The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) today reminded taxpayers that Thursday, October 15 is the deadline to timely file their 2008 state income tax return to avoid late filing penalties.
State law contains an automatic extension for personal income tax returns. More than 1.5 million Californians take advantage of that extension annually.
ReadyReturn and CalFile will be available through October 15 on FTB’s website ftb.ca.gov. With ReadyReturn, the tax-filing burden is reduced by using wage and tax withholding data already provided to the state by employers to complete qualifying taxpayers’ returns. CalFile is a free, direct-to-government, e-file program that accepts income of up to $326,379, itemized deductions, and some tax credits.
Taxpayers can also use a tax preparer, or one of the other free or fee-based e-file services listed on FTB’s website. E-filing provides faster refunds, increased accuracy, and a timely confirmation that FTB received the return. For quick refunds, FTB encourages taxpayers to opt for direct deposit into their bank account.
Taxpayers can also access MyFTB Account, an online service where taxpayers can view their wage and withholding information, estimated payments, FTB issued 1099 data, and current balance information.
FTB offers taxpayers electronic payment options as well. FTB’s WebPay is a secure online service that provides the convenience of online bill payment. Taxpayers can pay the current amount owed; plus, schedule future payments, such as estimated tax payments, for up to one year in advance. Taxpayers can also pay using their Discover/NOVUS, MasterCard, American Express, or Visa credit cards. To pay by credit card, taxpayers can call (800) 2PAY TAX [(800) 272-9829] or visit officialpayments.com. The vendor charges a convenience fee.
Installment payment plans are available on FTB’s website for taxpayers who face financial trouble. Those who owe less than $25,000 and can repay the tax within five years generally qualify.
Recent tax law changes make now a good time for taxpayers to review their withholding amounts to make sure the correct amount of taxes are being withheld from their wages. The 2009 California Tax Rates and Exemptions tables are now available at ftb.ca.gov. California’s personal income tax rates were increased by .25 percent and the dependent exemption credit changed from $309 to $98, the same as the personal exemption credit.
As of October 6, 2009, California taxpayers filed more than 14.7 million personal income tax returns of which 10.5 million were e-filed. The state has issued 9.8 million refunds totaling $8.4 billion.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Keeping Good Records Reduces Stress at Tax Time
Although most people won’t be filing their tax returns for several months, the dog days of summer are actually a great time to start planning for the tax filing season by ensuring your records are organized. Whether you are an individual taxpayer or a business owner, you can avoid headaches at tax time with good records because they will help you remember transactions you made during the year.
Here are a few things the IRS wants you to know about recordkeeping.
Keeping well-organized records also ensures you can answer questions if your return is selected for examination or prepare a response if you are billed for additional tax. In most cases, the IRS does not require you to keep records in any special manner. Generally speaking, you should keep any and all documents that may have an impact on your federal tax return.
Here are a few things the IRS wants you to know about recordkeeping.
Keeping well-organized records also ensures you can answer questions if your return is selected for examination or prepare a response if you are billed for additional tax. In most cases, the IRS does not require you to keep records in any special manner. Generally speaking, you should keep any and all documents that may have an impact on your federal tax return.
Individual taxpayers should usually keep the following records supporting items on their tax returns for at least three years:
Bills
Credit card and other receipts
Invoices
Mileage logs
Canceled, imaged or substitute checks or any other proof of payment
Any other records to support deductions or credits you claim on your return
You should normally keep records relating to property until at least three years after you sell or otherwise dispose of the property.
Examples include:
A home purchase or improvement
Stocks and other investments
Individual Retirement Arrangement transactions
Rental property records
If you are a small business owner, you must keep all your employment tax records for at least four years after the tax becomes due or is paid, whichever is later. Examples of important documents business owners should keep Include:
Gross receipts: Cash register tapes, bank deposit slips, receipt books, invoices, credit card charge slips and Forms 1099-MISC
Proof of purchases: Canceled checks, cash register tape receipts, credit card sales slips and invoices
Expense documents: Canceled checks, cash register tapes, account statements, credit card sales slips, invoices and petty cash slips for small cash payments
Documents to verify your assets: Purchase and sales invoices, real estate closing statements and canceled checks
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
First-Time Homebuyer Credit - Deadline December 1st
First-Time Homebuyer Credit Provides Tax Benefit to 1.4 Million Families to Date, More Claims Expected
With the deadline quickly approaching, the Internal Revenue Service has reminded potential homebuyers that they must complete their first-time home purchases before Dec. 1 to qualify for the special first-time homebuyer credit. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act extended the tax credit, which has provided a tax benefit to more than 1.4 million taxpayers so far. The credit of up to $8,000 is generally available to homebuyers with qualifying income levels who have never owned a home or have not owned one in the past three years.
