or higher for real tax advice.

IRS Special Edition Tax Tip 2014-16: Get Credit for Child and Dependent Care This Summer

IRS Special Edition Tax Tip 2014-16: Get Credit for Child and Dependent Care This Summer

Announcement from the I.R.S. June 11, 2014 (link above)

Now that the kiddos are out of school, there is that little relief that you no longer have to wait in long lines to drop the children off, but they will probably need oversight while you or your spouse work, or look for work.

 Having to pay day care during the off-school months can hit an already tight budget hard. It will be a big help to at least receive tax credits for amounts paid during the 2014 tax year.

Summer daycare for dependents, which counts children under 13 years old, and any other Qualifying Dependent, who is your dependent or would be your dependent. 

• Perhaps your elderly father lives with you. You house him over 6 months of the year, you help him buy and attain medicine, take him to the doctor, help him with hygiene, etc. He would qualify as your dependent, except he receives gross income of more than $3,900.00; not enough to survive on, but too much to be rated as a dependent. If you have to take him to daycare, or hire someone to come to your home to watch him, those payments may be eligible for the Child & Dependent Care Credit.

Summer Day Camps and Tax Credits by danielstoica.com

Example 1: Say you have a 5 year old son, and a 16 year old son. You decide to pay your son to watch his younger brother during the summer, while you work, and your deadbeat husband "looks for work." This may be the best arrangement you can afford, but you would not be able to claim the Child & Dependent Care for those payments.

Example 2: Your deadbeat husband finally got run over by a reindeer, and lived, but he is just a vegetable. You have two dependent children, ages 4 and 7. Your payments made to a Qualifying Provider (who must give a SSN/or an EIN) for care while you work are probably eligible for the credit, because your Spouse is incapable of caring for the children.

Example 3: In order to take up the slack of having to pay for Child Care all summer, you enroll them in camp for two weeks solid, thinking that you can deduct the cost of the "Over Night" Camp as Child and/or Dependent Care. You would not be eligible for the credit in this case.

IRS.gov Child & Dependent Care Expenses - YouTube

.
If you are counting on the Child and Dependent Care Credit for your 2014 taxes, make sure to follow all of the rules. Keep good records, and reciepts for all monies paid out. 

Good Luck, Happy Summer, and don't forget to sign up for Summer Reading Programs -2014.

Free File IRS.Gov - Spread The Word

For taxpayers who earned under $58,000.00 annually, there are a lot of partner sites that can be accessed from The IRS Website www.irs.gov. The video below is an excellent informational piece for those who have been hesitant, or just not sure how to go to a trusted site with which to trust your tax information. 

An experienced tax expert, I have CPE credits for classes completed such as "Navigating The IRS Website." Personally, I have used several different partner software providers who are linked to the Free File program on the IRS.gov website. 

If your State has State Tax, then it may be more difficult to find free filing for the State, but in the first year of Free Filing, many of these partner companies will offer free State Filing for lower income persons.

Freefile.irs.gov - Spread The Word

For those who make over $58,000.00, and are comfortable with doing a more complex tax return, the taxpayer can use the same page to go to Free File Fillable Forms. There is no State filing on Free File Fillable Forms, but the taxpayer can do Amendments, and prior year taxes. I am not sure how far they go back, but I think quite a way back.

I hope this helps, and if you have not filed your taxes yet; what are you waiting for. There are millions of dollars in Earned Income Credit for qualifying taxpayers; many without children or dependents who are unaware they are eligible.

File On! Happy Returns!

The Importance of Reporting Life Changes in Regard to the (ACA) "#Obamacare"

e-News for Tax Professionals Issue 2014-22 by The IRS: e-News for Tax Professionals Issue 2014-22 05/31/2014


The Affordable Care Act (ACA), touted as ObamaCare, has made drastic changes to our Tax Law. If this were FoxTV, there would be a bunch of misinformation to follow. The only reason I am even speaking of it, is because of how many people they have caused to deny themselves HealthCare and Insurance. Healthcare includes Dental and Eyewear. 

Now many Americans are experiencing the Health, and peace of mind in having Insurance. For some, this is the first time people in the U.S. have had Health Insurance. Many Americans are not able to enjoy the relief of being able to use Preventative Care, be healthier, and lead more productive lives. That is sad. One of the notes of propaganda that was spread like Oleo through the Southern States of North America was that Insurance Rates would go through the roof. It led to direct mis-understanding about the AFFORDABLE part.

Enrolled members should know, this was not meant to be a noose of tax liability to the taxpayer, this ACT was created to make healthcare affordable for all. Mitt Romney worked on the same plan for his own State, and helped write the ACA, as well as many who seem to be trying to destroy it, and the people it represents now.(?)

