Bookkeeping Unbound

Preparing for a Smooth Tax Season (1/2)

The IRS recently posted a number of reminders about things taxpayers can do in December to make sure they are ready for the upcoming tax season. Here are some key highlights:

ORGANIZE YOUR RECORDS:

Many tax deductions and credits require written documentation. Make sure your receipts for deductible expenses are safely stored with your tax records, or for digital documents, backed up in multiple locations. To claim a tuition credit like the Lifelong Learning or American Opportunity Tax Credit, you will need a copy of Form 1098-T from the school where you paid qualifying tuition and fees.

CHECK THE STATUS OF YOUR ITIN:

If you use an individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN) to file tax returns, make sure that the number has not expired. In general, if you have not used your ITIN to file a federal return at least once in the last three years (2018, 2019 or 2020), it will expire on December 31, 2021. All ITINs with middle digits in the 70-88 range have also expired, as well as some with middle digits from 90 through 99. An expired ITIN can lead to processing delays or the IRS rejecting your return.

CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLAN:

If you have not reached the annual contribution limit for your retirement plan, such as an IRA or 401(k), you may wish to put more money into the plan before the year ends. Contributions to traditional IRAs and other plans may be tax deductible, reducing your 2021 taxable income. Depending on your adjusted gross income (AGI), your retirement contributions may also qualify you for the Saver's Credit, which can reduce your tax on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

A tax professional can help you find the best year-end tax strategy for your retirement accounts, and suggest other steps to ensure a worry-free filing season without unpleasant surprises.

Giving Tuesday and Charitable Donations - Did You Know?

Giving Tuesday is an annual event that highlights charitable giving after Thanksgiving.

If you are considering charitable donations, you may be able to donate to a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) every two or three years instead of every year. This may qualify you to receive tax benefits now, allow the amount to grow tax-free, and the decision on which qualified charity to fund can be made later.

If you are 70.5 years or older, you may also be able to make a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA this year. QCDs may allow the donation to be deducted from your income. A tax advisor can help you structure your charitable giving.

The IRS has released a tool to make it easier to get information about qualified charitable organizations. The Exempt Organizations Select Check tool can be found at: https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/tax-exempt-organization-search.

IRS Adds Income Changes to CTC Update Portal and Announces Signup Deadline

Families who are currently receiving advance payments of the 2021 Child Tax Credit (CTC) may now use the online CTC Update Portal (link below) to report changes in their incomes. Reporting an income change may qualify taxpayers for a higher monthly payment amount, or ensure that they do not need to repay advance CTC payments next spring.

The maximum monthly payment is $300 per child qualified under age 6, and $250 per qualifying child of age 6 through 17. Generally, a small change in income will not affect a household's payment amount. However, if you have not been receiving the maximum amount and had a significant income drop in 2021, you may qualify for a substantially larger December payment.

Similarly, if your income greatly increased in 2021 compared to 2020, you should report this change to avoid potentially facing an advance CTC repayment requirement. You must use the portal to report your income changes by November 29 in order for the IRS to make any necessary adjustments to your December payment. The IRS expects to launch a Spanish version of the portal by that time.

Eligible families who have not been receiving advance CTC payments because the IRS does not have their information may still register for the program. The IRS especially urges lower-income taxpayers who are not required to file tax returns to use the online signup portal (link below) by the November 15 deadline. Those who sign up in November will receive a single advance payment in December, of up to $1,800 per qualifying child under 6, and $1,500 per qualifying child age 6-17.

IRS CTC UPDATE PORTAL: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-update-portal

IRS CTC SIGNUP PORTAL: https://www.whitehouse.gov/child-tax-credit/sign-up/