With the deadline quickly approaching, the Internal Revenue Service has reminded potential homebuyers that they must complete their first-time home purchases before Dec. 1 to qualify for the special first-time homebuyer credit. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act extended the tax credit, which has provided a tax benefit to more than 1.4 million taxpayers so far. The credit of up to $8,000 is generally available to homebuyers with qualifying income levels who have never owned a home or have not owned one in the past three years.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Five Facts about the Making Work Pay Tax Credit
Working taxpayers may be eligible for the Making Work Pay tax credit, a significant tax provision of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This tax credit means more take-home pay for millions of American workers. Here are five things the IRS wants every taxpayer to know about the Making Work Pay tax credit:
1. This credit -- available for tax years 2009 and 2010 -- equals 6.2 percent of a taxpayer’s earned income. The maximum credit for a married couple filing a joint return is $800 and $400 for other taxpayers. Most wage earners have been enjoying a boost in their paychecks from this credit since April.
2. Eligible self-employed taxpayers can also benefit from the credit by evaluating their expected income tax liability. If eligible, self-employed taxpayers can make the appropriate adjustments to the amounts of their upcoming estimated tax payments in September and January.
3. Taxpayers who fall into any of the following groups should review their tax withholding to ensure enough tax is being withheld. Those who should pay particular attention to their withholding include:
Married couples with two incomes
Individuals with multiple jobs
Dependents
Pensioners
Social Security recipients who also work
Workers without valid Social Security numbers
Having too little tax withheld could result in potentially smaller refunds or – in limited instances –small balance due rather than an expected refund.
4. The Making Work Pay tax credit is either phased out or unavailable for higher-income taxpayers. The phase out begins at $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for couples filing a joint return.
5. For those who believe their current withholding is not right for their personal situation, a quick withholding check using the IRS withholding calculator on IRS.gov may be helpful. Taxpayers can also do this by using the worksheets in IRS Publication 919, How Do I Adjust My Withholding? Adjustments can be made by filing a revised Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate. Pensioners can adjust their withholding by filing Form W-4P, Withholding Certificate for Pension or Annuity Payments.
1. This credit -- available for tax years 2009 and 2010 -- equals 6.2 percent of a taxpayer’s earned income. The maximum credit for a married couple filing a joint return is $800 and $400 for other taxpayers. Most wage earners have been enjoying a boost in their paychecks from this credit since April.
2. Eligible self-employed taxpayers can also benefit from the credit by evaluating their expected income tax liability. If eligible, self-employed taxpayers can make the appropriate adjustments to the amounts of their upcoming estimated tax payments in September and January.
3. Taxpayers who fall into any of the following groups should review their tax withholding to ensure enough tax is being withheld. Those who should pay particular attention to their withholding include:
Married couples with two incomes
Individuals with multiple jobs
Dependents
Pensioners
Social Security recipients who also work
Workers without valid Social Security numbers
Having too little tax withheld could result in potentially smaller refunds or – in limited instances –small balance due rather than an expected refund.
4. The Making Work Pay tax credit is either phased out or unavailable for higher-income taxpayers. The phase out begins at $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for couples filing a joint return.
5. For those who believe their current withholding is not right for their personal situation, a quick withholding check using the IRS withholding calculator on IRS.gov may be helpful. Taxpayers can also do this by using the worksheets in IRS Publication 919, How Do I Adjust My Withholding? Adjustments can be made by filing a revised Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate. Pensioners can adjust their withholding by filing Form W-4P, Withholding Certificate for Pension or Annuity Payments.
