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Do I have to make an estimated tax payment?

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Who has to make estimated tax payments?

If you have income from which no income tax is withheld (such as business income), you may be required to make quarterly estimated tax payments. Also, if you don’t have enough income taxes withheld from wages and pensions to cover your tax liability, you may need to make estimated tax payments.

Federal estimated taxes for individuals are paid with Form 1040-ES and are due on April 15, June 15, and September 15 of the tax year involved and on January 15 of the following year.

If this is your first year with self-employment income or increased interest and dividend income, review your requirements for quarterly estimates to avoid being penalized by the IRS.

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What if I can’t file my tax return on time?

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April 15* is the tax filing deadline for most individual income tax returns. If you can’t complete your tax return by then, file Form 4868 with the IRS to give yourself up to six additional months to complete your return.

Caution: Form 4868 only extends your filing deadline; it does not extend your tax payment deadline. If your tax is not paid in full by April 15, you’ll face interest and penalties on the balance owed.

* When April 15 falls on a Sunday or legal holiday, the deadline for filing is moved to the next business day.

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Some Last-Minute Tax Moves

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Here are five last-minute tax-saving ideas. But act soon, the tax year is quickly nearing an end.

  1. Make a late-year charitable donation. Even better, make the donation with appreciated stock. You can often receive the higher value donation without paying capital gains.
  2. Make contributions to your retirement plan AND take any required minimum distributions from your retirement accounts. The penalty for not taking minimum distributions can be high.
  3. Take any final investment gains and losses. Net your capital losses against your higher taxed ordinary income whenever possible. You can also take up to $3,000 in capital losses each year.
  4. Gather up non-cash items for donation, document the items, and give those items in good or better condition to your favorite local charity.
  5. Consider making any final gifts to dependents. While the “kiddie tax” may require applying a higher tax rate to your children’s earnings, there is an amount that is taxed at their, usually lower, tax rate.

Reminder: Remember to avoid putting cash in the kettle. While it may “sound” good, writing a check is a much better idea as cash donations are now no longer tax-deductible without a receipt, canceled check, or statement.

Need help with tax planning? Contact us for more information.

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To Amend or Not Amend?

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Is it always a good idea to amend your tax return?

There’s usually an element of relief after your annual tax return has been filed. But what do you do if you find an error on your tax return? Should you always file an amended return? Here are some things to consider.

Errors in the IRS’ favor

Errors discovered that lead to an additional tax obligation are legally required to be fixed by filing an amended tax return. This is especially true if the discovered error is from missing information found on a 1099 form or W-2 reported income. Why? This information is being reported to the IRS and matching programs will typically catch the error. The sooner you amend your return and pay the tax the lower the possible interest and penalties.

Errors that result in lower tax

If correcting the error or omission results in a large additional refund the answer is usually obvious. File the amended return. But this is not always the case.

  1. Your tax return may be open to audit for a longer period of time. Federal tax returns are typically subject to audit for three years after the original tax return due date OR the date the return was filed whichever is later. If your amended return is filed towards the end of the audit limits, additional time is automatically added. If the IRS wishes to review your return they may request you extend their review time. So if you have other areas in your tax return that might be audit risks you may have second thoughts regarding amending your return.
  2. The amended return may become examined. Amending a tax return could put a spotlight on your tax return. The IRS has certain topics that could trigger individual examination when amended returns are requested. Amended tax returns based on things like the Earned Income Tax Credit, Small Business Income and the Research Tax Credit for small businesses, could result in a visit from your local IRS examiner. Do you have the necessary records to substantiate your amended tax return?
  3. Amending one tax return, may require amending a number of them. Making a minor change in one year may require you to make changes in other tax years. This could result in resetting the audit clock on as many as three to four tax years. Is it worth it?
  4. Don’t forget other taxing authorities. Making a change on your federal tax return may require you to file an amended state or local tax return. Do not assume that an amendment in your favor on the federal level will necessarily be in your favor on the state/local level.
  5. Don’t expect the refund to be timely. Amended tax returns can take a long period of time to be reviewed. There have been cases where the IRS has delayed initial review of an amended return for more than a year, then decided to examine the return. While not typical, the process could take up to 1 1/2 years to resolve.
  6. Timing is important. Remember there is also a time limit to request a change in your tax return and receive an additional refund. This is typically set to three years after the initial filing deadline of the tax return. Make sure you file these tax returns using certified mail. Should the IRS delay responding to your amended return, you may need to prove it was filed timely.
  7. You have a chip in your pocket. If the refund amount is not large enough to justify an amended tax return, still keep the documentation. Should you be chosen for an audit, you can often present your case at that time to offset any additional tax.

