Tax Matters - The Top Tax Defenders Blog

Filing your tax return each year may not be as simple or fast as you would prefer. You could actually make costly mistakes if you accidentally or purposefully leave out critical information. 

As a taxpayer, the idea of getting a big refund from the IRS each year may appeal to you. In your excitement, however, it is important for you to remain guarded before handing out your personal identification information. You can protect yourself from being taken advantage of by identity thieves during tax season and other times of the year by knowing what IRS scams to avoid.

Owing back taxes to the IRS threatens your finances and income. However, because of the FAST Act it can now put your ability to apply for or keep a passport in jeopardy. If you owe an IRS tax debt, you will benefit by learning if the FAST Act applies to you and how you can resolve your debt quickly to protect your passport. 

The IRS expects you to file and pay your taxes on time each year. When you fall behind with your returns, you put yourself at risk of steep fines and penalties and collection activities like wage garnishments or bank levies. You can get caught up with filing your returns and settle your back taxes by using these strategies. 

Sending your children to day camp or summer camp can be an expensive endeavor. Even so, you may believe you have no other option for child care if you are working or going to school full-time or on the lookout for new employment. 

Have you received notice of an audit from a state or government agency? If so, you might be wondering what to do next. An agency might request a sales tax audit to review a private company’s accounting information. By sending an auditor to complete a thorough examination of accounting and information related to your business, an audit serves to identify discrepancies in your business data.

Tax season is stressful enough without having to worry about incurring IRS penalties. The IRS does not randomly assess penalties on people's tax obligations. 

Tax deductions reduce the amount of taxes you owe to the IRS and ease the financial burden you face when you file your returns each year. However, some of the most lucrative eligible deductions are overlooked simply because most taxpayers do not know about them. You could lower your tax obligation and even get a refund by claiming these deductions if you are eligible for them. 

When you owe the IRS money, you put yourself at risk of having your bank account levied. A bank levy can invite financial hardship into your life and make paying everyday bills more difficult. However, you do have options for avoiding or removing an IRS bank levy. 

The IRS gives you until April 15 every year to file and submit your tax returns. Despite this generous deadline, you may find it difficult or impossible to get your taxes done on time this year.