Category: Tax and Life Changes

Life changes and your taxes go hand in hand; believe it or not. That being said, it’s easy to forget about your tax return as a newlywed or when you’re welcoming a newborn into the family. Be aware that many of these changes also make you eligible for deductions and credits on your tax return. In some cases, you may need to update your W-4 form as well. PriorTax will keep you up to date on what to do when these life changes occur. You won’t be left in the dark.

Check back here for answers to your questions about how these changes affect your taxes.

 

Archive for the ‘Tax and Life Changes’ Category

Should I Re-File My Tax Return by Amending Tax Return?

Posted by admin on June 8, 2023
Last modified: June 9, 2023

The government may pass legislation that influences current and future tax rules. But it’s possible that these modifications could also affect taxes from past filings. How should one go about re-filing taxes by amending tax returns to take advantage of the new updates, and is it worth the effort?

Do I Have the Option to Revise My Taxes by re-filing them?

Have you ever finished filing your taxes only to discover afterward that an error had been made or fresh data was available, which would alter your return? You most likely asked yourself in a moment of worry, “Do I have the choice to revise my taxes?”

Re-filing taxes by amending tax returns is a common scenario, and this article offers insight into the process and potential tax breaks to take advantage of. To start, here’s what you need to know about amending your taxes.

re-file tax returns

Are you in need of making changes to a previous tax return?

  •  You may have to file an amended return to:
  •  Modify the reported income on your taxes.
  •  Alter the filing status.
  •  Revise deductions made.
  •  Update or amend any existing tax credit claims.

Re-filing tax by amending tax returns can have significant benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked. Not only will it ensure that your tax return is accurate, which could increase your refund or lower the amount you owe, but it may also help avoid future IRS notices and audits.

Tax changes for 2019 through 2022

The end of 2017 saw a number of changes to the tax law, which took full effect in 2018. Most notably, the corporate tax rate dropped dramatically from 35% to 21%, permanently. However, other implemented changes will have a short-term effect as they are set to be reverted back to pre-2018 levels by 2025.

Recent tax changes include the following:

2020 and 2021 Stimulus payments

Have you yet to receive your stimulus payments for either of the last two years? Even though the payments initially function as an advance on a potential tax credit, there are still ways to receive them. You can still get your hands on them by re filing your taxes by amended tax return with the IRS.

Alimony

As of December 31, 2018, the Internal Revenue Service has significantly changed the taxation process for alimony payments. Before this date, individuals who paid alimony had the right to deduct it from their taxable income, while those who received payments were obligated to include it in their taxable income.

Charitable contributions

Regarding donations for a good cause, taxpayers could receive a special tax break in 2020 and 2021. This year, individuals can claim up to $300 as a deduction from their standard deduction related to cash contributions made to charity. This tax deduction amount increases to $600 for married couples filing jointly in 2021. Starting in 2022 and onward, the only way deductions will be available for donations is by itemizing your taxes on Schedule A.

Lifetime Learning Credit

Beginning in 2021, the income limits to qualify for the tax credit known as the “Lifetime Learning Credit” were raised and will remain at that same level throughout 2022 too.

  • Single Tax Filers: $80,000 to $90,000
  • Married Couples Joint Tax Filers: $160,000 to $180,000

Mortgage insurance premiums

Thanks to the CAA passing at the end of 2020, taxpayers can take advantage of deducting their 2021 premiums on their mortgages but not for the tax year 2022.

Pass-through deductions

Recent changes to the tax code have significantly increased the maximum income thresholds for owners of sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, and S corporations when claiming a 20% deduction on qualified business income. These deductions will be phased out starting in 2022.

  • Single Tax Filers: $170,050
  • Married Couples Joint Tax Filers: $340,100

Retirement savings limits

For those saving for retirement, it is good news that contribution limits to certain accounts are rising. For a 401(k), the amount got raised to $20,500 for 2022.

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

Thanks to the SECURE Act, the age at which RMDs must begin has now been raised permanently from 70 1/2 to 72. While 2020 saw an exemption from this requirement, 2021 and 2022 will require minimum distributions yet again.

Renewable Energy Investment Tax Credit

Enacted in 2021, the Renewable Energy Investment Tax Credit provided a 26% credit to taxpayers. Subsequently, legislation passed in 2022 transformed this tax incentive into the Residential Clean Energy Credit with an increased rate of 30%. This program is set to be effective through 2034, after which it will cease.

Student Loans

From 2020 to 2025, employees have the opportunity to benefit from a special part of the CARES Act. This provision allows employers to give up to $5,250 towards an employee’s existing or future college debt without it affecting their taxable income. It is a great incentive for those struggling with large amounts of loans and needing help repaying them.

Shared-Responsibility Payment

The individual mandate, commonly called the “Shared-responsibility payment” under the Affordable Care Act, is no longer in effect.

The 7.5% Deduction

In 2019, Congress passed an extenders bill that enabled taxpayers to qualify for a 7.5% deduction floor for that year’s tax returns. And in December of 2020, this financial benefit became permanent with the passage of what is known as the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA). This act made it so individuals and businesses would be eligible to take advantage of this 7.5% deduction.

The Standard Deduction: 

In order to keep up with inflation, a higher standard deduction has been put into effect for 2021 and 2022. Specifically, this allows taxpayers to adjust their income by an amount determined by law so that they can pay less in taxes.

  • Single Tax Filers: $12,550 for 2021, $12,950 for 2022
  • Married Couples Joint Tax Filers: $25,100 for 2021, $25,900 for 2022
  • Head of Household Tax Filers: $18,800 for 2021, $19,400 for 2022

In general, taxes can significantly burden income and capital gains earned throughout the year. In order to encourage individuals to partake in beneficial actions, Congress has issued a variety of tax breaks. These provide Americans with an opportunity to lessen their overall tax liability.

Limiting your tax payment is possible by filing an amended return. Before taking this step, be sure to have a strong understanding of the applicable tax reforms, extensions and credits.