While finding an error or omission on your tax return can be unsettling, rest assured there are ways to fix the problem, but it is often worth taking a balanced approach to determine the best solution.

Gilliland & Associates, P.C. is a full-service CPA firm specializing in tax planning for individuals and businesses in the Northern Virginia area. We are based in Falls Church, VA and also service clients in McLean and Tysons Corner, VA. Gilliland & Associates is known for our superior knowledge and aggressive interpretation and application of tax laws. We help you keep more of your earnings by finding you the lowest possible tax on your business or personal tax return. You can connect with us on Google+, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

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A Tip to Avoid Late Payment Penalties

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What to do if you miss a quarterly estimated tax payment

Many clients like to keep their Federal Tax Withholdings as low as possible to avoid the IRS having their funds interest-free throughout the year. Other taxpayers, especially those with non-payroll income, must make quarterly payments to the IRS. As long as these quarterly payments are made timely and the amount of the payments is sufficient in the eyes of the IRS you will not be subjected to underpayment penalties. However, if under paid, the IRS applies late payment penalties in addition to the income tax owed. This penalty applies even if you file your 1040 tax return on or before April 15th.

Federal Tax “Safe Harbor Rules”

  1. If your federal tax obligation is less than $1,000 no underpayment penalties apply.
  2. You withhold at least 90% of this year’s federal tax obligation.
  3. You withhold at least 100% of last year’s tax obligation
  4. If your gross income is greater than $150,000 ($75,000 if you are married filing separately) you must withhold the smaller of 90% of this year’s tax obligation OR 110% of the tax shown on last year’s tax return.

If you find federal tax withholdings made so far this year to be too low, what can you do?

Late Payment Penalty Avoidance Tip

If you are an employee there may be a way to avoid a penalty if you underpaid or neglected to pay your estimated tax payment for a quarter. Increase your payroll withholdings in later months of the year to build up your federal withholdings to cover the shortfall. Trying to catch up by paying more on your next estimated quarterly tax payment wouldn’t work since the prior quarter’s shortfall remains per IRS penalty calculations.

For whatever reason, in calculating a potential underpayment penalty, payroll withholdings are treated as if they were all made at the beginning of the year, while quarterly tax payments (form 1040-ES) are tracked by the date received.

To increase your withholdings simply provide your employer with a revised W-4. Just be careful that you leave enough in your paycheck to avoid other financial hardships.

Gilliland & Associates, P.C. is a full-service CPA firm specializing in tax planning for individuals and businesses in the Northern Virginia area. We are based in Falls Church, VA and also service clients in McLean and Tysons Corner, VA. Gilliland & Associates is known for our superior knowledge and aggressive interpretation and application of tax laws. We help you keep more of your earnings by finding you the lowest possible tax on your business or personal tax return. You can connect with us on Google+, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

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Does Your Mileage Log Travel the Distance?

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The tax code allows deductions for qualified miles driven for business, medical, moving and charitable purposes. But to claim this deduction you must keep adequate records of actual miles driven. During an audit this is an often disallowed deduction, despite the fact that you actually drove the distance claimed. Here are some suggestions.

  1. Keep a log. The tax code is clear on this point. You may not estimate your miles driven. You must support your claimed deduction, ideally with a detailed mileage log.
  2. Create good habits. Your odometer reading and miles driven should be noted as soon as possible after the event. Keep a log book in your car and note the miles each day. Logs created after the fact with estimated miles driven could be disallowed during an audit.
  3. Make thorough entries. Note the odometer readings, date, miles driven, the to/from locations, and the qualified purpose for the trip.
  4. Don’t lose out on the extras. The deduction for miles driven is meant to provide a deduction for fuel, depreciation, and repairs. You can also deduct out-of-pocket expenses for tolls, parking and other transportation fees. Keep a running total of these fees in the back of your mileage log.
  5. Keep separate logs for each deduction. Remember you may deduct mileage for business, charitable purposes, qualified moving and medical miles. It is best to keep track of each in a separate mileage log.
  6. Alternative business transportation deduction. When it comes to deducting business transportation expense, remember the miles driven method is not the only one available to you. You may also deduct your actual expenses, but how and when you make this determination is important. In the initial year of placing your auto into service for your business, it is best to keep track and record all your actual auto expenses. An analysis can then be conducted to see which method is best for you to maximize your deduction.

