easytax

Good reference for "Nanny" or other home employee's is http://www.myhomepay.com/ . Especially under the answer section.

From a local new article: Despite the shutdown of the federal government, the tax return you're owed for 2017 won't be affected as long as the shutdown doesn't last too long. Internal Revenue Service released a contingency plan that explains how the agency will handle the filing season, which is supposed to begin on Monday, Jan. 29. CNN Money reports the IRS is keeping 35,076 employees on the job, and that as part of the contingency plan, processing electronic returns, testing upcoming filing year programs, and computer operations to prevent the loss of data are IRS functions that will continue despite the shutdown. Some functions the IRS will not perform include audits, return examinations, non-automated collections, and issuing refunds. "Unless the shutdown drags on for weeks, the refund you're owed for 2017 likely won't be affected," CNN reports. "Why? The IRS already announced it wouldn't start accepting 2017 tax returns until January 29." The Department of the Treasury and IRS can reassess how many people they need on the job, and what functions need to be performed, according to the report.

Interesting that the 886 form (886-H-HOH) and instructions at the link is ONLY available in Spanish. It is also the ONLY one to come up at IRS.gov when you do a "due diligence" search for HOH.

Side question --- Will spouse qualify as one of the // can't deduct as dependent?? where we will get a $500 credit since usually spouses are over 17? Wondering. My main worry on the new brackets and standard deductions are not as much for family's but for those usually older folks who lose their partner -- goes from 24K standard down to 12K so depending on dollars remaining, could be a BIG hit for tax (of course less costly to keep living for one -- but not always that much less at times. Devil in details and all will be specific to the client. Welcome to 2018 ////// as stated by Judy on our Facebook site ------ 365 opportunities to use (for good or bad - you decide).

Go to settings , then apps, then default apps and choose web browser and choose your browser. On the task line right click what is there and remove the unwanted browser. From the windows logo (bottom left (used to be the "start" button) click the logo and in the list find your browser and then drag the tile to your tile menu and put it whee you want. Remember the browser you want may be listed different from what you call it (ie: IE 11 might be internet explorer or Microsoft win explorer or just explorer, etc.) in that list. Hope this helps.

Executive Order signed 12/22 allows 2018 property tax prepayment Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has signed an emergency Executive Order that will allow New Yorkers to prepay next year’s property taxes this year, before the new tax law takes effect. Payments must be postmarked by December 31, 2017. For more information, contact the tax collector for each client's county. The order authorizes localities to issue warrants for the collection of early property tax payments and to accept partial payment—allowing New Yorkers to pay a portion or all of their 2018 property taxes before the end of the year to keep the deductibility. Who to contact regarding prepayment eligibility Check with each client's tax receiver to see if your clients are eligible to make an early payment. The deadline is December 31, so you must act quickly. Deadline for prepayment Payments made by mail and postmarked on or before December 31, 2017, will be considered timely. If their county accepts online payments, your clients may pay online until 11:59 p.m., Sunday, December 31, 2017. For more information, see Executive Order #172.

I am confused.. Is the C-CPI-U different from Chained CPI? Reason I am asking, there (to me) is a big difference " and what I understood Chained CPI to be - people make changes to their way of buying (find lessor expensive things/ways/etc.) to still have basically the same things purchased //// BUT not a lessor standard of living. Which always had me wondering anyway how :old people" like me might change my limited purchasing when I am almost already at the full extent of buying the lowest I can find (I AM CHEAP).

That is one of the BIG points --- the congress have no real idea of HOW ANY OF THIS ACTUALLY WORKS --- it is all theoretical to them. How it might really actually effect the taxpayers seems to be beyond them. Words mean things ---- is not a real concept apparently.//// more gibberish seems to be the way. I know it is old BUT "in confusion there is profit & power".