It is important to note that certain states chose to remain independent of the federal tax policies. Sates like Texas, California, etc. have decided against changing their laws in order to make them more beneficial for their citizens.

How to file an amended return?

First step we recommend is to reach out to our dedicated tax professional for a step by step support on re-filing your tax returns from start to finish.

Are you wondering the best way to submit an amended return? Here’s what you need to know. The process of re-filing taxes by amending tax returns begins by filling out Form 1040-X, Amended Tax Return. You must also attach documents that weren’t filed with your initial return but should have been included.

Beginning with the 2019 tax year, an electronic filing option has been available to amend federal returns. By taking advantage of it, you will be able to adjust your return and gain a clear comprehension of your taxes. It provides people with a straightforward way to ensure their taxes are accurate for that particular year.

In order to reclaim any refunded taxes, it is essential to abide by IRS regulations. This involves filing an amended return within either three years of when your original return was submitted, or two years from when outstanding tax payments were made – whichever date falls later.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in 2023

Posted by admin on April 6, 2023
Last modified: April 5, 2023

All About EITC: Who is Eligible to Receive and Critical Information to Consider.

Americans who are either self-employed or wage earners may be eligible for a tax break known as Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Over 25 million taxpayers claim it each year, yet many people are unsure whether they qualify or why. This article will cover who is eligible to receive EITC and what you should know before filing your taxes. Also make sure to get in touch with your dedicated free tax expert today!

Are you aware of the benefits of Earned Income Tax Credit?

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is an incentive issued to people with an earned income that meets certain criteria. It provides a reduction in your tax bill, dollar-for-dollar. Although there are other prerequisites, these are relatively straightforward and easy to understand.

It applies to earnings from tax form W-2 or tax form 1099.

Any money received as a result of work is considered “earned income”, which can come in the form of wages from an employer via a W-2 form or earnings through self-employment with 1099.

It’s refundable

The earned income credit doesn’t just lower your taxes but pays you back as well. This is known as the refundable amount – that being, should the credit be greater than what you owe in tax, you’ll receive a refund for the difference.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) tax credit is for low and moderate-income families and individuals.

Designed to provide financial relief, the low-to-moderate-income worker’s and family’s credit seeks to help those struggling to make a living wage. Primarily intended for individuals attempting to support their households on an insufficient income, this tax break can be an invaluable asset.

Who is eligible for the EITC?

Want to know if you are you eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)? To find out, take a look at the following requirements from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS):

– You need to have earned income in the form of wages or self-employment income. The amount should be no less than $1.

– Your adjusted gross income should be at most $59,187 in 2022 (the amount may vary depending on your filing status and a number of dependants).

– Investment income must reach at most $10,300 this year.

– A valid Social Security number is required.

– Not filing Form 2555

First Requirement: Earned income from working

When it comes to earned income, this includes wages, salaries, tips, and any net income generated from self-employment activity. For freelancers who are employed full-time, this kind of income is able to be claimed via the EITC regardless of what type of profit – even as small as $1 – was made. However, the credit is calculated based on your post-deduction net earnings.

Let’s imagine that you own a web store and have earned a total of $10,000 from sales over one year. The cost to run your business amounted to $3,000:

– Purchasing stock

– Paying platform fees

– Ensuring photography for the products

– Organizing and sending out orders…etc.

By subtracting these expenses, you are left with a net income of $7,000.

What doesn’t count as earned income?

In contrast to earned income, unearned income does not qualify for the EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit). This is because unearned income includes such sources as investments, dividends, stock sales, passive incomes like rents or royalties, and government benefits. Consequently, relying exclusively on these sources would mean being ineligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Second Requirement: Adjusted gross income must be below a specific limit.

The second criterion for eligibility is having an adjusted gross income below a predetermined level. This figure represents your overall income minus any deductions, such as student loan interest, retirement contributions, and health insurance payments for self-employed individuals. It serves to lower your taxable income.

How the income limit for the Earned Income Tax Credit works?

Establishing the income threshold for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). In order to be approved to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit, you need to consider a couple of factors.

For those filing jointly with three children, a maximum of $59,187 is allowed. Yet, those who file singly, as heads of households or widows, may find their threshold much lower than that. Similarly, couples without kids or those with only one or two may also experience decreased income limits.

2022 Income Limit for EITC:

2022 Income Limit for Earned Income Tax Credit

2023 Income Limit for EITC:

2023 Income Limit for Earned Income Tax Credit

Third Requirement: Investment income must be under a specific limited amout.

To meet Requirement #3, your investment income must remain beneath a certain level. This consists of taxable and tax-exempt interest as well as capital gain distributions. It is important to remember that when calculating your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), investment income is included in the total. Therefore, your overall income needs to stay under the threshold for your individual situation, but also make sure that your investment income is at most $10,300 for 2022 or $11,000 for 2023.

So how does AGI and other investment income work together towards your eligibilty for EITC?

Explaining the Relationship between AGI and Investment Income Limits

Here’s an example. A single mother with one child has an income limit of $43,492. Let’s say she has a total income of $30,000; her eligibility for the EITC would depend on where this number comes from:

– She will qualify for the credit is her income is entirely from earned sources such as a day job or freelance hustle.

– She will still be eligible with $29,000 in earned income plus an additional $1,000 in investment income.

– However, she will not qualify with lesser earnings ($20,000) combined with a higher investment yield ($30,000); even though the AGI limit is met here, being over the investment limits disqualifies her.

Fourth Requirement: A valid Social Security number

When filing, taxpayers who provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN) will not be eligible for the credit. Sadly, this prevents undocumented citizens from availing of the reward. Furthermore, to claim the benefit, a married couple must be US residents or citizens.

Can you still claim the EITC if you were a US citizen or a resident for a fraction of the year?

Are you married, and only one of you has been a US resident for the whole year? You may be eligible to claim the EITC, depending on the circumstances. In order to qualify, your spouse must have been present in the United States for at least six months that same year. This usually transpires when moving into or out of the country.

