Category: Tax Return

What Happens If You Can't Pay Your Tax Bill?

4/20/2021

Concerned if you'll be able to pay your tax bill this year? Today we are going to be talking about what to do if you're unable to pay your taxes on time!

With the original date of tax season come and gone, and with just around a month left before the new tax day of May 17th is here, there is still much to be done and much to be considered. While you do still have time to get your taxes in and prepared, you are cutting it down to the wire, which can cause a huge amount of stress and can lead to you making mistakes on your taxes in a rush to get everything finished. These mistakes can lead to a halt in getting your refund back and it could land you with a pretty sizable fine. The best way to avoid all of this is to work with tax preparers, like all of us at Hoods! However, this time of year when we are extremely close to tax day being upon us, we are just as busy as you could imagine. To help us help you, if you're still looking for us to help you with your taxes, please contact us as soon as possible!

With tax season on the minds of so many Americans this year, we have to stop and realize the effects this past year put on our finances and taxes. We know and understand the potential strain and confusion that you've gone through due to the pandemic; the loss of your job, being put on furlough, unemployment, returning to the working world again, making sure you've received all of the stimulus payments available to you, and now we have landed on a brand new tax day. While the most recent economic relief plan that the president released, which included our third stimulus check and the forgiveness of a big chunk of unemployment funds, taxes are still going to come calling and many will still have to pay a decent amount of money. Not only were many American hit with a surprising tax bill due to unemployment, but some were also bumped into new tax brackets, some dealt with self-employment taxes after starting their own business to make it through the last year, and others are dealing with multiple I9s and W2s from working multiple jobs to get through this year. This and many other new stressful situations have made this tax season one of the most unique and difficult to date for the average taxpayer. We've been discussing a lot of tips and how-tos to deal with this year's tax season, but today we are going to be changing the conversation a little and will be talking about some of the more challenging issues some Americans could be going through; what happens when you are unable to pay your tax bill?

First and foremost, take a deep breath and don't panic. The IRS uses the same sentiment on their website when you ask this question. If the IRS is telling you not to panic, then you are going to be okay. If you are unable to pay the full amount it is recommended by the IRS that you should still file your return by the deadline and pay as much as you can. This will help you avoid penalties and interest.
Don't waste any time, go right to the source. The IRS has published a number to contact them directly to discuss payment options with them if you are unable to pay your tax bill. Please call them at 800-829-1040.
The IRS may also be able to provide some kind of relief to you if you are honest and reach out right away and explain your financial situation. Not filing isn't an option.
You might be able to receive relief in the form of getting a short-term extension to pay, an installment agreement, or an offer in compromise.
You might also have the option of delaying collection by reporting your account as currently not collectible until you pay in full.
When you do follow through with this process, the IRS might in some cases, be able to wave any penalties that might arrive. Please note that they will not be able to wave any interest charges that will accrue on unpaid tax bills.
This year alone, 125 million Americans received a tax refund, leaving 43 million Americans that broke even or were left owing money. Know that you are not alone in your stress and worry as you read this.
When you chose to do a monthly installment plan, you will fill out an online payment agreement application after you file your return.
You can also send in the 9465 tax form when you mail in your taxes. This form will let the IRS know that you are interested in a payment or installment plan. This will give you 72 months to pay your bill. You can only use this option if you owe $50,000 or less in taxes.
Please note that you cannot use a payment plan or installment plan unless you are completely caught up with your taxes. If you haven't done them in a few years and you decide to try and get a payment plan, it will be denied,
When you request an offer in compromise after you explain to the IRS why you cannot pay, you will make them an offer on what you feel like you can reasonably pay. If they accept your offer, then you will only have to pay what you've offered. It is a compromise that allows you to settle your debt for less than the total amount that you owe.
You do have the option to file for an extension. However, remember that when you do this it will only help push back the date of when you need to file your taxes and has nothing to do with the money you owe.
If you're still at a loss on what to do, you can send in a little money every month the reduce penalties and interest that will build up down the road. This is also a boost in your direction as it will make you look good in the eyes of the IRS.
Make sure you are utilizing all of your deductions and tax credits that can be applied to your tax bill, this might drastically bring down the amount that you'll end up owing.
Asking for an extension to pay your taxes can give you up to 120 days to pay the IRS in full.
The current interest rate on payment plans is only 3%, which isn't terrible.
Know that if you do choose to do an offer in compromise (OIC) you will have to be very open and honest about your finances and your personal life to prove that you indeed are unable to pay. While this can be a saving grace for many people, this can also be a long-drawn-out process than the other examples of help and action that we've talked about today.
You will have the option to pay your taxes with your credit card. Discover, Visa, American Express, and MasterCard are all accepted by the IRS.
Remember that while it is not a fun or pleasant experience to owe a tax balance and not being able to pay it, in reality, it only becomes a true problem if you choose to do nothing about it and choose not to reach out and talk to the IRS.

As we've mentioned before, not filing is never an option. File your taxes and you will be able to take care of the rest. The key to this situation is to be proactive about it. If you stay silent and choose to do nothing, that's when it gets messy. If you need help or have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. We will make it to and through this tax season in one piece and together! Remember, if you are looking for the best accounting services in Goose Creek, the best tax preparation in Goose Creek, business consulting in Goose Creek, bookkeeping in Goose Creek, or payroll services in Goose Creek, we are here for you! Our phone lines and inboxes are waiting for you. Don't hesitate! Please stay safe, everyone. We will see you soon!

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The Dangers Of The Stimulus Scams

3/3/2021

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With the potential of a third stimulus check heading our way, a brand new round of stimulus fraud has made its ugly appearance. We wanted to shed some light on the topic and to help avoid any issues that might get you in trouble!

Welcome to the Hoods Tax and Accounting Service blog! While we are inching closer to the end of tax season, we wanted to bring a very important topic to our reader's attention! With the possibility of a third or even more stimulus checks coming our way, the rise of stimulus fraud has begun to show its ugly head yet again. When the country needs support now more than ever, you'd think that these scammers and spammers could take a break. Sadly, this is not the case. When people are in need, they are an easy targets for these horrible people to hit. They have taken advantage of people many times before and have been very active during these last 11 months of this global pandemic. While we will get through the pandemic, we might never be able to get through or get over these scammers and spammers. We wanted to share some more information about these ugly scams and how to keep yourself protected and safe!

