TAX PRO PLUS LA

The Earned Income Tax Credit: the IRS's Nemesis

Years ago, Congress created the earned income tax credit (EITC) as a refundable tax credit for people who work but have lower incomes. This credit has been a nemesis for the IRS to administer ever since because, on the one hand, it is the frequent target of fraud and excess credit claims and, on the other hand, 20% to 25% of those who qualify for the credit do not claim it.

more »

Will the Affordable Care Act Impact Your Tax Return for 2014?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also referred to as Obamacare, imposes an individual mandate requiring all non-exempt U.S. Citizens and legal residents to enroll in government-approved health insurance in 2014 or pay a penalty. The penalty will be collected through the individual’s income tax returns (Form 1040).

more »

Do You Have An Online Gambling Account?

If so, you should be aware that each United States person who has a financial interest in or signature or other authority over any foreign financial accounts, including bank, securities, or other types of financial accounts, in a foreign country, if the aggregate value of these financial accounts exceeds $10,000 at any time during the calendar year, must report that relationship to the U.S. government each calendar year.

more »

Foreign Banks Forced to Report US Account Owners’ Tax Information to IRS

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) is a United States law that requires United States persons, including individuals who live outside of the US, to report their financial accounts held outside of the United States to the Treasury Department. This is done by completing and attaching IRS Form 8938, Statement of Foreign Financial Assets, to the individual’s income tax return, and is generally required if the value of the foreign accounts exceeds $50,000 (this threshold is higher for US persons residing abroad). In addition, FATCA requires foreign financial institutions to report about their US clients to the IRS. Congress enacted FATCA in order to make it more difficult for US taxpayers to conceal assets held in offshore accounts and shell corporations and thus, recoup federal tax revenues on unreported foreign-source income. The penalties for not reporting the accounts are draconian.

more »

Tax Facts about Summertime Child Care Expenses

Many parents who work or are looking for work must arrange for care of their children during school vacations. If you are one of those, and your children requiring care are under 13 years of age, you may qualify for a tax credit that can reduce your federal income taxes.

more »