Tax Preparation News
PERSONAL FINANCE
Tax News
It's Payback Time For Some Who Took Homebuyer Tax Credit Those who claimed credit in 2008 have to start paying it back
Tax Questions Answered On The Go Mobile App provides answers to tax questions
Beware Of Tax Preparation Scams New York attorney general warns complaints are on the rise
Who Is Eligible To Use Tax From 1040EZ? Using the short form can save time and money
Did You Make an IRA Withdrawal Last Year? If so, it has tax implications this year
IRS Cracking Down On Refund Fraud Identity theft also victimizes the federal government
Does You Child Have To File A Tax Return? When children earn money, they have to report it
How Children Can Help You at Tax Time Kids and other dependents can lower your tax bill
When Filing Taxes, Don't Overlook Extra Income Consumers chagrined to find free airline miles are taxable
Find Out If You Have To Pay the Alternative Minimum Tax It could mean a much higher tax bill
Court Bars Tax Fraud Scheme Nevadan promoted claim that citizens can "opt out" of paying taxes
IRS Offers Free Tax Help You may qualify if you are low income, or a senior citizen
Fallen On Hard Times? Five Ways The Tax Law Might Help IRS will try to ease your burden, to a point
What To Do When You And The IRS Disagree It may be time to follow the Appeals process
Are You Required To File An Income Tax Return This Year? It may pay to file, even if you don't have to
When Can You Expect Your Tax Refund? The IRS is sending out refunds sometimes within 10 days
IRS Free File Now Open For Business Seventy percent of taxpayers are eligible for free tax preparation software
How To Report Miscellaneous Income On Your Taxes Outside income, even gambling winnings have to be reported to the IRS
Taxpayers Have To Worry About Identity Theft Too Identity thieves aren't just after your credit cards
IRS Offers Struggling Taxpayers a Fresh Start Urges taxpayers with problems to contact agency directly
Good Riddance: Last Year for 'Instant' Tax Refund Loans There are other free and nearly-free ways to get your refund quickly
'Free' TurboTax Charges Usurious Interest Rates, Suit Alleges Fees deducted from refund amount to quadruple-digit interest, suit claims
New Form 1099-Ks Due January 31 Your part-time business may mean a new tax reporting requirement
Can You File Taxes Using The 1040EZ Form? Using the short form might be to your advantage
Do You Qualify For The Earned Income Tax Credit? It's a major tax benefit for low and moderate income earners
Choosing The Right Tax Preparer Is Important Here are some tips for getting the right tax help
Tax Agency Warns Of Increased Scams Taxpayers cautioned against phony tax credit and refund schemes
Walmart Rolls Out Tax Preparation, Refund Check-Cashing Services "Americans shouldn't have to pay exorbitant prices on their everyday financial needs"
Get A Fast Tax Refund Without A Refund Anticipation Loan Filing electronically can save time and money
'Tax Gap' Hasn't Grown, IRS Reports 83% of Americans still filing and paying taxes on time and in full
Important Changes For 2011 Tax Year Tax filing deadline extended to April 17 again
JK Harris Suspends Operations, Prepares to Liquidate Tax-preparation firm swamped by consumer complaints, lawsuits
Tax Tips for Year-End Giving Laws have changed in recent years; be sure you get full credit for your donations
No More 'Instant Refunds' from Tax Preparers After This Year Last bank offering high-cost refund anticipation loans forced to stop
H&R Block Pulls Back From 'Instant Refund' Loans for Another Year Republic, Jackson Hewitt, Liberty still making high-cost, short-term loans
Gay Marriage Highlights Inequities in Tax Laws Anti-tax rhetoric likely to be put to the acid test as gay couples assert their rights
JK Harris To Pay Refunds In West Virginia State says company misled consumers about resolving their tax issues
Government Expanding Innocent Spouse Tax Relief Two-year time limit is being removed
Mileage Tax Deduction Rises With Gas Prices Write off rises for last six months of year
IRS Revokes Tax-Exempt Status of 275,000 Organizations Contributions to the organizations will no longer be deductible
Mystery Shoppers Find Problems With Paid Tax Preparers Studies find shoddy work, high fees, problems with refund anticipation loans
IRS Takes To YouTube With Last Minute Tax Tips Tax filing deadline is coming up fast
Variety Of Issues Taxing Taxpayers' Patience Most complain of mistakes by preparers, or software
JK Harris Pays $1.2 Million to Settle Texas Charges State says firm misrepresented its ability to help taxpayers
Tax Deadline A Month From Today Filing electronically might speed things up
IRS Responds To 'Frivolous' Tax Arguments Don't let someone tell you taxes are 'voluntary'
Avoid Expensive Help With IRS Disputes Your accountant may be more help than anyone
Let The IRS Know If You Move Make sure your refund check can find you
Correcting A Mistake On Your W-2 Form IRS has procedure for dealing with uncooperative employers
Taxpayers With Disabilities Eligible For Tax Breaks Apply to taxpayers and dependents
Claiming a Deduction For A Donated Vehicle Rules are a bit more complicated than before.