Fifth Requirement: Not filing Form 2555

This document informs the IRS about foreign earnings that may be exempt from US taxes. The Foreign Income Exclusion can be claimed when a taxpayer’s “tax home” is located abroad and their taxes are paid to another country instead of America.

W2 Tax Form for 2022

Posted by admin on January 20, 2023
Last modified: February 13, 2023

It’s almost time for 2023 tax season to begin, and with it comes an important date – Jan. 23, 2023 – which marks when taxpayers can start filing their 2022 taxes. Those who work full-time can begin this process once they receive their W2 Form for 2022 from their employer. This document is critical as it provides the information needed to submit your taxes correctly and calculate any potential tax refund.

What is W2 Form for 2022?

Are you familiar with Form W2 Form for 2022? This official tax document, also known as the Wage and Tax Statement, is provided to employees at their employer’s conclusion of each tax year. The information it contains is incredibly valuable, displaying your annual wages and any taxes paid on those earnings.

It is important to note that the W2 Form for 2022 contains various components you should pay attention to. From Social Security and Medicare taxes to compensation data required for certain credits or deductions – all are included on the form. In addition, the lower section of the document outlines state-specific income and tax information.

At tax time this year, when utilizing our dedicated tax professionals, you’ll need to reference several of the boxes in the W2 Form for 2022 when completing and submitting a 2022 income tax return.

w2 form 2022

What information can I find on my W2 Form for 2022?

The W2 Form for 2022 document contains all the necessary information to file taxes for American taxpayers. To give an overview, here is a breakdown of each box and the data found about you and your employer.

Boxes A-F: The boxes located in the top left corner of the W-2 are designated with letters from A to F and hold pertinent information that is used to accurately identify both yourself and your employer; this includes legal name, address, Social Security Number, tax identification number as well as a control number which is exclusively used by your employer’s system to single out your W2 Tax Form for 2022.

In Boxes 1 and 2, you’ll find the necessary information most taxpayers need for 2022 – total wages, tips, other compensation, and federal income tax that was withheld. Then, moving on to Boxes 3 through 6, you can see what part of your income has been subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes, along with any taxes paid for both in 2022.

In Boxes 7 and 8, the amount of tip income reported by both you and your employer will be reflected. Meanwhile, Box 9 may appear grayed out but it is nothing to worry about; this was used in the past for reporting advance payments for Earned Income Credit which ended in 2010 yet remains on tax forms.

Boxes 10 and 11 provide insight into any dependent care benefits or deferred compensation you may have received in 2022.

Box 12 includes a variety of additional income or reductions to taxable income, marked by a code with either one or two letters. For these items to be included when filing your taxes, you must consist of certain codes from the 28 available options.

Located in the 13th slot is the section to show income that doesn’t require federal tax payment. For example, it includes contributions made to a sponsored retirement plan such as 401k account, third-party absence pay such as private insurance, or money earned as a statutory employee. The 14th field is an additional space for employers to include other applicable taxes information, such as tuition help or union dues.

A critical part of your W2 Form for 2022  can be found in Boxes 15 through 20. This section provides information about your income and withholdings relevant to state taxes and the ID number that belongs to your employer.

Usually how long does it take to get my W2 Tax Form for 2022?

As mandated by legal requirements, you must receive your Form W2 by Jan. 31, 2023 at the latest. This is usually done via postal mail; however, certain companies offer employees W-2 forms through online portals. It may also come from an external payroll service like ADP or Gusto, so be aware of that as well.

Jan. 31 has come and gone, but you still need to receive your W2 Form for 2022. 

Don’t worry yet – you can do a few things in this situation. First, check around for any emails your employer might have sent with instructions for accessing the electronic version of the form. IRS Publication 15A does allow employers to provide electronic versions, so it’s worth double-checking your spam or junk mail folders in case something got filtered out by mistake.

To obtain your W2 Form for 2022, begin by reaching out to the human resources or payroll department. Ask them whether they sent it and, if it didn’t arrive, request that they send another one.

Should the employer fail to assist, you may contact the IRS directly for more information about your W2 Form for 2022.

When the April. 15 (or the 18 for 2023) deadline has passed, and you still need to receive your W2 Form; there are a few steps to take. 

As April 18 approaches – the day taxes are due this year – and you still need to receive or access your W-2 form, there are a few choices for filing your 2022 tax return.

One solution is to fill out Form 4852 as an alternative so that you can guess your income and withholding tax. But be mindful that any discrepancies between the information on your return and your W2 Form will necessitate an amended return submission.

Benefits to Efile taxes when online tax filing for 2022

Posted by admin on January 7, 2023
Last modified: February 13, 2023

Efiling your taxes has become increasingly popular in recent years. The majority of taxpayers now file their tax returns electronically, and it’s no wonder why. Filing electronically is quick, easy, and processed faster than mailing your return. Plus, the IRS recommends Efiling as the best way to file your taxes. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits of Efiling your taxes

In today’s digital world, electronic tax filing is expected to be an alternative to older, manual processes. Businesses can now do more than paper-based, laborious, time-consuming tax preparation or software-based filing with PriorTax. Online tax filing via Efile has brought greater flexibility in filing taxes and is much more convenient as one taxes can now be filed at one’s convenience, home or work.

PriorTax Assigned Tax Service Professionals 

You do not need to use expensive tax-prep software to file taxes electronically. Even if you are not fiscally competent and not in a straightforward situation, you can fill out tax forms with one of our assigned tax professionals step by step on the spot. Online tax filing with PriorTax will identify tax forms and documents you will need to start the filing process with confidence.

Audit Protection with PriorTax

PriorTax can even provide an audit defense during the filing process should your tax return be selected for audit by the IRS.

efile taxes

Benefit 1. Filing Taxes Online or Efile tax is simply the easiest way

Taxes don’t have to be a pain. In the past, you had to make an appointment with your accounting office and wait around while they did the math. But now, you can file online from anywhere. All you need is an internet connection. You can even do it from your phone! With web-based tax programs, there’s no need to go to a physical office. And with locally downloaded programs, you can take your taxes with you wherever you go.

