What are some tax advantages for school?
- David Greene
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Here are some school related tax tips. (1) Although private school tuition is not deductible, the child care component of the tuition is deductible for kids under 13. (2) Also for kids under 13, before and after school care may…
When is the best time to file an Offer in Compromise?
- David Greene
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In general, i.e. in terms of “now” as opposed to several years ago, this is a good time to deal with the IRS. They have generally been more willing to compromise and make better deals for the taxpayers than in…
Can the IRS make me adjust my withholding amount on my paycheck?
- David Greene
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Yes, they can but sometimes you should voluntarily make that adjustment yourself. It is a common issue among our clients that they do not have enough taxes withheld from their paycheck. When you work as an employee, you fill out…
What can one do to avoid an audit?
- David Greene
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I often get asked this question just after tax season. There is nothing you can do to guarantee that you will never be audited. However, by following three simple rules, you can minimize your chances of being audited and, if…
What has to be filed for the non-custodial parent to claim the child as a dependent?
- David Greene
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This question deals with the same problem the reader had last week, but in a different way. If a taxpayer seeks to claim dependent children after a divorce but is not the custodial parent, he must file Form 8332 with…
Is an ex-spouse only responsible for one half the taxes on a return with delinquent taxes?
- David Greene
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I have been asked this question before. The general answer is that a spouse owes all of the taxes because he signed the return. For a joint return the signers are jointly and severally liable for the tax. This means…
How can the IRS deny a taxpayer’s exemption for his child?
- David Greene
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Usually, when the IRS denies your exemption for a child, it means that someone else filed before you did, claiming the same child as an exemption. This usually arises when a stepparent and biological parent both claim the exemption. However, in…
What are Estimated Taxes and do I have to pay them?
- David Greene
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Estimated taxes are taxes one has to pay in advance of the tax being due. They are required for people who earn income from which no payroll taxes are withheld. A “W-2” employee is one who gets a regular payroll…
Are there any exceptions to the rule that canceled debt is counted as income?
- David Greene
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When a taxpayer is unable to pay all of a debt and the creditor cancels the unpaid part, the amount of the canceled debt is generally treated as income to the taxpayer under federal tax law. The creditor reports this…
Do I need to report the sale of stock on my tax return?
- David Greene
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The short and simple answer is yes. When you purchase stock or any type of security, you are doing so with the money you have earned after taxes. This type of investment creates a basis in the new asset you have acquired….