"Notice that the stiffest tree is most
easily cracked, while the bamboo or
willow survives by bending with the wind."
--Bruce Lee
--Bruce Lee
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
WASHINGTON REFORMS HEALTH CARE AND TAXES
Sunday's night's health care bill will go down as one of those once-in-a-generation accomplishments. I'm not here to debate the merits of the bill - historians will still be doing that decades from now. But it's important to point out some important tax changes included in the bill and the companion "reconciliation" bill now before the Senate. (Just how important are they? Well, the Congressional Budget Office says the IRS will need $10 billion and 17,000 new employees to enforce its share of the new rules!)
Here are some of the key tax provisions:
Here are some of the key tax provisions:
- Starting immediately, certain small businesses with less than 10 employees will get a 35% credit for the cost of providing employee health benefits.
- Starting in 2011, employers will have to report the value of health benefits on Form W2.
- The penalty tax for Health Savings Account distributions not used for health care expenses doubles from 10% to 20%. This will discourage using HSAs for supplemental retirement savings.
- Starting in 2013, the 7.5% floor for deducting medical and dental expenses climbs to 10% (unless you or your spouse are 65 or older, in which case it remains at 7.5% until 2016).
- Healthcare flexible spending account contributions are capped at $2,500 per year.
- Starting in 2014, businesses with more than 50 employees will have to offer health benefits or pay a penalty of $750/employee.
The reconciliation bill includes one more unwelcome surprise.
- Currently, the Medicare tax is limited to 2.9% of earned income (earned income is income from wages and self employment like business, partnership and LLC income). The reconciliation bill imposes an additional Medicare tax of 0.9% on earned income above $200,000 (individuals) or $250,000 (families).
- It also adds a 3.8% "Unearned Income Medicare Contribution" on investment income - specifically, interest, dividends, annuities, royalties, capital gains, and rents - for taxpayers with Adjusted Gross Income above those same thresholds. Those new levies would take effect in 2013.
The complete bill is 1,018 pages, so it's going to take some time to analyze. But we'll be paying close attention as details become available. In the meantime, email us with any questions.
Larry Kopsa CPA
EQUIPMENT WRITE OFF BACK TO $250,000 FOR 2010 BUT NO 50% BONUS DEPRECIATION
Background
In the past decade, Congress has frequently promoted business spending by increasing the Section 179 expensing opportunity or by providing a first-year bonus depreciation opportunity for capital expenditures. Both of those enhanced deductions expired at the end of 2009. For purchases after 2009, the 50% first-year bonus no longer applies. The Section 179 expensing limit was scheduled to drop to $134,000 for tax years beginning in 2010.
Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act of 2010
On Thursday, March 18, 2010, the President signed into law the HIRE Act (P.L. 111-47), to provide incentives for job creation. Among the direct job incentives is a provision to expand the Section 179 expensing limit to $250,000. The higher limit applies for years beginning in 2010.
The qualified purchases phase-out level for 2010 was scheduled to range from $530,000 to $664,000. Under the new law, the phase-out range is raised to $800,000 to $1,050,000.
No Extension of 50% Bonus Depreciation
The 50% bonus depreciation provision that was effective for new assets placed in service during the period January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2009, was NOT extended by the HIRE Act, nor is it included in either the House or Senate versions of the Extender Bill currently making its way through Congress. Unless added to the Extender Bill prior to its finalization, 50% bonus depreciation is inapplicable for assets purchased on or after January 1, 2010.
Summary
This represents the third consecutive year at the $250,000 expensing level. With businesses looking at tighter margins in 2010, we may see fewer taxpayers needing the additional deductions. Yet, it is good to have this weapon in the arsenal for planning 2010 income. As always, it is primarily about managing overall income level and marginal tax rates.
Please email if you have any questions.
Larry Kopsa CPA
In the past decade, Congress has frequently promoted business spending by increasing the Section 179 expensing opportunity or by providing a first-year bonus depreciation opportunity for capital expenditures. Both of those enhanced deductions expired at the end of 2009. For purchases after 2009, the 50% first-year bonus no longer applies. The Section 179 expensing limit was scheduled to drop to $134,000 for tax years beginning in 2010.
Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act of 2010
On Thursday, March 18, 2010, the President signed into law the HIRE Act (P.L. 111-47), to provide incentives for job creation. Among the direct job incentives is a provision to expand the Section 179 expensing limit to $250,000. The higher limit applies for years beginning in 2010.
