Preparation & Filing
What documents do I need if I have a mortgage?
Your mortgage company should send you Form 1098 which reports the mortgage interest you paid.
What documents should I receive from my employer?
The forms to prove employment may vary depending on individual situations. For most, an employer will provide a W-2 form. The self-employed (i.e. independent contractors, product sales representatives such as Mary Kay, etc.) should receive a 1099-MISC from the company.
What documents do I need if I am unemployed?
If you received unemployment benefits from your state over the past year, you must claim that as income and, therefore, pay taxes on those benefits. The unemployment agency should provide you with a 1099-G form, which explains the amount of benefits you drew during the past year. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) receives a copy as well and will tax you at the appropriate rate in your tax bracket. Not everyone owes. If you worked a portion of the past year, chances are you paid payroll taxes and may earn a refund if those deductions were overpaid.
What documents do I need if I am self-employed?
You will need to file a Schedule C using IRS Form 1040. Depending on your type of business and where you conduct business, there may be other forms you will need. You may also need to make quarterly estimated payments by filing Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals.
What documents do I need if I am divorced?
Taking necessary steps before tax time will make things easier once you file your taxes for the first time after a divorce. Change your W-4 through your employer so taxes will be withheld at the correct rates. Also, if you (or a family member) changed your name, file Form SS-5 with the Social Security Administration to ensure there aren’t any complications with the IRS.
When is the deadline to file my taxes?
The standing deadline for personal taxes is April 15. However, sometimes that date falls on a weekend or after Emancipation Day (a holiday in DC) and pushes the deadline to as late as April 18.
When is the earliest that I can file my taxes?
When you get your W-2, you can have your taxes prepared right away, but the IRS will not accept them before a pre-defined date.
What paperwork should I bring to my tax interview?
Below is a list of documents to bring with you to your tax interview. A copy of this list, along with what to expect during your interview, can be viewed here.
INCOME AND TAX INFORMATION:
W-2’s, Interest (1099-INT or substitute), Dividend Slips (1099-DIV or substitute), Stock Sales (1099-B or Broker Statement), Self-Employment Income and Expenses, Sale of a Personal Residence Rental Income and Expenses, Sale of any Business Assets
Gambling or Lottery Winnings (W-2G for some winnings), State Income Tax Refund (1099-G), Pension Income (1099-R), Estimated Taxes Paid, Social Security or Railroad Retirement (SSA-1099 or RRB-1099), IRA or 401(k) Distribution (1099-R), Unemployment Compensation (1099-G)
Miscellaneous Income (1099-MISC)
DEDUCTIONS
ADJUSTMENTS:
Medical Expenses, Real Estate or Personal Property Taxes, Mortgage Interest, Charitable Contributions (cash and non-cash), Employee Business Expenses, Gambling Losses, Moving Expenses, Traditional IRA Contributions, Higher Education Expenses, Educator Expenses, Student Loan Interest
PERSONAL INFORMATION FOR EACH FAMILY MEMBER:
QUESTIONS YOU NEED ANSWERED!
Can I deduct expenses paid for repairing my home?
Typically, general home repairs cannot be deducted from your taxes. Home repairs are meant to keep your home in good condition, but do not increase the value of your home. However, if you live in a “federally declared disaster area” and your home is affected, then you can claim the cost to repair the damages. If you use part of your home as a principal place of business, some repairs can be deducted, but you must itemize your deductions on Schedule A.
What are my next steps if I have been impacted by a natural disaster?
The first step is to check the IRS Tax Relief Site to see if your area has been determined as a “disaster area” by the President because the IRS provides specific relief to these victims. (If you do not have access to the internet, call FEMA for disaster assistance at 1-800-621-3362). If you are in a disaster area and you were impacted by the disaster, meet with a tax preparer to determine which year you should claim casualty loss. Doing so will help you figure out the best possible tax break.
What tax consequences will I face if I lost my home in a foreclosure?
For federal taxes, a foreclosure is viewed as the sale of property. Two separate matters will impact your tax liability: any gain from the sale of your property and credited income you receive from any debt forgiveness. There are ways to calculate your Gains and Cancellation of Debt. To learn the specifics on how your particular situation is impacted, visit the Home Foreclosure and Debt Cancellation section on the IRS website for guidance.
If I forgot to report a second income on my taxes, how can I report it now?
Since it is not a small change (missing form or math miscalculation), missed income probably requires that you file an amendment. You’ll need to file Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, on paper; no e-filing here. Additionally, if any changes you are making need forms or schedules attached, make sure you do so.
Don’t panic, you have three years since the date of filing or two years from paying (whichever is later) to correct the issue. But note, if your amended return claims more refund money, go ahead and cash your original refund check – no need to wait the average 12 weeks it takes to process your amended return. However, if your amended return shows you owe, you’ll want to lower fees and interest by paying those taxes as fast as you can.
You can then track the status of your amended tax return(s) with the IRS’s ‘Where’s My Amended Return’ tool. Check the IRS’s site about three weeks after you’ve mailed your amended return or call 866-464-2050.
If you are uncertain about needing to amend a tax return, don’t hesitate to contact your local Liberty Tax® office.
Am I taxed on money that I inherit from a loved one?
Generally, property received as an inheritance is not included in your income. However, if property you receive this way later produces income such as interest, dividends, or rents, the income is taxable to you.
Do I need to report work-study income if I am a full-time student?
Yes, any money which you received as a result of work is taxable income and must be reported on your tax return. Attach your W-2 showing your earnings and your taxes withheld to your tax return.
How can I check the status of my refund?
The 'Where’s My Refund' tool on the IRS website provides the most up-to-date information regarding the status of your refund. This tool is updated every 24 hours.
Why is my refund less than I expected?
Many factors can contribute to why your refund is less than you expected. You have to consider the three elements that define a refund: your taxable income, the amount withheld from your paycheck for federal and state taxes, and your tax rate. If you aren’t getting as much money back try to look on the bright side – you didn’t give the IRS a zero-interest loan.
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