Are You Missing A Tax Refund? But you must file a return to get it
Do You Quality For the Earned Income Tax Credit? You must meet certain requirements to get the low-income tax benefit
IRS Offers Help for Struggling Taxpayers Lenient policies extended to individuals and small businesses.
Using Your Tax Refund As An IRA Contribution The IRS allows it, if you meet certain requirements
How Do You Know How Much Tax To Withhold It's wise to avoid both under and over withholding during the year.
Who Qualifies As A Dependent On Your Tax Return? While the rules can be a little complicated, they can benefit you if they apply
IRS Raises Interest Rate On Underpayments Penalties also apply if you pay too little or too late
Florida Tax Preparer Banned Feds say tax preparer overstated deductions
What Tax Records Should You Keep and for How Long? You need to be able to document your claims
IRS Begins Processing All Returns Delay caused by tax changes is over
FDIC's Action May Be Nail in the Coffin for Refund Anticipation Loans High-cost, short-term "instant refunds" skim $600 million from taxpayers
Getting An Extension For Filing Your Returns Getting more time is easy
Can You Use A 'Short' Tax Form? If so, filing your taxes just got easier
How To Deduct Medical Expenses On Your Tax Return It all depends on how much money you made
IRS: Breast Pumps Now Deductible as Medical Expense Ruling was long sought by pediatricians
Don't Let Tax Preparer Talk You Into Anything Shady Taxpayer ultimately responsible for return
Figuring Taxes On Social Security Benefits It all depends on income and marital status
Offshore Tax Cheats Get Offer From IRS Voluntary disclosure will result in reduced penalties
Instant Tax Refunds Are Just High-Interest Loans New Jersey officials crack down on expensive refund anticipation loans
Win Your Super Bowl Bet? Don't Forget To Report Your Winnings The IRS expects you to report gambling earnings
Deducting the Business Use of Your Home It's a helpful deduction, but follow the rules closely
Being Unemployed Can Complicate Tax Time It's easy to overlook some income that must be reported
Grudge Fight: Jackson-Hewitt Sues H&R Block Suit accuses Block of false and deceptive advertising
Moderate-Income, Elderly Taxpayers May Qualify for Free Income Tax Preparation IRS opens 12,000 free tax preparation sites for those not able to use their own computer
Do You Qualify for The Earned Income Tax Credit? Millions could take advantage of the credit, but don't realize it
Feds Reach Americans with Disabilities Act Settlement With H&R Block Tax preparation firm will make greater efforts to facilitate communication with its disabled clients
When Deducting Mileage, Keep Careful Records The mileage deduction can add up, but you may be asked to provide proof
It's Not Too Late To Get 2010 IRA Deduction You can act up until the April tax filing deadline
IRS To Start Processing Delayed Returns On Feb. 14 Taxpayers should go ahead and prepare returns
Made A Mistake? The IRS Gives You A Do-Over Just file an amended return to take care of those errors
Internal Revenue Service Launches Smartphone App Tax agency reaching out to younger taxpayers
College Students Reminded About Education Tax Credit Opportunity credit has been expanded
Tax Law Allows Some Boats To Be Second Homes You may be able to deduct interest payments for your boat
Don't Fall for Tax Season Scams Tax scams increase this time of year
Be Aware of Limits On Mortgage Interest Deductions Not all home equity loan interest qualifies
Final Year of Recovery Act May Hold Tax Benefits for You 2009 law contains some 2010 tax provisions you can use
Charitable Contributions Require Thorough Documentation Be ready to back up any claim of a charitable contribution
The Internal Revenue Service Can Help You Find a Tax Preparer But youre still responsible for whats in the return
Treasury Launches Pilot Program for Convenient Tax Refunds Program using prepaid debit and payroll cards would also make refunds fast and safe
IRS' Free File Service Is Now Open Most taxpayers qualify for this free tax preparation aid
Take Advantage Of Six Over-Looked Tax Breaks These deductions and credits might save you money
Don't Forget the Homebuyers' Tax Credit Millions may be eligible for a credit of up to $6,500
How To Use the IRS' Free E-Filing System Step-by-step directions to speed up your refund
