2014 Tax Season to Start Later Following Government Closure; IRS Sees Heavy Demand As Operations Resume

WASHINGTON–The Internal Revenue Service today announced a delay of approximately one to two weeks to the start of the 2014 filing season to allow adequate time to program and test tax processing systems following the 16-day federal government closure. 

The IRS is exploring options to shorten the expected delay and will announce a final decision on the start of the 2014 filing season in December, Acting IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said. The original start date of the 2014 filing season was Jan. 21, and with a one- to two-week delay, the IRS would start accepting and processing 2013 individual tax returns no earlier than Jan. 28and no later than Feb. 4. 

The government closure came during the peak period for preparing IRS systems for the 2014 filing season. Programming, testing and deployment of more than 50 IRS systems is needed to handle processing of nearly 150 million tax returns. Updating these core systems is a complex, year-round process with the majority of the work beginning in the fall of each year. 

About 90 percent of IRS operations were closed during the shutdown, with some major workstreams closed entirely during this period, putting the IRS nearly three weeks behind its tight timetable for being ready to start the 2014 filing season. There are additional training, programming and testing demands on IRS systems this year in order to provide additional refund fraud and identity theft detection and prevention.

“Readying our systems to handle the tax season is an intricate, detailed process, and we must take the time to get it right,” Werfel said. “The adjustment to the start of the filing season provides us the necessary time to program, test and validate our systems so that we can provide a smooth filing and refund process for the nation’s taxpayers. We want the public and tax professionals to know about the delay well in advance so they can prepare for a later start of the filing season.”

The IRS will not process paper tax returns before the start date, which will be announced in December. There is no advantage to filing on paper before the opening date, and taxpayers will receive their tax refunds much faster by using e-file with direct deposit. The April 15 tax deadline is set by statute and will remain in place. However, the IRS reminds taxpayers that anyone can request an automatic six-month extension to file their tax return. The request is easily done with Form 4868, which can be filed electronically or on paper.

IRS processes, applications and databases must be updated annually to reflect tax law updates, business process changes, and programming updates in time for the start of the filing season. 

The IRS continues resuming and assessing operations following the 16-day closure. The IRS is seeing heavy demand on its toll-free telephone lines, walk-in sites and other services from taxpayers and tax practitioners.

During the closure, the IRS received 400,000 pieces of correspondence, on top of the 1 million items already being processed before the shutdown. 

The IRS encourages taxpayers to wait to call or visit if their issue is not urgent, and to continue to use automated applications on IRS.gov whenever possible.

“In the days ahead, we will continue assessing the impact of the shutdown on IRS operations, and we will do everything we can to work through the backlog and pent-up demand,” Werfel said. “We greatly appreciate the patience of taxpayers and the tax professional community during this period.”

IRS: Shutdown to Delay Tax Season

The Internal Revenue Service announced on Tuesday that it will delay the start of the 2014 tax filing season by as much as two weeks due to delays caused by the recent closure of the federal government.

Citing the need for "adequate time to program and test tax processing systems," the service announced that it expected a one- to two-week delay in the start of tax season, and that it would start accepting and processing 2013 individual tax returns no earlier than Jan. 28, 2014, and no later than February 4. Tax season had been expected to start on January 21.

Acting Commissioner Danny Werfel said in the statement that the service was exploring options to shorten the expected delay, but also noted, "Readying our systems to handle the tax season is an intricate, detailed process, and we must take the time to get it right. The adjustment to the start of the filing season provides us the necessary time to program, test and validate our systems so that we can provide a smooth filing and refund process for the nation's taxpayers."

The 16-day government shutdown came during the peak period for preparing IRS systems for the upcoming tax season, which involves programming, testing and deployment of more than 50 systems.

About 90 percent of IRS operations were closed during the shutdown, with some major workstreams closed entirely, and the IRS noted that it is also facing extra demands due to the need for systems to prevent refund fraud and ID theft -- and that it is still dealing with a backlog of over 1.4 million pieces of correspondence that piled up during the shutdown.

The official start date will be announced in December.

Choosing Which Form to File

IRS e-file makes it easy for taxpayers to choose which tax form to file. Tax software automatically chooses the best form for your particular situation. Most people e-file these days, but if you prefer taking pen to paper, the IRS has some tips to help you choose the right form.