Even if it passes then the "work" only begins ///// here is an excerpt from an article in "Tax Pro Today" that basically makes the point ==== until it is totally done, what we think we know may NOT be what is really there for all intents and purposes: ---------------------------------------- excerpt begins --------------------------------- While it is normal for a major tax bill to beget a technical corrections act, the speed with which this one was drafted, plus the last-minute changes, almost certainly will require voluminous legislative language to correct its mistakes. And although the IRS may comply with the Trump two-for-one mandate, expect the regulations explaining the law’s requirements to be voluminous. For example, the measure in the 21st Century Cures Act that allows small employers to reimburse their employees’ health insurance took one page of legislative language, but it took 59 pages for the IRS to set out the requirements that must be met. And it may take a while for a technical corrections bill to see daylight, ...

Everything we "think" we know now is maybe not what it actually is and can change once complete picture is finalized. /// all in perspective :

My was done last summer (actually by mistake --- as i was just renewing Transcript) but all seems to go well. Logged in yesterday evening and was able to see my informational records and get to Transcripts without any hitches. NOTE: Once registered, you can have the "codes" for each subsequent log-in sent to ANY cell phone. The one I have is mine but NOT listed to me, etc., but the codes are sent there. Here is the latest Blurb from IRS on changing: . Review Information about Your e-Services Account and Secure Access: How to Register for Certain Online Self-Help Tools. You should also visit FAQs about e-Services and Secure Access. These pages will help you register online. 2. Access your account by going to your normal login page and entering your e-Services username. You will receive a prompt that will direct you through the new registration process. 3. Call the e-Help desk at 1-888-841-4648 (select your language, then prompt 1 and remain on the line until an assistor picks up) 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. (EST) if you are an existing e-Services user who cannot register online via Secure Access and need exception processing. You must have access to your email account and your tax return information, including related information documents. On Saturday, Dec. 16, assistors will be available 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST. You must attempt to register online before contacting the help desk. Here are a few other caveats: If you require an activation code by mail, it may take up to 10 business days to receive this code, which will enable you to complete the registration process. If you previously registered through Secure Access (via Get Transcript, IP PIN, etc.) you only need to enter your e-Services username and your Secure Access password. Do not make more than 2 attempts. If you can’t remember your password, use the “forgotten password” feature. If you have obtained a new mobile phone number, the vendor may not be able to validate it. You should request an activation code by mail. After you have requested an activation code by mail either online or through an assistor, do not continue attempts to register online.

Just a side note on Edge ---- it does not always "load" all data. I had a site where numerous sections were blank or only partially shown using Edge and if using IE 11 or Chrome, the full site would "show" (all opened in different windows but at same time for my "test"). I am leary of Edge and even IE 11 at times, that is why unless specified (requested for instance from CCH for ATX), I now use Google Chrome for most reviewing online.

Could not afford a "real present" for everyone, so decided to help end a world wide debate ---- MERRY CHRISTMAS and an even better HAPPY NEW YEAR !!! END of Over Under debate :

Happy Thanksgiving to all and may you & yours be Blessed all year.

If the tax code was simply to raise enough money to do the governments job as set forth in the original constitution --- then it would probably be very simple and straight forward. With that said, when the tax code is used to penalize or reward certain industries/people and for "social" engineering, then it gets complicated. Everyone (including me) have their agendas. As naïve as it sounds, HOPEFULLY our leaders, whichever party or persons have their agendas as what is best for our country overall without special interests. As stated -- probably naïve.

Crime and government (politics) have the same mantra //// in confusion, there is profit ! If things were simplified, we would not need government to tell us 90% of what they do. NOT POLITICAL - just Fact!

