IRS announces two new online tools to help families manage Child Tax Credit payments
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-two-new-online-tools-to-help-families-manage-child-tax-credit-payments
https://accountinginstruction.info/
Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant helps families determine whether they qualify for Child Tax Credit payments
Update Portal helps families monitor and manage Child Tax Credit payments
IR-2021-130, June 22, 2021
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today launched two new online tools designed to help families manage and monitor the advance monthly payments of Child Tax Credits under the American Rescue Plan. These two new tools are in addition to the Non-filer Sign-up Tool, announced last week, which helps families not normally required to file an income tax return to quickly register for the Child Tax Credit.
The new Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant allows families to answer a series of questions to quickly determine whether they qualify for the advance credit.
The Child Tax Credit Update Portal allows families to verify their eligibility for the payments and if they choose to, unenroll, or opt out from receiving the monthly payments so they can receive a lump sum when they file their tax return next year. This secure, password-protected tool is available to any eligible family with internet access and a smart phone or computer. Future versions of the tool planned in the summer and fall will allow people to view their payment history, adjust bank account information or mailing addresses and other features. A Spanish version is also planned.
Both the Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant and Child Tax Credit Update Portal are available now on IRS.gov.
The American Rescue plan increased the maximum Child Tax Credit amount in 2021 to $3,600 per child for children under the age of 6 and to $3,000 per child for children ages 6 through 17. The advance Child Tax Credit payments, which will generally be made on the 15th of each month, create financial certainty for families to plan their budgets. Eligible families will receive a payment of up to $300 per month for each child under age 6, and up to $250 per month for each child ages 6 through 17. The first monthly payment of the expanded and newly-advanceable Child Tax Credit will be made on July 15. Most families will begin receiving monthly payments automatically next month without any further action required.
"IRS employees continue to work hard to help people receive this important credit," IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said. "The Update Portal is a key piece among the three new tools now available on IRS.gov to help families understand, register for and monitor these payments. We will be working across the nation with partner groups to share informa
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Taxpayers will soon be able to file amended tax returns electronically
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/taxpayers-will-soon-be-able-to-file-amended-tax-returns-electronically
Later this summer, for the first time taxpayers will be able to file their Form 1040-X, Amended U.S Individual Income Tax Return electronically.
Making this form electronically fileable has been a long-time goal for the IRS. It will greatly benefit the tax professional community and taxpayers.
The new electronic option will allow the IRS to receive amended returns faster while minimizing errors normally associated with manually completing the form. It will also provide the IRS with more complete and accurate data to help support customer service representatives answer taxpayer questions.
When the electronic filing option becomes available, taxpayers will only be able to amend tax year 2019 Forms 1040 and 1040-SR returns electronically. In general, taxpayers will still have the option to submit a paper version of the Form 1040-X and should follow the instructions for preparing and submitting the paper form.
Whether an amended return is filed electronically or manually, taxpayers can still use the Where's My Amended Return? online tool to check the status of their amended return.
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Interest rates remain the same for the first quarter of 2021
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/interest-rates-remain-the-same-for-the-first-quarter-of-2021
https://accountinginstruction.info/
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced that interest rates will remain the same for the calendar quarter beginning January 1, 2021. The rates will be:
three (3) percent for overpayments (two (2) percent in the case of a corporation);
one-half (0.5) percent for the portion of a corporate overpayment exceeding $10,000;
three (3) percent for underpayments; and
five (5) percent for large corporate underpayments.
Under the Internal Revenue Code, the rate of interest is determined on a quarterly basis. For taxpayers other than corporations, the overpayment and underpayment rate is the federal short-term rate plus 3 percentage points.
Generally, in the case of a corporation, the underpayment rate is the federal short-term rate plus 3 percentage points and the overpayment rate is the federal short-term rate plus 2 percentage points. The rate for large corporate underpayments is the federal short-term rate plus 5 percentage points. The rate on the portion of a corporate overpayment of tax exceeding $10,000 for a taxable period is the federal short-term rate plus one-half (0.5) of a percentage point.
