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This Week's Facts:
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IRS Opens Tax Season with Fresh Look, More Online Options
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USA.gov Offers Tax Tips You Can Use for 2013
- IRS Offers Advice When Choosing Tax Preparers
Blog Delivers Latest State Tax Info
The Indiana Department of Revenue has a blog for Hoosier taxpayers. The TaxTalk Blog has timely information and resources for Indiana taxpayers. Users can get crucial information such as: how to find out if you’re eligible for the Automatic Taxpayer Refund Credit the Indiana General Assembly passed; how to find out if you’re eligible for the free tax filing service INfreefile; and how to get Indiana tax forms and booklets. Those who use social media can also follow the Indiana Department of Revenue on Twitter and Facebook!
IRS Fresh Start Program Offers Options for Delinquent Taxpayers
The Internal Revenue Service’s Fresh Start initiative makes it easier for individual and small business taxpayers to pay back taxes and avoid tax liens. The Fresh Start initiative fundamentally changes IRS Collection practices in the following areas:
References/Related Topics
This information is brought to you by the Internal Revenue Service website.
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IRS Opens Tax Season with Fresh Look, More Online Options
 Are you ready for this year’s tax season? The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has officially opened the 2013 tax season. The IRS has new and expanded services for taxpayers, including a redesigned website that’s more user friendly and improved service options, including more video-conferencing assistance sites and social media tools. This year, taxpayers have until Monday, April 15 to file their 2012 tax returns and pay any taxes due. People making 51,000 or less can usually qualify for the volunteer income tax assistance program to get free tax preparation and electronic filing. Citizens 60 and older may be able to qualify for free tax help as well through the Tax Counseling for the Elderly. Click here to find free tax assistance near you. Preparation and organization can help take away the stress and confusion that can sometimes come with tax time.
USA.gov Offers Tax Tips You Can Use for 2013
 When it comes to tax season, every year is a little different. Laws change, some benefits kick in while others end, and natural disasters can have an impact on your tax return. The deadline for filing your taxes is April 15, 2013. While this is the normal deadline, there are some important new things you should know for the 2013 tax season.
Tax Season Started Late This Year:
The 2013 tax season started about a week later this year due to tax law changes enacted by Congress at the beginning of January. Most people can file their individual income tax returns starting January 30, but you might have to wait until the end of February or March if you’re filing certain forms, including:
- Form 5695 (Residential Energy Credits - PDF)
- Form 4562 (Depreciation and Amortization - PDF)
- Form 3800 (General Business Credit - PDF)
The IRS has a complete list of forms it will begin accepting in late February or March.
Tax Relief for Disaster Survivors
The IRS offers tax relief programs to individuals and businesses affected by disasters such as flooding, earthquakes, wildfires, and hurricanes, including last year’s Hurricane Sandy. Tax relief can include some of the following help:
- Additional time to file your taxes
- Additional time to pay your taxes
- Quick tax returns for losses related to disasters
New Process to Apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers are issued to people who want to file their taxes but do not have a Social Security Number.
Starting January 1, 2013, important changes were made to the application process, including the following:
The IRS will only accept original identification documents such as passports and birth certificates or certified copies from the agency that issued them Notarized copies of documents will not be accepted New Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) will be valid for a period of five years
The IRS offers more information about Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) on its website, including how to apply for one and where to get help.
Scams and Fraud
While tax seasons can vary slightly each year, there’s one thing that rarely changes: scammers are always trying to steal your personal information.
Identity theft is one of the most common types of fraud. It often starts when a scammer sends out an e-mail pretending to be the IRS and asks for your personal information. It’s called phishing and may also occur through other types of electronic communication such as text messages, so be careful.
The IRS does not initiate communications via e-mails and provides these tips to help you protect your personal information. The IRS also explains what you should do if you receive a message supposedly from the IRS on its website.
These tips are brought to you by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) via the USA.gov blog.
IRS Offers Advice When Choosing Tax Preparers
 If you pay someone to prepare your tax return, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) urges you to choose that preparer wisely. Learn how to choose a Tax Preparer.
Report Abusive Tax Preparers
Report abusive tax preparers and suspected tax fraud to the Internal Revenue Service on Form 3949-A - Information Referral or by sending a letter to:
Internal Revenue Service
Fresno, CA 93888
Contact the IRS
For more information, contact the IRS by phone at:
Individuals: 1.800.829.1040
Businesses: 1.800.829.4933
TTY: 1.800.829.4059
International IRS Offices (if you live outside the U.S.)
Need More Information? Try These Additional Resources:
This information is brought to you by the US General Services Administration via the USA.gov blog. |