In the MSA section, they mention that both MSA and HRA are very similar, so deleting MSA and having HRA simplifies. Attached is a PDF of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act H.R. 1 Section-by-Section Summary House_Summary 110317.pdf

Since this was for 2013 and even though you just received the information; possibly the IRS has already received all and you just need to ask them what they have. You might consider requesting a: Wage and Income Transcript A wage and income transcript reflects a taxpayer’s income as reported to the IRS. This type of transcript is available for the prior 10 years, but the most recent year’s information may not be complete until July. A wage and income transcript is where all of a taxpayer’s information concerning W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, K-1s, and 5498s is shown, and can be helpful for verifying employment or filing an extended tax return. These transcripts can be longer than 100 pages, but tax professionals may request a one-page summary version. HOPE THIS HELPS and yes, the things we learn from this forum are FANTASTIC ! As are those answering questions and giving ideas. THANKS !!

Take a look at this app: www.mileiq.com /// sponsor from a tax update webinar at CPAacademy.com yesterday. You do need to buy app but it looks like an easy operation. By the way, FREE to tax preparers and a code for 20% off to any of your clients that might like it. From two audits in PA, journals with all relevant information were OK'd and expenses allowed ---- but they specifically stated to client that without ALL required information, they would have disallowed. States are looking for reasons to disallow, fed's probably the same --- if they take time to take a look, they want a return for that time. Dot all i's, cross all t's.

/s BUT JUDY: The IRS gives us so much and asks so little. Besides along with "other sites" they are always with us, that is why you and Eric protect us and are always watching .... Be well and enjoy before the snow flies!

Just an article from MSN.com on SF rent incident -- much different from yours: http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/realestate/san-francisco-tenants-fight-back-after-landlord-raises-rent-by-dollar4800-a-month/ar-AAsx454?li=BBnbfcL If you do not want to click, see search article titled: "San Francisco tenants fight back after landlord raises rent by $4,800 a month". Interesting different take from your clients circumstances.

Is it just a coincidence that the IRS are holding -- now -- a webinar such as this? IRS will host an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) Process webinar on Wednesday, Sept. 20 from 1- 2:30 p.m. EDT. Those interested in attending the ITIN Process Webinar can register via the ITIN Process Webinar Registration Page.

The IRS has issued (as seen below as a "nicety" (which is nice) but in reality seems to leave out a real benefit to some taxpayers. Yes, it is excellent to help someone and donate, etc. -- that is not what I am asking. Although the intent is good, would it not be better to take the "time" or be paid for it and DONATE the dollars? Maybe it is me but being cynical I wanted to ask other opinions. In a normal manner a person earns time off (whether sick, vacation, special, whatever) and when they use it they are paid and the employer gets the write-off and the person is taxed, etc.. If any money is donated the employee CAN itemize depending on circumstances and there is somewhat of an offset to the income. So the employee gets the "time off" benefit AND maybe a partial offset of the extra money. In the below circumstances the employer still gets the write-off, the employee does NOT have the "extra" income included -- BUT -- seems to actually lose -- as the employee naturally does not get any offset (no extra income to offset) BUT also does NOT have the "time" off either. Everyone benefits but is seems the employee actually loses something here???? IRS Provides Special Relief to Encourage Leave-Based Donation Programs for Victims of Hurricane and Tropical Storm Irma WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service today announced special relief designed to support leave-based donation programs to aid victims of Hurricane and Tropical Storm Irma. This parallels relief granted to Hurricane and Tropical Storm Harvey victims. Under these programs, employees may forgo their vacation, sick or personal leave in exchange for cash payments the employer makes, before Jan. 1, 2019, to charitable organizations providing relief for the victims of this disaster. Under this special relief, the donated leave will not be included in the income or wages of the employees. Employers will be permitted to deduct the cash payments as business expenses. This relief is similar to that provided following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the Ebola outbreak in West Africa in 2014, and last year following Hurricane Matthew and severe flooding in Louisiana. Details of this relief are in Notice 2017-52, posted today on IRS.gov. Information on other tax relief available to victims of Hurricane Irma can be found at www.irs.gov/hurricaneirma. For information on government-wide relief efforts, visit www.USA.gov/hurricane-irma

RITAB Is this possibly from a selfie AFTER you gave a hug? Maybe on your way back to the "back 40"?