Filing your taxes online is quick, easy, and convenient. With step-by-step instructions, you can be confident that you’re completing everything correctly and won’t face any penalties for inaccuracy. You can even start filing, save your progress, and come back to it later. Online filing is simply more convenient.

Benefit 2. Efiling your tax gets your Tax Return through Direct Deposit

Choosing to file electronically and get your tax refund through direct deposit is the fastest way to get the money as soon as the IRS begins processing returns. Because Efiling reduces processing time, individuals and businesses receive their refunds faster (e.g., within three weeks of Efiling). In addition, you are more likely to get a refund more quickly if you file your return electronically instead of by mail, simply because doing so saves a trip to the post office and time spent in the mail. 

Benefit 3. Efile taxes for faster processing

There are many advantages to filing your taxes electronically. One of the biggest advantages is that you will receive confirmation almost immediately that IRS has received your tax return. Additionally, processing your refund will likely be faster since electronic filing means that IRS does not need to sort or transcribe your tax return at their service center. Everything related to your tax return will be processed faster when you file online. You won’t have to read confusing instructions for each form or try to figure out which number goes in which box. Instead, electronic filing asks simple and intuitive questions, clarifies where inputting information is required, and automatically fills out all necessary forms.

There’s no need to write your name a million times when you file with an electronically signed return. Instead, simply draw your signature on your device’s trackpad, copy and paste it when indicated, and submit your return. The information is sent directly to the IRS immediately, eliminating the wait for postal delivery, IRS mail room sorting, and eventual approval.

Efiling your taxes means receiving any refunds you are owed much faster. Direct deposit is automatically wired to your bank account once the IRS processes your information, rather than waiting for a physical check to come in the mail. This way, you don’t have to rely on the postal service for timely delivery. It usually takes 1-3 weeks to get your refund after you file your taxes electronically and request a direct deposit. But it can vary based on how you filed, what credits you claimed, and how you want to receive your refund. You can learn more about when to expect your refund here.

Benefit 4. Simple and secure electronic records of tax forms

Keeping records of your taxes for up to seven years is a best practice. After that, there is a risk of identity theft when old tax records are disposed of improperly. On the other hand, the stack of past taxes will grow larger each year and take up more space. Efile taxes provides a solution by storing years of history securely online without taking up physical space. This makes information easy to retrieve when needed.

Benefit 5. Accuracy of filing taxes online

Taxes can be confusing, but accuracy is key. Incomplete or incorrect information given to the IRS can result in big penalties – even jail time. PriorTax takes care of everything for you so you can feel confident that your taxes are done right.

Efile your taxes early.

Someone who files early on their taxes will be already in the system, either processing their return or receiving a refund. If you discover that you owe the IRS money, filing early gives you extra time to get back on the road to paying the tax. 

People who file early stand a better chance of discovering errors and fixing them before the deadline, which could result in larger tax refunds. People who tend to wait until later to file taxes are more likely to make mistakes, like missing out on valuable credits and deductions. 

If you filed in mid-January, you would only owe taxes due after filing. The good news is that if you submit your taxes early but then you make an error, you will have extra time to fix it and still be on track for your required filing deadline. For these reasons, if you are not in a state of mind where you can file your taxes properly early, opting for the Tax Extension is a good idea that will buy you some additional time.

Child Tax Credit 2022

Posted by admin on November 7, 2022
Last modified: February 13, 2023

Individuals and businesses must pay different taxes, but credits can help offset some burdens. For example, Tax Credit are often given for activities that benefit the economy or further important goals. In most cases, child tax credit 2022 cover expenses paid during the year and have certain requirements that must be met before claiming them. By taking advantage of available tax credits, taxpayers can save money and reduce their overall liability.

Child Tax Credit 2022

The Child Tax Credit in 2022 is a powerful tax tool that can help you save on your taxes. The Child Tax Credit 2022 is now worth up to $2,000 per qualifying child and can be used to reduce the amount of tax you owe. A tax credit is a bit different from a tax deduction. Tax credit effectively reduces your total taxable income by the dollar for each dollar of deduction. The 2022 Child Tax Credit if qualified, is a great way to preserve money on your tax, so take advantage of it!

You may get a refund on your Child Tax Credit by using the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). However, your adjusted gross income needs to stay below a specific amount based on your tax filing status, not to limit your Child Tax Credit. Remember, you can claim these tax credits when filing your taxes!

Contact our PriorTax Tax Service Professionals to guide you through this process to maximize your tax refund in 2022!

child tax credit 2022

Qualifying for the Child Tax Credit in 2022

For your dependent or children to be eligible for the Child Tax Credit in 2022, you must provide their name(s) and Social Security Number(s) on your tax return. In addition, you and any joint filers must provide your taxpayer-identification numbers or TIN.

To qualify as a dependent for tax purposes, your child must meet the following criteria:

You may claim your son, daughter, stepchild, foster child that are eligible, brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, or their descendant as a dependent on your tax return as long as they meet the following criteria:

– They lived with you greater than half of the tax year while some exceptions exist.

– They must not have provided them with more than 50% of their financial needs to support them during the tax year

– To be eligible, they must not have filed a joint tax return for the year

– They must have an official Social Security Number.

Determining the Child Tax Credit 2022 amount

To calculate the amount of the Child Tax Credit in 2022, you will need to gather a few key pieces of information. First, you will need to determine the number of children that qualify for the child tax credit. Then, multiply that number by $2,000 to calculate the total potential child tax credit once you have that number.

However, keep in mind that the potential Child Tax Credit amount may be reduced depending on your adjusted gross income. For those who are married and filing jointly, the maximum adjusted gross income is $400,000. For all other tax filing statuses, the maximum is $200,000.