The qualified purchases phase-out level for 2010 was scheduled to range from $530,000 to $664,000. Under the new law, the phase-out range is raised to $800,000 to $1,050,000.
No Extension of 50% Bonus Depreciation
The 50% bonus depreciation provision that was effective for new assets placed in service during the period January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2009, was NOT extended by the HIRE Act, nor is it included in either the House or Senate versions of the Extender Bill currently making its way through Congress. Unless added to the Extender Bill prior to its finalization, 50% bonus depreciation is inapplicable for assets purchased on or after January 1, 2010.
Summary
This represents the third consecutive year at the $250,000 expensing level. With businesses looking at tighter margins in 2010, we may see fewer taxpayers needing the additional deductions. Yet, it is good to have this weapon in the arsenal for planning 2010 income. As always, it is primarily about managing overall income level and marginal tax rates.
Please email if you have any questions.
Larry Kopsa CPA
Thursday, March 18, 2010
TWO NEW TAX BENEFITS AID EMPLOYERS WHO HIRE AND RETAIN UNEMPLOYED WORKERS
Employers who hire unemployed workers this year may qualify for a 6.2-percent payroll tax incentive. Check out the following IRS link to read the whole story.
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=220326,00.html
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=220326,00.html
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
OPINION: 'GOVERNMENT EYEING CONFISCATION OF 401(K)s AND IRAs?'
I have seen this topic several times in the last week or so. At first I thought it was just one of the radical ideas that was out there to scare people about “big government.” After I saw this several times I did some research and it seems to be a legitimate proposal that is being floated. The attached is a good summary.
Larry Kopsa CPA
(Investors Business Daily) -- In a guest editorial posted at Investors.com, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and think tank director Peter Ferrara write that investors who "did the responsible thing" by saving in their IRAs or 401(k)'s may find that "Washington is developing plans for their retirement savings." They write that "BusinessWeek reports that the Treasury and Labor departments are asking for public comment on 'the conversion of 401(k) savings and Individual Retirement Accounts into annuities or other steady payment streams.'" The op-ed states: "In plain English, the idea is for the government to take your retirement savings in return for a promise to pay you some monthly benefit in your retirement years." This would be done "to pay for their unprecedented trillion-dollar budget deficits, leaving nothing to back up their political promises," write Gingrich and Ferrara. Hearings on such a proposal were "held last fall by House Education and Labor Committee Chairman George Miller, D-Calif., and Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Wash., of the Ways and Means Committee focusing on 'redirecting (IRA and 401k) tax breaks to a new system of guaranteed retirement accounts to which all workers would be obliged to contribute,'" according to the op-ed, which can be read in its entirety at http://www.investors.com/NewsAndAnalysis/Article.aspx?id=521423>
Larry Kopsa CPA
(Investors Business Daily) -- In a guest editorial posted at Investors.com, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and think tank director Peter Ferrara write that investors who "did the responsible thing" by saving in their IRAs or 401(k)'s may find that "Washington is developing plans for their retirement savings." They write that "BusinessWeek reports that the Treasury and Labor departments are asking for public comment on 'the conversion of 401(k) savings and Individual Retirement Accounts into annuities or other steady payment streams.'" The op-ed states: "In plain English, the idea is for the government to take your retirement savings in return for a promise to pay you some monthly benefit in your retirement years." This would be done "to pay for their unprecedented trillion-dollar budget deficits, leaving nothing to back up their political promises," write Gingrich and Ferrara. Hearings on such a proposal were "held last fall by House Education and Labor Committee Chairman George Miller, D-Calif., and Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Wash., of the Ways and Means Committee focusing on 'redirecting (IRA and 401k) tax breaks to a new system of guaranteed retirement accounts to which all workers would be obliged to contribute,'" according to the op-ed, which can be read in its entirety at http://www.investors.com/NewsAndAnalysis/Article.aspx?id=521423>
Monday, March 15, 2010
FEDERAL PAY AHEAD OF PRIVATE INDUSTRY
I remember when I was young adult trying to decide on my career path that my college adviser said that if I was to go to work for the government I would have a lower wage but good benefits and a good retirement plan. I opted to go the private route and at first had a higher salary than my peers that went to work for Uncle Sam.
