Tag Archives: Form 1040

Key Highlights of the COVID-19 Relief Programs

by Tony Pandiscia

We have compiled the following useful and concise information for your reference as you consider the various planning opportunities available to address the impact of the COVID-19 situation on your business operations.  After studying the recently enacted law and interacting with other professionals, by parsing through the voluminous CARES Act, Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) and relevant peripheral materials, the following includes the highlights of the relevant relief available to you via the government stimulus packages:

  • Loans available under the CARES Act provide the largest measure of assistance available via what is termed the “PPP”.  The borrowing amount is capped at a formula calculating the average monthly “Total payroll” incurred in a trailing 12-month period.  “Total payroll” includes employee compensation (not to exceed $100,000 annually per capita) + health insurance (employer share only) + PTO.  PPP loans will be obtained through traditional lending relationships (local / national banks) and NOT the SBA; best bet is to work with lenders with whom a borrowing relationship already exists as it may help expedite the process.   Our understanding is that local lenders will have finalized the application process and be in a position to initiate the approval process by April 3.
  • Forgiveness of any “PPP” loans received under the CARES Act will be available if proceeds are used for payroll, rent, utilities AND employee labor force or employee compensation after April 1 remains consistent with a pre-April 1 “measurement period”.
  • Independently, “Disaster Relief Loans” (referred to as “EIDL”) are available under the more traditional borrowing program offered by the SBA.
  • What is interesting and somewhat confusing, the EIDL program administered by the SBA also includes a grant opportunity for up to $10,000 for businesses that have been severely effected by COVID-19.  The grant does not require repayment, nor does it obligate the recipient to also apply for an EIDL loan; furthermore, it does not preclude the business from also applying for the PPP.  Many businesses will apply for the grant through the SBA (which should be received on an expedited basis according to the Federal government’s stimulus objectives) while simultaneously applying for the PPP through their local lender.
  • NC-based businesses may also apply for loans of < $50,000 under the “NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan” program administered by a consortium of local lenders and stakeholders, and funded by the “Golden Leaf Foundation”.  The loans will have favorable repayment terms and the application process is available on-line.
  • Payroll tax deferment is available for employer FICA and Medicare due 4/1/20 – 12/31/20.  Any tax amounts deferred must be repaid in no less than 50% < 12/31/21 and the remaining 50% < 12/31/22.
  • Payroll tax credit is available up to $10,000 by meeting certain workforce retention criteria [50% of wages paid to retained labor force during period when business gross revenues decline > 50%]
  • EFMLA [“Family leave”] and EPSL [“Sick leave”] benefits paid out to  qualifying employees will generate a payroll tax credit (rather than the normal deduction).  The mandatory leave provisions may not be applicable to anyone in the healthcare industry, however if a business already has family leave policies in place as part of their employee benefits, the policies will need to be adhered to with regard to relevant claims made by employees whom are incapable of working due to COVID-19 issues.
  • Employees whom are separated from service via layoff can qualify for Unemployment Insurance.  Filings are now made via on-line platform by the terminated employee directly.  Under NC Law, even employees whom were not fully terminated but experienced severe decrease in work hours may qualify to receive partial benefits.  Anyone properly terminated would be ineligible for EFMLA or EPSL; in addition, employees severed from service whom were participants in the group health plan will need to offered COBRA coverage.  [Note for exit- counseling purposes and temporary layoff planning, a terminated employee is typically not required to self-pay the monthly premium amount until after a 59-day grace period; therefore, if a business anticipates rehiring the terminated employee < 59 days following the expectation of a return to business activity suspended due to COVID-19, there may not be any additional premium cost to the employee nor significant interruption in health care coverage.  [However, each business should consult with its health plan advisor or representative to verify no other “breaks in service” nor “on-board delays” in coverage would apply under the terms of the group plan in place.]

Details continue to be released and we will keep you posted as to any new developments, and of course feel free to contact us should you need further information.

COVID-19 Links

In an effort to streamline the ever-changing world we live in with the COVID-19 virus, here are some links that are all related to updated tax changes, small businesses, individual sick leave, and other filing requirements.  As more information is released, it will be added at the top of this list.