Additionally, any remaining 2022 Child Tax Credit amount will be further reduced after considering federal income tax. Specifically, if your federal income tax somehow is less than the anticipated total Child Tax Credit amount, the tax credit is limited to the amount of your total tax obligation. However, those who owe more taxes than their potential credit can claim the full credit by filling out Tax Form 8812.

Determining the Additional Refundable Child Tax Credit amount

The Child Tax Credit is a great way to help offset the costs of raising a family. However, sometimes families need more tax liability to take advantage of the full credit. In these cases, the Additional Child Tax Credit can greatly help.

This tax credit is refundable up to $1,400 per qualifying child for the unused amount of your Child Tax Credit. The tax credit is calculated by taking 15% of your total earned income above $2,500. Even though the traditional earned income requirements must usually be met to qualify for a refundable credit, there are some cases where filers with three or more qualifying children may still be able to receive the tax credit. To calculate the credit using this method, net Social Security and Medicare taxes are subtracted from the earned income credit claimed. Claiming the child tax credit in 22′ using this method is only possible when the number from this calculation is greater than the standard calculation that uses earned income. When it’s not, filers have to use the number that results from taking 15% of their earned income above $2,500.

Updates on Student Loan Forgiveness

Posted by admin on September 9, 2022
Last modified: September 15, 2022

As higher education costs continue rising, many students struggle to repay their loans. The Biden-Harris administration proposes a new income-based repayment and Student Loan Forgiveness plan to make the lending process more manageable for future borrowers.

The Biden-Harris Administration recently has committed to providing relief for student debtors. Under the new Student Loan Forgiveness plan, borrowers can receive up to $20,000 in debt forgiveness, depending on some factors regarding their loans, income, and other financial aid they’ve received.

student loan forgiveness
student loan forgiveness

The government’s moves to “cancel” the debt and extend the student loans pause are just two parts of a larger Student Loan Forgiveness plan that could turn out to be the most costly executive plan in the history of higher education. The Biden-Harris administration and the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) have developed a three-part plan to help federal student loan borrowers return to regular repayment schedules and prevent unnecessary delinquencies or defaults. The updates also complement previously announced changes, including ending the amnesty for government service loans and the Fresh Start program for insolvent borrowers.

Here’s a look at the various initiatives involved with the plan, who qualifies, and how to go about claiming the relief. With this new plan in place, students can focus on their education without the burden of oppressive debt weighing them down.

Student Loan Forgiveness: When Do Student Loans Resume?

As of December 31st, 2022, the automatic pause on student loans repayments has been extended once again. This means you will not have to make any loan payments until later. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with your lender for more information if you have any questions about your loan or repayment status.

The Department of Education proposes a new income-based repayment plan to protect more low-income borrowers from repayment and cap monthly college loan repayments to 5% of borrowers’ discretionary income, which is half the rate borrowers currently have to pay in most cases.

In addition, there are plans to write off up to $10,000 of federal student loans debt for borrowers making less than $125,000 with relief of up to $20,000 for those who received a Pell Scholarship and qualify for borrowers.

How to Apply for Student Loan Forgiveness in 2022?

There are a few things to consider if you want to have your student loans forgiven. The first is whether or not you qualify for relief. The relief is most heavily targeted to low and middle-income families, so if you come from a family that falls into either of those categories, you may be eligible for more forgiveness than others.

Individuals with income under $125,000 or households with under $250,000 in total annual income are eligible as follows:

Pell Grant recipients with loans held by the U.S. Department of Education will have up to $20,000 in student debt canceled. Non-Pell Grant recipients with loans held by the U.S.

The Department of Education (DOE) is still working out the details of how to forgive debt for students who took out loans from private lenders. We will continue to provide updates here as they are announced. In the meantime, it is encouraged to apply for relief as soon as possible to receive it before the repayment pause expiration (end of the year).

What do you need to know about Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)?

Are you struggling to pay off your student loans? Then, you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program may forgive the remaining loan balance on your Direct Loans after you make 120 monthly qualifying payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer.

To qualify, you must be employed by a government organization, non-profit organization, or another qualifying employer when you apply for student loan forgiveness and during loan repayment.

Overall, according to an analysis provided by the Department of Education, student loan forgiveness will eliminate student debt for about 20 million people and cut monthly payments by an average of $250 for borrowers with residual balances who have payment plans.

How to Prepare your Education Tax Credit

Posted by admin on August 16, 2022
Last modified: August 15, 2022

What is Education Tax Credit?

Are you or is your dependent a student? Then you might want to determine whether you qualify for one of two education tax credit covering typical student expenses. You can skip paying federal income taxes if you use an education tax credit to cover expenses other than the money in a 529 college savings plan.

education tax credit
education tax credit

What is American Opportunity Credit, AOTC

The American Opportunity Credit can save up to $2,500 in taxes on the education expenses of every qualified student. To give students and their families financial and tax relief, the federal government has created education tax credit that can reduce the costs of going to school.

The American Opportunity Tax Credit is available during the first four years of college, so if you are eligible, you (or your parents, if you are a dependent) could claim it while you are still at school. The AOTC is an education tax credit that taxpayers can take to help pay some of the costs of going to college during the first four years a student is in school for a postsecondary degree. You can claim the AOTC for your first four years of higher education and get a credit worth up to $2,500 each year.

What is Lifelong Learning Credit, LLC

The Lifelong Learning Credit is available for undergraduate students who have not completed the first four years of postsecondary education. There is a limitless number of times the Lifetime Learning Credit may be claimed, making the lifetime learning credit a valuable tax deduction for college students returning for postsecondary study. In addition, eligible students who take courses (including courses for job skills acquisition or improvement) at qualified colleges, universities, vocational schools, or other postsecondary institutions may claim the lifetime learning credit.

