Individual Tax
Claiming a Child as a Dependent When Parents are Divorced, Separated, or Live Apart
The IRS has very specific rules about who may claim the child tax for tax purposes in situations where parents are divorced, separated, never married, or live apart and who share custody of a child with an ex-spouse or ex-partner. To avoid processing delays or costly tax errors, it is vital that taxpayers in these…
Read MoreIRS Makes Rare Midyear Mileage Rate Adjustment
The IRS has announced an increase in the optional standard mileage rate for the final six months of 2022. Taxpayers may use the optional standard mileage rates to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business and certain other purposes. For the final half of 2022, the standard mileage rate for business travel…
Read MoreIRS Notices CP2100 and 2100A Help Payers Correct Backup Withholding Errors
You might get a special error notice if your tax filings include one or more of the forms below: Form 1099-B, Proceeds from Broker and Barter Exchange Transactions Form 1099-DIV, Dividends and Distributions Form 1099-G, Certain Government Payments Form 1099-INT, Interest Income Form 1099-K, Payment Card and Third-Party Network Transactions Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income Form…
Read MoreIs It a Hobby or a Business?
In general, a hobby is an activity that a person pursues because they enjoy it and with no intention of making a profit. People operate a business with the intention of making a profit. Many people engage in hobby activities that turn into a source of income—it can be confusing to determine if that hobby…
Read MoreFiling the Final Tax Return
As a survivor, executor, or administrator of an estate, you are obligated to file an income tax return reporting all the deceased’s income up to his or her date of death. You will need to be aware of all the credits and deductions the deceased is allowed as if that person had been alive to…
Read MoreIncome Tax Credit for Residential Solar Devices
Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) is reminding homeowners who installed a solar energy device in their residential home during 2021 to submit Form 310, Credit for Solar Energy Devices with their individual income tax return and Form 301, Nonrefundable Individual Tax Credits and Recapture. ADOR defines a solar energy device as a system or series of mechanisms which…
Read MoreCryptocurrency Basics
Cryptocurrency has been in the news a lot lately as it continues to gain traction as an alternative currency. Many are considering whether this is the time to invest in or start using cryptocurrency. After all, the IRS has taken notice and has instituted measures to ensure income from cryptocurrency is accurately reported. Important terminology…
Read MoreShould I Itemize My Deductions?
When filing your individual income tax returns, you are allowed to deduct certain expenses from your taxable income, thus reducing the amount of income tax you must pay. There are two ways you can take deductions on your federal tax return: you can deduct a defined amount, the standard deduction, or you can list specific…
Read MoreCan You Claim the Credit for Other Dependents?
If you’re taking care of adult children, relatives or parents, you know that this can create an additional financial strain. To ease it, the IRS offers a credit for dependents who are too old to qualify for the child tax credit. You may qualify for a $500 credit for each dependent who meets these criteria:…
Read MoreCredits vs. Deductions: What’s the Difference?
Tax deductions and tax credits can both help you, but that doesn’t mean they’re the same thing. Knowing how they work can help you understand your tax situation. Tax credits are subtracted from your final tax liability, dollar for dollar, after it is calculated. A tax credit valued at $1,000, for example, lowers your tax…
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