 

 

 

Have you been using zoom?  https://www.forbes.com/sites/leemathews/2020/04/13/500000-hacked-zoom-accounts-given-away-for-free-on-the-dark-web/#58a7fbc858c5

US Dept of Treasury Grants Additional Income Tax Filing and Payment Relief https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-20-23.pdf

New NonProfit Extensions https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm970

CDC Recommendations https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

COVID-19 Relief Tracker https://www.forbes.com/sites/briannegarrett/2020/03/20/small-business-relief-tracker-funding-grants-and-resources-for-business-owners-grappling-with-coronavirus/#1e1e001bdd4c

There’s hope for Small Businesses! https://www.wraltechwire.com/2020/04/03/bank-of-america-accepting-virus-crisis-loan-applications-receives-10000-in-first-hour/

Key Highlights of the CARES Act and the FFCRA Relief Provisions https://www.langdoncpa.com/?p=4717&preview=true

SBA loans more difficult than we thought https://www.langdoncpa.com/2020/04/03/sba-loans-may-be-more-difficult-than-we-thought/

Employer tax credits, and more https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2020/apr/irs-new-employer-tax-credits-form-employee-retention-credit-guidance-coronavirus.html

More Assistance for Nonprofits https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/trends-policy-issues/loans-available-nonprofits-the-cares-act-public-law-116-132

NC Press Release: Deferred Interest https://www.langdoncpa.com/2020/04/01/press-release-nc-deferring-interest/

Applications for Small Business Paycheck Protection Program https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2020/mar/paycheck-protection-loan-for-small-businesses-coronavirus-pandemic.html

Employer questions answered! https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/employers

SBA debt relief related to COVID-19 https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources#section-header-4

Gift tax returns extended too! https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2020/mar/gift-gst-tax-returns-postponed-filing-deadlines-coronavirus-pandemic.html

Assisted Living Resources for COVID-19 https://www.ncala.org/covid-19.html

How much COVID-19 stimulus will I receive? https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/27/the-stimulus-payment-calculator-tells-you-how-much-money-you-could-get.html

Possible Increase for VA Nursing Facilities https://www.vhca.org/publications/careconnection/march-26-2020/vhca-vcal-seeking-additional-funding-for-nf-care-under-covid-19-emergency/

COVID-19 Resources for Non-Profits https://www.ncnonprofits.org/resources/pandemicresources

The CARES Act questions answered https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2020/mar/cares-act-economic-relief-coronavirus-tax-provisions.html?utm_source=mnl:alerts&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=25Mar2020&utm_content=headline

NC DHHS provides additional COVID-19 support https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/nc-medicaid-increases-support-protect-those-most-risk-serious-illness-covid-19

Clarification on NC Tax Deadlines https://www.ncacpa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Frequently-Asked-Questions-COVID-final.pdf?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=NCACPA&_zs=fG9HX&_zl=MMK22

Employers using Payroll Tax Credits for Paid Leave due to Coronavirus https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/employers-can-begin-using-payroll-tax-credits-for-paid-leave-for-coronavirus

CMS extends Cost Report Deadlines https://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/ls/JM%20Part%20A~BMYLSN5443?opendocument&utm_source=J11AL&utm_campaign=JMALs&utm_medium=email

Small Business Q&A https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/covid19-faqs

IRS push back tax FILING deadline https://abc11.com/business/tax-day-pushed-back-amid-viral-outbreak-mnuchin/6031749/

Bill to address paid sick leave related to COVID-19 (FFCRA) https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomspiggle/2020/03/17/the-families-first-coronavirus-response-act-what-it-does-for-employees-who-need-paid-sick-leave/#615dd2f06f1a

HUD and Single Audit Extension https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/M-20-17.pdf?utm_medium=email&SubscriberID=111017000&utm_source=GAQC20&Site=AICPA&LinkID=8741972&utm_campaign=GAQC_AlertMAR20&cid=email:GAQC20:GAQC_AlertMAR20:https%3a%2f%2fwww.whitehouse.gov%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2020%2f03%2fM-20-17.pdf:AICPA&SendID=266068&utm_content=A20MAR400_GAQC_Alert401

IRS Press Release “Payment Relief” https://www.langdoncpa.com/2020/03/19/official-guidance-for-tax-deadlines/

Single Audit Submission Info https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/M-20-11.pdf

US Department of Labor defines FMLA related to COVID-19 https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla/pandemic