You may be eligible to use the Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) to help cover qualified tuition and related student expenses paid by eligible students enrolled at a postsecondary educational institution, including bachelor’s, master’s, and professional degree courses. Qualifying expenses you can claim under the Lifetime Learning Credit include tuition and fees, along with books, supplies, and equipment, so long as the tuition and fees are required to enroll. Payment means that a parent or student may be eligible, depending on who pays for a student’s tuition at college. That means if you are a parent with two dependent children enrolled in grad school, you could be eligible for as little as $2,000, no matter how much tuition and related expenses you are paying.

The Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) is not refundable, meaning the Lifetime Learning Credit may help bring your tax bill down to 0, but you do not receive any excess amounts as a tax refund. Fortunately, provisions within the US tax code offer tax breaks on education as credits or deductions for the different expenses you owe.

What are some other Tuition Tax Deduction

With the Tuition & Fees Deduction, you could lower your taxable income by up to $4,000 for the tuition and fees you paid at qualifying postsecondary institutions. Like the Lifelong Learning Credit, you must reduce qualified expenses by the amount of help you receive through scholarships, grants, Pell Grants, employer tuition assistance, refunds from schools, and other nontaxable assistance. In addition, you can boost an education tax credit and lower your overall tax bill or boost your tax refund if a student (you, your spouse, or a dependent) decides to count all or a portion of some scholarships or fellowships as income.

If a education tax credit reduces your tax bill to zero, you can have up to 40% of the remaining amount, up to $1,000. A nonrefundable credit may lower your tax bill, but you will not get any money back. A refundable credit can earn you money back when the credit is worth more than the taxes you owe. That means that if your education tax credit reduces the amount of tax you owe to zero, you could receive the money back as a tax refund.

This tax deduction is available alongside the other tax deductions and credits. If you are eligible for both credits, you should pick which provides you with the most significant tax savings. For example, if you provide more than half of your financial support (even if you are using student loans), you may claim either the education tax credit or tax deduction. If you are still wondering whether you are eligible for this education tax credit.

Check out our Tax Calculator for tax deduction and tax return estimates.

How Do I Report Taxes on Tip Income for my Tax Return?

Posted by admin on June 9, 2022
Last modified: June 16, 2022

If you are a server, barista, or another staff member making tips, you need to know how these tips will factor into your taxes. In short, you report and pay taxes on tip just like you report and pay taxes on the rest of your income from your W-2 job. Your employer will use your monthly reports to determine how much money your employer needs to take from your paycheck to cover the payroll taxes and fees for tips. Estimate your return with our powerful tax calculator for current year or prior year taxes on tip.

So, do I have to report my tips?

As a worker in the food and beverage industry, you may be wondering if you need to report your tips to the IRS. The answer is yes – the IRS assumes that you will earn tips at an average of 8%. If you regularly report tips under this amount or don’t report any tips, the IRS may investigate.

So what exactly should you include taxes on tip income for your taxes

Tips are usually paid through credit/debit card or with cash, but there are other ways to receive a gratuity. Sometimes people who know you well might leave other perks as a tip.

These can include:

-Gift cards

-Free meals or drinks

-Tickets to events

If you receive any of these non-cash items as a tip, make sure to keep track of their fair market value so you can properly report them come tax time.

How do I report my taxes on tip to the employer and to the IRS?

Are you a server who needs to know how to report your tips? You’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about reporting your tips to your employer and the IRS.

First, let’s start with reporting tips to your employer. You can use Form 4070A to keep a record of your tips as you earn them. Then, use Form 4070 to report them to your employer by the 10th day of the following month. So, if you earned tips in January, you would need to turn in your Form 4070 by February 10th.

Your employer will report your numbers to the IRS, and it will withhold money from your salary to cover tips. Reporting tips to your employer helps your employer keep enough money in your wages to cover taxes on tip. You must withhold income and FICA taxes on tip and taxes on every paycheck, and you must report every employee’s tip to the IRS. If you are not earning enough from wages and tips, your employer pays you directly to cover the taxes that were withheld; your W-2 shows you how much you owe.

Now let’s talk about reporting taxes on tip to the IRS.

If you make less than $20 in tips in a month, you can report them directly to the IRS using Form 4137. But if you earn tips from more than one job, you’ll need to treat each one separately. That is, you won’t add up your tips from different jobs – you will report your gratuity for each job individually.

At the end of every shift, your employer will give you a W-2 form reflecting the wages you earned and tips that you reported; one copy goes to the IRS. The IRS requires that you report the total monthly tips you make to your employer before the 10th of the following month. While the IRS requires that tipping employees file tip reports once per month, you need a report every paycheck period, or else you cannot properly report your employees’ total wages or keep proper taxes on file (and pay your share of the FICA taxes). In addition, employers are required to pay their employers’ share of Social Security and Medicare taxes, which are based on total wages paid to tipped employees and reported tips revenue.

All cash tips received by employees during a given calendar month are subject to the social security and Medicare taxes and must be reported to the employer. All tips, including cash, collected tips, your share of the tip pool, and non-cash items such as tickets and passes, are considered income and are subject to income, Social Security, and Medicare taxes. Therefore, when you accept non-cash tips, like tickets, collectibles, passes, or other items with value, the non-cash tips must be reported as income. These are not required to be reported as cash tips, but you are still responsible for reporting the non-cash tips to IRS as their fair market value.

taxes on tip
taxes on tip

When you accept a good for a tip, you must report that item’s fair market value as income. You do not have to report any non-cash tips, like passes or tickets, but you must report the cash value of the non-cash tips on your taxes on tip return. Tips that add up to less than $20 per month do not have to be reported to the employer, but they do have to be included with your wages on your tax return. If the total tips received by an employee in a single calendar month from a single employer are less than $20, those tips are not required to be reported, and no taxes are required to be withheld.

If you receive more than $20 of tips, both in cash and not cash, in any one month, you must report all tips you make for that month to your employer. If you earn cash tips during your work, you are required by the Internal Revenue Service to report them, whether you received them from a customer, another employee, your employer, or a pooled cash tip. Servers who receive tips as part of their jobs are required to report the totals to their employers and the IRS on their annual income tax returns. In addition, once a month, all employees who receive tips are required to provide the employer with a summary of their tip revenue on Form 4070, Employees Tips Report to Employer.