These thieves, scammers, and spammers are taking advantage of honest taxpayers during this current tax season and have been through the stimulus payment periods. With the constant back and forth of the media on the current political atmosphere, it's easy for many to not know if that third potential stimulus check is a reality or not. Tax season is also in its own flurry, as many Americans are trying to file as quickly as they can to get much-needed funds from their tax return. In this fiscal pandemonium that is where these criminals are striking. It is very important to know that a third stimulus has not been distributed nor has it been confirmed, it is still in the works. Also, please remember that you will not receive your tax return until you've filed your taxes, and you will receive it one of two ways. You will either receive it in the form of a direct deposit to your bank account that you have set up with the IRS by providing your banking information, or in the form of a check in the mail. They will not ask you for any personal information directly to access your refund money. They already have all of this information about you. Also, they will never try to send your return to you in any other way nor can you do anything extra for the IRS (outside of filing your taxes) to receive your return.

While we know finances are still strained and you need that money, please do not accept any other offers baiting you to receive your tax return early. Also, please do not give away any personal information in exchange for your tax return. That is most likely some kind of scam or criminal target you. Please note, criminals do not discriminate. They will go after anyone to get any information or money that they can. It is also important to understand that the main form of contact for the IRS is through your mailbox. If you receive a text message, phone call, email, or voice mail from someone who claims to be the IRS without you prompting these responses, that too is most likely some kind of spam or attack.

While not directly linked, according to ABC 7 Chicago, another scam is to keep your eyes open for is fake COVID packages and test kits. These scams include offers to sell bogus cures, pills, the vaccine, and other medical advice for false and unproven COVID-19 treatments. Please do not give anyone information to receive such materials. These packages are fake, as are the items inside of them. If you are looking for a vaccine or help with a COVID diagnosis, please contact your doctor.

One of the biggest things we can recommend is to not engage in any of these criminal efforts. Do not respond to any phone calls, text messages, emails, or letters, even if it's asking them to not bother you. At the end of 2020, CNBC reported that Americans lost over $211 million to these types of scams, and the FTC has received over 275,000 complaints. When the first round of stimulus checks were released and time passed, fraud activity did quiet down. Now that the second has been released and tax season is here, there is no doubt that this rate will rise and continue until tax season is over on April 15th. If a third stimulus check is released, this pattern will repeat itself all over again. Scammers are always looking for an opportunity for their next payout. Remember that one of the many tactics these criminals use is fear, scamming taxpayers into giving them private information, or else! The IRS will not send unprompted emails, texts, nor will they call you with threats of sending you to jail or filing a lawsuit against you. They will also not demand wiring money or gift cards in return for your tax payments.

What Are Some Current Scams and Spam Threats?
Along with offering cures, vaccines, and help to fight or stay safe from the COVID-19 virus, some current scams look like this:

Fake donations for areas, groups, and people heavily affected by COVID-19. Please be aware these scams could appear in the same form but will be referencing natural disasters like the wildfires California saw last year, the hurricanes Texas and Louisiana saw last year, and the horrific ice and snow damage so many have suffered from in recent weeks. Please research before donating money, especially right now!
Phishing and scamming schemes online that use keywords that help a reader believe that they are legitimate. Some of these keywords include words like "stimulus", "refund", "COVID-19", and "corona virus".
Text messages that ask for your bank account number claiming they will deposit your stimulus money right away if you provide them with this information.
Receiving emails or text messages asking the recipients to verify their personal information. The IRS already has the information needed, and if not, they would not ask you to verify it in such an unprofessional or relaxed manner.
Another common tactic is that people are being contacted by these criminals and they claim that if you pay them a certain amount of money, wire them money, or send them gift cards of their choosing, they will send you your stimulus money faster. There is no such thing as getting it sooner, the IRS will send any stimulus payments and your tax returns based on their decisions and when you file your taxes.
Another scam to look out for is look-alike checks. Scammers send these very believable-looking checks to individuals, and then they are deposited on the trust that they are indeed real. The scammer will then contact the recipient of the check saying the amount of the check was incorrect and they need to return the amount of money they were overpaid. This leaves the recipient out of the check they believed to be real once it bounces, and the money they gave back as a "refund".
Also, please do not put in or give any of your personal or financial information to a non-government website when it comes to anything regarding the IRS. These phony websites can download malware on your device and steal any personal information your computer has access to, including your banking information.

How Do I Protect Myself from Tax and Stimulus Fraud?
With all of these very intelligent criminals hitting their targets on so many different platforms and in so many different ways, how can you protect yourself?

As we mentioned before, do not engage with these forms of communication; do not respond, and do not follow up with them!
Do not answer any phone calls from anyone you don't know, the same goes with text messages. Also, avoid visiting questionable websites and never open any attachments on any emails this so-called "government" worker has sent you. Avoid clicking on any links that any suspicious emails invite you to click on. The IRS would not have you do any of these things.
If you do answer a call from someone you don't know, claiming to be the IRS, and they begin to threaten you, take a deep breath and hang up. They will not be calling the police, they will not be calling their lawyers, and they will not be coming to your home. If you feel unsafe, please contact your local authorities and provide the phone number used to contact you.
If an email looks suspicious or too good to be true, it probably is. Go ahead and trash it. You can and should report all scams to the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.
To learn more about these scams, please visit the IRS or FTC website. Please find those links below. After reporting the phone numbers or email addresses you've dealt with, please block them from your phone and your inbox and toss them out!

Tax season, tight finances due to a global pandemic, and dealing with staying up to date with potential future stimulus payments is difficult enough. Stay alert and educate yourself to avoid any fraud or scams that could potentially make your life even more difficult. Please never hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, and we are here and ready to help you through your 2020 tax season! Remember, if you are looking for the best accounting services in Goose Creek, the best tax preparation in Goose Creek, business consulting in Goose Creek, bookkeeping in Goose Creek, or payroll services in Goose Creek, we are here for you! Our phone lines and inboxes are waiting for you. Don't hesitate! Please stay safe, everyone. We will see you soon!

