IR-2015-57: Taxpayers in Increasing Numbers Find Help from IRS.gov

IR-2015-57: Taxpayers in Increasing Numbers Find Help from IRS.gov March 20, 2015 follow above link to the IRS website for more information.

At the Vernal Equinox of 2015, the Internal Revenue Service have gathered some statistics based on taxpayer use of the IRS website www.irs.gov. 

This year more than ever users are making use of the many tools available on their website. 

11% more taxpayers have used irs.gov than they did last year in 2014. What is interesting to me is that the term eleven percent is relative to the other 88% - which is what?

The count of 11% of taxpayers is about 215 million users. Since March 13, 2015 "Where Is My Refund?, has been visited 164 million times in the last two weeks. 

From experience, I am sure that the same person, or firm may use the IRS website multiple times, even in the same day, but there is a decidedly larger bunch using the website this year. 

According to the article, there have been 15 (fifteen) million visits in the last seven days alone! 

?Cuando Recibire' Mi Reembolso? IRSvideosmultilingua

Where Is My Refund?

The second most visited link on the IRS.gov website, is "Get Transcript." So far in 2015, over 10 million people have ordered prior year tax returns from the IRS. Now that the IRS allows ordering on-line, it has made the process much faster. In the past the only way to get them was to visit you local IRS Office, or on phone, and/or by mail! Snail mail.

Obtaining Tax Transcripts by FAME Maine

There are many other handy tools available on the IRS website, such as; Request an Electronic Filing PIN, The Interactive Tax Assistant, Order Forms.

One other thing you may have noticed on the multilingual video placed within this article is that videos, pods, and other information can be found in many languages, as well as American Sign Language; 

ASL IRSVideos- Increase Fraud - The IRS Doesn't CALL!

It is my hope that your tax filing experiences are positive and that you are able to get the help you need with your Tax Return. 

IR-2015-54: Taxpayers Receiving Identity Verification Letter Should Use IDVerify.irs.gov

IR-2015-54: Taxpayers Receiving Identity Verification Letter Should Use IDVerify.irs.gov

DO NOT ACCEPT ANY PHONE CALLS FROM ANYONE SAYING THEY ARE FROM THE IRS ASKING FOR YOUR INFO** - THEY SEND LETTERS - LETTERS - LETTERS. THEY DO NOT CALL!

There have been reports that phishers, scammers and other thieves have come up with ways to take enough of a taxpayer's information that they are filing tax returns on unsuspecting citizens, who must go through months and possibly years of anguish over stolen refunds. 

Going in Person

There are a lot of laughs to be had in the movie, "Identity Theft" but it is not funny that it parallels the hell a person goes through when someone else decides to take a ride on their identity. 

Melissa McCarthy in "Identity Theft Trailer"

If you have any reason to think there is a possibility someone has stolen your identity, or you are a victim of identity theft, the video below gives simple information about what to do if this happens to you. 

IRS Video - YouTube - Identity Theft 

The IRS has a new tool called idverify.irs.gov. Taxpayers may receive a letter when the IRS stops suspicious tax returns that have indications of being identity theft but contains a real taxpayer’s name and/or Social Security number. 

Only those taxpayers receiving Letter 5071C should access idverify.irs.gov.

The website will ask a series of questions that only the real taxpayer can answer. 

Aside from waltzing into a local Internal Revenue Office with your 507-1C letter from the IRS,(which are usually contained in some type of Federal complexes, where you have to pass through metal detectors and be wand-ed by U.S. Marshall's), you can now go to "ID Verify dot irs dot gov and safely identify your identification. 

Pay attention to the bold warning when you land on the id verify site, because trying to use someone's personal information other than your own on that site will get you some serious trouble with State and Federal Law Enforcement, or maybe just the Internal Revenue Service, The Treasury and Department of Justice. It is not a very good idea. Those who do these things will get caught. It is a matter of time. 