There are changes that can affect the Premium Tax Credit, many Americans who Enrolled will receive, to help Pay their Premiums. If you get too much, you will owe money at the end of the year, if your circumstances have changed to where it would affect your "enrolled ability to pay, and need," by turning in a CHANGE REPORT (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5152.pdf) 

What Changes?

• 
  

Premium Tax Credit - Help Purchasing Insurance through the Market Place

For those who declined enrollment, because they heard inflated numbers of premiums they would be responsible to pay should be given relief. They were unable to seek understanding of the ACA (Obamacare), because they were led to believe by their State, Federal Representatives, and GOP entrenched media; untruths which continue today.

I love to play Words of Wonder(TMDisney), but the ad I must watch to play for free, is often a middle aged couple from Arkansas saying things about AHA, that is not true, period. That entrenching of misquotes, and outright lies,  have caused Americans to either refuse, or dread one of the best things that has happened to our country for decades.

Personally, I now have Blue Cross, Blue Shield. My premiums would be almost $200.00 if I had to pay the whole thing, but my portion is very low, and I can afford it. I really am not sure how to use it, I am pretty healthy, and don't intend to become a pharmaceutical lab rat in my last days, so I shouldn't cost the taxpayers much. Most of my working life has been uninsured, or insurance too expensive to use. 
Oh, I am a taxpayer, and my blogs have not hit the big time yet, so I eke by on under $9,000.00 per year. I am lucky to be working in a job I love, it just doesn't pay a living wage. Having insurance, is just that. A net, should we slip from the perilous heights of "highwire fiscal survival", that most of us tip-toe across daily. 

Now, hopefully you have stopped being mad about the Fox crack, it honestly is not about politics, but about taxes. Unfortunately, what is happening in the media, driven by industrialists, is affecting the Tax Law, and not in the favor of the middle class and below. It is my goal to show some true information, and hand the reader resources they can check out for themselves. 

**For real information about the Premium Tax Credit, in English, and Spanish, with YouTube Videos Here is the Link: http://www.irs.gov/uac/The-Premium-Tax-Credit

I think there should be a respite for the many who have been so misinformed. It is hard to believe that people are allowed to get on television, call themselves "representatives," news stations that aren't news at all, merely entertainment. Since this is being done by the very people who were elected to serve THEM, it is my opinion that type of deception should be considered criminal. If I lied, and schemed, to the point of throwing my arm over someone else's Jesus, to cause someone to deny something they were due, I think that it may be a crime. Really.

There is a little respite for those who have had a life changing event, called a "Qualifying Life Event," if they did not enroll during Open Enrollment, they may be eligible to enroll. Here is the link to that page. https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/qualifying-life-event/

IRS Special Edition Tax Tip 2014-13: Tax Information for Students Who Take a Summer Job

IRS Special Edition Tax Tip 2014-13: Tax Information for Students Who Take a Summer Job

Summer is right around the corner for most High School students in the U.S.


Many students will be working a job this summer for the very first time. 


While most people have heard the term "Income Tax," or people ranting and raving about having to pay taxes, the IRS has information about what you can expect when it comes to your income and taxes.


Many young people will not even be required to file a tax return on monies earned, because that amount is often just a couple of hundred dollars. On the other hand, if the worker would like to get the Federal and State tax withholding returned, they may want to go ahead and file a tax return.


Although I am often angered by the way our tax, medicare and social security withholdings are spent or managed, I have always been taught that our method of taxation is a way that we can all pitch in for the big ticket items like roads, bridges and other infra-structure type things that we could never afford individually.


I think that corporations that call themselves American companies should required to pay their parts of this National plan, and let all of us equally enjoy the partnership of everyone involved pitching in.


Some High School students may want to look into the opportunities available during the Summer, with the U.S. Government.** Today I received an announcement of several opportunities for those interested in Interning with the E.P.A. (Environmental Protection Agency). These are well paid positions, and help young and disadvantaged youth get a foot in the door.

Finding & Applying for Jobs with the U.S. Government - YouTube

**USAJOBS - EPA Biologist Scholarship program 

ATF Internships -

One of the best things about applying with JOBS.Gov is that once you enter all of your information onto the site, you simply sign up for a feed of the type of jobs you are looking for, and apply. Of course, as your work history changes you will need to update.

Good Luck out there!

IR-2014-48: Tax Information Available Through IRS Social Media Tools

IR-2014-48: Tax Information Available Through IRS Social Media Tools



"LIKE" the I.R.S. on Facebook!



Tweet the U.S. Treasury



Download IRS2Go to your I-Phone, from your social media web site.