IRS extends PAYMENT deadline https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/17/treasury-and-irs-to-delay-tax-deadline-by-90-days.html

https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/tax-compliance/news/21129660/2020-tax-season-payment-deadline-extended-to-july-15-as-nation-fights-coronavirus-irs-news?utm_source=CPA+Other+Communications&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CCSN200317002&o_eid=9442A3978623C7T&rdx.ident=[object+Object]

 

2017 Tax Season Update/Reminders

by Tony Pandiscia

Updates to Important 2016 Income Tax Return Filing Deadlines:

  • Individuals                  Tuesday, April 18, 2017
  • C Corporations           Tuesday, April 18, 2017
  • Trust/Estates              Tuesday, April 18, 2017
  • Partnerships       Wednesday, March 15, 2017
  • S-Corporations   Wednesday, March 15, 2017

HIGHLIGHTS OF FEDERAL TAX CHANGES

  • The Standard Deduction amount for Married Filing Joint couples has increased by $100 for 2017 to $12,700; all other filing status standard deductions have increased by $50.
  • The maximum annual “profit sharing” contribution limit for certain retirement plans has increased to $54,000 for 2017.
  • The annual compensation limit for certain retirement plans has increased to $270,000 for 2017.
  • The Social Security maximum earnings base for application of FICA tax has increased to $127,200 for 2017.
  • The thresholds for each of the Individual Income Tax Brackets for 2017 have been increased slightly due to annual Cost of Living Adjustments.
  • The gross income levels for which a 2017 income tax return is required have been increased to $ $20,800 (Married Filing Joint filers) and $10,400 (Single filers).
  • Effective January 1, 2017, Business-related travel expense “standard mileage rate” has been revised to 53.5 cent per mile for business miles driven. The “standard mileage rates” for medical or moving expense purposes is now 17 cents per mile, but the rate for charitable activities remains unchanged at 14 cents per mile.
  • Tax Exempt Organizations can now receive an automatic six-month extension of time to file using Form 8868 prior to the initial due date for their 2016 tax returns.

HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTH CAROLINA TAX CHANGES

  • The standard deduction has been increased by $1,000 for married individuals who file jointly (or as “head of household”) and $500 for all other individuals.
  • Effective January 1, 2017, many service businesses will now be subject to Sales & Use Tax collection and reporting when providing “repair, maintenance, or installation” services that are not “Capital Improvements.” In addition, a new exemption form has been issued for service businesses to qualify for a “Capital Improvement” exemption.

HELPFUL REMINDERS

  • Charitable Contribution:
    • Tax deductible contributions can be made in the form of cash or noncash but not “service” to a qualified 501(c)(3) organization. Out-of-pocket costs and travel expenses incurred may be subject to deduction.
  • Any single donation larger than $250 to a “qualified organization” requires acknowledgement (or receipt). For noncash donations, fair market value assessment is the responsibility of the donor and if over $5,000, a certified appraisal is required.
  • Reporting of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR):
    • If you have a financial interest in or signature authority over a foreign financial account with overall value exceeding $10,000 at any time during the calendar year, you are required to file an FBAR. (As a protective measure, many of our clients file this report regardless of the threshold in order to run the statute of limitations for audit.)
    • The annual due date for filing has been revised to April 18, 2017. All taxpayers will be granted an automatic six-month extension to October 15.

This is a summary of 2017 tax changes.  If you have any questions regarding the details of the changes and how they may affect your specific situation, please feel free to contact us to discuss.

Tony ([email protected]) is the Tax Partner with Langdon & Company LLP.  He is a CPA and also an attorney, advocating for clients on many levels-including with the State and the IRS.

Why Sole Proprietors Should Incorporate

by Eric Murphy

proconFor many entrepreneurs, the biggest question they should ask themselves after deciding what kind of business they want to have is what kind of entity should the business be established as?  This is very important since the choice they make can have a long-term impact on their profitability and security.  This article will address some of the benefits of Incorporating a Sole Proprietorship into a subchapter S-Corporation.  While there are many rules and conditions that have to be considered, this general overview should explain why it is a beneficial choice for the solo entrepreneur.

When a person first begins a business without incorporating, they would report their income and expenses on Schedule C of their Individual tax return (Form 1040).  This form is used for Sole Proprietorships and reflects the business as an entity, inseparable from the individual.  Because of this lack of separation, any liability or risk to the business becomes a direct risk to the individual.  This means if the business incurs debt and defaults or is the defendant in a lawsuit, the individual’s personal assets can be pursued for settlement and there is no limit to the potential liability.