To learn more and to report fraudulent activity, please visit the IRS or FTC website by following the links below.

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How To Claim Unpaid Stimulus Money On Your 2020 Tax Return

2/17/2021

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hile many of us received both of our stimulus payments, for many Americans that was not the case. Today, we are going to be talking about how to claim your stimulus payments on your 2020 tax returns.

Tax season will officially be here on Friday, February 12th, and while all Americans are preparing to get their taxes in by April 15th, many are still waiting for one or both of their stimulus payments to arrive. Great news, the two go hand in hand! You can claim your missing stimulus money on your 2020 tax return. Even if you are a nonfiler, you are still able to file a 2020 tax return and receive your stimulus funds. Today, we are going to be talking about how best to do that and why you will want to file your taxes as early as possible to help benefit future stimulus payments.

How Do I Claim My Missing Stimulus Payments On My 2020 Tax Return?
While tax season might bring on stress and worry, take comfort in the fact that if you've not received one or both of your stimulus payments or you feel like you were not given the correct amount by the IRS, filing your taxes can help you take action to get the money you're owed!

Tax preparation companies, like Hoods, are already accepting returns. However, you can not begin filing until Friday, February 12th. The faster you prepare your taxes, the quicker you can file them. The quicker you file your taxes, the quicker your tax return and missing stimulus money will be returned to you!
When filing, look for line 30, which will be labeled as Recovery Rebate Credit. It will appear on both 1040 and 1040-SR tax forms. 1040-SR tax forms are for those aged 65 years and older. Nowhere on your taxes will it mention stimulus checks or economic impact payments, it will only be referred to as your Recovery Rebate Credit.
On line 30, you will need to list what you have been given in total from the IRS (even if that is $0) and what you are owed. It is as simple and as easy as that. This will then increase the amount of the refund you will receive or it will decrease the amount that you will owe the IRS. Do not include any other amounts, writeoffs, or tax credits on line 30. Only list the amount you are owed from missing stimulus money.
Please remember that the first stimulus payment was worth up to $1,200 per adult earning $75,000 a year and below. If you made more, the amount provided decreased. The payment for couples was up to $2,400 for those who earned $150,000 a year and below. The amount also decreased depending on how much more filing couples made together over that amount.
The second payment was up to $600 per individual and up to $1,200 per couple, depending on the same regulations and guidelines as the first stimulus.
For the first stimulus, individuals could also receive an additional $500 per child under the age of 17 and $600 per qualifying child in the second round of stimulus payments. If you did not properly claim your children or guardians or did not receive these funds in either stimulus payment, these funds are still available for you to claim in your 2020 tax return as well. Please add this amount to what you write in on line 30 of your Recovery Rebate Credit. Please also make sure to adjust who you claim on your taxes to avoid any other issues like this in the future.
You also might qualify for more money if your income or household size has changed. Stimulus payments were based on 2019 and 2018 income and household sizes. If this has changed for you and your family, it could mean you are owed more stimulus money.
Even if you don't normally file your taxes, according to the IRS, you must file a 2020 tax return to claim the credit that you're owed.
By visiting the IRS website, you can see when and how you were issued both payments. However, as of January 29th of this year, the Get My Payment page on the IRS website will no longer be updated for the first and second economic impact payments. If you are not provided with a payment date for either stimulus payment or have not received one or both, then you can claim your payments on your 2020 tax return.
Filing your tax return early might even help out with guaranteeing any future stimulus payments. While a third has not officially been set, the president has made moves to propose one and it is currently being discussed. Filing sooner might also guarantee that you receive all the money you're owed next time, meaning less hassle for your future tax filing and more money when you need it.
The current bill being proposed by the government could lower the income amount for those who receive the full stimulus amounts. For example, single filers who make $50,000 and below instead of those who make $75,000 and below would receive the full amount. So, filing now will help make sure that you receive your full amount of economic relief according to the 1st and 2nd payment standards.
If you do file sooner rather than later, the third proposed stimulus check could be paid properly and in full, and it will be based on your 2019 and 2020 tax return, whichever they have most recently on record. If you made less in 2020 or had a baby, and the IRS only has your 2019 taxes on file, your stimulus payments would reflect your status of 2019 and not 2020.
Please remember that the fastest way to receive your return and your missing stimulus funds is to file online and to have an active direct deposit account on file with the IRS. The IRS is saying that 90% of filers will receive their refunds in 21 days or less!
If you owe money to the IRS, the money you are owed from the Recover Rebate Credit will be applied to the debt. Even if you are still owed stimulus money, you might not receive all of it if you owe the IRS.
Please remember that you will not have to pay any taxes on any of the stimulus money you have received or any that you will receive in the future.

We know 2020 taxes and future stimulus payments might be difficult to navigate, but we are here to help in every way possible. If you are still concerned about filing your 2020 taxes or about receiving your stimulus payments, please don't hesitate to reach out! Please know that all of us at Hoods are here to help you, and we want to help you receive your tax return as quickly as possible! Please reach out to us if you'd like to begin working with us or have any questions or comments! Is there a topic about taxes that you would like to learn more about? Let us know and comment below! Remember, if you are looking for the best accounting services in Goose Creek, the best tax preparation in Goose Creek, business consulting in Goose Creek, bookkeeping in Goose Creek, or payroll services in Goose Creek, we are here for you! Our phone lines and inboxes are waiting for you. Don't hesitate! Please stay safe, everyone. We will see you soon!

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Tax Preparation Tips for 2021 (Part two!)

2/3/2021

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We are here to finish up part two of this current blog series dedicated to tips, preparation, and planning for getting through your 2021 tax season!

Hello readers, and welcome back to the blog. With the recent announcement that the very first tax day doesn't begin until February 12th, we've all had a little more time to prepare for doing this year's taxes. We've mentioned and hinted at the fact that this year could be a little more difficult than the last and possibly more difficult than ever before. We understand your worries, concerns, fears, trepidation's, and want to make sure you feel prepared and are prepared for filing your taxes by April 15th of this year. With that in mind, we wanted to offer a few more tips and ideas on how to prepare for doing your upcoming taxes. We also wanted to offer some more information to plan for this whole process as well.

