Ready to File? This Tax Records Checklist Will Help

If you’re a taxpayer who has not yet filed their 2019 tax return, you may be getting ready to do so now. One of the first things you will need to do – before visiting your tax preparer – is to gather all of your year-end income documents. Doing so ensures that your tax return is complete and accurate.

Here are some of the documents taxpayers need to have on hand:

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9 Useful Facts About the Adoption Tax Credit

Parents who adopted or started the adoption process during 2019 may qualify for the adoption credit. Generally, the credit is allowable whether the adoption is domestic or foreign. However, the timing rules for claiming the credit for qualified adoption expenses differ, depending on the type of adoption.

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The Tax-Smart Way to Loan Money to Friends & Family

Offering to lend money to cash-strapped friends or family members during tough economic times is a kind and generous offer, but before you hand over the cash, you need to plan ahead to avoid tax complications for yourself down the road.

Take a look at this example: Let’s say you decide to loan $5,000 to your daughter who’s been out of work for over a year and is having difficulty keeping up with the mortgage payments on her condo. While you may be tempted to charge an interest rate of zero percent, you should resist the temptation.

Here’s why:

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Tax-exempt Organizations e-filing requirements & Forms

The Taxpayer First Act enacted July 1, 2019, requires tax-exempt organizations to electronically file information returns and related forms. Those that previously filed paper forms will receive a letter from the IRS informing them of the change.

The new law affects tax-exempt organizations in tax years beginning after July 1, 2019, and applies to the following IRS forms (filing deadlines vary by form type):

  • Form 990, Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax.
  • Form 990-PF, Return of Private Foundation or Section 4947(a)(1) Trust Treated as Private Foundation.
  • Form 8872, Political Organization Report of Contributions and Expenditures.
  • Form 1065, U.S. Return of Partnership Income (if filed by a Section 501(d) apostolic organization).

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Five Tips to Protect Against Identity Theft

Tax-related ID theft occurs when someone uses a taxpayer’s stolen personal information to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund. Thieves then use personal information like a stolen Social Security number. While the accounting profession and IRS work hard to prevent identity theft, taxpayers also play an important role.

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Home Equity Loan Interest Still Deductible

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has resulted in questions from taxpayers about many tax provisions including whether interest paid on home equity loans is still deductible. The good news is that despite newly-enacted restrictions on home mortgages, taxpayers can often still deduct interest on a home equity loan, home equity line of credit (HELOC) or second mortgage, regardless of how the loan is labeled.

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