The IRS Audit Blog

Archive for August, 2009

Question: New IRS Charitable Giving Rules for 2006 or 2007? Can I still e-file?

Do the new IRS rules under the Pension Protection Act of 2006 prohibits donors from declaring contributions to charitable organizations unless they can produce records of the transactions impact 2006 filing, or is it for 2007? Also, either way, if I have the records of proof, but file electronically, do I need to do anything, or do I merely hold on to the records for a potential audit? In other words, can I still e-file, or do I need to mail my return in with the documentation of the donations?

Answer: yes you can still e file the only thing is that youll have to keep those receipts from the organizations just in case you do get audited. If you dont get a receipt you can also use a canceled check or some other document that shows you did in fact contribute.

Many tax credits, deductions overlooked

If you thought you had the tax laws figured out, guess again.

Tips from the IRS – Charitable Contributions

Question: IRS audit advice?

If I am having problems working with my IRS auditor would I be better off pushing the file to appeals court? Does it look bad for an auditor not to close out the file. Just looking for some helpful hints to use to get the auditor to work with me.

Answer: If you are not able to reach an agreement with the Revenue agent, you can ask for a conference with their manager. If it is not resolved then, you can take it to Appeals. The Appeals office is fair and impartial. Unlike the Revenue Agent, they are not rated to any degree by how much they bill out in tax assessments. However, they may hold you to the same standard of evidence. Depending on how much money is involved, it is probably a good idea to go to Appeals if you feel you have valid proof and legal basis.

Find the Right Tax Pro Pronto!

The best $59.99 I ever spent to save my sanity was on a standard two-drawer vertical filing cabinet. Without it, I — like the average taxpayer — would probably spend close to 33 hours preparing my itemized return every year, including 14.6 hours slogging through tax records. Ooof.

Question: need instructions for irs form 1040x?

Answer: go to this link. the instructions for the 1040x are here

What is an ITIN – and who needs one?

To file a U.S. tax return you do need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for every person listed on that tax return. Filing a return is not a choice, but an obligation for all who earn income in the United States regardless of their legal status.