Archive for March, 2007

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR A TAX CREDIT?

March 1, 2007 at 4:04 pm · Filed under Tax Tips

Issue Number:   TT-2007-43

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ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR A TAX CREDIT?

Taxpayers should consider claiming tax credits for which they might be eligible when completing their federal income tax returns.  A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction of taxes owed. Some credits are refundable – taxes could be reduced to the point that a taxpayer would receive a refund rather than owing any taxes. Taxpayers should consider their eligibility for the credits listed below: 

  • Telephone Excise Tax Refund is a one-time refund for anyone who paid federal excise taxes for long-distance telephone service billed after Feb 28, 2003 and before Aug 1, 2006.  A refund of previously collected telephone excise taxes may be requested on your 2006 federal income tax return. The refund request can be based on the actual tax paid or a standard refund amount ranging from $30 to $60.  For more information, go to the IRS website at IRS.gov and link to Telephone Excise Tax Refund.
  • The Earned Income Tax Credit is a refundable credit for low-income working individuals and families.  Income and family size determine the amount of the credit.  For more information, see IRS Publication 596, Earned Income Credit.
  • The Child and Dependent Care Credit is for expenses paid for the care of children under age 13, or for a disabled spouse or dependent, to enable the taxpayer to work or look for work. For more information, see IRS Publication 503, Child and Dependent Care Expenses.
  • The Child Tax Credit is for people who have a qualifying child. The maximum amount of the credit is $1,000 for each qualifying child. This credit can be claimed in addition to the credit for child and dependent care expenses. For more information on the Child Tax Credit, see IRS Publication 972, Child Tax Credit.
  • Adoption Credit: Adoptive parents may qualify for a tax credit of up to $10,960 for qualifying expenses paid to adopt an eligible child. The credit may be allowed for the adoption of a child with special needs even if you do not have any qualifying expenses. For more information, see the instructions for Form 8839, Qualified Adoption Expenses.
  • Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled: This credit is available to individuals who are either age 65 or older or are under age 65 and retired on permanent and total disability, and who are U.S. citizens or residents. There are income limitations. For more information, see IRS Publication 524, Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled.

There are other credits available to eligible taxpayers. Since many qualifications and limitations apply to the various tax credits, taxpayers should carefully check the instructions for Form 1040, the listed publications, and additional information that is available on the IRS Web site at IRS.gov. IRS forms and publications are also available by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

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VOLUNTEER TAX RETURN PREPARATION

March 1, 2007 at 4:01 pm · Filed under Tax Tips

Issue Number:   TT-2007-42

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VOLUNTEER TAX RETURN PREPARATION

Are you puzzled by the tax law and which credits and deductions you can take? If so, then why not look into the free, IRS-sponsored, volunteer tax return preparation services? In addition to tax preparation, many also offer free electronic filing of tax returns.  

  • Volunteer Income Tax Assistance offers free tax help to people whose incomes are $39,000 or less. Volunteers sponsored by various organizations receive training to prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls and other convenient locations.
  • Tax Counseling for the Elderly provides free tax help to people aged 60 and older. Trained volunteers from non-profit organizations provide free tax counseling and basic income tax return preparation for senior citizens. Volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS.  
  • AARP Tax-Aide counseling, part of the IRS-Sponsored TCE Program, operates nearly 9,000 sites nationwide during the filing season. Trained and certified AARP Tax-Aide volunteer counselors can help people of low-to-moderate income with special attention to those aged 60 and older. To locate the nearest AARP Tax-Aide site, call 888-227-7669 or visit AARP’s Web site at www.aarp.org

Filing your taxes can be easy and free. Take advantage of a volunteer assistance program in your area to receive free income tax preparation assistance. Locations and hours of operation are often available through city information hotlines and local community organizations. Local volunteer tax preparation site information is also available by calling the IRS volunteer site hotline at 800-906-9887. This hotline is available through April 30, 2007.

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