Tag Archives: Tax Season

Guide to Preparing for Tax Season 2023

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Tax season can be daunting, but don’t let it overwhelm you! Last year, we shared tips on what to do with your tax return, and this time we’re focusing on tax season preparation. With some planning and organization, you can make sure that you’re ready when the time comes. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get equipped for tax season 2023.

Gather your documents

The first step in getting ready for tax season is gathering all of your documents. This includes any income statements, like W-2s or 1099s, as well as any deductions or credits you may be eligible for. Make sure to keep all of these documents in one place so that they are easy to access when needed. Additionally, if you made any donations throughout the year, make sure to save receipts from those as well.

Understand tax changes

It’s important to stay up-to-date on any new tax changes that have been implemented since last year. While most of the standard deductions remain the same, there may be some new credits or incentives available that could lower your overall tax amount. New Jersey has incentives for working individuals and families that could help put more money back in your pocket. The IRS also lists any changes that could affect your tax refund in 2023.

Organize your finances

Once you’ve gathered all of your documents and familiarized yourself with the latest tax changes, it’s time to get organized. Knowing how much money you made throughout the year will help determine what forms need to be filed and how much you need to pay. Take some time now to organize all of your financial information so that filing taxes will be a breeze come Tax Day, which is Tuesday, April 18th this year.

Determine how to file

There are two main ways to file your taxes and what you choose will depend on your income level and comfort with the filing process. If you own property or run a business, it’s likely best to work with a professional. Whereas single individuals with one source of income may find it easier to use tax software.

First Financial members get access to tax season discounts through Love My Credit Union Rewards. Members can save up to $15 on TurboTax federal products, and $25 for new clients on tax services through H&R Block (returning clients will receive Tax Identity Shield for free, a $35 value).*

Tax season doesn’t have to be scary! With a little preparation and organization now, you can make sure that everything runs smoothly come April 18th. If you’ve already filed for this year, follow these steps now so that come tax time next year – you’ll already have everything taken care of in advance. Have more questions? Stop in your local branch to speak with a representative today!

*Limited time offer. Terms, conditions, features, availability, pricing, fees, service and support options subject to change without notice. Intuit TurboTax®and H&R Block are tax preparation software products offered to our members through Love My Credit Union Rewards and are not products of this credit union.

Be Aware of Tax Scams this Tax Season

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The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently announced that the 2020 federal income tax filing deadline for individuals would be extended from April 15th to May 17th in response to the ongoing recovery efforts surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, and to help provide taxpayers some ongoing relief.

In the midst of tax season, it’s important to be reminded that there is often an increase of fraud attempts and tax scams. Annually, the IRS shares and emphasizes certain scams that may be of risk to taxpayers. This year, scams related to Coronavirus tax relief continue to target taxpayers.

Here are a few things to be on the lookout for this tax season, as extensions can create confusion and make tax payers more susceptible to fraud attempts. The IRS recently announced the following to be aware of for the 2021 tax filing season:

  • Phishing Scams: Taxpayers should be alert to potential fake emails, texts, phone calls, or websites looking to steal their personal information.
  • Phone Scams (Vishing):  These scam phone calls work hard to instill a sense of urgency, and often threaten arrest, deportation, or some type of retaliation if a tax bill is left unpaid.  
  • Charity Scams: These schemes share bogus information about a charity to trick people into sending money or into providing personal information. This is often attempted with a fake website, using names similar to legitimate charities, or unsolicited communication. 
  • Social Media Scams: Social media scams frequently use events (lately COVID-19) to trick people into disclosing personal information. Typically, this involves convincing a potential victim they are dealing with a person they trust via email, text, or social media direct messaging.
  • Refund Theft Scams: Refund and Economic Impact Payments (EIP) as provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act have been targeted in recent scams with identity theft and filing false tax returns to divert funds to the wrong address or bank account.
  • Elder Fraud: Seniors are more likely to be targeted and victimized by scammers due to unfamiliarity or uncertainty on how to respond across digital channels. 
  • Offer in Compromise (OIC) Scams: Misleading tax debt resolution companies can exaggerate chances to settle tax debt through an Offer in Compromise (OIC) and submit false applications for candidates. OIC offers are available for a bill reduction, but taxpayers must typically meet very specific criteria under law to qualify.
  • Payroll and HR Scams: Phishing scams are designed to steal W-2 and other tax information. This scheme has increased with many businesses still closed and employees working from home due to COVID-19. W-2 forms contain sensitive information and are highly valuable for identity thieves.
  • Ransomware Scams: This cybercrime targets human and technical weaknesses to infect a potential victim’s computer, network, or server. Once infected, ransomware looks for and locks critical or sensitive data with its own encryption. 