Now, according to an article in USA Today, that has all changed. The average salary of $67,691 plus $40,487 in benefits to the government workers for occupations that exit both in the private and public sector compares to $60,046 of salary plus $9,882 of benefits for private sector workers. They state that in 8 of 10 occupations, federal employees earn a higher average salary.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-03-04-federal-pay_N.htm>
Now, according to an article in USA Today, that has all changed. The average salary of $67,691 plus $40,487 in benefits to the government workers for occupations that exit both in the private and public sector compares to $60,046 of salary plus $9,882 of benefits for private sector workers. They state that in 8 of 10 occupations, federal employees earn a higher average salary.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-03-04-federal-pay_N.htm>
Friday, March 12, 2010
CANCELLED DEBT IS TAXABLE INCOME - MAYBE
I had some money I owed written off this last year. Somebody told me I have to pay tax on the amount forgiven. Is that true?
Irene and Owen
Irene and Owen, you are not alone. In these troubled economic times, many financially distressed borrowers may have had some or all of their debt cancelled or forgiven by their lender last year. This is a good example of when you need professional help in preparing your return. There are so many variables that I cannot answer your specific situation. Here is a primer on what you are looking at.
While such relief is no doubt welcome to people who received it, what they may not have realized is that debt forgiveness may have tax consequences. Specifically, debt forgiven in 2009 may have to be included as income on your 2009 return. However, not all canceled debts trigger taxable income. And, even if there is no exception or exclusion in a particular case, that may not be the last word. The tax bite may be reduced or eliminated if you can show that the amount reported by the lender is incorrect. This is why you need professional help.
General rule. The tax laws specifically include income from the discharge of indebtedness in gross income. However, there are several exceptions to this rule. In addition, there are numerous exclusions from gross income for certain types of forgiven debts.
Exceptions. If the cancellation of debt by a private lender, such as a relative or friend, is intended as a gift, there is no income. But if the lender wants to take a deduction for the debt written off it would not be considered a gift. Likewise, a debt cancelled by a private lender's Last Will and Testament triggers no income to the borrower.
There is also an exception for certain student loans. For example, doctors, nurses, and teachers agreeing to serve in rural or low income areas in exchange for cancellation of their student loans won't have income from the cancellation if they meet certain conditions.
Also keep in mind that there is no income from cancellation of deductible debt. For example, if a lender cancels home mortgage interest that could have been claimed as an itemized deduction on Schedule A of Form 1040, there is no tax problem to contend with.
Price adjustment. There is no income if an individual purchases property and the seller later reduces the price. The purchaser's basis (yardstick for measuring gain or loss on a later sale) in the property, however, is reduced by the amount of the purchase price adjustment.
Exclusions. In addition to the above exceptions, there are exclusions from the general rule for reporting canceled debt as income for:
Irene and Owen
Irene and Owen, you are not alone. In these troubled economic times, many financially distressed borrowers may have had some or all of their debt cancelled or forgiven by their lender last year. This is a good example of when you need professional help in preparing your return. There are so many variables that I cannot answer your specific situation. Here is a primer on what you are looking at.
While such relief is no doubt welcome to people who received it, what they may not have realized is that debt forgiveness may have tax consequences. Specifically, debt forgiven in 2009 may have to be included as income on your 2009 return. However, not all canceled debts trigger taxable income. And, even if there is no exception or exclusion in a particular case, that may not be the last word. The tax bite may be reduced or eliminated if you can show that the amount reported by the lender is incorrect. This is why you need professional help.
General rule. The tax laws specifically include income from the discharge of indebtedness in gross income. However, there are several exceptions to this rule. In addition, there are numerous exclusions from gross income for certain types of forgiven debts.
Exceptions. If the cancellation of debt by a private lender, such as a relative or friend, is intended as a gift, there is no income. But if the lender wants to take a deduction for the debt written off it would not be considered a gift. Likewise, a debt cancelled by a private lender's Last Will and Testament triggers no income to the borrower.
There is also an exception for certain student loans. For example, doctors, nurses, and teachers agreeing to serve in rural or low income areas in exchange for cancellation of their student loans won't have income from the cancellation if they meet certain conditions.
Also keep in mind that there is no income from cancellation of deductible debt. For example, if a lender cancels home mortgage interest that could have been claimed as an itemized deduction on Schedule A of Form 1040, there is no tax problem to contend with.