If the individual chose to incorporate instead, their income and expenses would be reported on a separate tax return known as Form 1120S.  This return reflects the business as an entity separate from the individual with the net profit or loss flowing to the individual who is a shareholder in the entity on Form K-1.  As a separate entity, the individual has the benefit of limited liability in the event of a lawsuit or in case of default on debt.  This liability is limited to the extent of their initial investment in the business and any appreciation on that investment.

Another big benefit of having an S-Corporation instead of a Sole Proprietorship is savings on taxes paid.  A sole proprietor must pay ordinary income tax as well as self-employment tax on all net income generated by the business.  The self-employment tax is assessed as a means of collecting what the individual would have had withheld for Social Security and Medicare taxes if they were working for someone else.  While of a portion of this tax is deductible, it can be a costly burden to the entrepreneur when the time comes to file their personal tax return.

With an S-Corporation, the individual still pays ordinary income tax on all the net income of the business, but they only pay it once at the shareholder level when they file their Form 1040.  There is no tax liability for the business itself.  Individuals are also exempt from self-employment tax when they operate under an S-Corporation.  The reason is, the entrepreneur should get paid a salary and be issued a W-2 from the business and that way they are paying Social Security and Medicare taxes from wages earned and those wages are deducted from the business’s net income.  The salary paid doesn’t need to be excessive, and the entrepreneur and can also take money out of the business as non-taxable distributions – provided the distributions don’t reduce their basis in the business below zero.  Otherwise, those excess distributions are subject to capital gains tax on the individual’s 1040.

If you’re a self-starter who plans to start their own business or has an existing business and wants to know all the details to determine if incorporation is the right path for you, contact Langdon & Company, LLP.  Our tax professionals can provide you all the help you need to incorporate your business, file your required tax returns, and setup payroll for your business and file required payroll reports.

Eric ([email protected]) is a Tax Senior at Langdon & Company, LLP.  He works on various types of returns ranging from non-profit corporations, to individuals, and partnerships.

Have you received all of the tax forms you expected?

by Cody Taylor

As we’re into February you should have received most if not all of the tax documents related to preparing your 2015 tax returns.  This article in Forbes explains when various tax forms are due to you.  What if you are missing some forms you were expecting?

It’s important to note that some forms may not be received in time to prepare your tax returns on time and you may require an extension as a result.  The most common scenario is if you receive a Schedule K-1 from a pass-through entity.  These entities have to file their tax returns before issuing you a Schedule K-1 which may not happen right away.  As the article also says- your best course of action is to contact the K-1 issuer and find out when they expect the tax returns to be completed so you can plan your own tax filings accordingly.tax forms

If you haven’t received expected W-2s, 1099s or other forms that should have been received by now you have a few options available.  The first and most obvious is to look back through any mail you have sitting around and to check your emails to see if you missed anything.  We’ve all missed something the first time through only to have to document be sitting right there the whole time.  However if the forms really are missing here are a few steps you can take as outlined here and summarized below.

  1. Contact the issuer – They may have simply mailed it to the wrong address, maybe you moved or your form got lost in the mail. Most issuers will be happy to send you a new copy, but keep in mind if they tell you it was sent and you did not receive it make sure to check that they have the correct address on file for you.
  2. Employer or Issuer has moved or closed – Still try to contact them. The income they paid you still should be reported on your tax returns and if they issued W-2s or 1099s in your Social Security number that are not reported on your tax returns the IRS will almost assuredly contact you about it.
  3. Still no forms by February 14th – If you are unable to resolve the missing information through the previous steps you can contact the IRS starting February 15th regarding missing forms. Try to have your address, phone number, Social Security Number, dates of employment, earnings estimate and federal withholdings amount on hand when you call the IRS.  Your most recent pay stub is a good place to get this information.  The IRS phone number is 1-800-829-1040 and I recommend trying to call first thing in the morning when the wait times are often shorter.
  4. Patience – The IRS will then contact the issuer to send you replacement forms but this is done through the mail and is usually not a fast process.

The good news is most of the time the issue of missing forms can be resolved rather painlessly, but if you find yourself missing important tax documents as it gets closer to filing time follow the above steps and contact the IRS, if necessary.