Consider these preventative tips to keep your personal and financial information safe this tax season:

  • Be cautious of communication: Communication requesting personal or financial information – tax related or otherwise, should be treated with caution. The IRS and state tax authorities will never reach out by phone, email, text, or social media.
  • Pay attention to how money is requested: The IRS does not require that taxes or bills be paid with a prepaid/reloadable debit card, gift card, or money wires through services like Western Union or MoneyGram.
  • Report threatening messages: Calls demanding immediate payment or threatening legal action are more than likely scam attempts. The IRS or state of residence will not call to discuss taxes you owe without first mailing you an official bill.
  • Don’t open attachments or click on links: This is especially true if you have suspicions about the communication source you received, which may contain a malicious code or virus that will infect your device. Cybercriminals will often use a phishing email to trick a potential victim into opening a link or an attachment containing ransomware.
  • Be wary of rejected file requests due to duplication: If an e-filed return is rejected because a duplicate EIN/SSN is already on file with the IRS, or an unexpected receipt of a tax transcript doesn’t correspond to anything previously submitted – it may be a warning sign of identity theft. 

If a tax scam is suspected, report it to your state authorities and/or the Federal Trade Commission here.

Find out more about tax scams from the IRS website here.

Think First because There’s Harm In Not Knowing!

Article Source: CUInsight.com

3 Reasons to File Your Taxes Sooner Rather Than Later

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The Federal tax deadline has been extended to May 17, 2021. If you are planning on waiting until a lot closer to that day to get your taxes done, here are three reasons you should really get moving and file your taxes as soon as possible.

Sooner is better regardless of the outcome: The sooner you file, the sooner you’ll get money back if you are getting a refund. If 2020 hit you hard financially, that refund may be something you’ve been banking on. And if you get the opposite result and owe the government money, you’ll have more time to save up and pay. You can’t go wrong filing as early as possible.

You’ll reduce your stress: Filing tax paperwork was probably simple when you were in your 20s. Once life gets more complicated, it’s not quite as easy or quick to file. If you know your taxes will be more difficult than in past years, lessen the stress it might cause by getting started as soon as you have your W-2. Filing early can prevent Tax Day from being a source of stress.

It’ll be a smoother process: Not only is the IRS less busy at the beginning of the year, but tax professionals typically are as well. Keep this important detail in mind if you’re not filing on your own. If you file online it won’t be a big deal, but if you need a tax professional to help sort you out, you’ll be glad you got started earlier. The closer you get to the tax deadline, the longer the whole process will take (as well as you probably won’t be the only last minute client).

The moral of the story: Start preparing your tax documents and file as soon as possible!

Article Source: CUInsight.com

Reasons Not to File Your Taxes Late

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Tax Day was July 15th this year, after a 3 month extension due to COVID-19. If you still haven’t filed your 2019 taxes, you’ll need to contact the IRS for an extension – as soon as possible. You can find out more information and how to file for an extension at IRS.gov

Here are several reasons why it’s important to try to always file your taxes well in advance of the Tax Day deadline:

Possible Penalty Fees – Did you owe the IRS and your payment arrived late or got lost in the mail? You could be charged interest on everything you owe for late payments. Be sure to pay on time if you owe the government money to avoid any and all late fees.

You’ll Be Waiting for Your Refund – If you file late and are getting a tax refund this year, it’s basically withholding your own money from yourself.

You May Have Trouble Paying – If you owe money on your taxes, and it’s in the thousands – you unfortunately still need to pay by Tax Day. Filing late doesn’t give you any extra time to come up with your payment.

Underestimating the Time it Takes – Don’t underestimate the amount of time it takes to file your taxes, especially if you had a life change (marriage, new baby, changed jobs, bought a home) within the past year. It’s important to give yourself ample time before the filing deadline.

Not All Tax Forms May Be Available – It’s much easier these days with tax forms available online, but which ones do you need and how do you fill them out? Are you really sure you know exactly what’s needed and that it will be available if you need it right away? This requires advanced planning.

You Could Need More Information – You almost never have all the documents ready when you file your taxes. What happens if you need to locate an important form (like your W-2) or speak to your accountant, hours before the filing deadline?

Unexpected Things Happen – You may get sick or an emergency may come up. Also, what if you have a technology failure like your printer stops working or your computer won’t turn on? It’s always best to prepare and file early.

You Might Overpay for Advice – Sometimes, requesting last minute advice and service will cost you more. Plus if you’re in a time crunch, you won’t have extra time to find a discount or deal on tax services.

If you do end up filing late, here are some tips:

File for an Extension – If you can’t get your taxes filed by Tax Day, there’s always the option to file for an extension. The down side is that if you owe the government money, you’re still responsible for paying the estimated taxes when you file for the extension. In other words, it’s an extension on filing your taxes, not on paying what you owe. What happens if you can’t pay now? Failing to file for an extension will result in a penalty on top of the bill you already have. The IRS often offers an option to set up a payment installment plan. You can get started online here.

File Your Taxes Online – Filing online is faster and easier, especially if you’re running late. If you’ve never filed your taxes online before, a quick search will lead you to various tax prep businesses that usually offer free e-file along with paid services (like having your return reviewed by a tax professional). If your gross earnings fall under $69,000, you can also use the IRS Free File Program. E-filing requires an electronic pin you’ll use for e-signing, and also – don’t forget to save digital and print copies of your taxes for your records.

