Taxpayers like to say one thing and do another. They also have some interesting requests as the filing deadline hits. Here's how crazy we are.
“Ignore them and they’ll go away” is great advice for some of life’s annoyances. Unfortunately, it doesn’t apply to taxes. While the IRS has taken great pains to rehab its scary image (and is actually pretty decent to deal with), it still can and will go after people who blow off their taxes and deliver [...]
For the past 12 years, the top category of consumer complaints fielded by the Federal Trade Commission has been identity theft. In 2011, this category made up 15% of all complaints. Crooks have many ways of stealing your personal data, and they’re getting even more inventive as the number of ways they can access your information grows.
The deadline to file your income taxes is right around the corner, but if you’re forgetful or just a dedicated procrastinator, don’t start hyperventilating just yet. Here’s how to get your taxes done pronto, perhaps even with hours (OK, minutes) to spare.
While it’s possible to file your taxes months in advance, it’s commonplace to procrastinate and not get to the task until the last minute—increasing the chances of making mistakes and overpaying while you’re at it. So why is it that so many of us stall so much when it comes to filling out 1040s?
Mid-April, long known for its looming annual tax deadline, has in recent years also developed a reputation as a season of giveaways and special deals from coffee shops, restaurants, movie theaters, and more. This year ushers in a return, so to speak, of deals related to Tax Day, some available well before April 17.
Most people know that they get tax breaks on their kids and on the mortgage interest they pay on their homes, but experts say many taxpayers leave a slew of other deductions and credits on the table that could potentially save them big bucks.
You may want to stay off the roads early next week: a new study shows that the risk of fatal car crashes goes up on tax day.
Tax preparers toil in obscurity for most of the year, trying to keep track of the ever-changing kaleidoscope that is our federal tax code. But when crunch time comes for taxpayers to get their returns filed to the Internal Revenue Service’s satisfaction, everybody wants an expert in their corner willing to dispense advice and explain the [...]
While just the prospect of an audit is enough to strike fear in taxpayers’ hearts, the truth is that less than 2% of taxpayers get audited a year. The IRS is tight-lipped about exactly what gets your tax return selected for extra scrutiny, but tax pros say it’s an ever evolving combination of factors. None [...]
If you’re having trouble paying your taxes or want to fight late fees, these tips can help you negotiate with the IRS.
