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Economic Impact Payments – What you need to know

Check IRS.gov for the latest information: No action needed by most people at this time

IR-2020-61, March 30, 2020

WASHINGTON – The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service today announced that distribution of economic impact payments will begin in the next three weeks and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people. However, some seniors and others who typically do not file returns will need to submit a simple tax return to receive the stimulus payment.

Who is eligible for the economic impact payment?
Tax filers with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 for individuals and up to $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns will receive the full payment. For filers with income above those amounts, the payment amount is reduced by $5 for each $100 above the $75,000/$150,000 thresholds. Single filers with income exceeding $99,000 and $198,000 for joint filers with no children are not eligible.

Eligible taxpayers who filed tax returns for either 2019 or 2018 will automatically receive an economic impact payment of up to $1,200 for individuals or $2,400 for married couples. Parents also receive $500 for each qualifying child.

How will the IRS know where to send my payment?
The vast majority of people do not need to take any action. The IRS will calculate and automatically send the economic impact payment to those eligible.

For people who have already filed their 2019 tax returns, the IRS will use this information to calculate the payment amount. For those who have not yet filed their return for 2019, the IRS will use information from their 2018 tax filing to calculate the payment. The economic impact payment will be deposited directly into the same banking account reflected on the return filed.

The IRS does not have my direct deposit information. What can I do?
In the coming weeks, Treasury plans to develop a web-based portal for individuals to provide their banking information to the IRS online, so that individuals can receive payments immediately as opposed to checks in the mail.

I am not typically required to file a tax return. Can I still receive my payment?
Yes. People who typically do not file a tax return will need to file a simple tax return to receive an economic impact payment. Low-income taxpayers, senior citizens, Social Security recipients, some veterans and individuals with disabilities who are otherwise not required to file a tax return will not owe tax.

How can I file the tax return needed to receive my economic impact payment?
IRS.gov/coronavirus will soon provide information instructing people in these groups on how to file a 2019 tax return with simple, but necessary, information including their filing status, number of dependents and direct deposit bank account information.

I have not filed my tax return for 2018 or 2019. Can I still receive an economic impact payment?
Yes. The IRS urges anyone with a tax filing obligation who has not yet filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019 to file as soon as they can to receive an economic impact payment. Taxpayers should include direct deposit banking information on the return.

I need to file a tax return. How long are the economic impact payments available?
For those concerned about visiting a tax professional or local community organization in person to get help with a tax return, these economic impact payments will be available throughout the rest of 2020.

Where can I get more information?
The IRS will post all key information on IRS.gov/coronavirus as soon as it becomes available.

 

Ransomware and Email Scams

Over the past month there have been a few local companies that have been affected by ransomware and email scams and some of them are in bad shape. Don’t know what ransomware is? Ransomware is when a hacker or a cyber terrorist steal your information or hack into your system and hold your system or information hostage for money. In most cases they ask for bitcoins which are untraceable and the FBI often does not catch these suspects making it near impossible to police.

How do you defend yourself against this?

  • Regular backups of your server and website.
  • Stronger password management – NEVER use your office computer or office email password for any online passwords.
  • Antivirus software.
  • Employee training on what to watch for in potential email scams.

If you want more information about security and backups, call us or visit g3cpa.com and we will assist you in developing a strategy to protect your information.

Is hiring a CPA worth it in 2018?

Some individuals will continue to feel comfortable using tax preparation software, but there are circumstances where “you don’t know what you don’t know,” requiring you to call in the help of a CPA. A great CPA can provide much more value than just the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your forms are correct. They can provide planning and tax advisory services, consultation, business and international accounting, forensic accounting, business valuation and more.

Read on to learn four reasons why it’s worth hiring a CPA.

  1. To better understand your big financial picture

There are a variety of questions to determine if a CPA is right for helping you assess your overall financial well-being:

  • Do I have a clear grasp of my financial situation and how the new law will shape it?
  • When will I reach my savings or investment goals? Should I set new ones now?
  • How does tax reform affect decisions such as selling my house, retiring, taking a sabbatical, supporting a favorite charity, or sending my kid (or me) to college or grad school?

Figuring this out on your own is tough. Having a trusted adviser in your corner who knows all about your circumstances and looks at the big picture can make a critical difference. A CPA can help you start thinking about strategic timing and next steps, so you don’t miss out on important opportunities.

  1. To help you save for the big stuff

If saving up for education expenses, a baby or retirement seems daunting, you’re not alone. Some frequently asked questions in this area are:

  • My spouse wants to go to grad school. Can we swing this?
  • What is the best way to contribute to my children’s’/nieces’/nephews’/grandchildren’s college costs?
  • Am I saving enough to retire early? Is that even possible?

A CPA will help you strategize, whether you’re saving for school or saving for retirement. For example, under the new law, 529 funds can be used to pay private school tuition. A CPA can recommend the best way to fund the 529 and how and when to use it. A CPA can also assist in evaluating investment options that would be the most tax efficient to maximize your return in retirement.