View informational videos on YouTube.



Take a Tumble and join the Internal Revenue Service on Tumbler.



I.R.S. Information has become more streamlined for the hearing impaired. The Internal Revenue Service offers American Sign Language videos.



Information is available in Spanish and English, and there is a department that deals with Tribal issues.



Today's IRS is not your parent's taxing agency there are many new and innovative ways to find information with regards to the I.R.S. and the U.S. Treasury Department. With advances in technology and Internet use, interested parties can search for gifts, teachers resources and a vast array of Summer Internships for students 16 years and older. USAJOBS - Student Jobs (link)



Connection can be empowerment, just remember if you "Like" the I.R.S. they will have your feeds unless you protect your privacy settings.



Find the I.R.S. through Social Media

I hope this has helped in some way. Happy filing.

IRS2Go 4.0 Smartphone App Downloads Surpass 2.3 Million

IRS2Go 4.0 Smartphone App Downloads Surpass 2.3 Million

The IRS evolves well! 

Launched in 2011 the IRS2Go Smartphone App has been uploaded over 5 million times. 

In 2014 alone more than 2 million people downloaded the IRS2Go 4.0 Smartphone App. 

We hear many negative things about our Government and especially the IRS, and so it is only fair to give them props where they are due. 

Less than 2 decades ago we had not dreamed of a "Windows" program. The Window idea was introduced as "WYSIWYG" technology. That means What You See Is What You Get. 

The very idea of taking a beam of light by the end of our fingertips, clicking a big green (icon) button to "File" our Federal Tax Returns in 1994, was not even a fantasy.

We were using DOS operating systems to communicate from Tax offices to the IRS. Less than 30 years ago, we did not get a print-out from a printer via computer. We filled it out in Quadruplet, making sure to press down hard enough for the inky carbon paper to copy through each page. 

Considering that over half of the inquiries to the IRS.gov website, asking "Where's My Refund?," were from mobile users.

Let's go ahead and give our IRS, Treasury and other Government workers a big THANK YOU! 

It is hard to remember that "The Government" is made up of a bunch of people. Many are public minded, earning less money than in the private sector, and honestly care about their Government and it's People. 

Next time you go to complain about our Government, take a moment, and find something positive.  There are creative innovators who work for different agencies within the Government that work hard helping us out, and making getting information from the Federal and State governments much easier. 

Thank you very much for all you do. 

Tax Filing Deadline Approaching 2014 - Healthcare

#getEnrolled                                                                                                  March 19, 2014



Taxpayers, I feel for you. I know who you are, the ones who have been avoiding the taxes, or you are still gathering stuff up for the accountant. Some of you have already decided to file an extension, and you are just trying to earn some extra cash so you can put a dent in what you owe. 

In less than a month, your tax return is due, and you are pretty sure you will have to pay in again, or for the first time. Make sure you get the best tax advice, and don't be chincy when it comes to professional tax help. Just because someone is a CPA, or Bookkeeper or Enrolled Agent, if they are not focused on your case, or not well trained, they can mess you up. Find someone with a good reputation with the IRS and you will be assured to be taken care of. 

To further drive you to madness, a new deadline approaches...Open Enrollment for "Obamacare" is about to expire. Many in your tax brackets will not be concerned with any tax changes regarding the Affordable Care Act on your 2013 tax year. Most of you have been paying thousands of dollars per year in Insurance Premiums most of your working life. I can hazard to guess that unless you demanded to keep your insurance company who is not in compliance out of stubbornness most taxpayers should be glad to see total annual premiums and out-of-pocket expenses dropping.

Since you are stressed out beyond belief here is a word from Get Covered America

Okay. Now that you are feeling a little better: 

If you think you may have some 2013 costs or changes associated with the Healthcare law you can get help from the IRS Website. In today's announced "HCTT - 2014-10: What do I need to know about the Healthcare Law for my 2013 Tax Return?", there are links to find more information regarding the ACA and the affect it will have on your return.

______________________________________

Copied from http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USIRS/bulletins/aba082?reqfrom=share (IRS 03.19.2014)

...However, for some people, a few provisions may affect your 2013 tax return, such as increases in the itemized medical deduction threshold, the additional Medicare tax and the net investment income tax.
Here are some additional tips:
Filing Requirement: If you do not have a tax filing requirement, you do not need to file a 2013 federal tax return to establish eligibility or qualify for financial assistance, including advance payments of the premium tax credit to purchase health insurance coverage through a Health Insurance Marketplace. Learn more at HealthCare.gov.
W-2 Reporting of Employer Coverage: The value of health care coverage reported by your employer in box 12 and identified by Code DD on your Form W-2 is not taxable. Learn more.
Information available about other tax provisions in the health care law: More information is available on IRS.gov regarding the following tax provisions: Premium Rebate for Medical Loss Ratio, Health Flexible Spending Arrangements, and Health Saving Accounts.
More InformationFind out more tax-related provisions of the health care law at IRS.gov/aca.
Find out more about the Health Insurance Marketplace at HealthCare.gov.
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It is important that taxpayers learn the facts about the Healthcare Law / ACA / or Obamacare. It is helping a majority of Americans, but many are missing out due to politics, lies and bad information. 

