tax-questions

TAX FAQ

ANSWERS TO YOUR TAX RELATED QUESTIONS!

Embarking on the journey through the complex realm of taxation requires both careful consideration and comprehensive knowledge. This page is dedicated to helping you get answers to all of your tax related questions!

TAX FAQ

ANSWERS TO YOUR TAX RELATED QUESTIONS!

Embarking on the journey through the complex realm of taxation requires both careful consideration and comprehensive knowledge. This page is dedicated to helping you get answers to all your personal injury questions!

FIRST STEP GUIDE

TAKE THESE STEPS RIGHT AFTER TAX TROUBLES!

This guide will provide valuable insights and expert guidance, assisting you in navigating and resolving various tax-related troubles effectively!

FIRST STEP GUIDE

TAKE THESE STEPS RIGHT AFTER TAX TROUBLES!

This guide will provide valuable insights and expert guidance, assisting you in navigating and resolving various tax-related troubles effectively!

STEP ONE

GATHER DOCUMENTATION

Collect all pertinent financial records, including tax returns and correspondence from tax authorities.

STEP TWO

ASSESS THE ISSUES

Identify the specific problems causing the tax troubles, like errors, missed payments, or discrepancies.

STEP THREE

CONSULT YOUR ATTORNEY

Reach out to a tax attorney for expert advice on the severity of the situation and the best course of action.

STEP FOUR

DEVELOP A RESOLUTION STRATEGY

Work with your attorney to formulate a comprehensive strategy for addressing the issues, including negotiation with tax authorities, setting up payment plans, or pursuing penalty abatement.

TAX FAQ

Find answers to all your questions related to tax trouble cases. If you don’t see your question below, use the form to the right to ask a question and one of our Attorneys will get back to you shortly!

ASK A QUESTION

What documents do I need to file my taxes?

You generally need W-2s, 1099s, and other income-related forms, as well as records of deductions and credits.

Can I claim my pet as a dependent?

No, pets are not considered dependents for tax purposes.

What's the difference between a standard deduction and itemizing deductions?

The standard deduction is a fixed amount you can deduct, while itemizing involves listing individual deductions like mortgage interest and medical expenses.

Can I deduct my student loan interest?

Yes, you can deduct up to a certain amount of student loan interest paid.

Are Social Security benefits taxable?

They might be if your total income exceeds a certain threshold.

How do I report income from a side gig?

Report it as self-employment income and consider deductions related to your business.

Can I deduct my home mortgage interest?

Yes, up to certain limits and if you itemize deductions.

What's the Child Tax Credit?

It’s a credit that reduces your tax liability for each qualifying child.

What's the difference between a Roth IRA and a Traditional IRA?

Contributions to a Roth IRA are post-tax, while contributions to a Traditional IRA are often tax-deductible.

Do I have to pay taxes on gifts I receive?

Generally, recipients of gifts do not have to pay taxes on them, but there are exceptions.

What's the difference between an LLC and a corporation in terms of taxes?

LLCs are often taxed as pass-through entities, while corporations are taxed at the corporate level.

Can I deduct business-related travel expenses?

Yes, as long as the travel is necessary and directly related to your business.

What's the Section 179 deduction?

It allows businesses to deduct the full cost of certain qualifying assets in the year they’re placed in service.

What's the self-employment tax?

It’s a tax that covers Social Security and Medicare for self-employed individuals.

Can I claim a home office deduction?

If you use a part of your home exclusively for business purposes, you may be eligible for this deduction.

What's the difference between an employee and an independent contractor?

Employees are subject to tax withholding by their employer, while independent contractors are responsible for their own taxes.

How do I handle sales tax for my online business?

You generally need to collect and remit sales tax for customers in states where you have a physical presence or meet certain thresholds.

Can I deduct entertainment expenses for business purposes?

The rules around deducting entertainment expenses have changed; consult a tax attorney for specific guidance.

What's a tax ID number (EIN)?

An Employer Identification Number is used to identify a business entity for tax purposes.

What are estimated tax payments?

Self-employed individuals and businesses often need to make quarterly estimated tax payments to cover their tax liabilities.

What should I do if I receive an IRS audit notice?

Contact a tax attorney before responding to ensure you handle the situation correctly.

Can the IRS seize my property for unpaid taxes?

Yes, they can issue a tax lien or levy to collect unpaid taxes.

What's an Innocent Spouse Relief?

It’s a provision that can release one spouse from liability for taxes owed if the other spouse’s actions caused the liability.

Can I negotiate with the IRS to settle my tax debt for less?

Yes, through options like an Offer in Compromise or an installment agreement.

