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4 Common Myths About Tax Refunds, Debunked

4 Common Myths About Tax Refunds, Debunked

Yesterday, July 15, was the final day to file and pay your taxes. This means that there is a lot of people already eager to know when they’ll get their tax refund. If that’s your situation, keep reading to learn more about five tax refunds myths you should be aware of.

1. Getting a Refund Means You Don’t Need to Adjust Your Withholding for 2020

False. Getting a refund doesn’t mean that your withholdings are 100 percent correct. In fact, you should make adjustments to ensure that neither too much nor too little tax is being withheld from your paycheck. Increased accuracy is always desirable. Use the Tax Withholding Estimator provided by the IRS to determine the right amount.

2. Calling the IRS is the Best Way to Find Out When a Refund Will be Issued

Actually, the best way to check the status of your refund is using the online tool Where’s My Refund, either on the IRS website or on the mobile app IRS2GO. IRS assistors don’t have any special information, neither can they speed up the delivery of your refund. Don’t call the IRS unless the online tool specifically directs you to do so.

3. Ordering a Tax Transcript is a Good Way to Get a Refund Date

Plain and simple, a tax transcript has no impact whatsoever on your refund, nor can it accelerate its delivery.

4. Where’s My Refund Is Wrong Because There’s no Deposit Date Yet/ the Amount Is Smaller Than Expected

There are several reasons why Where’s My Refund doesn’t display a deposit date. Some returns take more time to process for a variety of reasons:

  • The return includes errors
  • Incomplete information
  • Identity theft or fraud
  • Includes a Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation, which could take up to 14 weeks to process

If the amount you get on Where’s My Refund is less than expected, these are some of the possible reasons:

  • Taxpayer math errors or calculation mistakes
  • Owing federal or state taxes, child support, student loans or other federal non-tax obligations
  • A portion of the refund is held while IRS reviews an item claimed on the return

Get Help From the Experts at JT Tax Services

The world of taxes is besieged by myths and other outdated or otherwise unreliable advice. That’s why is important to get help from a tax expert who can guide you with professionalism providing trustworthy information.

At JT Tax Services we have the experience, the knowledge and the drive to assist you. With our advice, you can file your taxes with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you are limiting your liability while staying compliant with federal and state tax regulations.

We are located in Oxnard, California. Contact us by email, telephone or through our social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to learn more about our services.

4 Ideas to Keep in Mind When You File Your Taxes

4 Ideas to Keep in Mind When You File Your Taxes

Remember: the deadline to pay and file your taxes is July 15. Although filing your tax return can be a complex process, there’s no reason to feel overwhelmed. Below you will find four tips that will help you take the stress out of Tax Day.

File Your Taxes Electronically

Filing your taxes electronically is your best option. The process is simple, fast, and secure. Furthermore, filing electronically reduces the risk of mistakes, since all calculations are verified by a tax program. Combining electronic filing with direct deposit is the best way to ensure that you get your tax refund as soon as possible (find more about tax refunds below).

If you don’t know how to file your taxes electronically yourself, or if you need assistance to make sure you stay compliant with all applicable regulations, contact the experts at JT Tax Services. They will be happy to help you take advantage of filing your taxes electronically.

How to Easily Check the Status of Your Refund

Checking the status of your refund is really easy. You have two main options to do this. You can use the online tool Where’s My Refund? provided by the IRS or you can download the IRS2GO mobile app in order to have the same information readily available on your smartphone. These are the most efficient ways to get information about the status of your refund. You can also contact the automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954, but as the IRS points out, there’s no need to call unless the online tool indicates you to do so.

Your Options if You Can’t File or Pay Your Taxes by July 15

Not everybody is ready to file and pay their taxes just yet. These are your options if you need more time in each case.

  • Request an extension to file: If you can’t file your tax return by July 15, you can request an extension to file that will give you time until October 15, 2020, to file your return. You can request an extension by making a payment using IRS Free File and selecting extension as the reason for the payment. Alternatively, you may also mail a Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension for Time to File, by the July 15 filing deadline.
  • Set up an Installment Agreement: On the other hand, if you can’t pay by July 15, you may qualify for an Installment Agreement to spread out your payment over a set period of time. If you are interested in requesting an Installment Agreement, you can do so online, or by downloading and mailing  Form 9465 (Installment Agreement Request) to the IRS along with a tax return, IRS bill or notice.

Depending on your specific situation, you may have more options available to you if you can’t file or pay your taxes by July 15. You can check some of these additional options here. Contact a tax expert to learn more about the alternatives that best fit your personal situation.

