Accu-Tax of Maryville/Alcoa

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Three Tax Considerations during Marketplace Open Enrollment

When you apply for assistance to help pay the premiums for health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, the Marketplace will estimate the amount of the premium tax credit that you may be able to claim. The Marketplace will use information you provide about your family composition, your projected household income, whether those that you are enrolling are eligible for other non-Marketplace coverage, and certain other information to estimate your credit.

Here are three things you should consider during the Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment period:

1. Advance credit payments lower premiums - You can choose to have all, some, or none of your estimated credit paid in advance directly to your insurance company on your behalf to lower what you pay out-of-pocket for your monthly premiums. These payments are called advance payments of the premium tax credit or advance credit payments. If you do not get advance credit payments, you will be responsible for paying the full monthly premium.

2. A tax return may be required - If you received the benefit of advance credit payments, you must file a tax return to reconcile the amount of advance credit payments made on your behalf with the amount of your actual premium tax credit. You must file an income tax return for this purpose even if you are otherwise not required to file a return.

3. Credit can be claimed at tax time - If you choose not to get advance credit payments, or get less than the full amount in advance, you can claim the full benefit of the premium tax credit that you are allowed when you file your tax return. This will increase your refund or lower the amount of tax that you would otherwise owe.

For more information about open season enrollment, which runs through January 1, 2016, visit Healthcare.gov. See our Questions and Answers on IRS.gov/ca for information about the premium tax credit.

Monday, November 9, 2015

Understanding Form 1095-C, Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage

Employers with 50 or more full-time employees, including full-time equivalent employees, in the previous year use Form 1095-C, Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage, to report the information required about offers of health coverage and enrollment in health coverage for their employees. Form 1095-C is used to report information about each employee.

Employers that offer employer-sponsored self-insured coverage also use Form 1095-C to report information to the IRS and to employees about individuals who have minimum essential coverage under the employer plan and therefore are not liable for the individual shared responsibility payment for the months that they are covered under the plan. An employer must furnish a Form 1095-C to each of its full-time employees by January 31 of the year following the year to which the Form 1095-C relates.

Employers will meet the requirement to furnish Form 1095-C to an employee if the form is properly addressed and mailed on or before the due date. If the regular due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, employers may file by the next business day. The Form 1095-C that employers send may include only the last four digits of the employee’s social security number, replacing the first five digits with asterisks or Xs.

Forms 1095-C must be sent on paper by mail or hand delivered, unless the employee consents to receive the statement in an electronic format. The consent ensures that the employee can access the electronic statement. If mailed, the statement must be sent to the employee’s last known permanent address, or if no permanent address is known, to the employee’s temporary address.

Individuals who worked for multiple employers that are required to file Form 1095-C may receive a Form 1095-C from each employer.

The information on this form is required in order for the employee to properly file their 2015 tax return.

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Understanding Your Form 1095-B, Health Coverage

Form 1095-B, Health Coverage, is used to report certain information to the IRS and to taxpayers about individuals who are covered by minimum essential coverage and therefore aren't liable for the individual shared responsibility payment.

Minimum essential coverage includes government-sponsored programs, eligible employer-sponsored plans, individual market plans, and other coverage the Department of Health and Human Services designates as minimum essential coverage.

By January 31, 2016, health coverage providers should furnish a copy of Form 1095-B, to you if you are identified as the “responsible individual” on the form.

The “responsible individual” is the person who, based on a relationship to the covered individuals, the primary name on the coverage, or some other circumstances, should receive the statement. Generally, the recipient should be the taxpayer who would be liable for the individual shared responsibility payment for the covered individuals. A recipient may be a parent if only minor children are covered individuals, a primary subscriber for insured coverage, an employee or former employee in the case of employer-sponsored coverage, a uniformed services sponsor for TRICARE, or another individual who should receive the statement. Health coverage providers may, but aren't required to, furnish a statement to more than one recipient.