Taxpayers who choose to file a paper tax return should know that the IRS no longer mails paper tax packages. The quickest way to get forms and instructions is by visiting the IRS website at IRS.gov. You can also order forms and have them mailed to you by calling the IRS forms line at 1-800-TAX-FORM (829-3676). You may also pick up tax forms from a local IRS office, and some libraries and post offices carry tax forms.

Here are some tips that will help paper tax return filers choose the best tax form for their situation.

You can generally use the 1040EZ if:

• Your taxable income is below $100,000;
• Your filing status is single or married filing jointly;
• You are not claiming any dependents; and

        
If you can’t use Form 1040EZ, you may qualify to use the 1040A if:

• Your taxable income is below $100,000;
• You have capital gain distributions;
• You claim certain tax credits; and

You claim adjustments to income for IRA contributions and student loan interest.

If you cannot use the 1040EZ or the 1040A, you’ll probably need to file using the 1040. The reasons you must use the 1040 include:

• Your taxable income is $100,000 or more;
• You claim itemized deductions;
• You are reporting self-employment income; and         

IRS Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax, provides helpful information about which form is best for you.

Access to IRS forms and instructions or information about e-filing, including IRS Free File, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on IRS.gov. Tax products often appear online well before they are available on paper. You'll find downloadable tax products on IRS.gov by clicking on the "Forms and Pubs" link on the Home page.

Additional IRS Resources:

• Free File: Do Your Federal Taxes for Free
• IRS Forms & Publications
• Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax 
  

IRS YouTube Videos:

• Do Your Taxes for Free: Taxes Made Less Taxing - English
• IRS Tax Forms and Publications - English | Spanish | ASL
  
  

IRS Podcasts:

• Tax Forms and Publications - English | Spanish

Missing Your W-2? Here’s What to Do

It’s a good idea to have all your tax documents together before preparing your 2012 tax return. You will need your W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, which employers should send by the end of January. Give it two weeks to arrive by mail.

If you have not received your W-2, follow these three steps:

1. Contact your employer first.  Ask your employer – or former employer – to send your W-2 if it has not already been sent. Make sure your employer has your correct address.

2. Contact the IRS. After February 14, you may call the IRS at 800-829-1040 if you have not yet received your W-2. Be prepared to provide your name, address, Social Security number and phone number. You should also have the following information when you call:

• Your employer’s name, address and phone number;

• Your employment dates; and

• An estimate of your wages and federal income tax withheld in 2012, based upon your final pay stub or leave-and-earnings statement, if available.

3. File your return on time. You should still file your tax return on or before April 15, 2013, even if you have not yet received your W-2. File Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, in place of the W-2. Use the form to estimate your income and withholding taxes as accurately as possible. The IRS may delay processing your return while it verifies your information.

If you need more time to file you can get a six-month extension of time. File Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File US Individual Income Tax Return.  If you are requesting an extension, you must file this form on or before April 15, 2013.

If you receive the missing W-2 after filing your tax return and the information on the W-2 is different from what you reported using Form 4852, then you must correct your tax return. File Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return to amend your tax return.

Forms and instructions are available at IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Additional IRS Resources:

• Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement
• Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return 

IRS YouTube Videos:

• W-2 Missing? - English | Spanish | ASL

Determining Your Correct Filing Status

It’s important to use the correct filing status when filing your income tax return. It can impact the tax benefits you receive, the amount of your standard deduction and the amount of taxes you pay. It may even impact whether you must file a federal income tax return.

Are you single, married or the head of your household? There are five filing statuses on a federal tax return. The most common are "Single," "Married Filing Jointly" and "Head of Household." The Head of Household status may be the one most often claimed in error.

The IRS offers these seven facts to help you choose the best filing status for you.

1. Marital Status.  Your marital status on the last day of the year is your marital status for the entire year.

2. If You Have a Choice.  If more than one filing status fits you, choose the one that allows you to pay the lowest taxes.

3. Single Filing Status.  Single filing status generally applies if you are not married, divorced or legally separated according to state law.

4. Married Filing Jointly.  A married couple may file a return together using the Married Filing Jointly status. If your spouse died during 2012, you usually may still file a joint return for that year.

5. Married Filing Separately.  If a married couple decides to file their returns separately, each person’s filing status would generally be Married Filing Separately.

