Tax Tips & More
Beware of UBIT Lurking in Your IRA - It Causes Double Taxes
If your IRA makes alternative investments, it may be subject to a special tax called the unrelated business income tax (UBIT)—and that’s true even if it’s a Roth IRA.
Got IRS Penalties? Know the Rules, Pay Nothing
The IRS often imposes steep penalties for filing tax returns late, failing to pay taxes on time, or not depositing employment taxes correctly. However, several strategies can help you get those penalties removed—and in some cases, even refunded if you have already paid them.
How Long Does the IRS Have to Audit Your Returns?
Nobody wants to spend their whole life looking over their shoulder, wondering if the IRS will audit them. Luckily, there is a statute of limitations on IRS audits and tax assessments.
Ouch! The Estimated Tax Penalty is at a 16-Year High
Due to the rise in interest rates, the current penalty rate is 8 percent—the highest in 17 years. And since it’s not deductible, the net cost likely far exceeds 8 percent.
The IRS Dirty Dozen List: More Than Just a Gimmick
For over 20 years, the IRS has issued an annual Dirty Dozen list identifying tax scams and avoidance schemes. This year’s list includes everything from employee retention credit claims to the use of fake charities.
Best Practices When E-Filing Returns
Avoid future problems by following these best practices for e-filing.
Common Mistakes in Tax Preparation
Avoid errors that can occur when preparing tax returns by learning these common mistakes.
What Are Your Chances of Being Audited?
These red flags could increase your chances of the IRS selecting your return for audit.
February 2025 Tax Due Dates
February 10: Tips for January 2025 reported to employer
February 18: File Form W-4 to reclaim exemption from withholding for 2025
March 2025 Tax Due Dates
March 3: Farmers and fishermen file 2024 tax return to avoid penalty if estimated tax not paid by Jan.
March 10: Tips for Feb. 2025 reported to employer
March 17: S-Corporations and partnerships file 2024 business tax returns
April 2025 Tax Due Dates
April 1: First Required minimum distribution (RMD) by individuals who turned 73 in 2024
April 10: Tips for March 2025 reported to employer
April 15: File 2024 tax return and pay tax due
April 15: File Form 4868 to request 6-month income tax return filing extension (payment of tax not extended)
April 15: File Schedule H (1040) and pay employment taxes for household employees (file separately if Form 1040 is not filed)
April 15: Estimated tax payment for 1st quarter of 2025
April 15: Contribute to individual retirement account (IRA) for 2024
April 15: Withdraw excess IRA contributions in 2024 to avoid penalty if filing of form 1040 was not extended
April 15: Contribute to health savings account (HSA) for 2024
April 15: Contribute to solo 401(k) plan or simplified employee pension (SEP) plan for 2024 by self-employed if filing of form 1040 was not extended
April 15: File 2021 tax return (Form 1040) to request unclaimed tax refund for the 2021 tax year