The IRS Audit Blog

Archive for March, 2006

Children, education good for tax credits

Dear Action Line: Where can I find the IRS definitions for such things as ‘dependents’ and ‘Child and Dependent Care credit?’ — L.T., Jenks.

Are You A Terrorist?

Question: Should I contact the IRS?

My wife and I won a Dell Laptop from ePrize last summer. We were told that although the prize was free we would have to pay a tax on it.

Well…it has come time to pay our taxes and we have not received our required 1099 tax form from ePrize. I have called and left four messages with them and they have not gotten back to us.

My question is: when is a 1099 tax form required to be mailed and received? And: should I contact the IRS? Are they in violation of any laws since I have not recieved the 1099 tax form yet?

Answer: You must report the fair market value of the prize on line 21, Form 1040; the 1099 is not necessary to file only helpful.

Free income tax assistance offered through VITA

On Friday, Jan. 15, Southwest Oklahoma Community Action Group Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, which helps low-income tax payers claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) by offering…

How to Avoid an IRS Tax Audit : How Prepaying Affects Likelihood of IRS Audit

Question: Sent Tax Return to Wrong Address – Problems?

I filed my tax return, and had it returned today because I apparently screwed up the address line. I somehow put an address that doesn’t exist instead of the IRS, and now I’m fairly certain I’m screwed. I’m sending my return tomorrow to the correct address, but what are the consequences of my mistake?
It is only a refund. Even if there is no penalty, will I be more likely to be audited for filing late?

Answer: Re-send it to the correct address and send them a copy of the original envelope with the post office’s notes on it.

If you don’t owe any money, there will be no problem.

If you owed them money, you may face a penalty, but if you can prove it was an honest mistake they might remove the penalty and interest.

IRS finds preparer mistakes common

Most of us don’t do our own tax returns.My husband did ours for years. He finally surrendered

Michael Lesmes Boot Camp Video #3 – Tax Diary

Question: how should I ask for an extension to the IRS? please?

ok so today is the 2th to last day for me to pay, but i don’t have money… and i don’t know what i have to do, to ask for an extension, i mean do i call, go online or write a letter. please respond fast
i don’t know what to do
im in california so if there a specific number i have to call or web address please tell me

Answer: You can request a 6 month extension by filing out form 4868 for the IRS. But you still have to pay taxes due by April 15. There will be penalties for underpaid taxes if the payment is sent in after April 15. You can pay by credit card.

Here is a link to California with info on state extensions:

http://www.ftb.ca.gov/individuals/faq/ivr/201.shtml

How to spot dubious Haiti charity pleas

The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina , which gutted much of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast in 2005, included thousands of Web sites making bogus appeals for disaster contributions.

Disinherit the IRS – Estate Planning

Frustration, questions swirl around DeSoto Council on Aging

A membership meeting set for Thursday could change the makeup of the Board of Directors.

Certified Public Accountants, Income Tax