6. Head of Household.  The Head of Household status generally applies if you are not married and have paid more than half the cost of maintaining a home for yourself and a qualifying person.

7. Qualifying Widow(er) with Dependent Child.  This status may apply if your spouse died during 2010 or 2011, you have a dependent child and you meet certain other conditions.

IRS e-file is the easiest way to file and will help you determine the correct filing status. If you file a paper return, the Interactive Tax Assistant at IRS.gov is a tool that will help you choose your filing status.

You can also find more helpful information in IRS Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information. This publication is available at IRS.gov or by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Additional IRS Resources:

• IRS Free File
• IRS e-file Options
• Interactive Tax Assistant
• Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information

IRS YouTube Videos:

• File Your 1040EZ Using Free File - English | Spanish | ASL 

IRS Podcasts:

• File Your 1040EZ Using Free File - English | Spanish

Ten Facts about Capital Gains and Losses

The term “capital asset” for tax purposes applies to almost everything you own and use for personal or investment purposes. A capital gain or loss occurs when you sell a capital asset.

Here are 10 facts from the IRS on capital gains and losses:

1. Almost everything you own and use for personal purposes, pleasure or investment is a capital asset. Capital assets include your home, household furnishings, and stocks and bonds that you hold as investments.

2. A capital gain or loss is the difference between your basis of an asset and the amount you receive when you sell it. Your basis is usually what you paid for the asset.

3. You must include all capital gains in your income.

4. You may deduct capital losses on the sale of investment property. You cannot deduct losses on the sale of personal-use property.

5. Capital gains and losses are long-term or short-term, depending on how long you hold on to the property. If you hold the property more than one year, your capital gain or loss is long-term. If you hold it one year or less, the gain or loss is short-term.

6. If your long-term gains exceed your long-term losses, the difference between the two is a net long-term capital gain. If your net long-term capital gain is more than your net short-term capital loss, you have a 'net capital gain.’ 

7. The tax rates that apply to net capital gains are generally lower than the tax rates that apply to other types of income. The maximum capital gains rate for most people in 2012 is 15 percent. For lower-income individuals, the rate may be 0 percent on some or all of their net capital gains. Rates of 25 or 28 percent can also apply to special types of net capital gains.

8. If your capital losses are greater than your capital gains, you can deduct the difference between the two on your tax return. The annual limit on this deduction is $3,000, or $1,500 if you are married filing separately.

9. If your total net capital loss is more than the limit you can deduct, you can carry over the losses you are not able to deduct to next year’s tax return. You will treat those losses as if they occurred that year.

10. Form 8949, Sales and Other Dispositions of Capital Assets, will help you calculate capital gains and losses. You will carry over the subtotals from this form to Schedule D, Capital Gains and Losses. If you e-file your tax return, the software will do this for you.

For more information about capital gains and losses, see the Schedule D instructions or Publication 550, Investment Income and Expenses. They are both available at IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Additional IRS Resources:

• Form 8949, Sales and Other Dispositions of Capital Assets
• Schedule D, Capital Gains and Losses and instructions
• Publication 550, Investment Income and Expenses
• Publication 544, Sales and Other Dispositions of Assets

Empowerment Zones Designations Continue Through the End of the Year

 

IR-2013-78, Sept. 27, 2013                                 

WASHINGTON – The IRS today announced that all empowerment zone designations remain in effect through the end of the year. Empowerment Zones are certain urban and rural areas where employers and other taxpayers qualify for special tax incentives.

 In May, the IRS issued Notice 2012-38 to address the relevant provision of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. Notice 2013-38 provided that any nomination for an empowerment zone in effect on Dec. 31, 2009, will have a new termination date of Dec. 31, 2013, unless the governing state or municipality declined the extension in a notification to the IRS. The deadline for notification was July 29, 2013, and no state or municipality contacted the IRS to decline the extension. Therefore, all empowerment zone designations in effect on Dec. 31, 2009, remain in effect through Dec. 31, 2013. 

Empowerment Zones were created by legislation enacted in 1993, and most zones had an expiration date of Dec. 31, 2009. Subsequent legislation extended the expiration dates to Dec. 31, 2011, and then Dec. 31, 2013.  

The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 did not provide for the extension of the designation for the District of Columbia enterprise zone, and therefore that designation ended on Dec. 31, 2011.  