10 Ways To Get Ready To File Your Taxes The IRS offers some advice to taxpayers about filing their 2010 tax returns.
How To Get A Fast Tax Refund Without a Refund Anticipation Loan Take advantage of low cost and free options
How to Choose the Right Tax Professional To Prepare Your Taxes A bad choice could lead to a big headache, or worse
IRS Taxpayer Advocate Says Rising Tax Liens Not Helpful Calls for simplifying the tax code
Five Ways To Avoid A Tax Audit Honesty really is the best policy
Late Tax Law Changes May Affect Your 2010 Taxes But most changes won't be felt until next year
Taxpayers Have Three Extra Days To File 2010 Returns Thanks to a holiday, this year's deadline has been extended to April 18
Taxpayers Find Fewer Refund Anticipation Loan Options And that might actually be a good thing; "instant refunds" are never a good deal
Millions of Taxpayers Will Be Delayed In Filing Returns Those eager for their refund will have to wait a few more weeks
Taxpayers To See More Generous Deductions In 2011 Tax breaks expanded because of inflation
H&R Block Loses Refund Anticipation Loan Partner May be end to controversial loan product, at least for Block
New Tax Law Means Some Taxpayers May Be Delayed In Filing The Internal Revenue Service needs time to update its computer systems
Feds Sue Georgia Income Tax Preparer Prosecutors say TDNS Tax Services fabricated or inflated earned income tax credit claims.
Tax Elimination Scheme Promoters Sentenced to Prison Pinnacle Quest claimed to wipe out debt and eliminate taxes
California Sues 'Tax Lady Roni Deutch' for 'Heartless Scheme' Infomercials enticed consumers to lose thousands, state charges.
IRS Removes 'Debt Indicator' for 2011 Tax Filing Season Consumer groups cheer decision to drop tool used in RAL business.
Promoters of Sham Tax Elimination Scheme Sentenced Scammers used elaborate ploys to ply their programs.
'Tax Resolution' Firm Charged With Misleading Customers Texas AG cites nearly 1,000 complaints about defendants' conduct and business practices.
Tax Scammers Pose as IRS Approach of April 15 brings out the tax fraud schemes.
Beyond April 15: What You Should Know About Taxes Tax law is changing and more changes could be on the way.
California's Brown Warns of Phony Tax-Relief Companies Scam artists charge big bucks upfront but deliver nothing.
IRS Warns About 'Dirty Dozen' Tax Scams Agency spends more time each year sniffing out illegal schemes.
Some Seniors Aren't Required To File Federal Tax Return But filing is the only way to get any refund that's due.
It's Tax Season and Tax Scam Season How to avoid being taken when it comes time to pay up.
Credit Counselors: Just Say No to Refund Anticipation Loans Consumers pay a lot for little gain.
Major Changes To Quick Tax Refund Loans Industry 8.4 Million refund anticipation loans made in 2008.
Good News! Not Everything is Taxed Uncle Sam wants a bite of your income, but in some cases your money is taxed only partially.
Tax Refund Loan Alternatives Be patient when waiting for your tax refund, because refund anticipation loans can come back to bite you.
10 Astute Tax Moves in 2010 Start saving today on next year's taxes with these simple strategies for lowering your IRS bill.
IRS Gets a Cut of Cruise Ship Winnings You can't get away from giving Uncle Sam a taste when you're lucky at gambling.
Meth Production Cooks Up Tax Trouble Is there at least a tax benefit for the property damage caused by a meth operation?
COBRA Tax Law Changes In order to qualify for the COBRA subsidy, an employee must have been laid off or fired.
Tax Breaks for Home Energy Upgrades A new law lets you claim a tax credit of up to $1,500 for some home energy efficiency improvements.
IRS Considers License For Tax Preparers Government losing billions through fraud and incompetence.
1040X to the Rescue Fouled up your tax return? Here's your second chance to get it right.
What If Your Tax Refund is Wrong? You got a check from the IRS that's less, or more, than you expected. Find out why and what to do about it.
Coming Up with Tax Cash Can't pay your taxes? Don't panic. Here are some options.
NJ Tax Prep Firm Ordered to Pay $1.64 Million to Clients Malqui Tax didn't disclose true cost of refund anticipation loans, court finds.
Last-Minute Tax Tips When all else fails, an automatic extension will buy you time.
Tax Tips & News for Procrastinators Everything you need to get your return ready.
Need More Time to File Your Taxes? Just Ask If you just can't finish your taxes by April 15, you can get six more months by just asking Uncle Sam.