Technology Expenses Make the Grade for Qualified Tuition Programs
Taxpayers who purchase computer technology for higher education purposes may be eligible for a special tax break. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 added computer equipment and technology to the list of college expenses that can be paid for by a qualified tuition program, commonly referred to as a 529 plan.
A qualified, nontaxable distribution from a 529 plan during 2009 or 2010 now includes the cost of the purchase of any computer technology, equipment or Internet access and related services. To qualify the beneficiary must use the technology, equipment or services while enrolled at an eligible educational institution.
Here are some things the IRS wants you to know about 529 plans.
A 529 plan is an educational savings plan designed to provide tax-free earnings for the benefit of a student. Withdrawals must be used for qualified higher education expenses at an eligible educational institution.
Qualified higher education expenses include tuition, reasonable costs of room and board, mandatory fees, computer technology, supplies and books.
An eligible educational institution includes any college, university, vocational school or other postsecondary educational institution eligible to participate in a student aid program administered by the Department of Education.
Contributions to a 529 plan cannot be more than the amount necessary to provide for a student’s qualified education expenses.
A qualified, nontaxable distribution from a 529 plan during 2009 or 2010 now includes the cost of the purchase of any computer technology, equipment or Internet access and related services. To qualify the beneficiary must use the technology, equipment or services while enrolled at an eligible educational institution.
Here are some things the IRS wants you to know about 529 plans.
A 529 plan is an educational savings plan designed to provide tax-free earnings for the benefit of a student. Withdrawals must be used for qualified higher education expenses at an eligible educational institution.
Qualified higher education expenses include tuition, reasonable costs of room and board, mandatory fees, computer technology, supplies and books.
An eligible educational institution includes any college, university, vocational school or other postsecondary educational institution eligible to participate in a student aid program administered by the Department of Education.
Contributions to a 529 plan cannot be more than the amount necessary to provide for a student’s qualified education expenses.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Eight Things to Know if you Recieve an IRS Notice
Every year, the IRS sends millions of letters and notices to taxpayers. Many taxpayers will receive this correspondence during the late summer and fall. Here are eight things every taxpayer should know about IRS notices – just in case one shows up in your mailbox.
1. Don’t panic. Many of these letters can be dealt with simply and painlessly.
2. There are number of reasons the IRS sends notices to taxpayers. The notice may request payment of taxes, notify you of a change to your account or request additional information. The notice you receive normally covers a very specific issue about your account or tax return.
3. Each letter and notice offers specific instructions on what you are asked to do to satisfy the inquiry.
4. If you receive a correction notice, you should review the correspondence and compare it with the information on your return.
5. If you agree with the correction to your account, usually no reply is necessary unless a payment is due.
6. If you do not agree with the correction the IRS made, it is important that you respond as requested. Write to explain why you disagree. Include any documents and information you wish the IRS to consider, along with the bottom tear-off portion of the notice. Mail the information to the IRS address shown in the upper left-hand corner of the notice. Allow at least 30 days for a response.
7. Most correspondence can be handled without calling or visiting an IRS office. However, if you have questions, call the telephone number in the upper right-hand corner of the notice. Have a copy of your tax return and the correspondence available when you call to help us respond to your inquiry.
8. It’s important that you keep copies of any correspondence with your records.
1. Don’t panic. Many of these letters can be dealt with simply and painlessly.
2. There are number of reasons the IRS sends notices to taxpayers. The notice may request payment of taxes, notify you of a change to your account or request additional information. The notice you receive normally covers a very specific issue about your account or tax return.
3. Each letter and notice offers specific instructions on what you are asked to do to satisfy the inquiry.
4. If you receive a correction notice, you should review the correspondence and compare it with the information on your return.
5. If you agree with the correction to your account, usually no reply is necessary unless a payment is due.
6. If you do not agree with the correction the IRS made, it is important that you respond as requested. Write to explain why you disagree. Include any documents and information you wish the IRS to consider, along with the bottom tear-off portion of the notice. Mail the information to the IRS address shown in the upper left-hand corner of the notice. Allow at least 30 days for a response.
7. Most correspondence can be handled without calling or visiting an IRS office. However, if you have questions, call the telephone number in the upper right-hand corner of the notice. Have a copy of your tax return and the correspondence available when you call to help us respond to your inquiry.
