VERY VERY IMPORTANT!

 

Please remember, absolutely NOTHING is more important for the future of America, and ultimately the world, than making sure Trump is NOT returned to the White House and today’s Trump-embracing and Religious Right-controlled Republican Party does NOT gain control of Congress.

The greatest enemies facing America. True American values, and American freedoms and democracy today are NOT Russia, China, or radical fundamentalist Muslims – it is Trump, the Republican Party, and radical fundamentalist (actually fake) Christians.

I very sincerely believe that if Trump wins and/or Republicans gain control of Congress it will be the beginning of the end of America as we know it.

It is vital that EVERY intelligent and patriotic American vote against EVERY Republican candidate in EVERY election at EVERY level in 2024!

TTFN

 

WHAT’S THE BUZZ, TELL ME WHAT’S A HAPPENNIN’?

 

It’s been a while since we had some BUZZ.

* Good news. “IRS enhances Where’s My Refund? tool for 2024 filing season”.

Don’t bother your preparer if your refund is late.  There is absolutely nothing he, or she, can do to expedite the processing of your return or the issuance of your refund.  Go here first.

Most states have similar tools on the applicable department’s website.

* At TAXJAR (new to me) Sarah Craig provides a listing of “2024 sales tax holidays”.

* TaxGirl Kelly Phillips Erb explains “Investment Income Can Be Tricky At Tax Time—Here’s What You Need To Know” at FORBES.COM.

* The latest on disaster relief - “IRS announces tax relief for taxpayers impacted by severe storms, landslides and mudslides in Alaska; various deadlines postponed to July 15”.

* And “IRS further extends tax relief for Hawaii wildfire victims; 2023 returns, payments, other deadlines postponed to Aug. 7”.

* It’s that time of year again.  Over at TAXABLE TALK Russ Fox tells us, “It’s time for our annual rundown of Bozo Tax Tips, strategies that you really, really, really shouldn’t try. But somewhere, somehow, someone will try these.”

First up – “Bozo Tax Tip #10: Email Your Social Security Number or EIN!”

TTFN

 

WHAT’S THE BUZZ, TELL ME WHAT’S A HAPPENNIN’?

 

* From the IRS – “Michigan taxpayers impacted by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding qualify for tax relief; various deadlines postponed to June 17”.

* F.I. TAX GUY Sean Mullaney, and Andrea MacDonald, discuss “Tax Return Reporting for Net Unrealized Appreciation.”  

* Kay Bell reports “FTC alleges H&R Block deleted customer tax data, used deceptive advertising” – (highlight is mine)

“The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) this afternoon announced it has filed an administrative complaint against H&R Block for wiping out customers' entered data as a way to pressure them to pay for higher-priced tax preparation software options.”

Another reason to never use Henry and Richard to prepare your taxes.

* ACCOUNTING TODAY identifies “The 20 worst states for doing business”. 

Guess which is the worst state (it should come as no surprise).  

* Let's end with more disaster relief from the IRS – "San Diego area taxpayers impacted by severe storms, flooding qualify for tax relief; various deadlines postponed to June 17”.

* And Jeff Stimpson tells us “Washington wildfire victims get tax relief” at ACCOUNTING TODAY.

TTFN

THIS I KNOW TO BE TRUE

 

This I know to be true.

Extreme fundamentalist Christians are no less a danger and threat to America, and to freedom and democracy, than extreme fundamentalist Muslims.  Or any group that distorts/perverts religious beliefs and teachings.

The separation of Church and State, a basic concept that American democracy was built on, requires that the specific beliefs of one individual sect or religion is NEVER legislated or forced upon the populace by the government. 

As an intelligent and patriotic American, and one who happens to have been raised on the true teachings of Jesus Christ, I denounce and reject today’s racist and repressive Religious Right controlled and Trump embracing Republican Party and ALL its candidates in ALL elections at ALL levels – local, state, and national.  

As should every intelligent and patriotic American.

TTFN

WHAT’S THE BUZZ, TELL ME WHAT’S A HAPPENNIN’?

 

* From Kay Bell at DON’T MESS WITH TAXES – “Attention Alabama & Maryland shoppers: Special sales tax holiday savings come your way in February”.

* From the IRS - “West Virginia taxpayers impacted by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides qualify for tax relief; various deadlines postponed to June 17”.

* Speaking of disaster relief, Jeff Stimpson reports on “Tax relief for Maine weather victims” at ACCOUNTING TODAY.

“Individuals and businesses in parts of Maine that were affected by severe storms and flooding that began on Dec. 17 now have until June 17 to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.”

*  FYI – the IRS answers “Frequently Asked Questions on Gift Taxes”.

* And irs.com has a new page that discusses “Filing Taxes After Divorce or Separation”.

TTFN

DON’T BE IN SUCH A HURRY – BUT DON’T WAIT TILL THE LAST MINUTE

 

As the tax filing season begins here is some good advice, taken from my book THE JOY OF AVOIDING TAXES -

You should not rush to be among the first taxpayers of the year to have your taxes done. Do not give or send your tax preparer your ‘stuff’, or attempt to prepare your own returns, until you have received all the forms and information needed to complete the returns! That means every W-2, every 1099, and every K-1 and all the cost basis information on the sale of investments.

Over the years I have had several experiences where a client came in very early in the season and had his or her return prepared, only to receive another Form 1099 in the mail the day after the finished returns were sent to his or her “uncles”.

If you have a brokerage account there is an excellent chance that you will receive at least one, if not two, corrected “Consolidated 1099 Statements” to report taxable dividends, interest and gross proceeds after the initial statement arrives in late January.  The final corrected 1099 may not arrive until mid-March.

On the other hand -

Many taxpayers who expect to owe their “uncles” wait until the very last minute to get their tax information together to prepare their return. Even if you think you will owe taxes you should have the return prepared early, once you have all the necessary information in hand. You don’t have to actually file the returns and pay the tax until mid-April. But by having your 1040 prepared early you will know exactly how much you will owe and have time to come up with the money, instead of running around trying to juggle funds days before the deadline. Hey, you might even be surprised to find that you will be getting a refund!

Also consider the workload of your tax preparer. I had a strict long-standing rule that all returns that are not literally in my hands, with all the necessary information, by mid-March will be automatically extended!

And one more thing -

If you owe money to your Uncle Sam it is very, very important that you get your tax return in the mail by the initial mid-April deadline -or get your automatic extension application in the mail by the April deadline and the finished return in the mail by the mid-October deadline - even if you cannot pay all or any of the tax due on the return!  Send what you can with the return – but if you can’t send anything be sure to mail the return!  The same applies to your state income tax returns.

The IRS penalty for paying late is .5% (one half of one percent) of the tax due per month, or part thereof, until paid.  The penalty for filing late is 5% per month – 10 times as much!  States also have increased penalties for late filing.      

TTFN