For the hearing impaired, the IRS has informational videos to keep you in the loop as well, 
here are some Tax Scams.

                                     ASL: Tax Scams (Captions and Audio) - YouTube 

Here is hoping this is helpful in keeping you safe from #identityTheft or #TaxFraud.

• How To Place A Fraud Alert - Link to The Federal Trade Commission
• Report Fraud, Waste, Abuse - Link to Office of Inspector General , SSA

**unless you are already actively working with an agent at the IRS.

A Tool For Tax Time: The Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA)

Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA)

This tool is available on-line from the IRS for free. 

It is set up to answer Tax Law Questions, so remember to ask like a CPA or as close as you can. 

Example: I just tried to search: "when can I claim un-reimbursed mileage from my employer" That gave me nothing, but did correct my spelling of reimburse. Next I tried: "when can I claim unreimbursed mileage?" and I got several links of exactly where to find that information. 

Example: How do I know if I am eligible for Earned Income Credit? for better results type in "EIC..." and then you will get some suggested subtopics. One of the choices is EIC Table. That is the perfect thing needed to see if the taxpayer may be eligible for Earned Income Credit. 

Under the Interactive Tool Search Bar, there are lists of links to frequently sought out information. 

PRINT: On the upper right hand of the IRS Results page you may notice the little icons up there. There is a little heart, a square with a + sign in the middle of it, and a printer. This is very good, because sometimes you go through a lot of work to find the resources and info you need, and if you can print your search results, then you can move on to the tax forms or publications you need.

FREE FED TAX PREPARATION: Now that you have learned how to use the Interactive Tool, go ahead and search for Free Tax Preparation for certain filers. From there, once you have researched the benefits of each company, or are knowledgeable enough to use Free File Fillable Forms, you can go from there and prepare your taxes. 

There is also a link to volunteers who help low income tax payers do their tax returns. It is available and free to certain filers.

Free File Fillable Forms

IR-2015-17: Free Tax Help Available Nationwide

IR-2015-17: Free Tax Help Available Nationwide


Even though your cousins-brothers-sister has Turbo Tax(TM) and only charges $50 dollars to do your return, there are a few things you may want to think about:

1. If the person is willing to use tax software outside of the Terms of Service, and is not registered with the IRS to do taxes for other people, this is a red flag. Unfortunately if a taxpayer is screwed by a preparer, they are still responsible for what is on their tax return, and if they mess it up, you are in a heap of trouble.
2. Do you want the entire mountain knowing how much you make, and other private and proprietary information? Legal tax offices are not even allowed to display a Social Security number outside of the presence of its owner.
3. Low Income Taxpayers often miss out on Billions of $$ each year from missed credits and deductions that are legally theirs to claim. Semi-professional tax mills are often paid for speed rather than quality. A high quality tax return done by an Enrolled Agent will benefit the taxpayer on many levels.
4. Most of the U.S. and Arkansas Taxpayers I know personally cannot afford a high quality tax expert, but... here is the kicker, The IRS sponsors and grants organization places where taxpayers who earn under $53,000.00 are eligible for Free Tax Help from trained volunteers. 

Here is the Link from the IRS to the VITA Tax sites where Free Tax Help is available: Vita Tax Sites - 2015

For a Link to the AARP ARP TAP Site: the AARP has a very helpful page to guide Seniors through some tax issues, with links to other resources. 

Rhodes Chevy - Keep Your Return at Home

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Rhodes Chevy. All opinions are 100% mine.

Rhodes Chevy 2800 Alma Hwy, Van Buren, AR 72956

GPS Address @35.4542172,-94.3265917  Map

It makes good economic sense to shop locally, and to create a bond with a company who stands behind their sales and service.

Rhodes Chevrolet has been located in Van Buren, Arkansas for many years. Over the years their good products and customer service has given them growth which reaches out to fulfill the sales and service needs of customers in Van Buren , Alma, Fort Smith , Clarksville, and Fayetteville and the entire Van Buren metro area.