8. It’s important that you keep copies of any correspondence with your records.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Ten Tips for Taxpayers Making Charitable Donations
Ten Tips for Taxpayers Making Charitable Donations
Every year, millions of taxpayers itemize their deductions on their federal tax return. One of the most common itemized deductions is a donation made to a charitable organization.
Here are the top ten things the IRS wants every taxpayer to know before deducting charitable donations.
1. Charitable contributions must be made to qualified organizations to be deductible. You can ask any organization whether it is a qualified organization and most will be able to tell you. You can also check IRS Publication 78, which lists most qualified organizations. IRS Publication 78 is available at IRS.gov.
2. Charitable contributions are deductible only if you itemize deductions using Form 1040, Schedule A.
3. You generally can deduct your cash contributions and the fair market value of most property you donate to a qualified organization. Special rules apply to several types of donated property, including clothing or household items, cars and boats.
4. If your contribution entitles you to receive merchandise, goods, or services in return – such as admission to a charity banquet or sporting event – you can deduct only the amount that exceeds the fair market value of the benefit received.
5. Be sure to keep good records of any contribution you make, regardless of the amount. For any contribution made in cash, you must maintain a record of the contribution such as a bank record – including a cancelled check or a bank or credit card statement – a written record from the charity containing the date and amount of the contribution and the donor’s name, or a payroll deduction record.
6. Only contributions actually made during the tax year are deductible. For example, if you pledged $500 in September but paid the charity only $200 by Dec. 31, your deduction would be $200.
7. Include credit card charges and payments by check in the year they are given to the charity, even though you may not pay the credit card bill or have your bank account debited until the next year.
8. For any contribution of $250 or more, you must have written acknowledgment from the organization to substantiate your donation. This written proof must include the amount of cash and a description of any property you contributed, and whether the organization provided any goods or services in exchange for the gift.
9. To deduct charitable contributions of items valued at $500 or more you must complete a Form 8283, Noncash Charitable Contributions, and attached the form to your return.
10. An appraisal generally must be obtained if you claim a deduction for a contribution of noncash property worth more than $5,000. In that case, you must also fill out Section B of Form 8283 and attach the form to your return.
Every year, millions of taxpayers itemize their deductions on their federal tax return. One of the most common itemized deductions is a donation made to a charitable organization.
Here are the top ten things the IRS wants every taxpayer to know before deducting charitable donations.
1. Charitable contributions must be made to qualified organizations to be deductible. You can ask any organization whether it is a qualified organization and most will be able to tell you. You can also check IRS Publication 78, which lists most qualified organizations. IRS Publication 78 is available at IRS.gov.
2. Charitable contributions are deductible only if you itemize deductions using Form 1040, Schedule A.
3. You generally can deduct your cash contributions and the fair market value of most property you donate to a qualified organization. Special rules apply to several types of donated property, including clothing or household items, cars and boats.
4. If your contribution entitles you to receive merchandise, goods, or services in return – such as admission to a charity banquet or sporting event – you can deduct only the amount that exceeds the fair market value of the benefit received.
5. Be sure to keep good records of any contribution you make, regardless of the amount. For any contribution made in cash, you must maintain a record of the contribution such as a bank record – including a cancelled check or a bank or credit card statement – a written record from the charity containing the date and amount of the contribution and the donor’s name, or a payroll deduction record.
6. Only contributions actually made during the tax year are deductible. For example, if you pledged $500 in September but paid the charity only $200 by Dec. 31, your deduction would be $200.
7. Include credit card charges and payments by check in the year they are given to the charity, even though you may not pay the credit card bill or have your bank account debited until the next year.
8. For any contribution of $250 or more, you must have written acknowledgment from the organization to substantiate your donation. This written proof must include the amount of cash and a description of any property you contributed, and whether the organization provided any goods or services in exchange for the gift.
9. To deduct charitable contributions of items valued at $500 or more you must complete a Form 8283, Noncash Charitable Contributions, and attached the form to your return.
10. An appraisal generally must be obtained if you claim a deduction for a contribution of noncash property worth more than $5,000. In that case, you must also fill out Section B of Form 8283 and attach the form to your return.
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