The interest rates announced today are computed from the federal short-term rate determined during October 2020 to take effect November 1, 2020, based on daily compounding.
Revenue Ruling 2020-28 PDF, announcing the rates of interest, is attached and will appear in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2020-52, dated December 21, 2020.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76O6M-TYc8c
Get Ready now to file your 2022 federal income tax return
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/get-ready-now-to-file-your-2022-federal-income-tax-return
https://accountinginstruction.info/
The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged taxpayers to take simple steps before the end of the year to make filing their 2022 federal tax return easier. With a little advance preparation, a preview of tax changes and convenient online tools, taxpayers can approach the upcoming tax season with confidence.
Filers can visit the Get Ready webpage to find guidance on what’s new and what to consider when filing a 2022 tax return. They can also find helpful information on organizing tax records and a list of online tools and resources.
Get Ready by gathering tax records
When filers have all their tax documentation gathered and organized, they’re in the best position to file an accurate return and avoid processing or refund delays or receiving IRS letters. Now’s a good time for taxpayers to consider financial transactions that occurred in 2022, if they’re taxable and how they should be reported.
The IRS encourages taxpayers to develop an electronic or paper recordkeeping system to store tax-related information in one place for easy access. Taxpayers should keep copies of filed tax returns and their supporting documents for at least three years.
Before January, taxpayers should confirm that their employer, bank and other payers have their current mailing address and email address to ensure they receive their year-end financial statements. Typically, year-end forms start arriving by mail or are available online in mid-to-late January. Taxpayers should carefully review each income statement for accuracy and contact the issuer to correct information that needs to be updated.
Get Ready for what’s new for Tax Year 2022
With the end of the year approaching, time is running out to take advantage of the Tax Withholding Estimator. This online tool is designed to help taxpayers determine the right amount of tax to have withheld from their paycheck. Some people may have life changes like getting married or divorced, welcoming a child or taking on a second job. Other taxpayers may need to consider estimated tax payments due to non-wage income from unemployment, self-employment, annuity income or even digital assets. The last quarterly payment for 2022 is due on January 17, 2023. The Tax Withholding Estimator can help wage earners determine if there is a need to adjust their withholding, consider additional tax payments, or submit a new W-4 form to their employer to avoid an unexpected tax bill when they file.
As taxpayers gather tax records, they should remember that most income is taxable. This includes unemployment income, refund interest and income from the gig economy and digital assets.
Taxpayers should report the income they earned, including from part-time work, side jobs or the sale of goods. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 lowered the reporting threshold for third-party networks that process payments for those doing business. Prior to 2022, Form 1099-K was issued for third-party payment network transactions only if the total number of transactions exceeded 200 for the year and the aggregate amount of these transactions exceeded $20,000. Now a single transaction exceeding $600 can trigger a 1099-K. The lower information reporting threshold and the summary of income on Form 1099-K enables taxpayers to more easily track the amounts received. Remember, money received through third-party payment applications from friends and relatives as personal gifts or reimbursements for personal expenses is not taxable. Those who receive a 1099-K reflecting income they didn’t earn should call the issuer. The IRS cannot correct it.
Credit amounts also change each year like the Child Tax Credit (CTC), Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Dependent Care Credit. Taxpayers can use the Interactive Tax Assistant on IRS.gov to determine their eligibility for tax credits. Some taxpayers may qualify this year for the expanded eligibility for the Premium Tax Credit, while others may qualify for a Clean Vehicle Credit through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
Refunds may be smaller in 2023. Taxpayers will not receive an additional stimulus payment with a 2023 tax refund because there were no Economic Impact Payments for 2022. In addition, taxpayers who don’t itemize and take the standard deduction, won’t be able to deduct their charitable contributions.
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