The Form 1095-B sent to you may include only the last four digits of your social security number or taxpayer identification number, replacing the first five digits with asterisks or Xs. In general, statements must be sent on paper by mail or hand delivered, unless you consent to receive the statement in an electronic format. The consent ensures that you will be able to access the electronic statement. If mailed, the statement must be sent to your last known permanent address, or, if no permanent address is known, to your temporary address.

Additional information about minimum essential coverage and the individual shared responsibility provision is at IRS.gov/aca.

More information:

Form 1095-B, Health Coverage
2015 Instructions for Form 1094-B and 1095-B

Friday, October 9, 2015

IRS.gov has Information to Help You Understand the Health Care Law’s Effect on Your Taxes

There is a lot of information in the news and online about the health care law and its effect on your taxes. For the most up-to-date answers to questions you may have, visit IRS.gov/aca.

From A to Z and ISRP to MEC, the IRS website covers a wide range of health care topics and how they relate to your taxes.

The IRS knows that you want to understand how the health care law may affect you when filing your taxes next year. When questions come up, IRS.gov is a great place for you to begin finding the answers you need – when you need them.

This information is especially important for individuals. Health coverage providers and employers will provide health coverage statements to covered individuals for the first time in 2016. The IRS will continue to post information as you get ready to prepare and file your 2015 tax return.

At IRS.gov/aca, you’ll find frequently asked questions, legal guidance, and links to other useful sites. You can also access valuable information about specific topics, including the premium tax credit for individuals, rules and responsibilities for employers, as well as tax provisions for insurers, tax-exempt organizations and other businesses.

Aside from IRS.gov, we also post new guidance and information about the health care law on the official IRS Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook accounts. You can also access a web-based IRS flyer, Health Care Law Online Resources, for links to other federal agencies that also have a role in the health care law.

Alcoa, Maryville, Blount, Friendsville, Knoxville, Rockford, Louisville, income tax, tax calculator, hr, IRS forms, Jackson Hewitt, Liberty, tax, tax act, tax return, tax brackets, income tax return, tax refund, drop off taxes, taxes, accountant, h&r, tax return calculator, tax forms, free tax filing, federal income tax, federal tax forms, federal tax return, tax online, tax returns, online tax return, IRS e file, tax return status, file taxes online, tax preparation, income tax return online, instant tax services, refund loans, refund advances, accountants, income tax filing, income tax forms, federal tax, estimate tax return, taxes online, online tax filing, tax services, federal taxes, what is income tax, tax filing, tax questions, online tax, e filing income tax, IRS free file, free tax preparation, filing taxes, file taxes, state taxes, tax accountant, h and r, tax planning, free tax return, free federal tax filing, online taxes, free state tax filing, free online tax filing, federal income tax forms, tax help, free tax, how to file taxes, tax preparer, tax consultant, free taxes, income tax returns, complete tax, federal tax forms, free taxes online, income taxes, income tax return efiling, free efile, h&r, tax adviser, tax advice, best place to do taxes in Maryville, Maryville tax, Maryville tax planner, Maryville tax prep, Maryville income, Maryville income tax, Maryville accountant, Maryville accounting, best place to do taxes in Alcoa, Alcoa tax, Alcoa tax planner, Alcoa tax prep, Alcoa

Monday, October 5, 2015

Extension Filers: Don’t Miss the Oct. 15 Deadline

If you are one of the 13 million taxpayers who asked for more time to file your federal tax return and still haven’t filed, your extra time is about to expire. Oct. 15 is the last day to file for most people who requested an automatic six-month extension. If you have not yet filed, here are some things that you should know:

Accu-Tax of Maryville/Alcoa is open and ready to assist you with meeting the Oct15th deadline.
Use Direct Deposit. If you are due a refund, the fastest way to get it is to combine direct deposit and e-file. Direct deposit has a proven track record; eight in 10 taxpayers who get a refund choose it. The IRS issues more than nine out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days.
Use IRS Online Payment Options. If you owe taxes the best way to pay them is with IRS Direct Pay. It’s the simple, quick and free way to pay from your checking or savings account. You also have other online payment options. These include Electronic Funds Withdrawal or payment by debit or credit card. Just click on the “Payments” tab on the IRS.gov home page.
Don’t overlook tax benefits. Make sure to check if you qualify for tax breaks that you might miss if you rush to file. This includes the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Saver’s Credit. The American Opportunity Tax Credit and other education tax benefits can help you pay for college.
File on time. If you owe taxes, file on time to avoid a late filing penalty. If you owe and can’t pay all of your taxes, pay as much as you can to reduce interest and penalties for late payment. Use the Online Payment Agreement tool to ask for more time to pay. You can also file Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request, with your tax return.
More time for the military. Some people have more time to file. This includes members of the military and others serving in a combat zone. If this applies to you, you typically have until at least 180 days after you leave the combat zone to both file returns and pay any taxes due.
Try easy-to-use tools on IRS.gov. Use the EITC Assistant to see if you’re eligible for the credit. Use the Interactive Tax Assistant tool to get answers to common tax questions. The IRS Tax Map gives you a single point to get tax law information by subject. It integrates your topic with related tax forms, instructions and publications into one research tool.

Each and every taxpayer has a set of fundamental rights they should be aware of when dealing with the IRS. These are your Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Explore your rights and our obligations to protect them on IRS.gov.

Additional IRS Resources:

Tax Information for Members of the Military
Special EITC Rules for the Military
Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide

IRS YouTube Videos:

October 15th Tax Deadline – English | Spanish | ASL
IRS Tax Payment Options – English | Spanish | ASL
Online Payment Agreement – English | Spanish | ASL
Military Tax Tips – English | Spanish | ASL
Combat Pay – English | Spanish

IRS Podcasts:

IRS Tax Payment Options – English | Spanish
Online Payment Agreement – English | Spanish
Interactive Tax Assistant – English

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

How Your Income Affects Your Premium Tax Credit

You are allowed a premium tax credit only for health insurance coverage you purchase through the Marketplace for yourself or other members of your tax family. However, to be eligible for the premium tax credit, your household income must be at least 100, but no more than 400 percent of the federal poverty line for your family size. An individual who meets these income requirements must also meet other eligibility criteria.

The amount of the premium tax credit is based on a sliding scale, with greater credit amounts available to those with lower incomes. Based on the estimate from the Marketplace, you can choose to have all, some, or none of your estimated credit paid in advance directly to your insurance company on your behalf to lower what you pay out-of-pocket for your monthly premiums. These payments are called advance payments of the premium tax credit. If you do not get advance credit payments, you will be responsible for paying the full monthly premium.

If the advance credit payments are more than the allowed premium tax credit, you will have to repay some or all the excess. If your projected household income is close to the 400 percent upper limit, be sure to consider the amount of advance credit payments you choose to have paid on your behalf. You want to consider this carefully because if your household income on your tax return is 400 percent or more of the federal poverty line for your family size, you will have to repay all of the advance credit payments made on behalf of you and your family members.

For purposes of claiming the premium tax credit for 2014 for residents of the 48 contiguous states or Washington, D.C., the following table outlines household income that is at least 100 percent but no more than 400 percent of the federal poverty line:

Federal Poverty Line for 2014 Returns
	100% of FPL	.	400% of FPL
One Individual	$11,490	up to	$45,960
Family of two	$15,510	up to	$62,040
Family of four	$23,550	up to	$94,200

The Department of Health and Human Services provides three federal poverty guidelines: one for residents of the 48 contiguous states and Washington D.C., one for Alaska residents and one for Hawaii residents. For purposes of the premium tax credit, eligibility for a certain year is based on the most recently published set of poverty guidelines at the time of the first day of the annual open enrollment period for coverage for that year. As a result, the premium tax credit for 2014 is based on the guidelines published in 2013. The premium tax credit for coverage in 2015 is based on the 2014 guidelines. You can find all of this information on the HHS website.