Get Advice From the Experts at JT Tax Services

Equipped with these tips, you will be able to file your taxes easily and with no stress. However, it’s always important to get personalized advice.  Our knowledgeable experts at JT Tax Services will help you so you can take advantage of all the relief initiatives you are eligible for while staying compliant with all regulations that apply.

At JT Tax Services we have the experience, the knowledge and the drive to assist you. With our advice, you can file your taxes with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you are limiting your liability while staying compliant with federal and state tax regulations.

We are located in Oxnard, California. Contact us by email, telephone (805-984-8890) or through our social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to learn more about our services.

The deadline to file and pay your taxes is July 15.

The Deadline to File and Pay your Taxes is July 15: Everything You Need to Know

July is here already, and that means that July 15, the deadline to file and pay your taxes, is approaching as well.

As you may remember, the original deadline was April 15, but it was extended to July 15 to help those affected by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that the date won’t be moved again, so it’s important to take steps to file and pay your taxes if you haven’t done so yet.

Extensions to File

People who can’t file their taxes by July 15 can ask for an extension that allows them to file by October 15. It’s important to remember that an extension to file is not an extension to pay. That means that you still have to pay your taxes totally or partially before July 15. There are two ways to request an extension.

  • Filing form 4868, Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
  • Paying all or part of their tax due indicating that the payment is for an extension.

In both cases, don’t hesitate to seek the assistance of a tax professional if you need help completing any of the steps involved.

The Options for People who Can’t Pay Their Taxes by July 15

On the other hand, people who can’t pay their taxes by July 15 also have several options available to them. These alternatives include:

  • Online payment agreement: They are available for individuals who owe $50,000 or less (including taxes and penalties).
  • Installment agreement: People who do not qualify for an online payment agreement, or decide not to use it, can take advantage of this option.
  • Temporarily delaying collection: If the IRS determines that a person can’t pay, they can decide to temporarily delay the collection process. However, keep in mind that penalties and interests continue to accrue until the full amount due is paid.
  • Offer in compromise: In some cases, the IRS may reach an agreement to allow a person settle their tax bill for less than the amount they owe. To know if you are eligible for an offer in compromise, use the official IRS tool Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier.

State Taxes

It’s important to keep in mind that the July 15 deadline refers to federal taxes. The dates for state taxes may differ, so be sure to get accurate information about your specific location. Here you can find links to the websites of the tax agencies of every state.

Get Help From the Tax Experts at JT Tax Services

Now that you have all the relevant information, you are ready to make better decisions before filing and paying your taxes. Our knowledgeable experts at JT Tax Services will help you so you can take advantage of all the relief initiatives you are eligible for.

At JT Tax Services we have the experience, the knowledge and the drive to assist you. With our advice, you can file your taxes with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you are limiting your liability while staying compliant with federal and state tax regulations.

We are located in Oxnard, California. Contact us by email, telephone or through our social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to learn more about our services.

Here's what you need to do if you misplace your Economic Impact Payment prepaid card.

Did You Misplace Your Economic Impact Payment Prepaid Card? Here’s What to Do

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has processed over 159 million Economic Impact Payments (EIP) to help taxpayers affected by the coronavirus outbreak. About four million of those payments will be delivered by prepaid credit card. This feature can be very convenient for some people. But what happens if you misplace or accidentally destroy your EIP prepaid card? Read on to discover the answer.

Follow These Steps If You Misplace Your Prepaid EIP Card

If you receive your Economic Impact Payment by prepaid debit card and you misplace the card, or the card gets stolen, then follow these steps:

  • Log in online at EIPCard.com to prevent unauthorized transactions or ATM withdrawals while you look for your card.
  • If your card is permanently lost, it’s important to you call customer service at 1.800.240.8100. This way you can report your lost or stolen card immediately.
  • For cards with more than one name, only the primary cardholder (listed first on the card) must make the call.

Once you have reported your card, a replacement card will be ordered. The first replacement card is free, and a $7.50 fee will be applied for any subsequent replacements.

What Should I Do If I Accidentally Destroyed or Misplaced my Card?

On the other hand, if you accidentally destroyed or misplaced your card, call the same service number indicated above (1.800.240.8100) and select the “Lost/Stolen” option. The same replacement fees explained above will be applied, with the first replacement card being free of charge,

Remember that you cannot request the IRS to send your Economic Impact Payment by prepaid debit card. If you haven’t received your Economic Impact Payment yet, you can use the online tool Get My Payment of the IRS website to check the current status of your payment.

You can get more information about the Economic Impact Payment prepaid cards visiting www.eipcard.com. Or the official IRS website, which includes a section dedicated to Economic Impact Payments.

