The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers useful tips for newlyweds when it comes to filing tax returns.  In many cases, filing a joint return may allow for more savings but taking time to review whether or not you should file separately, will help both parties determine the best option.  There are several factors to keep in mind that will help minimize mistakes which could delay the processing of your return.

• Determine which filing status to file and discuss whether or not to change your filing status.  Many are comfortable in continuing to file separately after marriage.
• Make sure names
… Read more at 2008 Taxes.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) grants organization eligibility in receiving donations and giving them a tax-deductible status.  Qualified organizations meet requirements upon obtaining the status that allows taxpayers to claim charitable deductions.  You may ask the organization about their status in which they should be able to provide you with details.  There is also a listed publication (IRS Publication 78) available through the IRS that lists qualifying organizations.

The most common way in determining if the organization is qualified is to review organization types.  There are 5 general types of organizations that will have an assigned status such as … Read more at 2008 Taxes.

One really important thing to remember about your 401k investments is that the IRS, through the tax code 401k, will give all qualifying employees an immediate tax reduction along with an upside market potential for your savings. So, with that information alone it’s something you really should consider taking advantage of.

When thinking about 401k investments you should figure out how much of your gross not your net income that you can save by following the current limits that are set by the IRS. You should sit down and probably talk with a benefits counselor as well. Your company will … Read more at 2008 Taxes.

If you really, really want an audit, the following list will show you exactly how to get one:

(1) Get Paid in Cash – If you’re a waiter or waitress, market trader or professional gambler, then you get paid in cash a lot. To the IRS this means you have an opportunity to hide some of that cash. This makes you a more likely target for an audit.

(2) Get Yourself a Bank Account in Another Country – Nothing makes them more keen on going through your finances than you stashing some of that lovely money in a foreign country. … Read more at 2008 Taxes.

In October of 2008 I received notice from the IRS that a tax audit was being done on my 2006 tax year filing. After you get a notice like this from the IRS you then set up an appointment to see the tax examiner who will be handling your case. My appointment was scheduled for November at the Deerfield Beach IRS office in Florida and I was told which documents to bring for the auditor to look at. I had not reported my entire income on the Form 1040 and that is what had triggered the examination. I would not … Read more at 2008 Taxes.

When does an IRA rollover occur? This occurs upon cash withdrawal from a certain qualified retirement plan and upon contributing all or a part of it in a span of 60 days to a new qualified plan. In accordance with the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) policy, the rules of IRA rollover permits individuals to waive their 60-day rollover prerequisite, but they must meet some qualifications in order for them to be qualified for the waiver.

The IRS is very considerate when it comes to the extension of the 60-day requirement for the rollovers. To cite an instance, when Hurricane Katrina … Read more at 2008 Taxes.

You Bought a House, Claim the First-Time Homebuyers Credit

There are a number of documentation requirements when you go to file your return for 2009 and you want to claim the First-Time Homebuyers Credit. This great credit of $8,000 helps with fixing up the new house or paying off some moving expenses. But claiming the credit requires a number of documents and filing a paper return with the IRS.

The first statement you will need to attach to your 1040 paper tax return is a HUD-1 Settlement Statement. You will get a copy of this form when you close … Read more at 2008 Taxes.

Capital Gains and What to Report to the IRS

Capital Gains and Losses are the result of holding capital assets for investment or for personal use. Capital Assets held for investment result in a capital gain or loss when sold compared to their basis, or what you purchase the asset for. Capital Assets held for personal use can only create a capital gain. All capital gains must be reported to the IRS.

Long term capital gains are better as their tax rate is generally lower than short term capital gains. The classification of a capital gain or loss is … Read more at 2008 Taxes.

Do you Understand the Tax Changes in the Recovery & Reinvestment Act?

The Federal Stimulus Bill has made many changes to the way taxes need to be filed for everyday people like you. If you were or are unemployed than you definitely can’t afford to pay taxes on unemployment benefits that might not be due and you definitely cant afford to hire a tax professional to file your taxes. What you can do is use the quick and easy, proven Turbo Tax program that is updated to include and apply all changes made under the Federal Stimulus Bill that may … Read more at 2008 Taxes.

There are certain requirements but if you work from home and have an office in the home, you can deduct the space along with your other business expenses on your 2008 tax filing. There are types of use needed to be able to take this very helpful business deduction. First, you use the space exclusively and regularly for your business. Or two, you use the space as storage for business inventory on a regular basis.

Deduction Computation and Reporting

The deduction is a percentage of your overall home expenses … Read more at 2008 Taxes.