"Tax Time" is upon us. For about 70% of Arkansans, this will be the first time in a year that we had more than $100.00 in disposable income. Some families get a very large refund, and after living week to week for a year, it is easy to then blow all of that money on things that will make you happy for one day.

Invest in yourself this year. Check you the quality vehicles and deals they have going on at #RhodesChevy. If you are in need of a Chevy Silverado, not only will you get a good deal to begin with, but there is a $500.00 off of all new Silverado Trucks.

Rhodes Chevy also has Pre-Owned Vehicles, and after the sale service.

Keep your return at home and use your buying power to invest in sustainable transportation.

Take this home to mama:

Sales

Service 479-689-4134

2800 Alma Hwy, Van Buren, AR 72956

Sales

Service 479-689-4134

2800 Alma Hwy, Van Buren, AR 72956

Brashears Quality Furnishing, A Good Investment

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Brashears. All opinions are 100% mine.

#Return Home With Your #TaxRefund

Here at Grizzly Bear Tax Care I give tax and other financial advice. I do get an occasional opportunity to be paid to advertise.

Supporting local business and encouraging smart consumer spending is something I can get behind.

Today I am pleased to talk about Brashears Furniture. They are based in Arkansas and have been for decades. Brashears also has a store in Branson, MO.

It is "tax time" which means for a lot of us that we will have disposable cash for the first time in a year. Sometimes we lose our minds, and spend big chunks of our money on pleasures that are gone in an evening (unless there were good leftovers).

Consider how you would feel knowing that you invested in a few good pieces of furniture and / or decorative accessories. Everyday when you come home from trying to make a living you get to relax in that new Conner Recliner .

You can take the whole family out for Japanese Grill & Sushi and drop a few hundred bucks for one enjoyable experience, or look forward to getting a good nights sleep on your bed that you will own for years to come.





























It is your money, you could use it to have a good time for a few days, or make an investment that you can pass down to your grandchildren along with the good memories attached to the quality pieces of  Brashears Furniture.

For The Tribes of North America - Who Pay U.S. Taxes

Low Income Taxpayer Clinics 2015 Grant Application   Package & Guidelines

There is a program that I just stumbled upon that would be the biggest benefit to the Tribes of North America. 

Within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) there is an office called The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS).

There are not many taxpayers who are aware of the Taxpayer Advocate, but they are a neutral party of attorneys, CPA's, Enrolled Agents and other Tax Professionals who fight for the Taxpayer.

                                                               ***

Not everyone is eligible to be helped by the TAS. It can seem frustrating or unfair, but they help a wide range of problems, and have for many years. 

In today's announcement, the Taxpayer Advocate Service encourages people with complex or unresolved tax issues to see if they are eligible to be helped. 

When I used to work doing active returns, I had a few occasions to deal with members of the TAS who in some cases could and did help the taxpayer, and sadly in one case could not. They were still helpful, explaining why they could not, and giving him leads to possible help.

If the Tribal Nations will come together and help create Taxpayer Advocate Clinics on the Reservations, and near the Casinos, and near the Sacred Lands. These can be completely Native run. It is my lowly opinion that many many Natives may find amazing tax relief, and the changing of tax law in reference to Native Peoples in North America - U.S. Taxpayers

                                                            ***
Sometimes it is frustrating to talk to a government worker, because there is almost a secret language they speak that makes it hard to grasp. Forinstance, The TAS and the TACS and the IRS could be anything.

The Advocate Service has links where taxpayers can voice their matters in a civil manner, be heard, and possibly get some help or advice. 

One such link is called "Speak Up" It is a red button that I have linked in the hyper-linked  words. You will be taken to a form you can send in your ideas for improving the IRS and how it operates with people.  

Involvement in the process can make an impact quicker than you think. 

Download The IRS Pub 3319 - 2015 Grant Application Booklet

Bring Help to the Rez - Help for The People

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

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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?

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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/