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

Good News and Resources for Community Leaders - Tax Credits for Women & Families 2009 Taxes

From the National Women's Law Center

...tax credits for families... Are More Important Than Ever...:http://www.nwlc.org/details.cfm?id=3798&section=newsroom

 ...Don't miss out!

• Are you one of those angels who go out of their way to help others?
• A Community Organizer who cares about families?
• Do you work to help the weak, poor and those who may be disadvantaged?
• Always on the Look-out for Resources?

~ Good Information - Check this Out!!!

The link to find additional tax credits by State for the 2009 Tax Return Year we are preparing as of 1/29/2010: http://www.nwlc.org/details.cfm?id=3148&section=tax#Arkansas

~Important Tax Credit Information for Women & Families - 2009 Tax Year~
http://www.nwlc.org/details.cfm?id=3134&section=tax

Ready, Set, GO! They're off and Running today!

Good Morning tax payers, and tax professionals.

Today is the day it all begins. The I.R.S. will begin accepting all those tax returns from all those who have simple tax returns.

The only individuals who should be ready to file today, 1). w-2's are the only source of income, and you have gotten them all. ["forgetting" about that w-2 from that one little part-time job because they take too long is a bad idea]. 2). Your income is under $32,000.00, you own no home, or any other deductions. 3). You didn't have any unemployment, royalties, investment income or were self-employed.

Keep in mind; Congress is still working on Tax Law and Code changes for 2008 Tax Year. For the $28,000.00 income and up, I would advise waiting until February 15th before filling. The 'tax year' is pretty much solid by then.

For the low income individuals and families who are eligible for large sums of Earned Income Credit, please try to avoid getting your money in 1 day. You can wait 9 more days and save 200.00 - 400.00 in "loan fees". If you could wait an entire year, you can wait 10 days. The tax operations like Jackson Hewitt, H & R Block, JPL, Liberty make their biggest profits off of the poorest people.

Those Rapid or Instant refunds are not refunds. They are loans at 32% - 383.% interest. I have a few words to say about that, but I am keeping this family friendly.

Have Questions? Worried that the tax person you hired is not giving to you straight? Is it better to go "long form" or short? Can I claim my baby momma baby? Please Post your Questions here. If you can get that Let's talk to work, send me your Questions. Normally you would be paying good money for this service, but this is The Year. I am offering these services for Free. The only source of income would be if I get enough traffic coming to this site. My ultimate goal is to build good karma and open my offices next tax season.

I will be offering TaxSlayer, because as a professional, and a tax payer it is the simplest Free File ware out there. When/If you choose Free File, always approach these tax firms through the IRS website. It is safer.

Do not hesitate to let me know if I can be of any assistance to you: WoodSmoke - Lori