Price adjustment. There is no income if an individual purchases property and the seller later reduces the price. The purchaser's basis (yardstick for measuring gain or loss on a later sale) in the property, however, is reduced by the amount of the purchase price adjustment.
Exclusions. In addition to the above exceptions, there are exclusions from the general rule for reporting canceled debt as income for:
- discharge of debt through bankruptcy,
- discharge of debt of an insolvent taxpayer,
- discharge of qualified farm debt,
- discharge of qualified real property business debt, and
- discharge of qualified principal residence debt.
These exclusions are quite complicated and a detailed discussion of them is beyond the scope of my summary. However, it is worth pointing out that the qualified principal residence debt exclusion applies where individuals restructure their acquisition debt on a principal residence, lose their principal residence in a foreclosure, or sell a principal residence in a short sale (where the sales proceeds are insufficient to pay off the mortgage and the lender cancels the balance). Also, the exclusions require certain tax attributes to be reduced and must be reported to the IRS on its Form 982.
Repurchased business debt. Income from certain repurchased business debt can be stretched out over several years. Although all of the deferred debt discharge income will eventually be recognized, you benefit from the deferral of tax to later years.
Form 1099-C, Cancellation of Debt. A taxpayer should receive a Form 1099-C from a federal government agency, financial institution, or credit union that forgives a debt of $600 or more. The amount of the canceled debt is shown in box 2. Any forgiven interest included in the amount of canceled debt in box 2 will also be shown in box 3. As noted above, if the interest would otherwise be deductible, it does not have to be included in income.
Best of luck in the future.
Larry Kopsa CPA
Thursday, March 11, 2010
AMERICAN RELIANCE ON GOVERNMENT AT ALL-TIME HIGH
(Washington Times) -- WashingtonTimes.com reports that the current recession "has left Americans depending on the government dole like never before," as transfer payments "from the government -- such as unemployment checks and Social Security -- burgeoned by $231 billion to $2.1 trillion" in 2009. The story notes that "for the first time since the Great Depression, Americans took more aid from the government than they paid in taxes." According to the Times, "the tentative revival of consumer spending in the second half of last year appears to have been fed largely by an extraordinary flood of government spending," while a respected economist says the current "situation is unsustainable." See that article in the Washington Times at http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/mar/01/americans-reliance-on-government-at-all-time-high/
IS THE SALON INDUSTRY A GREAT INDUSTRY OR WHAT!
Here's food for thought: Everyone knows that 2009 marked the continuation of the worst economic slump since the Great Depression. This downturn commonly referred to as the "Great Recession" featured two consecutive years of job losses with more than 7.2 million net jobs eliminated. Putting it in perspective, the 7.2 million jobs lost since the beginning of this recession is larger than the combined job losses of the 1981/82, 1990/91 and 2000/01 recessions (7.1 million).
Here's what you probably didn't know. The salon industry outperformed the national economy in 2009. While the overall economy was losing jobs at rates not seen in decades, the salon industry fared comparatively well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall private sector shed jobs at a 4.4 percent rate in 2009, the single worst year since data collection began in 1939. In comparison, the employment-based salon and spa industry added jobs at a 0.2 percent rate in 2009, marking the third consecutive year in which the salon industry outperformed the national economy.
In addition, the long-term outlook for job prospects in the salon and spa industry is extremely positive, based on newly released projections by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). According to the BLS projections, the number of personal appearance jobs at employment-based establishments will jump 31 percent between 2008 and 2018 and nearly triple the growth in total U.S. employment during the same period.
Among the personal appearance occupations, BLS expects the number of skin care specialists to grow by more than 50 percent between 2008 and 2018, while the number of hairdresser, hairstylist and cosmetologist positions at employment-based establishments is expected to grow by 31 percent! Projected Job Growth by Occupation, 2008 - 2018.
Here's what you probably didn't know. The salon industry outperformed the national economy in 2009. While the overall economy was losing jobs at rates not seen in decades, the salon industry fared comparatively well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall private sector shed jobs at a 4.4 percent rate in 2009, the single worst year since data collection began in 1939. In comparison, the employment-based salon and spa industry added jobs at a 0.2 percent rate in 2009, marking the third consecutive year in which the salon industry outperformed the national economy.
In addition, the long-term outlook for job prospects in the salon and spa industry is extremely positive, based on newly released projections by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). According to the BLS projections, the number of personal appearance jobs at employment-based establishments will jump 31 percent between 2008 and 2018 and nearly triple the growth in total U.S. employment during the same period.