Gilliland & Associates, PC is a full-service CPA firm specializing in tax planning for individuals and businesses in the Northern Virginia area. We are based in Falls Church, VA and also service clients in McLean and Tysons Corner, VA. Gilliland & Associates is known for our superior knowledge and aggressive interpretation and application of tax laws. We help you keep more of your earnings by finding you the lowest possible tax on your business or personal tax return. You can connect with us on Google+, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

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1099 Deadlines for 2019

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The January 31st deadline only applies to Form 1099-MISC with an amount in box 7, Nonemployee Compensation. The filing due date for other Forms 1099 & 1096 remains February 28th, 2019 if filing by paper, and April 1st, 2019 if filed electronically.

Form 1099 Due Date to Recipients Filing to IRS By Mail E-Filing to IRS
1099-MISC (NEC Only) January 31, 2019 January 31, 2019 January 31, 2019
1099-DIV January 31, 2019 February 28, 2019 April 01, 2019
1099-INT January 31, 2019 February 28, 2019 April 01, 2019
1099-R January 31, 2019 February 28, 2019 April 01, 201

Gilliland & Associates, PC is a full-service CPA firm specializing in tax planning for individuals and businesses in the Northern Virginia area. We are based in Falls Church, VA and also service clients in McLean and Tysons Corner, VA. Gilliland & Associates is known for our superior knowledge and aggressive interpretation and application of tax laws. We help you keep more of your earnings by finding you the lowest possible tax on your business or personal tax return. You can connect with us on Google+, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

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Toss This. Not That.

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Post tax filing record retention

With a sigh you are relieved that yet another tax return has been sent off to the government. Another 12 months before you need to do this again. But before you close that tax file, there is still some work to do. If the IRS or state revenue department selects your return for review, you will need to be prepared. Here is what you need to know:

Record Keeping Tips

  1. As long as they are needed. The IRS says you should retain documentation for as long as they are needed to support your tax return. Normally tax records should be kept for three years from the later of the tax filing due date, the date you filed your taxes, or the date you paid your tax in full. But be careful, others may want it for a longer period of time.
  2. Some documents should be saved indefinitely. This includes things like:
    • Your tax return
    • Records related to a home purchase or sale
    • Stock transactions
    • Business/Rental records
  3. The IRS does not require any special record keeping system. You just need to keep all documents that can support information on your tax return.
  4. Here are common records worth retaining:
    • Canceled checks
    • Invoices
    • Other proof of payment for claimed deductions
    • Bank and credit card statements
    • Mileage logs
    • Receipts with time; place; and purpose noted
  5. Be mindful of other record retention requirements
    • State record retention requirements are often 6 months to 1 year longer than Federal requirements
    • Social Security records often need to be proofed to ensure they match your pay stubs
    • Insurance, banking, and estate management may require other records
    • Federal retention requirements become 6 years if your return understates your tax obligation by more than 25%, and the record retention period is indefinite if fraud is involved.

Keep a good system

So the build up of paperwork does not overwhelm your attic, at the end of the tax year rotate your records. Decide how many years of records must be retained. Then count back from your current tax return filing year and shred unneeded, older documentation. Create new empty files for the current tax year to save receipts for the coming year. Consider scanning records to keep digital copies. A final word of caution. If you are unsure whether to retain or shred, keep it unless you know the document can be replaced.

