Tax Laws

  • Taxpayers Can Still Get Credit for IRA Contributions on 2020 Returns

    Taxpayers, no matter their age, may be able to claim a deduction on their 2020 tax returns for contributions to their Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) if they make them by April 15. Contributions to a traditional IRA are usually tax-deductible, and distributions are generally taxable. Taxpayers have from now to April 15, 2021, to make…

  • IRS Now Sending Out Third Round of Economic Impact Payments

    It won’t be long before Americans start seeing the third round of Economic Impact Payments—also known as EIP3—showing up in their bank accounts and mailboxes. The Internal Revenue Service is sending direct deposit payments first; some recipients could see their deposit by the weekend. No action is needed by most taxpayers, but they can use…

  • IRS Has Resources for Visually Impaired Taxpayers

    The Internal Revenue Service has a number of resources and accessibility services available to taxpayers who need them. The IRS’s Alternative Media Center has tax-related content available in several formats for use with assistive technology. Available services include screen-reading software, refreshable Braille displays and screen magnifying software. Taxpayers can visit the AMC to view and download…

  • The IRS Has Tips for Getting and Correcting Tax Documents

    It’s not uncommon for taxpayers to forget some of the tax documents required to accurately file their return, even in a normal year. When dealing with a chaotic mix of mail delays, new tax credits, underemployment, and unemployment, it’s almost guaranteed that there will be at least a few issues. That’s why the Internal Revenue…

  • IRS Interest Rates Steady for Second Quarter

    The Internal Revenue Service says its interest rates will hold at previous levels for the second quarter of 2021. The IRS says the interest rates will be: 3% for overpayments (2% in the case of a corporation); 0.5% for the portion of a corporate overpayment exceeding $10,000; 3% for underpayments; and 5% for large corporate…

  • The Employee Retention Credit Covered in New IRS Notice

    Congress bookended 2020 with two taxpayer relief packages aimed at mitigating the financial strain caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securities Act and Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020 include a number of provisions that either create or modify tax relief for individual taxpayers and businesses.…

  • Farmers and Fishers Face March 1 Tax Deadline

    Taxpayers with income from farming or fishing face a March 1 deadline for filing their income taxes. But the IRS reminds them they can avoid making any estimated tax payments by filing and paying their entire tax due on or before the deadline. The rule generally applies if farming or fishing income amounted to at…

  • Qualifying Low-Income California Residents to Get Additional Stimulus from State

    Unemployment claims may have fallen since the initial months of the pandemic, but millions of Americans continue to struggle with long-term joblessness and medical bills caused by the coronavirus. While a third round of federal Economic Impact Payments is expected this year, qualifying Californians will also receive a separate, state-issued payment: The Golden State Stimulus.…

  • Internal Revenue Bulletin Update Provides Interest Rates, Other Guidance

    An upcoming issue of the IRS’ Internal Revenue Bulletin (IRB) gives tax professionals updated guidance on federal interest rates in a number of areas. IRB 2021-10 will come out in March and spotlights Revenue Ruling 2021-05 and Notice 2021-16. Revenue Ruling 2021-05 Revenue Ruling 2021-05 sets out the various prescribed rates for federal income tax…

  • Want Faster Filing and Rapid Refunds? Go Digital

    Filing season is finally here and for many tax professionals, the watchwords are speed and accuracy. The Internal Revenue Service says it can help with both. The IRS is urging tax pros—and taxpayers—to take the simple steps needed to help ensure their returns are accurate, to speed up refunds and so avoid a number of…