Cody ([email protected]) is a member of our tax staff at Langdon & Company LLP.  He works with various types of clients on tax matters year-round.  Please contact us to get more information on how we can help make your 2015 tax season, a smooth one.

 

Are You Withholding Enough?

by Cody Taylor

Have you ever gotten to the end of the year, filed your taxes and then been surprised by what you owe?  One of the factors that can contribute to your surprise is not withholding enough taxes from your paycheck.  If you are a W-2 wage earner (your employer takes taxes out of your paycheck) and your income profile isn’t very complicated you may be able to use the IRS Withholding Calculator to figure out the correct withholding level for you.

The IRS gives some tips for using the program:wallet - not used

  • Have your most recent pay stubs handy
  • Have your most recent income tax return handy
  • Estimate values if necessary, remembering that the results can only be as accurate as the input you provide.

To Change Your Withholding:

  • Use your results from this calculator to help you complete a new Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate
  • Submit the completed Form to your employer

Even if you’ve always gotten a refund there may be reason to look into your withholding amount or whether you may need to make an end of year estimated payment to cover any tax liability if your situation has recently changed.  Some scenarios include an increase in nonwage income (Interest, dividends, capital gains (ex. stocks), alimony or self-employment income), a change in marital status, you moved to a new state, gained or lost a dependent or maybe you simply had a change of income level recently.  Nonwage income does not usually have taxes withheld so an increase from one year to the next can surprise people at tax time if they aren’t prepared for it.

Withholding information is especially important when you or your spouse is self-employed.  The IRS Withholding Calculator is not recommended when your income profile contains alternative minimum tax, self-employment tax, or if you receive pass-through income in the form of a K-1(s).  These more complicated situations may require an end of year tax projection to ensure your tax liabilities are covered.

If the IRS Withholding Calculator is not right for your situation and you need some additional assistance with end of year tax planning please contact our office for additional information.

Cody ([email protected]) is a staff in our tax department.  He focuses on various closely-held family companies, and trusts.

How to Amend a 1040

by Susan Dean

Have you discovered an error after filing your personal income tax return? Did you forget to report income or claim deductions? Have you received a “corrected” tax reporting document such as a Corrected Form 1099? What should you do if you fall into one of these categories? Depending on the circumstances, you may need to amend your tax return.

To amend your Form 1040, U.S. Individual Incofrom Susanme Tax Return, you should file a Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. Form 1040X will become your new tax return, changing your original return to include any new information.

Page one of Form 1040X is a summary of your 1040 information, both as previously filed and what you are currently reporting.  Column A reports the “Original amount” as reported on a prior Form 1040 (or prior 1040X). This is the amount(s) you are updating or “amending.” Column C reports the “Corrected amount” or the amount that should have been reported on the original return, the amount you are updating. That leaves Column B. Column B shows the “Net change” between Column A and Column C. Column B reports the difference in what was reported (Column A) and what should have been reported (Column C). Form 1040X gives a visual comparison of your 1040, both before and after the change(s). The form shows the increase or decrease to your taxable income and/or tax liability.

When filing an amended tax return, you must explain the reason for the amendment. This explanation is reported on Part III, Explanation of changes. In this section you should communicate to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) why you are filing Form 1040X. The reason can vary from receiving a late or corrected Form 1099; forgetting to claim a deductible charitable contribution or business expense; reporting additional taxable income; or changing the originally filed filing status. No matter the reason, the IRS wants to know why you are amending and what form(s) and line numbers have changed as well as any supporting schedules that have been affected by the change(s).

Once you have completed Form 1040X by reporting the corrected information, explained the reason for the change(s) and attached any necessary forms and/or schedules, you are ready to sign and file your amended return. Depending on the change in your overall taxable income and/or tax liability, you may owe additional tax to the IRS or you could be due a tax refund. The state you live in and the outcome of your tax liability determines where you file your amended return. Before mailing your amended return, please confirm the correct address in the current year Form 1040X instructions.

Please note if you are amending your federal income tax return, you also may need to amend your state income tax return. Refer to your state income tax return form instructions on when and how to amend your state income tax return or contact your personal certified public accountant.

For more information on amending your Form 1040, please refer to the IRS website and their section on Amended Tax Return Frequently Asked Questions. If you think you may need to amend your personal income tax return and would like further advice on amending or would like to request assistance in amending your personal tax return, please contact our office.