Preparing for your 2021 Tax Season, Continued

Remember that as you are preparing for your taxes, the stimulus money that you received is not being treated as taxable income. It is being treated like money the government would have given you as part of your refund, a sort of tax refund advance you might say.
Many Americans received unemployment benefits throughout 2020 due to losing a job, being furloughed, being unable to work, and being unable to return to work. When you signed up and did your paperwork to begin your unemployment benefits, you had the option of choosing how much you wanted to be taken out of your payments for tax purposes. Depending on how much you allotted the government to take out of these payments will determine how much you'll owe in taxes on your employment benefits. Remember, any unemployment benefits you received last year will count on your tax returns as taxable income.
Many Americans took up a side job or two throughout the pandemic, and are still working them to make up for other lost income. Even if you are self-employed or working for a stand-alone company, you will still be required to pay taxes. You'll receive a 1099 form from the companies you worked for or you'll need to pay a self-employment tax. Make sure to fill out and look out for your 1099 forms, and realize that this self-employment tax is a 15.3% tax that covers your social security and Medicaid taxes, according to Dave Ramsey. If you made more than $400 as a self-employed individual, you'll have to pay taxes on this income. Make sure to discuss this with your tax preparer, and make them aware of how much money you made during self-employment. You could potentially write off up to half of this on your tax return.
Remember, if you're working from home but your employer is in another state you might be looking at paying taxes in more than one state. This can be difficult as each state has different tax laws, which is another great reason to work with a tax professional. We can make sure that no mistakes are made since we are up to date on tax codes and tax laws in each state.
For all of our small business owners or those who work for a company who chose to defer payroll taxes, be advised. If this is something you chose to do, you could see smaller paychecks until these payroll taxes have been paid back. If your company chose to partake in this, you might have seen a little bump in your paychecks throughout last year. This wasn't free money, this was the action of payroll taxes being deferred, and now it's time to pay everything back.
Make sure you choose if you are going to do standard or itemized deductions before filing. Knowing that going into the process can help you organize all of the paperwork you'll need to use for either option ahead of time. While taking the standard deduction is always the easier option, itemizing could allow you to save more money. Just make sure you can prove all of your deductions.
Pick ahead of time if you and your spouse will file together or not. Do your research to see which option is best for you and your family.
If you're planning to prepare your taxes with us or on your own, one of the best ways to get all of your necessary tax documents without having to call the IRS directly is to create an online tax account with the IRS. This will also let you check your payment balance, set up payment arrangements, and view your tax forms and returns from previous years.
Remember that if you don't receive one or both of your stimulus payments, you can claim them on your 2020 tax return through the recovery rebate credit. This will either increase how much your tax refund will be or it will lower how much you owe to the IRS.
The IRS eliminated the 1040EZ and 1040A forms in 2019 and introduced a new form in 2020, the 1040-SR, which is designed for seniors. It has larger print and increased attention to detail to the standard deduction for those 65 years and older. It also added a new question regarding your cryptocurrency. Do not skip this question, the IRS is very aware of cryptocurrency and has been very open about the fact that many tax payers are not being open about reporting their cryptocurrency transactions.
As you're finalizing your paperwork, dotting your I's and crossing your T's, make sure to go back and double-check your work! Check your math, that all names and SSNs are correct, that you've chosen the proper filing status, and that everything is marked appropriately on all of your tax forms, and that you've signed everywhere you need to sign.

Preparation to Planning
Now that you have some excellent tips and suggestions on how to prepare your taxes, how about starting to plan for them? Thanks to both the CARES and SECURE Acts, there is a lot to plan for 2021!

First of all, you'll need to keep your eyes sharp. Both the SECURE and CARES Act brought a good amount of changes into tax law. SECURE was passed in late December of 2019 and it expanded retirement saving options and provided the option for individuals to adjust their tax and estate plans.
If you decide to take a CRD or a Corona Virus Related Disruption in 2020, you can recognize the income over three years or recognize it all this year for tax purposes. If you could potentially be in a higher tax bracket over the next few years, it might be best to recognize all of it this year.
Married taxpayers that have taxable income below $80,000 and $40,000 and below for individuals are allowed to realize tax-free long term capital gains this year. If your income goes above this over the next few years, your long term gains could be subject to a 15% tax rate.
A very beneficial advantage of gifting a 529 college savings plan right now is that five years' worth of gifts can be made in a single year. At one time, a taxpayer can gift up to $75,000 in one sitting to a 529 college savings plan, and if the gift comes from a couple it can be doubled!
You do have the option to defer the current year's tax liability to another year, which will increase your availability for cash investments, personal needs, or business. This is something that can help right now for those still struggling with Covid related financial strain.
Due to the changes of the SECURE Act, IRA and 401(k) accounts might have to be cleared out within ten years of the death of the owner. Exceptions include payouts over the beneficiary's lifetime for spouses, minor children until they're 18, and for the disabled or chronically ill.
Be prepared and familiarize yourself with tax bracket changes that came in with 2020 and how your financial standings might have changed within this bracket due to the financial hit the pandemic caused.
The standard deduction has gone up for all filing statuses. Single and married but filing separately filers deductions went up $200, those married and filing jointly will see an increase of $400, and filing as head of household will see an increase of $300. The standard deduction for single filers is $12,400 and $24,800 for married couples filing together.
Please note that the income tax brackets have increased due to inflation.
2020 caused millions of Americans to spend time in the hospital, and if you've found yourself stuck with a pile of medical bills you might be in luck. You will be able to deduct any medical expenses that are 7.5% above your adjusted gross income or your AGI.
Your children can help you when filing your taxes! Families can claim up to $2,000 per eligible child. Also, because this is considered a refundable credit, your family might be able to receive up to $1,400 per child as a refund!
For businesses that received PPP loan money, according to the IRS, any expenses you paid with money from these loans can't be deducted from your taxable income.
Please remember if you did take money out of your IRA or 401(k) during 2020, don't dread a huge tax bill coming your way. You have three years to return these funds and to get a refund on the taxes you might have paid on that money!