Among the personal appearance occupations, BLS expects the number of skin care specialists to grow by more than 50 percent between 2008 and 2018, while the number of hairdresser, hairstylist and cosmetologist positions at employment-based establishments is expected to grow by 31 percent! Projected Job Growth by Occupation, 2008 - 2018.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
CHECK THIS OUT...
My son Ben who is a policeman sent me this video. It really touched me. I hope you take the minute or so to watch.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xc2iaj_embrace-life_shortfilms
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xc2iaj_embrace-life_shortfilms
MY SCHEDULE
I was honored to have the opportunity this last week to get away from taxes for a few days and speak at the International Beauty Show in New York City. My topics were Taxes and Financial Statements. There was a great crowd of participants at the show. So many, in fact, that it is hard for me to determine if there were more or less participants than last year. It was interesting to see all of the new products that are being offered.
I am fortunate that I get to present again at the Las Vegas IBS show in April. If you are attending, let me know. I would be glad to meet with you.
This weekend I am in Chicago at Marshalls Expressions Show. Marshalls always puts on a great show for their participants. Guess what I am talking about…. Taxes and Financials.
I have a weekend back in the office and then it is back to Chicago, this time for the American Beauty Show (ABS). I am honored that Belvedere is bringing me in to present at one of their venues. I am really looking forward to this opportunity.
Larry Kopsa CPA
I am fortunate that I get to present again at the Las Vegas IBS show in April. If you are attending, let me know. I would be glad to meet with you.
This weekend I am in Chicago at Marshalls Expressions Show. Marshalls always puts on a great show for their participants. Guess what I am talking about…. Taxes and Financials.
I have a weekend back in the office and then it is back to Chicago, this time for the American Beauty Show (ABS). I am honored that Belvedere is bringing me in to present at one of their venues. I am really looking forward to this opportunity.
Larry Kopsa CPA
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
BEING A STYLIST IS A GREAT CAREER
This has now been confirmed by US News which shows that being a stylist is the number one career. In a recent British job satisfaction survey, hair styling ranked as the number one career. We as professionals just need to keep reminding young people (and their parents) what a great career this is. Not only is it satisfying, it can also be very financially rewarding.
We have on our web site a comparison of what someone makes going off to college compared to what someone makes going off to beauty school. The numbers favor beauty school because of the difference in time it takes to get out in the work place. You can see this on our website by clicking on the School Handout – College Versus Salon School Worksheet.
Attached is the article from US News. I recommend making copies and sharing it or possibly putting it on your web site.
http://www.usnews.com/money/careers/articles/2008/12/11/best-careers-2009-hairstylistcosmetologist.html
We have on our web site a comparison of what someone makes going off to college compared to what someone makes going off to beauty school. The numbers favor beauty school because of the difference in time it takes to get out in the work place. You can see this on our website by clicking on the School Handout – College Versus Salon School Worksheet.
Attached is the article from US News. I recommend making copies and sharing it or possibly putting it on your web site.
http://www.usnews.com/money/careers/articles/2008/12/11/best-careers-2009-hairstylistcosmetologist.html
A GUIDE TO AVOID AN IRS AUDIT
There is probably nothing more dreaded than an IRS audit. I get a lot of questions from people asking me what they can do to avoid an audit. Although there is no foolproof way to avoid a visit from the IRS, CNN Money recently posted the following piece that gives some good advice.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/A-guide-avoid-an-IRS-tax-cnnm-837338815.html?x=0&.v=2
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/A-guide-avoid-an-IRS-tax-cnnm-837338815.html?x=0&.v=2
Monday, March 8, 2010
MORE ON THE HOMEBUYER CREDIT
Can I still get money back if I purchase a home? I heard that it expired last year?
Marlin
Marlin, the homebuyer credit has been extended and improved. Now it is not just for first time homebuyers. In short, according to the current rules you have to have a binding contract by April 30, 2010 and the closing must take place by June 30, 2010. There are a lot of specifics. Check out my posting on our website in the General Tax Information section or click on Homebuyer's Credit From IRS.
Larry Kopsa CPA
Marlin
Marlin, the homebuyer credit has been extended and improved. Now it is not just for first time homebuyers. In short, according to the current rules you have to have a binding contract by April 30, 2010 and the closing must take place by June 30, 2010. There are a lot of specifics. Check out my posting on our website in the General Tax Information section or click on Homebuyer's Credit From IRS.