Susan ([email protected]) is a Tax Manager working primarily with closely-held family businesses and corporations.

Premium Tax Credit Reporting

by Kendall Tyson

Beginning in 2014, individuals and families with low or moderate income could purchase health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, also known as the Exchange.  The premium tax credit is an advanceable, refundable tax credit designed to help those individuals and families.  The credit could be paid in advance to insurance companies to lower the monthly premiums or the credit could be claimed with the individual tax return.  If the credit was paid in advance, individuals must reconcile the amount paid in advance with the actual credit computed on the individual’s tax return.

Reporting and Claiming:

Will I have to file a federal income tax return to get the premium tax credit?  

For any tax year, if you receive advance credit payments in any amount or if you plan to claim the premium tax credit, you must file a Form 8962, Premium Tax Credit (PTC) and attach it to your federal income tax return for that year. If you receive any advance credit payments, you will use your return to reconcile the difference between the advance credit payments made on your behalf and the actual amount of the credit that you may claim. This filing requirement applies whether or not you would otherwise be required to file a return. If you are married and you file your tax return using the filing status Married Filing Separately, you will not be eligible for the premium tax credit unless you meet the criteria in Notice 2014-23, which allows certain victims of domestic abuse to claim the premium tax credit using the Married Filing Separately filing status for the 2014 calendar year.

Will I be eligible for the premium tax credit if I’m married but I file my tax return using the filing status Married Filing Separately?

If you are married and you file your tax return using the filing status Married Filing Separately, you will not be eligible for the premium tax credit unless you meet the criteria in section 1.36B-2T(b)(2) of the Temporary Income Tax Regulations, which allows certain victims of domestic abuse and spousal abandonment to claim the premium tax credit using the Married Filing Separately filing status.  Taxpayers may claim this relief from the joint filing requirement for no more than three consecutive years.

Note:  Generally, a married taxpayer who lives apart from his or her spouse for the last six months of the taxable year is considered unmarried if he or she files a separate return, maintains as the taxpayer’s home a household that is also the main home of a dependent child for more than half the year, and furnishes over half the cost of the household during the taxable year.

For purposes of the relief from the joint filing requirement for certain victims of domestic abuse and spousal abandonment, how are domestic abuse and spousal abandonment defined?

 Domestic abuse includes physical, psychological, sexual, or emotional abuse, including efforts to control, isolate, humiliate, and intimidate, or to undermine the victim’s ability to reason independently.  All the facts and circumstances are considered in determining whether an individual is abused, including the effects of alcohol or drug abuse by the victim’s spouse. Depending on the facts and circumstances, abuse of the victim’s child or other family member living in the household may constitute abuse of the victim.

A taxpayer is a victim of spousal abandonment for a taxable year if, taking into account all facts and circumstances, the taxpayer is unable to locate his or her spouse after reasonable diligence.

If I get insurance through the Marketplace, how will I know what to report on my federal tax return?

If you purchased coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace you should receive Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement from your Marketplace by early February. This form provides information you will need when completing Form 8962. If you have questions about the information on Form 1095-A for 2014, or about receiving Form 1095-A for 2014, you should contact your Marketplace directly.  The IRS will not be able to answers questions about the information on your Form 1095-A or about missing or lost forms.

Filing electronically is the easiest way to file a complete and accurate tax return. Electronic Filing options include free Volunteer Assistance, IRS Free File, commercial software and professional assistance.

How is the amount of the premium tax credit determined?

The law bases the size of your premium tax credit on a sliding scale. Those who have a lower income get a larger credit to help cover the cost of their insurance. In other words, the higher your income, the lower the amount of your credit.You will figure your credit on Form 8962. You must complete this form to claim the premium tax credit and reconcile any advance credit payments with the premium tax credit you are eligible to claim on your return. Form 1095-A from your Marketplace provides information you will need when completing Form 8962.(see question 14) Filing electronically is the easiest way to file a complete and accurate tax return. Electronic Filing options include free Volunteer Assistance, IRS Free File, commercial software and professional assistance

Additionally, the premium tax credit is a refundable tax credit. This means that if the amount of the credit is more than the amount of your tax liability, you will receive the difference as a refund. If you owe no tax, you can get the full amount of the credit as a refund. However, if you receive advance payments of the credit, you will reconcile the advance payments with the amount of the actual premium tax credit that you calculate on your tax return. If your actual allowable credit on your return is less than your advance credit payments, the difference, subject to certain caps, will be subtracted from your refund or added to your balance due. If your actual allowable credit is more than your advance credit payments, the difference will be added to your refund or subtracted from your balance due.