The employer has several obligations regarding the employees’ tips income, including responsibility for record keeping and reporting, collecting taxes on tip, filing specific forms, and paying or depositing taxes. The employer is required to only keep as much as the employer is allowed to collect on income taxes, any time up until the end of the year, and only when employee Social Security taxes, Medicare taxes, and any additional Medicare taxes collected from tips are deducted first and fully by those sources. The employee must use Form 4137, “Social Security and Medicare Taxes on Unreported Tips Income,” to report the amount of any unreported tips income to be included as an additional wage payment on his or her Form 1040 or Form 1040-SRR, the United States. The amount taken out of your paycheck is based on your total wages, plus any tips income you report, even if you received tips directly from customers as cash.

Because the customer does not opt into the extra charge or select a dollar amount, it is not considered tipped income and thus is not reported by you, as an employee, to your employer. However, if your income is mostly made up of tips, like in a food services job, you might have a right to extra tips income, which your employer would report to the W-2.

You should include:

– All cash tips that you get directly from customers.

– Tips added on credit cards.

– Your share of any tips you get through a tips-splitting arrangement with your co-workers as part of your total income.

Tips are typically reported on your Form W-2 if you primarily receive paychecks as a waiter, customer-service worker, or another occupation that regularly receives tips.

Your employer typically tracks all of the tips you collect, but you should add these to a daily tips journal to ensure that all of your tips are reported. The point is that restaurant employees must report and pay taxes on tip and all of their wages, including tips. An employer that operates a primary food or beverage establishment is required to file Form 8027, Annual Report on Employers Reports of Tip Income and Allocated Tips, to make annual reports to the Internal Revenue Service regarding the income they receive for food and beverages, as well as tips that employees report back to their employers. The employer reports to the Internal Revenue Service the difference between tips and an 8% fee allocated to its employees.

Finally, it’s important to remember that all tips should be included in your taxable income, regardless of who you report them.

We hope this article helped understand how to report your tips. Happy serving!

Tax Deduction for Homebuyers and Home Sellers

Posted by admin on June 3, 2022
Last modified: June 3, 2022

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has brought changes the landscape for homeowners looking to buy or sell their homes. In the past, there were several deductions and exemptions that specifically benefitted homeowners. However, many of these have been affected by the new tax reform. If you are a homebuyer or seller in the current market, here is what you need to know about the changes to your taxes.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made several changes to deductions and exemptions for homeowners, so if you’re filing your taxes this year, here’s what you need to know.

If you have bought or sold a home in the last few years, you may have been eligible for certain tax breaks that were specifically designed to benefit homeowners. However, several of these deductions and exemptions have been affected by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This means that if you were a homebuyer or seller in the past few years, your tax filing will be different compared to the years before. Here is what you need to know about the changes to expect.

The state and local taxes you can tax deduct on your federal income tax return are now capped at $10,000. This change was made by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Previously, there was no limit to the amount of state and local taxes you could deduct. This meant that if you itemized your deductions, you could deduct all of your property tax and state tax and local income tax you paid. The new $10,000 limit applies to all state and local taxes combined. If you pay both property taxes and state income taxes, you will have to choose which deduction to take based on which will give you the lower tax bill. The limit also applies to married couples filing separately – each spouse is allowed to deduct up to $5,000 for a total of $10,000.

In other words, After tax reform, the amount you can deduct for state and local income, property, and sales taxes combined is now capped at $10,000. This means that as married, you and your spouse may each deduct $5,000 for a total of $10,000. Get a better idea on your tax refund with you tax calculator.

Tax Deduction for Homebuyers and Home Sellers
Tax Deduction for Homebuyers and Home Sellers

Moving Expenses and Costs

Relocating for work can be expensive, but the IRS allowed certain deductions for moving expenses before tax reform. This included transportation, lodging, packing materials, storage, and insurance. However, after-tax reform in 2018, these deductions are no longer available, except for active-duty military members who are moving on orders. So if you’re planning a job-related move, be aware that you may have to shoulder the entire cost yourself.

Mortgage Loan Interest Tax Deduction for Homebuyer

The mortgage loan interest deduction is a tax benefit that allows you to deduct the interest you pay on your home loan. Prior to tax reform in 2017, the maximum amount of debt eligible for the deduction was $1 million. However, the new tax law lowered the maximum debt allowance to $750,000. As a result, you can now deduct interest on mortgages up to $750,000.

Capital Gains Tax Exemption

There are a few things to know about capital gains taxes and exemptions if you’re thinking of selling your home. First, depending on how long you’ve lived in the house, you may be exempt from paying taxes on some of the capital gains. If you owned while living in the house for at least two out of the five years before selling to a homebuyer, the IRS may not tax any capital gains from the sale. This is called capital gains exclusion.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act didn’t change the capital gains exclusion, but it did change how capital gains tax rates are determined. Before the new tax law, your rate was based on which income tax bracket you fell into. Now, your rate is determined by a new income threshold.

Here’s a breakdown of the different rates:
0% for income up to $38,600 for single filers ($77,200 for joint filers)
15% income between $38,601 and $425,800 ($77,201 to $479,000 for joint filers)
20% for $425,801 and up ($479,001 and up for joint filers)

So, if you’re considering of selling your home, keep in mind that you may have to pay capital gains taxes on the sale – unless you meet the criteria for the exclusion.

Standard Tax Deduction for Homebuyer and Home Seller

The standard deduction is a specific set amount you can tax deduct from your income if you do not itemize your deductions. The amount of the tax deduction depends on your filing status. For example, for the 2018 tax year, the standard deduction for a single filer is $12,000. If your taxable income is $50,000, you will reduce your taxes owed by $12,000 by taking the standard deduction instead of itemizing.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 increased the standard deduction significantly. It will now make more sense for many taxpayers to take the standard deduction rather than itemizing their deductions. However, everyone’s situation is different, so be sure to run your taxes both ways to see which method will benefit you more.