Don't Overlook These Itemized Deductions Tallying up all your expenses can help you cut your tax bill, especially if you claim every deduction the IRS allows.
10 Ways Uncle Sam Helps You Save Money Saving for the future is of paramount importance to all Americans. Luckily, we all have a rich uncle to turn to.
10 Common Tax-Filing Mistakes to Avoid Tax law changes have created new tax-filing pitfalls to watch out for, as well as the usual ones we face every filing season.
Penalties for Late Tax Returns If you haven't filed a tax return since 2005, there's no time to waste. But expect to pay hefty penalties.
Tempting the Tax Auditor The IRS is coming after more filers. You might be a target if you fly these red flags on your tax return.
10 Often Overlooked Tax Breaks The tax code is full of ways to cut your taxes, but taxpayers too often miss these ten tax breaks.
$1.3 billion in Refunds Awaiting Owners The IRS wants to hand out $1.3 billion in refunds that were never claimed. Some of the money might be yours.
Big Break for Lower-Income Taxpayers If you don't make a lot, the earned income tax credit could help you get some cash back from Uncle Sam.
Should You Always File a Joint Return? It usually makes sense to file jointly, but some circumstances warrant separate filings.
Your Taxes From A to Z Doing your taxes is not as easy as ABC, but these tips could make the process less difficult.
Stimulus Offers Modest Auto Savings Consumers who buy a new car in 2009 can save a few dollars on their taxes.
Video: How to Lower Your Property Taxes The only upside of declining real estate values may be lower property taxes.
Some Cars Save More than Gas A vehicle that runs on alternative fuel could provide big tax breaks.
5 Stupid Tax Mistakes Steve Bucci lists the top five ways to make your tax season bleak.
Stimulus Tax Payout Will Be Small A third of the stimulus package is tax relief, but it puts only a few more dollars in your paycheck.
Taxpayer Rights Just One Click Away IRS problems? Theres a Web site you can visit to check out your taxpayer rights.
Foreclosure Tax Double-Whammy Eased Congress eases taxation on home lost to debt or forgiveness.
Tax Consequences of Defaulting on Your Mortgage The bank's actions will drive the tax consequences of walking away from a mortgage.
Help for Low-Income Taxpayers Special clinics can help eligible individuals who need help with tax filing.
Video: Tax Tips New Tax Breaks For Your 2008 Return Take advantage of every deduction coming your way.
Tax Scam Deal Really Is Too Good To Be True Most companies are selling an offer in compromise and the IRS will rarely approve them.
FDIC Study Finds Outrageous Overdraft Fees Bank automatic overdraft programs, also called courtesy overdraft, are not so polite to your wallet.
IRS Offers Help to Financially Stressed Taxpayers Agency makes policy changes to help those in trouble.
Don't Let Just Anyone Do Your Taxes Poor choices in preparers could lead to trouble.
H&R Block to Stop Selling Refund Anticipation Loans in California Company settles suit charging it with deceptive practices.
Tax Preparers Tighten Up on 'Instant Refund' Loans Refund anticipation loans almost always a bad idea.
Early Mortgage Payment Could Cut Tax Bill Make your January mortgage payment by Dec. 31 and you'll have extra interest to deduct on your upcoming tax return.
New Tax Rules Could Cost Second-Home Owners If you hope to get the most tax savings on a second-home sale, you've only got a few weeks to act.
New York Stops H&R Block's Deceptive Sweepstakes Ads Company will pay $245,000 penalty for not playing by the rules.
J. K. Harris Settles Deceptive Ad Charges Company took consumers' money, did nothing, states charged.
IRS Faulted for Lax Identity Theft Protection Efforts Taxpayer advocate wants improvement; Agency promises more action.
Mystery Shoppers Find Deceit, Incompetence Among Tax Preparers IRS urged to bar sale of refund anticipation loans.
California Sues H&R Block Marketing of refund anticipation loans challenged.
FTC Warns Consumers About Tax Rebate Scams Crooks try to steal information over the phone.
Avoid Tax Rebate Direct Deposit Scam Callers claim to be with the 'tax refund department'.
Scam Artists Jump on Tax Rebate Plan Need Social Security number to issue check, callers tell victims.
Instant Tax Refund Always Carries a Price Nothing free about refund anticipation loans.
'Instant Refund' Loans an Avoidable Expense No reason to give money away, consumer groups advise.
Tax Breaks for Family Caregivers Elderly parents may qualify as dependents.
IRS Warns About New Email Scam Email says you're under investigation.
IRS Warns Of Virus Email Scam Nasty collection warning is even nastier than it looks.