Use our Interactive Tax Assistant tool to find out if you are eligible for the premium tax credit. For more information, see the instructions to Form 8962 and the Questions and Answers on the Premium Tax Credit on IRS.gov/aca

Friday, September 4, 2015

Top 10 Tax Tips about Filing an Amended Tax Return

We all make mistakes so don’t panic if you made one on your tax return. You can file an amended return if you need to fix an error. You can also amend your tax return if you forgot to claim a tax credit or deduction. Here are ten tips from the IRS if you need to amend your federal tax return.
1. When to amend. You should amend your tax return if you need to correct your filing status, the number of dependents you claimed, or your total income. You should also amend your return to claim tax deductions or tax credits that you did not claim when you filed your original return. The instructions for Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, list more reasons to amend a return.
Note: If, as allowed by recent legislation, you plan to amend your tax year 2014 return to retroactively claim the Health Coverage Tax Credit, see IRS.Gov/HCTC first for more information.
2. When NOT to amend. In some cases, you don’t need to amend your tax return. The IRS usually corrects math errors when processing your original return. If you didn’t include a required form or schedule, the IRS will send you a notice via U.S. mail about the missing item.
3. Form 1040X. Use Form 1040X to amend a federal income tax return that you filed before. Make sure you check the box at the top of the form that shows which year you are amending. Since you can’t e-file an amended return, you’ll need to file your Form 1040X on paper and mail it to the IRS.
Form 1040X has three columns. Column A shows amounts from the original return. Column B shows the net increase or decrease for the amounts you are changing. Column C shows the corrected amounts. You should explain what you are changing and the reasons why on the back of the form.
4. More than one year. If you file an amended return for more than one year, use a separate 1040X for each tax year. Mail them in separate envelopes to the IRS. See "Where to File" in the instructions for Form 1040X for the address you should use.
5. Other forms or schedules. If your changes have to do with other tax forms or schedules, make sure you attach them to Form 1040X when you file the form. If you don’t, this will cause a delay in processing.
6. Amending to claim an additional refund. If you are waiting for a refund from your original tax return, don’t file your amended return until after you receive the refund. You may cash the refund check from your original return. Amended returns take up to 16 weeks to process. You will receive any additional refund you are owed.
7. Amending to pay additional tax. If you’re filing an amended tax return because you owe more tax, you should file Form 1040X and pay the tax as soon as possible. This will limit interest and penalty charges.
8. Corrected Forms 1095-A. If you or anyone on your return enrolled in qualifying health care coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, you should have received a Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement. You may have also received a corrected Form 1095-A. If you filed your tax return based on the original Form 1095-A, you do not need to file an amended return based on a corrected Form 1095-A. This is true even if you would owe additional taxes based on the new information. However, you may choose to file an amended return.
In some cases, the information on the new Form 1095-A may lower the amount of taxes you owe or increase your refund. You may also want to file an amended return if:

You filed and incorrectly claimed a premium tax credit, or
You filed an income tax return and failed to file Form 8962, Premium Tax Credit, to reconcile your advance payments of the premium tax credit.

Before amending your return, if you received a letter regarding your premium tax credit or Form 8962 you should follow the instructions in the letter.
9. When to file. To claim a refund file Form 1040X no more than three years from the date you filed your original tax return. You can also file it no more than two years from the date you paid the tax, if that date is later than the three-year rule.
10. Track your return. You can track the status of your amended tax return three weeks after you file with “Where’s My Amended Return?” This tool is available on IRS.gov or by phone at 866-464-2050.
You can get Form 1040X on IRS.gov/forms at any time.
Each and every taxpayer has a set of fundamental rights they should be aware of when dealing with the IRS. These are your Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Explore your rights and our obligations to protect them on IRS.gov.