Watch for Mistakes – You’re more likely to make mistakes when you’re in a hurry to meet a deadline. The following mistakes are common and costly: Missed deductions, incorrect account or social security numbers, and forgetting to sign and date your return.

The moral of the story: File early next year!

 

Article Source: David Ning for Moneyning.com

How to Navigate Charitable Contributions and Tax Deductions

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We all know the saying, “It’s better to give than to receive.” Giving makes us feel good, right? And we usually don’t think about what’s in it for us.

But, what about charitable giving? Depending on the amount of your charitable contributions, you could be in for a sizable tax benefit. As a matter of fact, if you factor your charitable donations into your budget, it will allow you to be more generous and lead to strategies that could improve your financial planning long term.

With tax season in full swing, let’s take a look at some benefits of charitable giving and what can be deducted.

That Altruistic Feeling

Whether we donate to them or not, we all have causes near and dear to our heart. If you’re an animal lover, ASPCA commercials probably tug at your heartstrings. If helping kids is where your passion lies, then charities like St. Jude’s and Shriner’s Hospital probably resonate with you. Regardless of where your loyalties lie, we all love the feeling of helping other people. Scientific studies have even shown that charitable giving activates pleasure centers in the brain.

Tax Benefits

Charitable donation deductions actually allow you to lower the amount of taxable income. Of course, you can’t donate to just any organization. In order for donations or gifts to qualify, they have to be recognized tax-exempt organizations. Typically – religious organizations, veterans’ organizations, and community organizations qualify as being tax-exempt.

Have you made any donations to state, federal, or local government for public purposes, such as to rehab a public park? You can deduct those donations. You can also deduct any expenses you incur as a volunteer for a qualified organization or if you donate a qualified vehicle.

What Does this Mean for You?

Let’s be honest. Taxes, deductions, and tax law can be overwhelming and difficult to understand if you don’t speak that language. It’s always a good idea to sit down with a qualified financial planner to come up with a plan for donating to charities. Your financial planner can help you figure out what types of donations will work for you and your future plans. They can also help you find organizations that share the same goals and ideals as you. Also, if you want to make charitable giving a recurring activity this year, look at setting aside money in a First Financial Special Savings Account.+ That way, you can save smaller amounts at a time to make it easier to give back instead of one lump sum all at once.

No matter which way you decide to give or which charity you choose to give to, giving back to organizations that do good – feels good. Additional information about charitable giving and tax deductions can be found by contacting the Investment & Retirement Center located at First Financial Federal Credit Union.* If you have other questions about charitable giving and how it may impact you this tax season, contact the Financial Advisors located at First Financial or click here.

*Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker/dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. First Financial Federal Credit Union (FFFCU) and The Investment & Retirement Center are not registered as a broker/dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using The Investment & Retirement Center, and may also be employees of FFFCU. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from and not affiliates of FFFCU or The Investment & Retirement Center.

Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

+A $5 deposit in a base savings account is required for credit union membership prior to opening any other account. All personal memberships are part of the Rewards First program and a $5 per month non-participation fee is charged to the base savings account for memberships not meeting the minimum requirements of the program. Click here to view full Rewards First program details. 

How to Prepare for Tax Season

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We’re in the midst of prime tax season. Have you filed your taxes yet? If not, or if you are unsure of how to be best prepared – keep reading! Being organized can help you reach your financial goals as well as make the filing process easier for both you and your tax professional.

What items should you bring with you when you have your taxes done?

  • A valid photo ID
  • A social security card or verification letter, or individual TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) for all family members.
  • W-2 forms for all jobs worked the previous year
  • Form 1099-G for unemployment compensation, if applicable
  • Any childcare provider information from the previous year paid (name, address, tax ID number, and total paid).
  • A copy of last year’s state and federal tax returns
  • Any banking/mortgage interest statements, federal loan documents, retirement statements, and organizations you made charitable donations to with the amount donated.
  • Form 1095-A, B, or C and any affordable health care statements or health insurance exemption certificates.
  • Bank account information and a voided check (for receiving your return via direct deposit).

If you are married and filing jointly with your spouse, you will want to make sure you and your spouse are both present at the appointment so you can each sign your joint return. Depending upon your individual financial situation, there may be other documents you will need to bring with you. If you have questions about other items you think you may need to bring to your annual tax appointment, contact your tax preparer in advance.

How do you make the most of your tax return?

  • If you are getting a return back, it’s a good idea to have it deposited to your bank account with direct deposit. There is no cost to do so, it arrives faster than a check, and will be right there in your bank account for when you need it.
  • It’s always a good idea to save for the future – every little bit helps!
  • Do you have outstanding revolving credit card debt? Pay it down with this year’s tax return.
  • Another good use of your tax return is to save for retirement in an IRA account.

If you have additional questions, it’s a good idea to consult with your tax professional during your appointment. Staying organized and prepared is the best way to get through tax season, and should you receive a return – saving the money for a rainy day, your financial future, or to pay off debt is never a bad idea. Happy filing!

Article Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau