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I try to add tax blog articles weekly on tax topics that may be interesting to you. Please browse. If there is a topic you would like to see here or would like to more information on, please contact me.

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My Tax Blog

December 16, 2020 | 2021
2021 Standard Mileage Rates:

Tahoe utility setting at the water's edge of a beach

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2021, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: • 56 cents per mile for business use • 16 cents per mile driven for medical purposes • 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations

October 23, 2020 | 0
COVID Reveals a BROKEN “Tax Cookie Jar” for At Home Employees

A question received: I’ve worked from home since March 2020 because of COVID. Can I claim my home office expenses on my 2020 taxes? The tax year and the employment status (employee vs sub contractor or self employed) matters. For 2020 tax year, there may be a home office tax deduction for: 1. Subcontractor (No … COVID Reveals a BROKEN “Tax Cookie Jar” for At Home Employees

October 7, 2020 | 0
Medical Expense Tax Deduction When Don’t Have Enough to Itemize

In certain circumstances, medical expenses can be deducted on the tax return without itemizing. To see if that option is a good fit for you, some questions: Do you have medical insurance coverage through work or through a family medical insurance plan? Is the medical insurance plan deductible (out of pocket) more than $1,400 for … Medical Expense Tax Deduction When Don’t Have Enough to Itemize

September 16, 2020 | 2020
Penalty Free Retirement Plan Withdrawals—CARE ACT 2020 Tax Year ONLY

The other day someone affected by the COVID related business slowdown asked, . . .”I have bills to pay, heard something on the news about the CARES Act allowing a penalty free (NOT TAX FREE) retirement account distribution. What is the “penalty”? Do I qualify for a penalty free distribution? How to determine the taxes … Penalty Free Retirement Plan Withdrawals—CARE ACT 2020 Tax Year ONLY

September 1, 2020 | 0
How Long Should I Keep Tax Return Copies?

Top half of IRS 1040x amended tax return form

Depends on tax situation: If don’t own a business, then keep AT LEAST four years of tax returns. The IRS has three years after the tax return is filed to review the filed return and send a bill. CAREFUL! IRS can review up to six tax years of tax returns if twenty five percent or … How Long Should I Keep Tax Return Copies?

August 27, 2020 | 0
IRS Pays ME Interest?!

Yes, under certain conditions. FOR TAXPAYERS: The IRS must pay interest if the taxpayer’s tax refund is paid more than 45 days after the tax return due date. Because of the COVID-19 shutdown, some individual taxpayer refunds have interest added. Extra money from the IRS . . .Yay! Careful: CATCH22!! IRS interest received is taxable. … IRS Pays ME Interest?!

August 18, 2020 | 0
The Hidden Side of “Bringing America Together” Editorial

Man and woman with american flag wrapped around their shoulders

Election day is soon approaching. Lets look what each side offers tax wise. . . We all know what our President has given us—the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Let’s look at the “Bring America Together” sides tax wish list: Increase taxes on those making over $400,000 Increasing top tax rate from 37 to 39.6% … The Hidden Side of “Bringing America Together” Editorial

July 30, 2020 | 0
Can’t Pay Taxes? Options . . .

woman setting at computer desk holding her head

July 15 has come and went . . . and the tax bill does not fit into your budget. . . what to do: File anyway. This stops the Failure to File Penalty. If can pay the balance by year end, make monthly payments. Ask your tax pro for bill stubs. Pay at least every … Can’t Pay Taxes? Options . . .

July 22, 2020 | 0
SCAM ALERT—Some of the IRS’s Favorites:

Accountant holding books bag of cash beside him. policeman beside him holding a pair of handcuffs

Pfishing: Fake emails made to look like coming from the IRS to steal personal information. IRS never contacts taxpayers by email. Don’t click on any “IRS” links Fake Charities—unsolicited contact from questionable charities. Have similar names to legitimate charities to fool people into giving money or financial information. Legitimate charities have an employer identification number … SCAM ALERT—Some of the IRS’s Favorites:

October 23, 2019 | 0
What’s a COLA? Is it related to PEPSI?

Can of coca cola sitting on a stone wall

No. A COLA is not a relative of Pepsi-Cola. It refers to a special Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for those receiving Social Security Benefits. Once a person starts receiving Social Security Benefits, the benefit amount tends to stay the same except for COLAs. For tax year 2020 the COLA will be 1.6%. For a … What’s a COLA? Is it related to PEPSI?

Welcome

My Tax Blog

December 16, 2020 | 2021 2021 Standard Mileage Rates:

October 23, 2020 | 0 COVID Reveals a BROKEN “Tax Cookie Jar” for At Home Employees

October 7, 2020 | 0 Medical Expense Tax Deduction When Don’t Have Enough to Itemize

September 16, 2020 | 2020 Penalty Free Retirement Plan Withdrawals—CARE ACT 2020 Tax Year ONLY

September 1, 2020 | 0 How Long Should I Keep Tax Return Copies?

August 27, 2020 | 0 IRS Pays ME Interest?!

August 18, 2020 | 0 The Hidden Side of “Bringing America Together” Editorial

July 30, 2020 | 0 Can’t Pay Taxes? Options . . .

July 22, 2020 | 0 SCAM ALERT—Some of the IRS’s Favorites:

October 23, 2019 | 0 What’s a COLA? Is it related to PEPSI?

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