For more information and complete lists of empowerment zone locations, see Form 8844, Empowerment Zone Employment Credit.

Helpful Tax Tips if You’re Moving this Summer

If you make a work-related move this summer, you may be able to deduct the costs of the move. This may apply if you move to start a new job or to work at the same job in a new job location. The IRS offers the following tips on moving expenses you may be able to deduct on your tax return.

In order to deduct moving expenses, you must meet these three requirements:

1. Your move closely relates to the start of work. Generally, you can consider moving expenses within one year of the date you first report to work at a new job location. Additional rules apply to this requirement.

2. You meet the distance test.  Your new main job location must be at least 50 miles farther from your former home than your previous main job location was. For example, if your old main job location was three miles from your former home, your new main job location must be at least 53 miles from that former home.

3. You meet the time test.  After you move, you must work full time at your new job location for at least 39 weeks during the first year. Self-employed individuals must meet this test and also work full time for a total of at least 78 weeks during the first 24 months upon arriving in the general area of their new job location. If your income tax return is due before you have satisfied this requirement, you can still deduct your allowable moving expenses if you expect to meet the time test.

See Publication 521, Moving Expenses, for more information about these rules. If you can claim this deduction, here are a few more tips from the IRS:

• Travel.  You can deduct transportation and lodging expenses for yourself and household members while moving from your former home to your new home. You cannot deduct the cost of meals during the travel.
• Household goods.  You can deduct the cost of packing, crating and transporting your household goods and personal property. You may be able to include the cost of storing and insuring these items while in transit.
• Utilities.  You can deduct the costs of connecting or disconnecting utilities.
• Nondeductible expenses.  You cannot deduct as moving expenses any part of the purchase price of your new home, the costs of buying or selling a home, or the cost of entering into or breaking a lease. See Publication 521 for a complete list.
• Reimbursed expenses.  If your employer reimburses you for the costs of a move for which you took a deduction, you may have to include the reimbursement as income on your tax return.
• Update your address.  When you move, be sure to update your address with the IRS and the U.S. Postal Service to ensure you receive mail from the IRS. File Form 8822, Change of Address, to notify the IRS.
• Tax form to file.  To figure the amount of your deduction for moving expenses, use Form 3903, Moving Expenses. 

Get more details about this topic in Publication 521 and Form 3903. Both are available at IRS.gov or by calling 800-829-3676.

Additional IRS Resources:

• Publication 521, Moving Expenses
• Form 8822, Change of Address
• Form 3903, Moving Expenses
• Can I Deduct My Moving Expenses? – Interactive Tax Assistant tool
• Tax Topic 455 – Moving Expenses

IRS YouTube Videos:

• Moving Expenses – English | Spanish | ASL

IRS Podcasts:

• Moving Expenses – English | Spanish

2012 Tax Return Extensions Due

2012 Tax Return Extensions are due in 5 days.  Make sure you file your tax return on time to avoid penalties and interests.  Thank you

Have You Hugged Your CPA Today?

 

In This Issue...  [#0]Have You Hugged Your CPA Today?  [#912600_recap]More Recent Articles  Search AICPA Insights