This excerpt and additional Q&A information on the Premium Tax Credit can be found on the IRS website: http://www.irs.gov/Affordable-Care-Act/Individuals-and-Families/Questions-and-Answers-on-the-Premium-Tax-Credit#.VNO4_QFEocQ.gmail

Kendall Tyson ([email protected]), a Tax Manager at Langdon & Company LLP.  She specializes in physician/dentist practices, multi-state and nonprofit returns.

College Tax Credits 2014

by Cody Taylor

college-debtThere is often confusion surrounding who can claim college tax credits and for how much.  The two college tax credits are the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) and the Lifetime Learning Credit.  You can only claim one of these credits per student on your federal tax return.  The American Opportunity Tax Credit is worth up to $2,500 per qualifying student for up to four years and is currently available through 2017.

Everyone wants to be able to claim a college tax credit but there are various rules, income limitations and exclusions that apply for each credit.  The source of the money used to pay for qualified tuition expenses matters in determining whether you can qualify for one of the college tax credits.  For example, 529 college savings plans are utilized by many taxpayers to plan for college expenses, but expenses that were used to calculate the tax-free portion of a distribution from a 529 plan may not also be used to calculate the American Opportunity Tax Credit.  There are ways to claim the AOTC in the same year as a tax-free distribution from a 529 plan is made, but it takes planning.

You should receive a Form 1098-T from your school in the mail.  This and other related costs (often textbooks) should be supplied to your tax professional along with your other tax information so that they can help adopt the best college tax credits for your particular situation.  Proper planning ahead of time can save you money in the long run.  A tax professional can help you discuss college tuition planning so that when the time comes for you or your child to go off to college, you will be able to claim the maximum credit allowable to you.

Langdon & Company LLP has a tax department full of experience to help you make the right choice for this deduction.  Please feel free to contact our office for more information.

Cody Taylor ([email protected]) is a tax staff who specializes in various issues related to individuals and their businesses.

The Scoop on Educational Tax Credits

by Taylor Elliott

booksThere are several educational tax credits and deductions available, but how and when do they apply? The IRS recently published the article “IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2014-23” to help taxpayers understand the tax benefits that are available when educational expenses have been incurred during the year. The following excerpt from that article outlines some key factors:

  • American Opportunity Tax Credit.  The AOTC can be up to $2,500 annually for an eligible student. This credit applies for the first four years of higher education. Forty percent of the AOTC is refundable. That means that you may be able to get up to $1,000 of the credit as a refund, even if you don’t owe any taxes.
  • Lifetime Learning Credit.  With the LLC, you may be able to claim a tax credit of up to $2,000 on your federal tax return. There is no limit on the number of years you can claim this credit for an eligible student.
  • One credit per student.  You can claim only one type of education credit per student on your federal tax return each year. If more than one student qualifies for a credit in the same year, you can claim a different credit for each student.  For example, you can claim the AOTC for one student and claim the LLC for the other student.
  • Qualified expenses.  You may include qualified expenses to figure your credit.  This may include amounts you pay for tuition, fees and other related expenses for an eligible student. Refer to IRS.gov for more about the additional rules that apply to each credit.
  • Eligible educational institutions.  Eligible schools are those that offer education beyond high school. This includes most colleges and universities. Vocational schools or other postsecondary schools may also qualify.
  • Form 1098-T.  In most cases, you should receive Form 1098-T, Tuition Statement, from your school. This form reports your qualified expenses to the IRS and to you. You may notice that the amount shown on the form is different than the amount you actually paid. That’s because some of your related costs may not appear on Form 1098-T. For example, the cost of your textbooks may not appear on the form, but you still may be able to claim your textbook costs as part of the credit. Remember, you can only claim an education credit for the qualified expenses that you paid in that same tax year.

The article also points out that income limitations as well as residence status must be considered. If you, a family member, or dependent has recently started college or gone back to school, please contact our office so that our dedicated tax professionals can help you navigate your particular facts and circumstances to determine what educational benefits are best for you.

Taylor Elliott is a tax manager with Langdon & Company LLP. She specializes in tax compliance and planning.