Filing Taxes When Unemployed

Posted by admin on April 6, 2022
Last modified: April 6, 2022

If you aren’t earning income, there’s a very good chance you can skip filing taxes when unemployed and for filing tax returns.

However, there are exceptions to this rule—and it’s worth trying out the IRS Help. In December 2020, the IRS provided guidance to help taxpayers better understand what types of income may be taxable when their form W-2 is not issued because they have lost their job or are not working. In May 2021, the IRS provided guidance on how to amend a prior tax year return (filed before the end of 2020) for those individuals whose form W-2 is not issued because it was the first time filing taxes they were unemployed.

If you want more information about how COVID-19 impacts your taxes, PriorTax tax experts can help you navigate these complex tax laws, including both current year and prior year tax filings.

filing tax when unemployed
filing tax when unemployed

How to Filing Taxes When Unemployed

The IRS published guidance in December 2020 on how to file taxes if your form W-2 is missing because you have lost your job or have been laid off due to COVID-19 or by other circumstances. In May 2021, the IRS released further guidance on how individuals filing taxes when unemployed for the first time without a form W-2 should amend their previous year returns in cases where it was the first time they were unemployed. The complexity of this rule and its multiple elements shows why tax preparation services are gaining popularity and are growing quickly in market share and usage as individuals prepare their taxes. Reach out to the PriorTax support team, and our tax experts will help you navigate the process of filing taxes.

Just as there are income thresholds for declaring unemployment, there are tax thresholds for self-employment. So for example, if you are unemployed but receiving Social Security benefits, you would still need to file a tax return. You don’t have to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes on unemployment benefits, but you must report them as income on your tax return.

Federal Tax for Filing Taxes When unemployed

In addition to paying taxes on unemployment benefits, if you worked part of the year before you lost your job, you may also be liable to pay federal income tax on that wage. Whether you owe additional tax on this wage will depend on the choice you made on your W-4 form and whether your former employer withheld sufficient federal income tax (and state income tax, if applicable) from the payroll. The amount you pay will depend on your tax bracket and your taxable income.

Depending on the amount of your unemployment benefits and your other sources of income, you may choose to make estimated quarterly payments and withholding if your total withholding is not enough to cover the income tax you owe. Another option is to pre-estimate the quarterly payment of any taxes you think you owe your benefits. Then, you can estimate your taxes and estimate payments on a quarterly basis to increase your chances of getting an unemployment tax refund or at least reduce the risk of having to pay by April 15.

Filing Taxes When Unemployed for Unemployment Benefits

If you qualify for unemployment benefits during the tax year, that income will also be part of your unemployment tax refund. The total amount of income you receive, including unemployment benefits and your tax return status, will determine whether you need to file a tax return. If you’re filing an unemployed tax return this year, your family’s income will come into play.

If you earned or received income during the calendar year, you will most likely need to file a tax return. There are some exceptions, such as those with income below the gross income threshold, but in most cases, yes, you must file a tax return. You may also have to pay additional tax on the income you earn if you do not withhold enough tax.

When you receive wages from work, you pay taxes because you withhold wages. Employers generally withhold federal and state taxes from wages based on how much you earned and the information you provided on Form(s) W-4.

It is possible that you should pay more taxes in addition to your unemployment benefits if wages for work or jobs worked have not been sufficiently deducted from each paycheck in accordance with your choice in W4. In the case you have been working at a higher salary for most of the year, you will probably have to pay taxes. If you haven’t paid enough taxes, you may end up paying tax when you file your return. If you do not pay within a year, the IRS expects you to pay the tax you owe in full by the filing date, and you may face a penalty for non-payment.

Timeline for Filing Taxes When Unemployed

You have until January 15 to pay your estimated tax payments on all benefits you received between September and December of the previous financial year. If you paid any state or federal income tax on unemployment benefits you received in 2020, you might be eligible for a refund. For these states, you are out of luck; you owed state income tax on your unemployment benefit, and you are not getting a refund of the state income tax you paid. If you live in one of these states and filed after a Congressional decision and erroneously excluded unemployment benefits from income, please check if you are required to file an amended state tax return and pay more state taxes.

Withholding Tax From Paycheck

You may be eligible to withhold income tax from your unemployment benefit, so you don’t have to pay the total amount when you file your tax return, but it won’t happen automatically. Can choose to withhold income tax from unemployment benefits, if necessary, to avoid unpleasant surprises when you file your return next year. If you also pay your taxes quarterly on your own instead of getting them from every unemployment benefit. Withholding federal taxes means that a fixed 10 percent of your unemployment benefits will need to pay federal taxes, similar to a withholding tax on a regular paycheck.

As an employee, a portion of your salary in many cases automatically deducted from federal income tax and Social Security taxes. When your employer withholds taxes from your paycheck, the payroll department calculates your withholding tax as if you were earning the same amount all year round. The payout means you must include the benefit on your tax return, even though the money was technically for unemployment in 2020. When you return your unemployment benefits next year, you will not be able to receive a tax credit unless next year’s repayment is more than $3,000.

In case you paid more than $3,000 in unemployment benefits in 2020 that you included in your gross income the previous year, see Pubs Reimbursement. If you are among the record holders, it is important to know that you will likely have to pay taxes in 2021 on the unemployment benefits you received in 2020. Unlike stimulus checks, on which you don’t have to pay taxes.. unemployment benefits are taxable income and must be reported on your 2021 return.

While the U.S. changed that rule in 2020 in response to COVID-19, those who increased their unemployment income in 2021 should expect to pay all taxes for these benefits. In the fiscal year 2020 (2021 tax return), if your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is less than $150,000 in the fiscal year 2020.

Free Tax Advice from the Tax Experts

Please reach out to our Tax Experts for free advice. In addition, we provide free support for simple and easy filing taxes when unemployed.