Larry Kopsa CPA
ASK AN ACCOUNTANT
People keep asking me when our next webinar will be. It's tax season so it's a busy time for us, but we are planning ahead for our next session.
Our topic will be: Ask An Accountant. Email your questions to us and they'll be answered during the webinar.
We'll keep you posted with the upcoming date and registration information but for now, send us those questions. We'll be accepting them through March 26th. You may email the questions to: ahaumont@kopsaotte.com.
Our topic will be: Ask An Accountant. Email your questions to us and they'll be answered during the webinar.
We'll keep you posted with the upcoming date and registration information but for now, send us those questions. We'll be accepting them through March 26th. You may email the questions to: ahaumont@kopsaotte.com.
Friday, March 5, 2010
HERE IS YOUR GOVERNMENT'S FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THEIR YEAR
If you are a successful business owner you probably have already studied your financial statement for the last few months to determine if there are some steps that you need to take to become more profitable. I thought you might be interested in a summary of our government's first four months.
The federal government ran a budget deficit of $434 billion in the first four months of fiscal year 2010, according to the latest estimate released by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) on Feb. 4. (Monthly Budget Review)
- Outlays declined by 4% compared to the same period in FY 2009, and revenues dropped by 11%. Receipts in January were $23 billion (or 10%) lower than receipts recorded in January 2009.
- The amount of withheld individual income and payroll taxes declined by $11 billion (or 7%), with approximately one-third of the decline attributable to provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, CBO said.
- Corporate receipts declined by $2 billion.
- Overall for FY 2010, receipts were down by $83 billion (or 11%) compared to the same period in FY 2009.
- Two-thirds of that decline resulted from lower withholding from employees' pay for income and payroll taxes.
- Net corporate receipts declined by $18 billion (or 34%) because of a combination of higher refunds and lower payments of estimated taxes.
- This decline “can be attributed to weak corporate profits and the effects of recent legislation that extended the period over which corporations could apply current-year losses to offset income in previous years,” CBO said.
The budget review is available at
If you were the owner, what changes would you make?
Larry Kopsa CPA
Thursday, March 4, 2010
NEW CAR SALES TAX DEDUCTION
Can you deduct the sales tax paid if you leased a new car in 2009?
Terry
Terry, if you’re referring to the new car sales tax deduction, leases are specifically excluded. Sorry.
Larry Kopsa CPA
Terry
Terry, if you’re referring to the new car sales tax deduction, leases are specifically excluded. Sorry.
Larry Kopsa CPA
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
IRS HAS EXTRA $1.3 BILLION IN UNCLAIMED REFUNDS - (BUT YOU HAVE UNTIL 4/15 TO CLAIM)
The Internal Revenue Service said it has unclaimed refunds totaling more than $1.3 billion awaiting nearly 1.4 million people who did not file a federal income tax return for 2006. To collect the unclaimed money, taxpayers must file a return for 2006 with the IRS no later than Thursday, April 15, 2010. The IRS estimates that the median unclaimed refund for tax-year 2006 is $604.
In cases where a return was not filed, the law provides most taxpayers with a three-year window of opportunity for claiming a refund. If no return is filed to claim the refund within three years, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury. By failing to file a return, people stand to lose more than refunds of taxes withheld or paid during 2006. For example, most telephone customers, including most cell phone users, qualify for the one-time telephone excise tax refund. Available only on the 2006 return, this special payment applies to long-distance excise taxes paid on phone service billed from March 2003 through July 2006. The government offers a standard refund amount of $30 to $60, or taxpayers can base their refund request on the actual amount of tax paid. For details, see the Telephone Excise Tax Refund page on IRS.gov. In addition, many low-and-moderate income workers may not have claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit. The EITC helps individuals and families whose incomes are below certain thresholds, which in 2006 were $38,348 for those with two or more children, $34,001 for people with one child and $14,120 for those with no children. For more information, visit the EITC Home Page.
