When a married couple files a joint tax return, each spouse is “jointly and severally” liable for the full amount of tax on the couple’s combined income. That means the IRS can pursue either spouse to collect the entire tax, not just the part that’s attributed to one spouse or the other. This includes any tax deficiency that the IRS assesses after an audit, as well as any penalties and interest. In some cases, however, one spouse may be eligible for “innocent spouse relief.” This generally occurs when one spouse was unaware of a tax understatement that was attributable to the other spouse.
Tax Season Is Long Over, but Tax Scams Are Thriving
The IRS is warning taxpayers about emails and text messages that promise refunds and credits but that actually result in identity theft. Many current schemes involve the third Economic Impact Payment (originally made in 2021). Messages may also reference the …
The Home Office Tax Deduction for Small Business
If you’re a small business owner who uses your home for business, you may be eligible to claim the home office deduction, which allows you to deduct certain home expenses on your tax return. The benefit to this, of course, is that it can reduce the amount of your taxable income.
Tax Planning vs. Tax Preparation: What is the Difference?
Many people assume tax planning is the same as tax preparation, but the two are quite different. Let’s take a closer look:
What To Know About Keeping Good Tax Records
It’s January, and tax season is right around the corner. For many people, that means scrambling to collect receipts, mileage logs, and other tax-related documents needed to prepare their tax returns. If this describes you, chances are, you’re wishing you’d kept on top of it during the year so you could avoid this scenario yet again. With this in mind, here are seven suggestions to help taxpayers like you keep good records throughout the year:
Tips to Help You Figure Out if Your Gift is Taxable
Gift tax returns generally do not need to be filed unless you give someone, other than your spouse (if he or she is a U.S. citizen) money or property worth more than the gift tax annual exclusion for that year. Here are four more tips regarding the tax treatment of gifts:
A Tax Checklist for Newly Married Couples
Summer is the wedding season, and newlyweds should understand how tying the knot can affect their tax situation. Here’s are three things newly married couples should know:
Tax Breaks for Teachers and Educators
It’s almost time for the start of the new school year, and if you are a teacher or other educator, you should know that you can still deduct certain unreimbursed expenses. Deducting expenses such as classroom supplies, training, and travel will reduce your 2023 income tax liability. And you don’t even have to itemize to claim this deduction.
It’s Natural Disaster Season: Safeguarding Tax Records
With hurricane season in the East and South, wildfire season in the West, and severe weather season in the middle of the county, now is a good time to create or review emergency preparedness plans for surviving natural disasters. Here are three steps taxpayers can take to safeguard their tax records before disaster strikes and minimize negative tax consequences should a disaster occur:
How to Verify Your Identity When Calling the IRS
Sometimes, taxpayers must call the IRS about a tax matter. As part of the IRS’s ongoing efforts to keep taxpayer data secure from identity thieves, IRS phone assistors take great care to discuss personal information with the taxpayer or someone the taxpayer has authorized to speak on their behalf. Therefore, the IRS will ask taxpayers and their representatives to verify their identity when they call.