2020 was a difficult year, and we imagine that we'll be feeling its effects for a long time to come. Our goal through these two blogs, and more to come, is to help with the potential shock or difficulties that could potentially come your way for this tax season. Please know that all of us at Hoods are here to help you, and we want to help you receive your tax return as quickly as possible! Please reach out to us if you'd like to begin working with us or have any questions or comments! Is there a topic about taxes that you would like to learn more about? Let us know and comment below! Remember, if you are looking for the best accounting services in Goose Creek, the best tax preparation in Goose Creek, business consulting in Goose Creek, bookkeeping in Goose Creek, or payroll services in Goose Creek, we are here for you! Our phone lines and inboxes are waiting for you. Don't hesitate! Please stay safe, everyone. We will see you soon!

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Tax Preparation Tips for 2021 (Part One)

1/19/2021

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This might be one of the most unique tax seasons we will ever see in our lifetime, so we want to make sure you're prepared. Here are ten tips to help prepare you for your 2020 taxes!

Hello to all of our readers here in Goose Creek and beyond! All of us here at Hoods hope that you had a wonderful holiday season and that you're ready for tax season to begin. The IRS has announced that the nation's tax season will start on Friday, February 12, 2021. They will begin accepting and processing your 2020 tax year returns. After the tumultuous year that 2020 was, and the difficulties that are still with us, one thing we want to make sure of is that you're prepared for this current tax season. This might be the most unique tax season any of us will experience in our lifetime, but we want to make sure it is as pain-free as possible.

First and foremost, if you are overwhelmed and would like to work with a professional tax company, we will be happy to work with you! However, make sure to sign up for our services as quickly as possible before we run out of time and space to help you file your taxes on time. Remember, the sooner you file, the faster your tax return will be in your pocket! For those who didn't receive their $1,200 or $600 stimulus checks, make sure to include this in your tax paperwork to receive these funds as quickly as possible. With so many individuals still struggling with financial issues, we want to help get all of your money to you as quickly as possible. With all of that being said, we wanted to create a checklist filled with important suggestions to prepare you for doing your taxes. Our goal is to eliminate any stress, worry, and fear with this list!

While we ended 2020 with tips on how to financially wrap up your new year and ways to potentially save money come this current tax season, we are going to take you to the next step. We need to prep for what's coming, and this should not be a painful or stressful process. One way to prepare and help cut down on costs is to make a last-minute estimate tax payment. Paying the IRS before even filing? Yes, this is a thing! It is a possibility that throughout the year you didn't pay enough to the IRS, which could create a huge tax bill for you and you might also be owing penalties and interest already due to not paying enough. If you can pay a little to the IRS right now, you can cut down on the huge chunk payment coming your way in April, and you can budget to pay what you'll ultimately end up owing. Make sure not to overpay though, it is better to owe a few dollars than expect the IRS to send it back in a refund. According to the IRS, to avoid an underpayment penalty, you have to pay 100% of the previous year's tax liability or 90% of the current year's taxes. If you make an estimated payment by January 15th, you can erase the penalities you had for the 4th quarter of your taxable year. Making an early payment can help you in the future.
Always make sure to have all of your paperwork printed out, organized, and accessible before you sit down to do your taxes or work with a tax professional. You will need last year's tax return, all of your W2's and 1099's for 2020, all the receipts you're planning on using for write-offs, and more. One of the best ways to organize and make sure you have all the correct paperwork that you need is to print off a checklist to help you gather everything you need.
Handle your mail very carefully this time of year. Tax documents have or will start to arrive very soon, and it is easy to mistake them for junk mail or a bill that you already paid online. Make sure to not throw away any tax-related documents! Contacting multiple companies to get another copy of your tax documents can take weeks this time of year, and can delay your tax preparation as you work to send your taxes off.
Make sure all of your tax paperwork is organized and grouped in similar piles for easy access and to go through your tax documents more efficiently. Make sure to spend a good amount of time organizing your yearly receipts for your write-offs. Utilizing paperclips and folders in this process can help you save time and frustration!
While this tip might not be directly related to filing this year, attention still needs to be paid. As we saw and discussed last year, tax and stimulus scams and frauds are now at an all-time high. During tax season and with the release of the most recent stimulus check, scams and frauds are at their peak season right now, and you need to be on high alert with these delicate situations. You might begin receiving phone calls, texts, emails, and even letters in the mail from someone posing to be the IRS. Believe us, these scams and frauds are looking more believable by the day, so you need to be extra careful. The IRS nor the U.S Treasury department will ever call or text you. Don't respond to these emails or phone calls you're receiving. Remember, when it comes to money, these criminals know how to use fear tactics to their advantage. The mail is the only way the IRS is going to reach out to you, so please take caution.
For all of our readers who are over 70, please begin to consider and think about your RMDs, or your required minimum distributions. While you might have been enjoying sitting back and watching your IRA or 401(k) grow as you contributed to it every year, now that you're 70, things are going to be a little different. The IRS wants its share once you turn 70 1/2. Make sure that you take out your required RMD amount every year before the 31st of December, or you'll be facing a tax penalty of 50% of what your RMD amount is! If you didn't do this by the cut-off date of December 31, 2020, you will more than likely see a penalty on your taxes this year. The more you know now about how to handle this, it will help make sure you don't make the same mistakes next year.
We will put this tip on repeat because it is so very important. We all worked from home in 2020 more than ever, if not for the very first time. Do not skip out on writing off your home office tax deductions. However, you must be vigilant in this. You can't just write off anything and everything that you want to, the IRS is very smart and particular about this! Every space and everything you write off must have exclusively been used for business only and nothing else! Based on the square footage of your office to the total size of your home, you can write off a portion of the expense of your home like rent, insurance, utilities, and even housekeeping!
Please do not put preparing, doing, and filing your taxes off until the last minute. Rushing through your taxes will result in stress, mistakes, and potentially leading to getting your taxes in late. Mistakes and getting your taxes in late will lead to penalty charges, which will lead to owing the IRS even more money. This will also lead to your tax return taking longer to get into your pocket.
Please make the decision sooner rather than later if you need help with doing your taxes or not. There is no shame or harm in admitting this or working with a tax professional. Please do yourself the favor of filing and paying on time.
If you decide to not work with us at Hoods or with another tax professional, we do urge you to file electronically. This will help you file quicker, it is a much easier process, it will help guarantee that you don't make any mistakes or forget anything, and you might even have the option to pay electronically with a credit card or debit card so you don't have to worry about sending a check off to the IRS.
The February 12th start date for individual tax return filers allows the IRS time to do additional programming and testing of IRS systems following the December 27 tax law changes that provided a second round of Economic Impact Payments and other benefits.
To speed refunds during the pandemic, the IRS urges taxpayers to file electronically with direct deposit as soon as they have the information they need.
You can file your tax returns immediately with Hoods Tax and Accounting Service. We can prepare the returns now so you are in a queue for transmission to the IRS on February 12th. Contact us today. 843-797-5153

