Bear’s Blog
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Here’s how taxpayers can track the status of their refund
Tracking the status of a tax refund is easy with the Where's My Refund? tool. It’s conveniently accessible at IRS.gov or through the IRS2Go App. Taxpayers can start checking their refund status within 24 hours after an e-filed return is received. Refund timing Where's My Refund provides a personalized date after the return is processed and a...
IRS postpones April 15 deadline
The IRS announced on Wednesday that it is postponing the deadline for all individual tax returns. Returns otherwise due April 15 will not have to be filed until May 17 this year. The IRS says it will issue formal guidance in the near future. The postponement applies only to individual taxpayers, who can postpone their federal income tax returns...
IRS begins delivering third round of Economic Impact Payments to Americans
The Internal Revenue Service announced today that the third round of Economic Impact Payments will begin reaching Americans over the next week. Following approval of the American Rescue Plan Act, the first batch of payments will be sent by direct deposit, which some recipients will start receiving as early as this weekend, and with more receiving...
Here’s how people can request a copy their previous tax return
Taxpayers who didn’t save a copy of their prior year’s tax return, but now need it, have a few options to get the information. Individuals should generally keep copies of their tax returns and any documents for at least three years after they file. If a taxpayer doesn’t have this information here’s how they can get it: Ask the software provider...
IRS Online Account can help taxpayers get ready to file their tax return
Taxpayers can securely access and view their IRS tax information anytime through their individual online account. They can see important information when preparing to file their tax return or following up on balances or notices. This includes: Adjusted gross income. This can be useful if the taxpayer is using different tax software or a...
Medicare covers the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to you
Getting vaccinated is an important step to help protect you from getting COVID-19. Medicare covers the COVID-19 vaccine, so there's no cost to you. Bring your red, white, and blue Medicare card or Medicare Number to your vaccination appointment so your health care provider or pharmacy can bill Medicare. If you can't find it, you can also view...
Tax Time Guide: Didn’t get Economic Impact Payments? Check eligibility for Recovery Rebate Credit
The Internal Revenue Service reminds first-time filers and those who usually don’t have a federal filing requirement to consider filing a 2020 tax return. They may be eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, a new refundable credit, authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the COVID-related Tax Relief...
Here’s what taxpayers should do if they have missing or incorrect documents
Taxpayers should double-check to make sure they have all their documents before filing a tax return. Taxpayers who haven't received a W-2 or Form 1099 should contact the employer, payer or issuing agency and request the missing documents. This also applies for those who received an incorrect W-2 or Form 1099. If they can’t get the forms, they...
People should be on the lookout for identity theft involving unemployment benefits
The IRS urges taxpayers whose identities may have been used by thieves to steal unemployment benefits to file a tax return claiming only the income they actually received. In 2020, millions of taxpayers were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through job loss or reduced work hours. Some taxpayers applied for and received unemployment compensation...
Treasury, IRS unveil online application to help with Economic Impact Payments;
How to use Get My Payment Available only on IRS.gov, the online application is safe and secure to use. Taxpayers only need a few pieces of information to quickly obtain the status of their payment and, where needed, provide their bank account information. Having a copy of their most recent tax return can help speed the process. For taxpayers to...
Economic impact payments: What you need to know
Check IRS.gov for the latest information: No action needed by most people at this time IR-2020-61, March 30, 2020 Click Here for the FAQ on the IRS website. WASHINGTON – The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service today announced that distribution of economic impact payments will begin in the next three weeks and will be...
IRS delays tax filing and payment deadlines to July 15 for all taxpayers
The Treasury Department and the IRS are providing special tax filing and payment relief to individuals and businesses in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The 2019 income tax filing and payment deadlines for all taxpayers who file and pay their federal income taxes on April 15, 2020, are automatically extended until July 15, 2020. This relief...
Taxpayers should remember these tips when searching for a tax preparer
The tax filing season is upon us, and many people will be looking for someone to help them file a tax return. These taxpayers should choose their tax return preparer wisely. This is because it’s ultimately the taxpayer who is responsible for all the information on their income tax return. It’s important for people to remember that this is true no...
IRS opens 2019 tax filing season for individual filers on Jan. 27
The Internal Revenue Service confirmed that the nation’s tax season will start for individual tax return filers on Monday, Jan. 27, 2020, when the tax agency will begin accepting and processing 2019 tax year returns. The deadline to file 2019 tax returns and pay any tax owed is Wednesday, April 15, 2020. More than 150 million individual tax...
IRS issues standard mileage rates for 2020
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2020 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2020, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be 57.5 cents...
New publications help taxpayers get ready and stay ready for tax filing season
With the tax filing season almost here, taxpayers should check out two new IRS publications available on IRS.gov. These publications can help people get prepared to submit their tax returns and stay organized with tips for year-round tax planning. Publication 5348, Get Ready to File. This publication provides helpful filing information and...
How the New Tax Law May Affect your Retirement Plans
Bear says: “Why retire? I really like coming to work with Dad every day and meeting all our friends”. Boo says: “You are retired. I do all the work”. Estate Tax Exemption: Congress increased the amount that you can leave, or gift, to your heirs tax free to about $10 million for each individual person. Tax Tip: Each person may “gift” to another...
Tax Time Guide: Contribute to an IRA by April 15 to claim it on 2018 tax returns
WASHINGTON —The Internal Revenue Service reminded taxpayers today that it’s not too late to contribute to an Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) and still claim it on a 2018 tax return. Anyone with a traditional IRA may be eligible for a tax credit or deduction on their 2018 tax return if they make contributions by April 15, 2019. This news...
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
On December 22, 2017, legislation put into effect the most sweeping tax since the Tax Reform Act of 1986 was signed into law. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) makes small reductions to income tax rates for most individual tax brackets. The TCJA includes significant changes for individual taxpayers, most of which take effect for 2018 and...
New tax law allows small businesses to expense more, expands bonus depreciation
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded small business taxpayers that changes to the tax law mean they can immediately expense more of the cost of certain business property. Many are now able to write off most depreciable assets in the year they are placed into service. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), passed in December 2017,...