What's the difference between a tax lien and a tax levy?

A tax lien is a claim against your property, while a levy involves seizing your property to satisfy a tax debt.

Can I discharge tax debt in bankruptcy?

Some tax debts can be discharged in bankruptcy, but the rules are complex.

How can I resolve a tax dispute with the IRS?

You can request a meeting with an IRS manager, appeal decisions, or take the case to tax court.

What's the tax treatment for offshore accounts?

Failure to report foreign financial accounts can result in severe penalties; consult a tax attorney if you have offshore accounts.

Can I claim a tax deduction for legal fees?

It depends on the nature of the legal fees; some are deductible, while others are not.

What's the statute of limitations for the IRS to collect taxes?

Generally, the IRS has ten years from the date of assessment to collect taxes owed.

What is the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion?

It allows U.S. citizens living abroad to exclude a certain amount of foreign earned income from their taxable income.

What's a Tax Treaty?

It’s an agreement between two countries that can affect how taxes are applied to residents of those countries.

How are foreign assets and accounts reported on taxes?

You may need to file FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR) and possibly Form 8938 to report foreign assets and accounts.

Can I claim the Foreign Tax Credit?

This credit can offset U.S. taxes with foreign taxes paid on foreign-sourced income.

How are cryptocurrency transactions taxed internationally?

Cryptocurrency tax treatment can vary between countries; consult a tax attorney familiar with international tax law.

What's the current estate tax exemption?

The exemption determines how much of an estate can be passed on tax-free; it changes periodically.

Can I give gifts without triggering gift taxes?

You can generally gift up to a certain amount per year per recipient without triggering gift taxes.

What's the difference between an estate tax and an inheritance tax?

Estate taxes are paid by the estate before assets are distributed, while inheritance taxes are paid by the heirs.

How do state income taxes work?

Most states have their own income tax systems with varying rates and rules.

Can I deduct state and local taxes on my federal return?

There’s a cap on the amount of state and local taxes you can deduct on your federal return.

What's the difference between a sales tax and a use tax?

Sales tax is paid at the point of sale, while use tax is paid when you use a taxable item that you didn’t pay sales tax on.

How can I minimize capital gains taxes?

Holding assets for over a year and strategic selling can help reduce capital gains taxes.

Can I use a 1031 exchange for real estate to defer taxes?

Yes, a 1031 exchange allows you to defer capital gains tax on certain real estate transactions.

What's a Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ)?

It’s an economically distressed community where investments can yield tax benefits.

How can I maximize my retirement savings while reducing taxes?

Contributing to retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs can provide tax benefits.

Can I donate appreciated assets to charity to avoid capital gains taxes?

Yes, donating appreciated assets can be a tax-efficient way to support charities.

What's the penalty for not filing taxes?

The penalty is usually a percentage of the unpaid taxes per month, up to a maximum limit.

What's the penalty for not paying taxes on time?

The penalty is usually a percentage of the unpaid taxes, accruing monthly.

What's the difference between tax evasion and tax avoidance?

Tax evasion is illegal, involving deliberate underreporting or hiding of income. Tax avoidance is legal, involving strategic planning to minimize taxes.

What's the tax audit process?

The tax audit process involves the IRS examining your tax return for accuracy and completeness, which could lead to adjustments or additional taxes owed.

What's the difference between a tax fraud and a tax mistake?

Tax fraud involves intentional misrepresentation, while a tax mistake is an unintentional error.

How does the Affordable Care Act (ACA) affect my taxes?

The ACA includes provisions like the Premium Tax Credit and the Individual Shared Responsibility Payment.

Are Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions tax-deductible?

Yes, HSA contributions are often tax-deductible and can be used for qualified medical expenses tax-free.

How are withdrawals from retirement accounts taxed?

Withdrawals from traditional retirement accounts are generally taxed as ordinary income.

Can I convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA?

Yes, but the conversion is considered taxable income in the year of the conversion.

Can I claim the American Opportunity Credit for education expenses?

Yes, it provides a tax credit for qualified education expenses for eligible students.

Can I deduct student loan interest if my parents pay my loans?

No, you can only deduct interest you’ve personally paid on student loans.

How do I properly document charitable donations for tax purposes?

Keep receipts or acknowledgments from the charitable organization and a record of the donation’s value.

Can I deduct property taxes on my federal return?

Yes, property taxes are generally deductible.

Can I deduct mortgage interest on a second home?

Yes, but there are limits and conditions.

How are rental income and expenses taxed?

Rental income is generally considered taxable, and you can deduct related expenses.

What's the best business structure for minimizing taxes?