As we said, tax season takes preparation and that is no joke! It takes time and dedication, but it is well worth it. Over the next few months, our blogs are going to be dedicated to tax preparation and things you should know about doing your 2020 takes. Make sure you stick around and keep checking back in with us throughout tax season and beyond! Remember, if you are looking for the best accounting services in Goose Creek, the best tax preparation in Goose Creek, business consulting in Goose Creek, bookkeeping in Goose Creek, or payroll services in Goose Creek, we are here for you! Our phone lines and inboxes are waiting for you. Don't hesitate! Please stay safe, everyone. We will see you soon!

To help you prepare for this tax season to the fullest extent, we have also included a few helpful links for you to enjoy and use below!

Corona Virus Tax Information: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments
Where to report a tax scam or fraud to the IRS: https://www.usa.gov/stop-scams-frauds#:~:text=Call%201%2D800%2D269%2D,%2D800%2D366%2D4484.

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End of the Year Tax Preparation (Part Two!)

12/24/2020

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In part two of this blog, we are going to be finishing up our recommendations on how to prepare for your end of the year tax prep. Our gift to you is to suggest that you get it done now so that when tax season is here in a blink, you'll be ready for it no matter what!

Hello Goose Creek and to all of our readers! As we are now sitting in the last few days of 2020, and we hope that this blog reaches each of you and helps you prepare for the coming tax season. We have always believed at Hoods that being prepared way ahead of time can not only save you huge amounts of stress and worry, but it can also potentially save you huge amounts of money. This year has been difficult, we've touched on it in almost every blog of 2020. This pandemic has been a devastating blow in more ways than one, and our finances have taken some of the biggest hits and blows. While there is still so much uncertainty about what is to come with the future of our finances, what is in our power now is to control what we do know and what we do have.

Being prepared can help make any transition or event that may or may not come from the government easier to deal with and easier to move forward with. Who knows what financial help we might receive between now at April 15th or what might even happen between now and April 15th. What we do know is that there will still be tax day and that we have the power in our own hands to organize our tax documents from this current year and get ready to face 2021 head-on. This season might not be as jolly or bright as the years past, we understand. However, we are here to make it as holly and jolly as possible. If you have any questions, concerns, or need help finishing out this year or starting off strong in 2021, please never hesitate to reach out. We believe in our community and what to help and support each of you as best we can, let us do our job for you!

What is left of 2020 is still ticking down, so let's hop back into part two of this blog. We will be continuing and wrapping up with our tips, suggestions, and ideas on how to wrap up your finances and taxes this year, and get ready for the upcoming tax season!

HELLO, 2021!
Now that you've read part one of this blog and you have a few ideas on how to prepare for the end of this current year, let's focus on how to prepare for the beginning of this new year. Remember, one of the first things we will always recommend in these situations is to work with a tax advisor or a tax preparation company. Of course, we would recommend working with us, but we understand if you work with another company currently. We've said it before, but please note that tax law does change every year. With how uniquely challenging this year has been, there are bound to be some very new and unique things we will be facing with our 2020 taxes. Working with a company like ours will help ensure that all of these new compliances are followed and that nothing is missed. This will help you avoid any tax penalties, avoid underpaying your taxes, will help avoid overpaying your taxes, and will help get your refund much faster!

Don't begin your filing process until you've received all of your 1099s or W2s. Don't be quiet if a client or your employers are taking their time getting you your tax papers. Make sure to reach out and mention it to them once it's getting a little late in the year. If you haven't received anything by the end of February, it's time to start making phone calls!
When you sit down to file your taxes, make sure you have all of your 2019 tax documents organized and ready to use. Make sure you have all of the documents that you will need and will be used to file for 2020 organized and within reach. This will help the process go faster and will be much less of a headache for you.
Make sure to be prepared for and aware of tax scams and fraud that will begin to pop up starting January 1st!! We've already seen our fair share of scams this year involving our stimulus checks and promising to provide the vaccine early as long as you provide very personal and vital information about yourself, most of the time about your bank account. Please do your research about what scams and frauds are looking like right now, how to spot them, and how to protect yourself from them. Also, if you have loved ones who are unfamiliar with these scams, please make sure you help keep them aware of these possibilities and teach them about what scams are and what they can do.
Decide who's going to prepare your taxes this year as quickly as possible. Decide if it is going to be a tax professional like us here at Hoods or an online option filled out by you. Make the choice now to save money and not miss out on working with a tax pro. The closer you get to tax season, the higher their rates will be. Also, take the time to familiarize yourself with the programs you're going to use and understand how much you will be paying to use them.
Please do not ignore the IRS. If you owe late fees, back taxes, or penalties, please take care of them. Go one step farther and make sure to prepare your taxes on time, if not early, to avoid these issues again.
Make sure your salary is correct, that all of your deductions from your paycheck are correct, and that you've been paid the proper amount throughout the year. This will determine a lot in your taxes.
Consider turning your IRA into a Roth IRA, which will help you save money over time. With a ROTH IRA, withdraws are not looped into your income and you won't have to take out RMPs once you turn 70 and a half.

Just to make sure that we didn't overwhelm you with either part of this blog, we listed only the top things and tasks you need to be thinking about and preparing for now for both your end of the year tax preparation and the tax prep you should be starting 2021 off with. Don't worry, there will be more to come over the next few months and as we inch closer and closer to tax day 2021. We hope that both of these checklists help prepare you to close this year out strongly and to start 2021 out focused and prepared. If you need help to make this upcoming tax season the most stress-free of them all, never hesitate to reach out!