What Are Economic Impact Payments?

Economic Impact Payments are a measure  by the U.S. government to provide financial relief to taxpayers affected by the Coronavirus outbreak. Beneficiaries may receive up to $1,200 for individual taxpayers and $2,400 for couples filing jointly. Additionally, taxpayers may also receive an extra $500 for every qualifying child.

Get More Information About Economic Impact Payments

We have covered Economic Impact Payments extensively to keep you up to date about this important provision. Here are some past posts you may find useful:

Get Help From the Tax Experts at JT Tax Services

It’s important to know this and other relevant provisions to navigate the current circumstances. Our knowledgeable experts at JT Tax Services will help you so you can take advantage of all the relief initiatives you are eligible for.

This is particularly important because Tax Day is approaching. The deadline is July 15, so this is the right time to take steps to ensure that your taxes are filed and paid on time.

At JT Tax Services we have the experience, the knowledge and the drive to assist you. With our advice, you can file your taxes with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you are limiting your liability while staying compliant with federal and state tax regulations.

We are located in Oxnard, California. Contact us by email, telephone or through our social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to learn more about our services.

Economic Impact Payments are not Social Security Benefits.

Remember: Economic Impact Payments Belong to the Recipient, not to Nursing Homes

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued an alert reminding people that Economic Impact Payments (EIP) generally belong to the recipients, not to nursing homes or the organizations providing care for them.

Economic Impact Payments Are for the Recipients

The IRS  believes that some people may be taking advantage of retirees who receive an Economic Impact Payment, a government measure that offers financial relief to those affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

It’s important to underline that payments are for the recipients. This applies even if a nursing home or facility or provider receives the person’s payment either directly or indirectly by direct deposit or check.

Benefit recipients don’t have to turn over their EIP because the payments they are considered and advance refund for 2020 taxes.  They also do not count as income in determining eligibility for Medicaid and other federal programs

Economic Impact Payments Are Not Social Security Benefits

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), a representative payee is only responsible for managing Social Security or SSI benefits, but an EIP is not included in that category. If the beneficiary wants to use the EIP independently, the payee should provide the EIP to the beneficiary.

If the SSA receives an allegation that the EIP was not used on behalf of the beneficiary, it may decide to investigate the matter. The SSA may also determine that the representative payee is no longer suitable and appoint a new representative payee.

The IRS has processed about 159 million Economic Impact Payments, totaling almost $267 billion. Beneficiaries may receive up to $1,200 for individual taxpayers and $2,400 for couples filing jointly. Additionally, taxpayers may also receive an extra $500 for every qualifying child.

Get Help From the Experts

The government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak is fluid. Therefore, it’s important to know this and other initiatives to navigate the current circumstances.

Our experts at JT Tax Services will help you take advantage of all the relief initiatives you are eligible for.

At JT Tax Services we have the experience, the knowledge and the drive to assist you. With our advice, you can file your taxes with peace of mind. You will rest easy knowing that you are limiting your liability while staying compliant with all regulations.

We are located in Oxnard, California. Contact us by email, telephone or through our social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to learn more about our services.

taxes

Most Unheeded Tax Deductions

Amongst the chaos of the daily life of the American citizen, it is easy to overlook common tax deductions that will save you money at the end of the year. The deductions that are missed due to the stress of waiting until the last minute to do your taxes can possibly save you hundreds more dollars. Here are a few tax deductions that are commonly overlooked.

Party Expenses

Throwing parties is an effective strategy for maintaining suitable relationships with your clients and attracting new business with associates. If you throw a party that is related to your business in any way, then you can use the money you spend on it as a tax deductible. However, it is important to remember that when it comes to entertainment, the IRS can be reasonably strict. In order for party expenses to qualify as a deductible, there must be a business discussion before, during, or after the event. Also, remember to document the event in the form of pictures, videos, or invitations.

Moving Expenses

If you have a new job and it is at least 50 miles from your old residence, then your moving expenses are tax deductible. It is important to remember that the IRS wants you to take the shortest possible route between your new job and your old residence, or the expenses will not qualify as tax deductibles. Also, you must work for a minimum of 39 weeks during the year from the moment you arrive at your new residence.

Mileage Expenses

Vehicle expense are tax deductible if you are using your car for business, medical, or charitable purposes. If you owned or leased a vehicle in 2017, American citizens were able to deduct 53.5 cents per mile. By keeping detailed records, you can choose to use the actual vehicle expenses instead of the standard mileage rate. Lastly, the standard mileage rate may not be used for more than 4 vehicles simultaneously or any vehicle used as equipment.

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