The best structure depends on your business and financial goals; consult a tax attorney for personalized advice.

What's the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)?

It’s a credit designed to help low to moderate-income individuals and families.

Can I claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit?

This credit helps offset expenses related to the care of children or dependents while you work.

Can I claim the Adoption Tax Credit?

Yes, it can help offset adoption-related expenses.

What's the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)?

It’s a parallel tax system that ensures high-income individuals pay a minimum amount of taxes.

How are alimony and child support treated for tax purposes?

Alimony is generally taxable to the recipient and deductible for the payer, while child support is not taxable or deductible.

Are there tax incentives for investing in certain areas or industries?

Yes, many states offer tax incentives to encourage economic development.

Are legal settlements taxable?

It depends on the nature of the settlement; some portions may be taxable, while others are not.

How are gains and losses from the sale of stocks and bonds taxed?

They are typically considered capital gains or losses, subject to specific tax rates.

What's the "wash sale" rule?

It disallows a deduction for a loss on a security if you buy a substantially identical security within 30 days before or after the sale.

Is a settlement received in a lawsuit taxable?

It depends on the nature of the settlement; compensatory damages are generally not taxable, while punitive damages might be.

How is retirement income taxed at the state level?

Some states tax retirement income, while others offer exemptions or credits.

How are stock options taxed?

The tax treatment of stock options varies depending on the type of options and when they’re exercised.

Can I use my HSA for non-medical expenses after retirement?

Yes, you can use your HSA for non-medical expenses after age 65, but they will be subject to regular income tax.

Can I claim a foreign tax credit for taxes paid to another country?

Yes, you can generally claim a credit for taxes paid to a foreign country to avoid double taxation.

Is debt forgiveness taxable?

Generally, forgiven debt is considered taxable income, unless an exclusion or exception applies.

What's the tax treatment of alimony payments?

Alimony payments made under divorce agreements finalized before 2019 are generally deductible for the payer and taxable for the recipient.

How are taxes treated in bankruptcy?

Some tax debts can be discharged in bankruptcy, while others may survive.

Is severance pay taxable?

Yes, severance pay is generally considered taxable income.

How are bonuses taxed?

Bonuses are generally subject to withholding at a higher rate but are taxed at your regular tax rate when you file your return.

What is state tax nexus?

It’s the connection between a business and a state that determines whether the business is subject to that state’s taxes.

How is non-qualified deferred compensation taxed?

Non-qualified deferred compensation is typically taxed when it’s paid out to the employee.

How can high-income earners minimize their tax liability?

Strategies may include contributing to retirement accounts, utilizing tax-advantaged investments, and charitable giving.

How are dividends from foreign companies taxed?

Dividends from foreign companies may be subject to different tax treatment; consult a tax attorney for guidance.

How is crowdfunding income taxed?

It depends on the nature of the crowdfunding; rewards-based crowdfunding might not be taxable, while income from crowdfunding campaigns could be.

What is the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA)?

FATCA requires foreign financial institutions to report information about U.S. account holders to the IRS.

Can I deduct medical expenses on my tax return?

Yes, you can deduct medical expenses that exceed a certain percentage of your adjusted gross income.

Can I claim a tax credit for energy-efficient home improvements?

Yes, the Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit can provide a credit for certain energy-efficient home improvements.

How are state and local tax incentives treated for tax purposes?

State and local tax incentives may affect your federal tax liability; consult a tax professional for guidance.

How are lease payments for business equipment treated for tax purposes?

Lease payments for business equipment are typically considered deductible business expenses.

What's the difference between a dependent exemption and a child tax credit?

A dependent exemption directly reduces your taxable income, while a child tax credit reduces your tax liability.

Can I claim a tax deduction for moving expenses?

The deduction for moving expenses has been suspended for most taxpayers, except for certain members of the military.

How does the tax treatment of gifts differ between individuals and businesses?

Gifts to individuals are generally not taxable, while gifts to businesses can have different tax implications.

Can I claim a tax deduction for home improvements?

Some home improvements may qualify for deductions or credits, especially if they are energy-efficient.

How are home office expenses treated for tax purposes?

If you use a part of your home exclusively for business purposes, you may be eligible for a home office deduction.

What's the tax treatment of stock dividends?

Stock dividends are generally not taxable when received; however, they may affect your cost basis for future capital gains calculations.

How are partnership income and losses allocated for tax purposes?

Partnership income and losses are allocated according to the partnership agreement and reported on the partners’ individual tax returns.

Can I deduct rental property losses on my tax return?

Rental property losses can generally be deducted if you actively participate in the management of the property and meet income limits.