Remember, if you are looking for the best accounting services in Goose Creek, the best tax preparation in Goose Creek, business consulting in Goose Creek, bookkeeping in Goose Creek, or payroll services in Goose Creek, we are here for you! Our phone lines and inboxes are waiting for you. Don't hesitate! Please stay safe, everyone. As our last blog of 2020, we want to thank all of you for your support, your business, and for letting us be apart of this wonderful community. We will continue to work hard for the people of Goose Creek and our whole community. From our family to yours, we hope you had a wonderful holiday and have a fantastic New Year! We will see you soon!

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The Top Ten Best and Worst Things to Spend Your Tax Return On

5/1/2020

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It's tempting to use your tax return to buy something fun and exciting. It's also such a relief when those funds show up in your bank account. But, in a world that is very unsure and uneasy, it might be time to think practically when it comes to your tax return this year!

Hello Goose Creek! How are you? We hope you and your family are doing well, and we hope you know we miss you! Know that through everything we are here for you, and if there is anything we can do to help you, please don't hesitate to reach out to us! It was a much different April than any of us expected or could have imagined. Tax day came and went without much attention. For the first time since 1955, when April 15th officially became tax day, we didn't have to pay our taxes on that day. It was also the first time since 1955 that tax day was moved, this time to July 15th. It was very strange for us, of course. But, we know that for many families in Goose Creek, this might have been a huge relief! Did this help you and your family? If you still haven't paid your taxes, you do have time to do so. But, we do recommend that you do so as quickly as you can. This way you can receive your tax return quicker and possibly your stimulus check too if you haven't already!

Regardless, for every accounting service in Goose Creek and tax preparation in Goose Creek, this was a very strange April. Thankfully there are still plenty of great things to look forward to on the horizon. One of those great things being the appearance of our tax returns in our bank accounts or mailboxes. For many families, the appearance of this money comes with a lot of relief, bills being paid, and sometimes something very fun for the whole family. But, as we mentioned before, this April and the whole of 2020 has created quite a different dynamic for our everyday lives. As much as we love surprising the family with a new TV, A new car, or a family vacation, now might be the time to look at your tax return in ways you never have before. Being the best tax preparation service in Goose Creek, we wanted to share some of the best and worst ways you can spend your tax return. By doing so, we hope to help bring awareness to what is important right now, and what isn't. Please note, we are a family company. We love our town and want each of you to rise to the best of your abilities. We respect the freedom of your decisions but want to help you through these difficult times as best we can.

WHAT NOT TO SPEND YOUR RETURN ON!

The stock market has been tumultuous these past few months. Some view this as a great sign, while others are avoiding it like the plague. The market as a whole has been in a very unique and interesting flux. Some are calling this a buyers market and pressing people to buy now. Your tax return might be burning a hole in your pocket right now while you're sitting at home, but your tax return is not what you should be using to make a quick and hasty investment. Always make sure you research the investments you want to make and how to properly do so. Making a poor investment can lead to losing your whole tax return, and then some.
The decision to not spend your tax return and just let it sit in your bank account might seem like a wise decision right now. But let us convince you otherwise. Just letting it sit there can tempt you to spend it on all kinds of fun or unneeded items, helping it disappear before you know it. Delegate where your tax return is the most useful to your budget and your needs right now. Put some in your savings, get ahead on your bills, bulk up your emergency fund, and plan out your grocery trips based on this money. This way you're using your refund where you need it right now, and don't wind up in an even more difficult position than before.
One of the most obvious things not to spend your return on right now, and one that we've been hinting at, is a big splurge or big-ticket item. Think about it, most of these items or trips can't be enjoyed or used right now. A new car, unless it is needed, can add on a very expensive insurance policy you can't afford right now. Also, tax returns, just like a normal paycheck, don't last forever. As much as differing bills and payments have been helping right now, those bills aren't going away forever. Neither are your grocery bills, utilities, expenses, and gas expenses. A splurge can be very exciting for a short period, but it doesn't last forever.
We are online more and more every day for work, school, and play. Some of us are looking for a way to supplement lost income, get a new job, or ease our boredom. The world might have shut down, but there are still so many get rich quick scams out there waiting to pounce on you and your tax return, promising to double your money overnight. If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Avoid buying into these companies regularly, but avoid them now even more in particular.
Expanding on the idea of those 'get rich quick' ideas, avoid gambling online or other pay to play games online. It might be a fun and exciting thing to do while we're all at home, but it's just as easy to lose it all from the comfort of your living room as it would be in Las Vegas. Also, avoid spending your return on scratch-off lotto tickets and the state lottery in general.

WHAT TO SPEND YOUR RETURN ON!

Buy groceries and other essential items. Hoarding these items is not helpful or necessary right now. But, buying a larger quantity of groceries and important household items than you normally would can help limit the number of trips you're making outside of your home. This can help keep you and your family members healthier and safer.
Catch up on your bills and try and pay ahead. Like we mentioned above, these funds won't last forever, while your bills will. Help yourself by getting ahead as much as you can, and stay prepared.
Like we have mentioned in our past few blogs, keeping up with paying into your retirement fund and leaving it alone right now is very important. If you haven't been able to do so because of the change in your financial situation, take the opportunity to do so now!
Everything is so unknown right now, the job market is very unsteady, and hurricane season is right around the corner. Using this money to bulk up your emergency fund can help you make it through these unknown times now, and once hurricane season shows it's ugly face.
Now is a great time to invest in yourself and your home. Thanks to online education, you can still sign up to finally finish your degree or start the new degree you've been dreaming of. We also offer Quickbooks training and services, which is a great investment for your personal and small business finances. Thanks to online shopping, you can still order those appliances you've been needing to replace or those materials you need to finish up all of your home makeover projects. It is also the perfect time to support local companies! Hire small companies to do all those repairs you've wanted that are just beyond your skill sets. Support local businesses of all kinds if you can, you're investing in your community and helping it stay strong and united.

