Tax Benefits for Military Members

Did you know May is National Military Appreciation Month? The IRS wants military members and their families to know about the many tax benefits available to them. Tax benefits for service members include: Partly or fully tax-free combat pay. You can exclude certain pay from your income if you are a member of the U.S. […]

Dallas CPA Tip: Protect Your Documents for Disaster

This year has seen its share of natural disasters. From tornadoes to earthquakes to flash floods, it seems few regions are immune this spring. Adding to the anxiety is peak tornado season, and locally, possible evacuations for Denton county residents due to flooding. The volatile weather patterns have caused many to access their disaster preparedness […]

How Long to Keep Your Tax Documents

The tax deadline has come and gone – time to breathe a sigh of relief. But before you throw all of your tax documents up in the air to celebrate the occasion, we need to discuss just how long you should keep that info in a safe and secure place. That’s right, you should store […]

Tax-Related Identity Theft

What is tax-related identity theft? Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your stolen Social Security number to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund. Generally, an identity thief will use your SSN to file a false return early in the year. You may be unaware you are a victim until you try to […]

Tips for Filing an Amended Return

Have you found an error on your federal tax return? If so, you may need to file an amended return. Here are ten tips for filing an amended tax return: 1.    Tax form to amend your return.  Use Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to correct your tax return. You must file a […]

What To Do If You Get an IRS Letter

The IRS mails millions of notices and letters to taxpayers each year. There are a variety of reasons why we might send you a notice. Here are 10 steps to take in the event that you get one. 1. Don’t panic. You often can take care of a notice simply by responding to it. 2. […]

File on Time Even if You Can’t Pay

Do you owe more tax than you can afford to pay when you file? If so, don’t fail to take action. When you do not file and pay your taxes on time, you will be charged interest on any unpaid balance, and you may also be subject to penalties, such as the failure-to-file and failure-to-pay […]

Does My Child Need to File a Tax Return?

The Internal Revenue Service requires all taxpayers, regardless of age, to file a tax return and pay the appropriate income tax in any year their gross income exceeds certain levels. This requirement extends to the children you claim as dependents. However, unlike adult taxpayers, you may or may not have to file a child’s tax […]

Deducting Charitable Contributions for 2014

When you give a gift to charity that helps the lives of others in need, it may also help you at tax time. You may be able to claim the gift as a deduction that may lower your tax. Here are eight tax tips you should know about deducting charitable contributions: Qualified Charities.  You must […]

Taking the Home Office Deduction for 2014

Home Office Deduction

If you use your home for business, you may be able to deduct expenses for the business use of your home. If you qualify, you can claim the deduction whether you rent or own your home. If you qualify for the deduction you may use either the simplified method or the regular method to claim […]

Additional Medicare Tax – What You Need to Know

On Nov. 26, 2013, the IRS issued final regulations implementing the Additional Medicare Tax as added by the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  Some taxpayers may be liable for an Additional Medicare Tax (AMT) if your income exceeds certain limits. Here are some things that you should know about this tax: Tax Rate.  The Additional Medicare Tax rate […]

IRA Contributions for 2014 – There’s Still Time

The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers that they still have until April 15, 2015 to make IRA contributions for 2014, and in many cases, qualify for a deduction or even a tax credit. Roth vs. Traditional IRAs Available in one form or another since the mid-1970s, individual retirement arrangements (IRAs) are designed to enable employees and self-employed people […]

Adoption Tax Benefits

Adopting a child doesn’t only provide a benefit to your family, it can help your taxes, too. If you adopted or tried to adopt a child in 2014, you may qualify for a tax credit. If your employer helped pay for the costs of an adoption, you may be able to exclude some of your […]

Self-Employment and Your Taxes

Many people who carry on a trade or business are self-employed. Sole proprietors and independent contractors are two examples of self-employment. If this applies to you, there are a few basic things you should know about how your income affects your federal tax return. Here are six important tips about income from self-employment: SE Income.  […]

What You Should Know about the Child Tax Credit

The Child Tax Credit may save you money at tax-time if you have a qualified child. Here are the top things you should know about the credit. Amount.  The Child Tax Credit may help reduce your federal income tax by up to $1,000 for each qualifying child that you are eligible to claim on your […]

Is This Tax Deductible? Medical Expenses

Did you spend a lot of money on your medical care last year? If so, you may be eligible for the medical expense deduction. In total, you must spend more than 10% (7.5% if you are age 65 or older) of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) on medical expenses in order to possibly benefit from […]

Tax Tips: Choosing the Right Filing Status

Using the correct filing status is very important when you file your tax return. You need to use the right status because it affects how much you pay in taxes. It may even affect whether you must file a tax return. When choosing a filing status, keep in mind that your marital status on Dec. […]

IRS Tips About Taxable and Nontaxable Income

Are you looking for a hard and fast rule about what income is taxable and what income is not taxable? The fact is that all income is taxable unless the law specifically excludes it. Taxable income includes money you receive, such as wages and tips. It can also include noncash income from property or services. […]

Tax Season Will Open As Planned Following Extenders Legislation

Following the passage of the extenders legislation, the Internal Revenue Service announced today it anticipates opening the 2015 filing season as scheduled in January. The IRS will begin accepting tax returns electronically on Jan. 20. Paper tax returns will begin processing at the same time. The decision follows Congress renewing a number of “extender” provisions […]

Year-End Tax and Payroll Tips for Small Businesses

Payroll giant ADP has provided a set of year-end tax and payroll tips and reminders to small business owners, their accountants and other advisors, to help streamline the tax-filing process. Verify tax IDs: Work with your accountant or payroll service provider to confirm that all tax ID numbers on payroll reports are up to date […]