In cases where a return was not filed, the law provides most taxpayers with a three-year window of opportunity for claiming a refund. If no return is filed to claim the refund within three years, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury. By failing to file a return, people stand to lose more than refunds of taxes withheld or paid during 2006. For example, most telephone customers, including most cell phone users, qualify for the one-time telephone excise tax refund. Available only on the 2006 return, this special payment applies to long-distance excise taxes paid on phone service billed from March 2003 through July 2006. The government offers a standard refund amount of $30 to $60, or taxpayers can base their refund request on the actual amount of tax paid. For details, see the Telephone Excise Tax Refund page on IRS.gov. In addition, many low-and-moderate income workers may not have claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit. The EITC helps individuals and families whose incomes are below certain thresholds, which in 2006 were $38,348 for those with two or more children, $34,001 for people with one child and $14,120 for those with no children. For more information, visit the EITC Home Page.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
12 TRAPS TO AVOID WHEN CONVERTING TO A ROTH
I have been getting a lot of questions about the advantages and disadvantages of converting traditional IRA’s to Roth IRA’s. Everybody’s situation is different so there is not a “one size fits all” answer. There are a lot of variables that need to be considered. Attached is an article that Josh Rinard of our staff sent to me about the traps to watch out for. I thought you might be interested if you are considering converting.
Robert Powell: 12 traps to avoid when converting to a Roth
Robert Powell: 12 traps to avoid when converting to a Roth
Monday, March 1, 2010
CAN’T GET A W-2
I want to file my return but I can’t get a W-2 from a company that I worked for earlier this year. What now? I think I should get a refund and I could really use the money.
Marty
Marty, sorry for the problem. By law, employers have until February 1, 2010 to send you a 2009 Form W-2 earnings statement. Here is what I suggest.
The first thing to do is to contact your employer to inquire if and when the W-2 was mailed. If it was mailed, it may have been returned to the employer because of an incorrect or incomplete address.
If that does not work, go ahead and file your tax return. There is a form for you to fill out to report the estimates of your income and withholding - Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement. Attach Form 4852 to the return, estimating income and withholding taxes as accurately as possible. My experience is that there will most likely be a delay in any refund due while the information is being verified.
If you do talk to your prior employer and he says that he is not going to provide a W-2 for some reason, make sure that he or she understands that you are going to file a substitute form that may expose him to an IRS audit.
Good luck.
Larry Kopsa CPA
Marty
Marty, sorry for the problem. By law, employers have until February 1, 2010 to send you a 2009 Form W-2 earnings statement. Here is what I suggest.
The first thing to do is to contact your employer to inquire if and when the W-2 was mailed. If it was mailed, it may have been returned to the employer because of an incorrect or incomplete address.
If that does not work, go ahead and file your tax return. There is a form for you to fill out to report the estimates of your income and withholding - Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement. Attach Form 4852 to the return, estimating income and withholding taxes as accurately as possible. My experience is that there will most likely be a delay in any refund due while the information is being verified.
If you do talk to your prior employer and he says that he is not going to provide a W-2 for some reason, make sure that he or she understands that you are going to file a substitute form that may expose him to an IRS audit.
Good luck.
Larry Kopsa CPA
'THE OTHER SIDE OF HAIRDRESSING'
Last year I was honored to speak at the Raylon Art of Business Seminar in Philadelphia. If you ever get a chance to attend this program it is well worth the money. At the conference, I met a really interesting gentleman by the name of Frank Elliott. Frank’s background intrigued me. He was a hair stylist but he also had a business degree. During our visit he mentioned the he was writing a book for salons. Last week he sent me a copy of his book. I was impressed. There is a superb introduction by Geno Stampora, a leader in the industry.
Even though we are really busy right now with taxes, I picked up the book and could not put it down. It is a very easy read - pointing out things that we take for granted. It is well worth the time and the tax-deductible cost.
The book is based on a philosophy of taking control of your career through self-understanding and choice. Learning and understanding what soft skills are and how to use them will help advance our careers tremendously. Frank uses the story of ‘Linda’ and how she had the skills, unknowingly lost the skill set, and then recovered. To order your books, please go out to Frank Elliott’s website at http://www.frankelliott.biz.
Even though we are really busy right now with taxes, I picked up the book and could not put it down. It is a very easy read - pointing out things that we take for granted. It is well worth the time and the tax-deductible cost.
The book is based on a philosophy of taking control of your career through self-understanding and choice. Learning and understanding what soft skills are and how to use them will help advance our careers tremendously. Frank uses the story of ‘Linda’ and how she had the skills, unknowingly lost the skill set, and then recovered. To order your books, please go out to Frank Elliott’s website at http://www.frankelliott.biz.
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