Money can be a difficult and tricky topic, but it doesn't have to be. We hope these tips help you and your family through this difficult time. Remember if you are looking for the best accounting services in Goose Creek, the best tax preparation in Goose Creek, business consulting in Goose Creek, bookkeeping in Goose Creek, or payroll services in Goose Creek, we are here for you! Our phone lines and inboxes are waiting for you. Don't hesitate! Please stay safe, everyone. We will see you soon!

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Managing Your Money Now

4/17/2020

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Money for many of us is tighter in new ways than we could ever have imagined. How can you make life a little easier while you adapt to the changing world around you?

It seems strange that while the world is turned on its head and we are living differently than we ever have before, there are still bills to pay, groceries and important items to buy, and other possible expenses heading our way. Before your tax return shows up and the stimulus check appears in your bank account, money might be very tight at the moment. For those of you who have been put on furlough or have been laid off from your job and you're now depending on an unemployment check or your savings, these times are even scarier. For those who don't have unemployment or savings, these times could be very dire. We understand, and we sympathize with you. With these changing times, we wanted to share a few tips and pieces of advice to help manage your money while the world is on hold. We hope these tips and suggestions help while you wait on your tax return, your stimulus checks, and to head back to work.

Pause every streaming service, monthly subscription, and monthly subscription box that you don't need right now. If you're streaming on Netflix, Prime, Hulu, Disney Plus, HBO, Apple TV, and beyond try and pair it down to one or two. Share an account with someone and split the price. Those fun little things in the mail and those services you don't use every day can add up, cutting back on a few or all of them can put some much needed money back into your pocket.
Call all of your credit card and loan companies and explain your situation to them, and see if they can help you in any way. Many companies have already jumped at the opportunity to help their clients. Some are not charging interest through the months that have seen shutdowns, stay at home orders, and closures. Others are working case by case. They could offer you more time to pay back what you owe so debt doesn't begin to pile up and your credit score doesn't start to plunge. It might take some time to get through to talk to someone on the phone since so many people are dealing with handling this situation. But, it's worth the wait. You're home right now anyway! Not paying your bills and not contacting the people you owe money to isn't a choice. Call them and they can and will more than likely want to help you as best they can.
As much as we adore supporting local companies and whole heartily support you doing the same, pick and choose how often you're eating out. Although many apps are eliminating delivery fees, some of our favorite restaurants can still cost a pretty penny when we get our takeout and delivery meals. That includes your fancy coffee drinks that you might still be getting too. We understand that these treats are needed to make you feel a sense of normalcy, but be smart about it. Try and cook most of your meals at home. This will save you money and help you follow social distancing and the work or home orders even better!
That being said, if you are financially able to without any issues or worries of being strapped for money down the line, we do suggest supporting local businesses. Keeping the economy as flush as possible will help the return to normal business. This will also help a ton of people who still need help paying their bills. There are some restaurants and businesses that are offering perks if you buy gift cards from them while they are currently shut down. You might not be able to use the gift cards right now or enjoy their services, but some of the perks that come with the purchase can be special.
You're working from home right now, right? You now have a designated part of your home that is your office, and you are using your phone and internet to help workers throughout the day. Do you know what that means? Tax write-offs! Be very vigilant in keeping track of all of your business expenses while you're working from home. It might not help you right away, but it could be a big payoff for next year's taxes!
If you haven't already, file your taxes sooner rather than later. As we have discussed in recent blogs, tax day has been officially moved from April 15th to July 15th. Although that might be a relief to you so you don't have to pay what you owe right now, getting your taxes in sooner means getting your refund quicker. This will help boost your bank account for a bit in between receiving your stimulus checks, and your unemployment money, or even your current salary. If your income from 2019 is lower than that of 2018, you could be receiving a larger amount in your stimulus check, too!
Always be prepared. None of us are sure when this will all end and when our finances will return to normal. If at all possible, keep adding to your emergency fund and don't touch it until you have to. Also, keep saving for your retirement. We know that might be the last thing on your mind right now, but just like staying up to date on your bill payments, paying into your retirement needs to remain just as important. You don't want your future finances to be destroyed by what you're going through right now if you can help it.
It has also be recommended to leave your stock portfolio alone. The rise and fall of the stock market has been intense to watch recently, and for many, it has been very tempting to cash out now for fear of what could happen net. But, try and hold onto it! When we get back to business, can you imagine how the stock market will rise and prosper? It could very well be in your best interest to hang on.
Try and avoid touching your IRA or any other retirement savings. It is very hard to think about your finances in the years to come right now. But, even though you might need the money now, you don't want to put yourself in a difficult position later down the line. There are other options. Avoid touching this money until you have to. Your future self will appreciate it.
We have all felt the need to rush out and stock up and stockpile everything we think we need to get us through whatever else could be next. There is some merit to stocking up, but overbuying out of panic can put you in a financial pinch. Overbuying can lead to a lot of food going bad, and flushing money down the toilet. This can put a huge strain on the budget you're working with. Be smart when making your grocery trips and be mindful of what you need.
We are saving so much money on not getting our hair and nails done, not going shopping, not buying gas, or even eating out as often. Put all of that extra money into your emergency fund!
Retail therapy will be very tempting. We are all at home on our phones or computers killing time or working, and those advertisements for our favorite products will continue to pop up. It will be so easy to shop online even more now, but try and curb those cravings.

At the end of the day, the biggest thing you need to focus on is to not panic and to make wise decisions. Panicking can lead to some very drastic decisions, especially when it comes to your money. Please remember we are all going through this together. We are here to answer any questions you might have or to advise you during this difficult time. We are still here to offer everyone in Goose Creek the best tax services too. Please don't be a stranger. Give us a call or email us, we will figure out your next best step, together!

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Hoods Tax &
Accounting Blog

What Happens If You Can't Pay Your Tax Bill?

The Dangers Of The Stimulus Scams

How To Claim Unpaid Stimulus Money On Your 2020 Tax Return

Tax Preparation Tips for 2021 (Part two!)

Tax Preparation Tips for 2021 (Part One)

End of the Year Tax Preparation (Part Two!)

The Top Ten Best and Worst Things to Spend Your Tax Return On

Managing Your Money Now

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