TurboTax Suffers Meltdown, IRS Extends Deadline Server problems cause dismay for last-minute filers.
Feds Sue Jackson Hewitt, Claiming "Pervasive" Tax Fraud Preparers claimed bogus deductions, took kickbacks from clients, government charges.
Don't Be Fooled By IRS Look-Alike Sites Scam artists use similar names to steal taxpayers' personal data.
IRS Warns of Common Income Tax Scams Inflated telephone excise tax refund claims lead the list this year.
Poor Americans Missing Billions in Earned-Income Tax Benefits Low-income working families often fail to file for earned-income benefits.
Despite Reforms, Tax Refund Loans Gouge Taxpayers Interest rates exceed 1,000% on loans that victimize low-income taxpayers.
Taxpayer Advocate Targets IRS Collection Policies Alternative minimum tax, federal tax gap also identified as top-priority issues in annual report.
Jackson Hewitt Pays $5 Million to Settle California Charges Tax prep firm misled customers into high-cost tax refund loans, state alleged.
IRS Scales Back Outsourcing Plans Bowing to critics and its employees, agency decides to keep more functions in-house.
Jackson Hewitt Faces NY Class Action New York franchises hit consumers with undisclosed fees, lawsuit charges.
IRS Has Refunds for 95,746 "Missing" Taxpayers Incorrect address sends checks astray.
IRS Gives Away Millions Due To Failed Software Upgrade Contractors blamed for failures, taxpayers foot the bill.
New IRS Online Payment System Raises Privacy Fears Consumer advocates fear scam artists will take advantage of the system.
H&R Block Threatened Employees, Spitzer Charges Company allegedly put heat on tax preparers who didn't push flawed IRA.
H&R Block Settles Tax Refund Loan Suit Company will pay $39 million to settle claims it gouged taxpayers for tax refund loans.
Taxpayers Can Get an Automatic Six-Month Filing Extension Can't finish your return on time? No problem. But you still have to pay on time.
Paying Taxes With Your Credit Card Can Get Expensive Consumers should use credit card as last resort when paying taxes.
Senators Push for Electronic Tax Filing IRS shoves consumers into hands of commercial preparers and scam artists by failing to put taxpayers' interests first.
IRS May Let Tax Preparers Sell Customers' Information Change would be a license to plunder, consumer groups argue.
There's No Escaping Taxes But there are steps you can take to minimize the tax bite ... and the tax preparation sting.
H&R Block Goofs on Its Own Taxes $32 million black eye comes at the height of tax preparation season.
California Sues H&R Block Tax giant snares low-income consumers with "instant refunds" that are really loans, state charges.
GAO: Feds Not Guarding Social Security Numbers Handled by Contractors Controls lax or non-existent on data turned over to government contractors, report finds.
IRS Shuffles Tax Centers Many taxpayers will be mailing their returns to a different address this year.
IRS Wrongly Delays Thousands Of Refunds Taxpayers wrongly labeled as cheats wait years for their refunds, auditor finds.
H&R Block Doesn't Block Identity Theft Unsolicited TaxCut mailings display customers' Social Security numbers.
H&R Block to Settle More Payday Loan Suits Tax preparer will pay about $30 million to settle latest batch of suits.
Don't Ignore Tax Payment Problems Unpaid taxes? Don't panic, there are solutions.
Feds Charge Tax Scam Targets Military Personnel Hawaii tax preparers encourage military clients to claim false deducations, feds charge.
Income Tax Filing Extensions Free and Easy Automatic four-month extensions available online or by phone.
Instant Tax Refunds: Fast But Expensive More than half of taxpayers opt for online tax return filing, others fall for "instant refund" loans.
IRS Warns of Tax Preparer Fraud Error or fraud by the tax preparer can mean prison for the taxpayer.
ACORN Opens Free Tax Prep Sites in 45 Cities Community action group will help low- and moderate-income taxpayers at no cost.
Don't Overlook the Earned Income Tax Credit IRS offers online tool to help low-income families calculate whether they qualify for valuable tax credit.
Class Action Challenges H&R Block's Electronic Filing Fee Suit says fee is based on "illusory" expenses and should be refunded to millions of clients.
Judge Upholds Racketeering Complaints Against H&R Block, Household Class-action suits accuse the companies of conspiring to trick poor customers into taking out high-interest loans.
Court OKs Class Action Against H&R Block Suit charges Block gouged clients who filed electronically.
Tax Anticipation Loans Victimize Cash-Strapped Consumers H&R Block and other commercial preparers drain $1.2 billion from working poor each year.