  1. To make the most of your retirement

Your ideal retirement might be sipping a cocktail on the beach, or it might be trekking across America in an RV. Either way, there are specific questions to ask yourself in order to make the most of this next life stage, such as:

  • When should I start receiving Social Security benefits? What are the tax implications?
  • What is the best way to draw down retirement funds to minimize taxes and prevent financial problems?
  • Is my estate planning in order?

Knowing how to handle Social Security benefits is critical. In 2017, 50% of married couples and 71% of single people aged 65 and older relied on Social Security for at least half of their income. A CPA can fill you in on what you need to know and work with you to develop an action plan.

Similarly, he or she can work with you and other professionals to create an estate plan that honors your wishes and minimizes taxes for your beneficiaries. Tax reform greatly reduced the number of taxpayers subject to federal estate tax, but only through 2025. If your state taxes estates, you will need to take that into consideration. Thinking about the distribution of your assets can be difficult; however, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing everything is in order.

  1. To prepare you for whatever life throws at you

We all know the reality of the Forrest Gump quote – “Life is like a box of chocolates: you never know what you’re going to get.” Here are some important questions to consider before “life happens”:

  • If a natural disaster hits my home or business, do I have a plan for financial recovery?
  • Am I handling my health care expenses correctly to save the most money?
  • If I am injured or become seriously ill, do I know how I can pay the bills?

So, if your particular box of chocolates sticks you with the coconut-filled one you hate, how can a CPA help? Many CPAs are knowledgeable about insurance, such as long-term disability and property, and can advise you on what you need to be prepared. And if they don’t offer this service directly, they most likely partner with an expert in the area so they can oversee your full financial picture. They also know about the tax incentives related to health care that may help you save and pay for medical expenses.

Next step: Making the Decision

If you’re not sure you’re on the right financial path, or what your path should even be, seriously consider contacting a CPA. To quote entrepreneur and business philosopher Jim Rohn, “You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction overnight.”

Of course, as a CPA, I’m biased. I’m extremely proud of my profession and believe deeply that people will benefit from our expertise. So let me share a more impartial comment from Manny, one of our readers in response to a much earlier blog, Is Hiring a CPA Worth it?: “Hiring a CPA may be a little costly in the beginning but will pay off in the long run. Tax planning and account management can be really confusing. Having a business and personal adviser will help save your time and money.”

For more information on working with a CPA, visit 360finlit.org. And to find one near you, visit cpasdotax.com.

April Walker, CPA, CGMA, Lead Manager Tax Practice & Ethics, Association of International Certified Professional Accountants

http://blog.aicpa.org/2018/07/is-hiring-a-cpa-worth-it-in-2018.html?j=119048&sfmc_sub=109806783&l=147_HTML&u=3926575&mid=7306387&jb=112&SubscriberID=109806783&Site=aicpa&LinkID=3926575&cid=email:nupdate:PFP:editor:aicpa&SendID=119048#sthash.J4TVyjJJ.1hGav8IG.dpbs

 

12 Tax Deductions for Realtors

Tax season is difficult for everyone. For those working as independent real estate agents, things can be even messier. If realtors are aware of these 12 tax deductions, their lives will be much easier when tax time comes around. Take a look at a few tax deductions that will help to save some money.

Vehicle Mileage
Much of a realtor’s time is spent driving clients to and from properties. Realtors in the United States alone drive billions of miles each year. Vehicle mileage is deductible as long as date, time, distance, and purpose of the trip are logged. The IRS determined the 2018 mileage rates to be 54.5 cents for every mile of business travel driven. By multiplying the total miles driven by the mileage rate, one can determine the deduction.

Home Office Deduction
If you have a designated office in your home, you can deduct up to 300 square feet in taxes. The prescribed rate of $5.00 must be multiplied by the square footage of the office. Writing off a home office also takes rent, mortgage, furniture, and other expenses into account. See more on simplifying home office deductions here.

Entertainment, Meals and Gifts for Clients
Taking clients out for lunch to discuss business and dining out on business trips are both acceptable to write off up to 50% if business was the proven highlight of the meal. Keeping track of receipts and other information is crucial, so don’t forget to log your business expenses!

Marketing Materials/Advertising
Traditional forms of advertising such as business cards, yard signs, flyers, and letterhead, as well as digital forms of advertising are all tax deductible.

Uber/Taxi/Lyft Fees
Showings in the city can be a hindrance if you are driving and parking your own vehicle. To save time and money, realtors often use other means of transportation to get their clients to and from different properties.

Office Supplies
Realtors can write off office supply purchases that range from decorations to paper clips.

Desk Fees
The payment agreement between a realtor and his or her broker is deductible. Keep in mind that either the desk fee or the home office fee can be deducted, not both.

Legal or Professional Services
Realtors can deduct any professional service that they hire to make their lives easier, whether it be a law firm, marketing agency, or an accounting firm.

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