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More than sixty-five million Americans are serving as volunteer caregivers for vulnerable loved ones – and as baby-boomers step into senior status, that number will rise. Caregiving for someone with a disability, lengthy illness or aging issues is challenging enough, but adding money concerns to the mix can create a massive strain on individuals and families. Caregivers find themselves thrust into roles they are poorly suited to maintain. Juggling medical, relationship and job-related matters can often pale in the face of the financial pressures of caring for someone who is chronically ill or disabled.  The key is sustainability – and in order to manage the massive bills, extra costs and nuances of the tax code, I have found that I require the help of a trained professional, specifically a CPA. I look at a CPA almost like a primary care doctor. A CPA functions as the “hub” of the financial wheel of life. From mortgages to tax deductions, a CPA can serve as a guide through the financial jungle of both individual budgets and our national economy. Between work and full-time duties as a caregiver, how can I possibly have the time to keep up with all the changes in the tax code or the day-to-day grind of carefully protecting finances from the onslaught of medical and other bills? It is just too much, and I will make mistakes –that’s why I need the help of someone with specialized training. I will not presume to tell anyone, particularly caregivers, how to manage their money. I can, however, offer a few tips that changed the way I view money, helped me keep a superior credit rating and avoid bankruptcy while dealing with the massive medical bills we incurred. I developed a simple 1-2-30 system. For example, when taking care of my physical health, I get: 1 Annual Flu Shot 2 Well Visits With an internist/family physician (including a physical) 30 minutes per day (average) of some kind of physical activity That same 1-2-30 system also has an easy component for dealing with money. 1 Charity to Financially Support Over the years, I discovered that thinking about someone else’s struggles and challenges helped put mine in perspective. Even though my wife and I founded a non-profit ourselves, we give to others that are totally unrelated to what we do at Standing With Hope, and also have nothing to do with the caregiving or disability issue my family faces. We found that by focusing on issues other than our own, it allowed us to “get outside ourselves,” if only for a brief moment. Regardless of how small the amount, contributing to the betterment of others changes perspective and expands the heart of an individual. Be sure to keep all charitable donation receipts and give them to your CPA. 2 Meetings Per Year With a CPA (Minimum) The financial matters caregivers deal with are daunting on a good day and insane on a bad one. One person carrying all of the financial burdens of caregiving – while caring for someone else medically and physically – is just too much and errors are inevitable. Having a second (or third) set of eyes helps bring organization and peace of mind. A good CPA is a great ally. For non-caregivers, if you see a caregiver who is struggling, try to avoid platitudes like, “You’re in our hearts and prayers.” Instead, try asking them, “Do you have a CPA you regularly see?” That simple question reframes the problem while directing the caregiver toward a healthier financial path, and can circumvent a slew of problems. Introducing the thought of someone connected to quality and affordable financial advice  can help them manage bills, stay current on taxes, learn to operate within a budget and take advantage of tax-deductible expenses incurred in most caregiving scenarios. When dealing with a long-term medical issue, keeping up with medical bills and receipts is critical, and operating within a budget is paramount. (Why can’t we send more CPAs to Washington D.C. instead of lawyers, by the way?) At the end of weary days, it is comforting to know that a trained, objective pair of eyes is helping keep finances in order. $30 Per Paycheck Into Savings Caregiving often means living paycheck to paycheck – on a good week. Financially treading water for as long as caregiving requires can cause even the stoutest checkbooks to grow weary, and getting ahead sometimes seems out of the question. Putting something in a savings account (or a Health Savings Account) can sound like it asks too much while drowning in bills. Squirreling away even a little bit, however, goes a long way towards a better night’s sleep. Anyone can implement these 1-2-30 steps today, and immediately generate positive benefits to any situation. These simple ideas can ease the craziness and stress in a caregiver’s life – and they represent a few of the reasons why you should “hug your CPA today!” Peter W. Rosenberger, President, Standing With Hope. Peter operates a non-profit prosthetic limb outreach program to amputees overseas. Standing With Hope recently launched an outreach to caregivers that draws upon Peter’s vast experience as a caregiver for his wife, Gracie, for 27 years through her now 78 operations, multiple amputations, 60+ doctors, 12 hospitals, 7 insurance companies and $9 million in medical costs. He hosts a weekly radio show on Nashville’s 1510 WLAC for caregivers.

Helpful Tax Tips if You’re Moving this Summer

If you make a work-related move this summer, you may be able to deduct the costs of the move. This may apply if you move to start a new job or to work at the same job in a new job location. The IRS offers the following tips on moving expenses you may be able to deduct on your tax return.

In order to deduct moving expenses, you must meet these three requirements:

1. Your move closely relates to the start of work. Generally, you can consider moving expenses within one year of the date you first report to work at a new job location. Additional rules apply to this requirement.

2. You meet the distance test.  Your new main job location must be at least 50 miles farther from your former home than your previous main job location was. For example, if your old main job location was three miles from your former home, your new main job location must be at least 53 miles from that former home.

3. You meet the time test.  After you move, you must work full time at your new job location for at least 39 weeks during the first year. Self-employed individuals must meet this test and also work full time for a total of at least 78 weeks during the first 24 months upon arriving in the general area of their new job location. If your income tax return is due before you have satisfied this requirement, you can still deduct your allowable moving expenses if you expect to meet the time test.