Gilliland & Associates, PC is a full-service CPA firm specializing in tax planning for individuals and businesses in the Northern Virginia area. We are based in Falls Church, VA and also service clients in McLean and Tysons Corner, VA. Gilliland & Associates is known for our superior knowledge and aggressive interpretation and application of tax laws. We help you keep more of your earnings by finding you the lowest possible tax on your business or personal tax return. You can connect with us on Google+, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

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Private Agencies Now Collecting for IRS

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In a recent announcement, the IRS notified all taxpayers that outside collection of past-due tax bills is now beginning in mid-April 2017. This is a direct result of Congressional action in late 2015 requiring the IRS to turn over to outside companies billions in uncollected taxes it is no longer pursuing. This will impact all of us. Here is what you need to know.

Turn up your scam alert. Rest assured the tax-related identity theft epidemic is going to hit a new high as scam artists now will try to impersonate collection agencies. Never pay a collection agency directly for any tax owed. If you do not think you owe money to the IRS, ask for help.

Only four agencies have been authorized. Only four collection agencies have been authorized to collect unpaid taxes for the IRS. They are:

  • ConServe, of Fairport, New York
  • Pioneer, of Horseheads, New York
  • Performant, of Pleasanton, California
  • CBE Group, of Cedar Falls, Iowa

You will receive written notice…twice. Before an outside agency calls you, the IRS will send two written notices to you and your representative about the transfer of the bill to an outside collection agency. Without these notices, you must assume any contact with a collection agency saying they represent the IRS is a scam.

No payment to the agency. These collection agencies may not receive direct payment. You will be asked to use the IRS online payment system or to send your payment into the IRS. Payment is to be made to the U.S. Treasury and not to the collection agency.

The IRS has announced collection activity will now be starting, so be prepared and ask for help if you are impacted by this change within the IRS.

Gilliland & Associates, PC is a full-service CPA firm specializing in tax planning for individuals and businesses in the Northern Virginia area. We are based in Falls Church, VA and also service clients in McLean and Tysons Corner, VA. Gilliland & Associates is known for our superior knowledge and aggressive interpretation and application of tax laws. We help you keep more of your earnings by finding you the lowest possible tax on your business or personal tax return. You can connect with us on Google+, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

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Receive Copies of Fraudulent Tax Returns

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Image courtesy of https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/news/12157917/filing-taxes-early-can-help-prevent-income-tax-refund-fraud

What did thieves try to steal?

Along with tax season comes the season of tax identification theft. Those who have become victims know how frustrating the experience can be.

The frustration

Until now, if you were a victim of tax identity theft, you would be unable to receive information from the IRS about the depth of the fraud. Many frustrated taxpayers have tried to get copies of the fraudulently filed tax returns. The IRS has repeatedly refused freedom of information requests to get these copies.

What’s new?

In a recent announcement, the IRS has changed course on requests to get copies of fraudulently filed tax returns. As long as you follow their instructions, you are now able to get copies of what thieves attempted to do with your tax information. But be forewarned. The IRS may black out information on the requested return that does not pertain to you. They will try to present you with enough of the falsely filed tax return to allow you to determine the depth of the data that has been stolen.

Why the theft information may be important

  • You can see what personal information the thieves have. What has been compromised? Name, address, and Social Security Number? Do they have your dependent’s or spouse’s information? Perhaps they also have your income and withholding data. Knowing this will help you plan the extent of data protection you will need.
  • There may be clues as to where the identity theft occurred. Of the information stolen, who had access to it? Did the data breach of your identity happen through the IRS or somewhere else?
  • There may be more tax years impacted than you thought. Request information from the year you first became aware of the identity theft at the IRS. But you may wish to request information in a prior year and in the year following the theft. The IRS has access to up to six years of tax returns. Try to determine whether the theft is ongoing is a one-time occurrence.

The request requires specific information. Here is a link to the IRS announcement: Instructions for Requesting Copy of Fraudulent Returns

Thankfully, the IRS’ recent decision to share this fraudulent information is allowing victims to take some action to protect themselves.

Gilliland & Associates, PC is a full-service CPA firm specializing in tax planning for individuals and businesses in the Northern Virginia area. We are based in Falls Church, VA and also service clients in McLean and Tysons Corner, VA. Gilliland & Associates is known for our superior knowledge and aggressive interpretation and application of tax laws. We help you keep more of your earnings by finding you the lowest possible tax on your business or personal tax return. You can connect with us on Google+, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

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