Please look into the benefits of having affordable health care. 

Stay well, and be healthy.







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Open Enrollment Is Almost Over - Don't Let Misinformation Get You in Trouble

This blog post goes out to fellow citizens living under the U.S. Tax Code.

March 31st 2014 - Open Enrollment Ends

Something that I have always appreciated about taxes is that anyone can argue about Democrats and Republicans, greed, sexual orientation, minimum wage, Benghazi and the Keystone Pipeline, but it is tax law changes from year to year that tell the true story of what is going on in Washington D.C.

I love knowing tax law and code changes, because those are historic registers for what each Executive Branch, Judicial Branch and Legislative Branch allowed or made happen during their own tenures in office. There are not many people I know who have followed the tax laws for more than forty years, but all of us can attest to what has occurred and how over the last thirty years, the middle class has been overwhelmed with the burden of our fair and equitable system. 

Just like the Holy Roman Empire (I still hear the repeated phrase of my World History professor; 'It was not Holy, It was not Roman, and it was not an Empire.") America was only a fair and equitable system for a miniscule period of time. As soon as Europeans made landfall in America, there was a systematic program of genocide and the grabbing of all resources by a handful of people.

There have been years that have been good to the Middle Class tax-wise, but since the creation of the Alternative Minimum Tax (I have argued and fussed for its repeal for decades...), the Middle Class has been doomed. It was during that time that Presidents and Congress empowered the rights of Corporate Welfare over that of living breathing human beings. 

The Affordable Care Act termed by everyone as "ObamaCare" was a project/law in the making for quite a few years. Because of all the political wrangling it has turned into a Clown-Car Circus of confusion and misinformation. For the purpose of this blog post, my political opinion is Switzerland. Not political, but what the tax law changes and ACA have to do with U.S. Taxpayers, and the importance of getting good information and assistance before it is too late. 

The following are links to "The Affordable Care Act" - IRS website.http://www.irs.gov/uac/Affordable-Care-Act-Tax-Provisions-Home

If you follow the above link to the IRS Website, you can go to the Healthcare.gov link from there or I have copied the link here: HealthCare.gov

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FROM THE IRS WEBSITE

Considerations for 2014

• Open Enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace: The open enrollment period to purchase health care coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace for 2014 began Oct. 1, 2013 and runs through March 31, 2014. When you get health insurance through the marketplace, you may be able to get advance payments of the premium tax credit that will immediately help lower your monthly premium. Learn more at HealthCare.gov.

• Premium Tax Credit: If you get insurance through the Marketplace, you may be eligible to claim the premium tax credit. You can elect to have advance payments of the tax credit sent directly to your insurer during 2014, or wait to claim the credit when you file your tax return in 2015. If you choose to have advance payments sent to your insurer, you will have to reconcile the payments on your 2014 tax return, which will be filed in 2015. If you’re already receiving advance payments of the credit, you need do nothing at this time unless you have a change in circumstance. Learn More.

• Change in Circumstances: If you're receiving advance payments of the premium tax credit to help pay for your insurance coverage, you should report life changes, such as income, marital status or family size changes, to your marketplace. Reporting changes will help to make sure you are getting the proper amount of advance payments.

• Individual Shared Responsibility Payment: Starting January 2014, you and your family must have health care coverage, have an exemption from coverage, or make a payment when you file your 2014 tax return in 2015. Most people already have qualifying health care coverage and will not need to do anything more than maintain that coverage throughout 2014. Learn More.

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Depending on where you live, you may be getting very bad, disjointed or terrible information regarding the Affordable Care Act. That information can cost you big at tax time and this is why I am joining with the IRS and Healthcare.gov to beg you to find out the facts about ACA before you make an expensive mistake based on the lies of politicians and actors.

State Health Departments across the U.S., where the State did accept the Medicaid Expansion have received funding and JOBS to help citizens get information, and all of the help they need to enroll.  

In case you are not sure how to get in touch with your State Health Departments, I have included a link to The American Public Health Association (APHA) http://www.apha.org/about/Public+Health+Links/LinksStateandLocalHealthDepartments.htm 






Please don't forget to #GetCovered