See Publication 521, Moving Expenses, for more information about these rules. If you can claim this deduction, here are a few more tips from the IRS:

• Travel.  You can deduct transportation and lodging expenses for yourself and household members while moving from your former home to your new home. You cannot deduct the cost of meals during the travel.
• Household goods.  You can deduct the cost of packing, crating and transporting your household goods and personal property. You may be able to include the cost of storing and insuring these items while in transit.
• Utilities.  You can deduct the costs of connecting or disconnecting utilities.
• Nondeductible expenses.  You cannot deduct as moving expenses any part of the purchase price of your new home, the costs of buying or selling a home, or the cost of entering into or breaking a lease. See Publication 521 for a complete list.
• Reimbursed expenses.  If your employer reimburses you for the costs of a move for which you took a deduction, you may have to include the reimbursement as income on your tax return.
• Update your address.  When you move, be sure to update your address with the IRS and the U.S. Postal Service to ensure you receive mail from the IRS. File Form 8822, Change of Address, to notify the IRS.
• Tax form to file.  To figure the amount of your deduction for moving expenses, use Form 3903, Moving Expenses. 

Get more details about this topic in Publication 521 and Form 3903. Both are available at IRS.gov or by calling 800-829-3676.

Additional IRS Resources:

• Publication 521, Moving Expenses
• Form 8822, Change of Address
• Form 3903, Moving Expenses
• Can I Deduct My Moving Expenses? – Interactive Tax Assistant tool
• Tax Topic 455 – Moving Expenses

IRS YouTube Videos:

• Moving Expenses – English | Spanish | ASL

IRS Podcasts:

• Moving Expenses – English | Spanish

Tips to Start Planning Next Year's Tax Return

For most taxpayers, the tax deadline has passed. But planning for next year can start now. The IRS reminds taxpayers that being organized and planning ahead can save time and money in 2014. Here are six things you can do now to make next April 15 easier.

1. Adjust your withholding.  Each year, millions of American workers have far more taxes withheld from their pay than is required. Now is a good time to review your withholding to make the taxes withheld from your pay closer to the taxes you’ll owe for this year. This is especially true if you normally get a large refund and you would like more money in your paycheck. If you owed tax when you filed, you may need to increase the federal income tax withheld from your wages. Use the IRS Withholding Calculator at IRS.gov to complete a new Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate.

2. Store your return in a safe place.  Put your 2012 tax return and supporting documents somewhere safe. If you need to refer to your return in the future, you’ll know where to find it. For example, you may need a copy of your return when applying for a home loan or financial aid. You can also use it as a helpful guide for next year's return.

3. Organize your records.  Establish one location where everyone in your household can put tax-related records during the year. This will avoid a scramble for misplaced mileage logs or charity receipts come tax time.

4. Shop for a tax professional.  If you use a tax professional to help you with tax planning, start your search now. You’ll have more time when you're not up against a deadline or anxious to receive your tax refund. Choose a tax professional wisely. You’re ultimately responsible for the accuracy of your own return regardless of who prepares it. Find tips for choosing a preparer at IRS.gov.

5. Consider itemizing deductions.  If you usually claim a standard deduction, you may be able to reduce your taxes if you itemize deductions instead. If your itemized deductions typically fall just below your standard deduction, you can ‘bundle’ your deductions. For example, an early or extra mortgage payment or property tax payment, or a planned donation to charity could equal some tax savings. See the Schedule A, Itemized Deductions, instructions for the list of items you can deduct. Planning an approach now that works best for you can pay off at tax time next year.

6. Keep up with changes.  Find out about tax law changes, helpful tips and IRS announcements all year by subscribing to IRS Tax Tips through IRS.gov or IRS2Go, the mobile app from the IRS. The IRS issues tips regularly during the summer and tax filing season.

You can find forms and publications at IRS.gov or order them by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Additional IRS Resources:

• IRS Withholding Calculator tool
• Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate
• Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax
• Publication 552, Recordkeeping for Individuals
• Choosing a Tax Professional
• Schedule A, Itemized Deductions and instructions

IRS YouTube Videos:

• IRS Withholding Calculator - English | Spanish | ASL
• IRS2Go 3.0 - English | Spanish
• Record Keeping - English | Spanish | ASL
• Standard Versus Itemized Deductions - English | Spanish | ASL

IRS Podcasts:

• Standard Versus Itemized Deductions - English | Spanish
• IRS2Go 3.0 - English | Spanish