2020 & Tax Reporting

01.21.2020
Mega Refund

The year begins for 2020 reporting!

   The IRS is getting ready for this season starting January 27th, but alongside that preparation, there are grave warnings to the public on a heightened amount of scams during this month. Please be aware that the IRS is NOT making phone calls to the public and they will always send out notices via standard mail with an explanation of the reason for their notice. Here is an article published by the IRS in October of last year. 

IRS:

Taxpayers should be on the lookout for new variations of tax-related scams. In the latest twist on a scam related to Social Security numbers, scammers claim to be able to suspend or cancel the victim’s SSN. It’s yet another attempt by con artists to frighten people into returning ‘robocall’ voicemails.

Scammers may mention overdue taxes in addition to threatening to cancel the person’s SSN. If taxpayers receive a call threatening to suspend their SSN for an unpaid tax bill, they should just hang up.

Make no mistake…it’s a scam.

Taxpayers should not give out sensitive information over the phone unless they are positive they know the caller is legitimate. When in doubt –hang up. Here are some telltale signs of this scam. The IRS and its authorized private collection agencies will never:
Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, iTunes gift card or wire transfer. The IRS does not use these methods for tax payments.
Ask a taxpayer to make a payment to a person or organization other than the U.S. Treasury.
Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.
Demand taxes be paid without giving the taxpayer the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.

Taxpayers who don’t owe taxes and have no reason to think they do should:
Report the call to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
Report the caller ID and callback number to the IRS by sending it to phishing@irs.gov. The taxpayer should write “IRS Phone Scam” in the subject line.
Report the call to the Federal Trade Commission. When reporting it, they should add “IRS Phone Scam” in the notes.

Taxpayers who owe tax or think they do should:
View tax account information online at IRS.gov to see the actual amount owed and review their payment options.
Call the number on the billing notice
Call the IRS at 800-829-1040.

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-Mega Refund Staff

Avoid the rush!

Mega Refund

02.12.2019

The following is a short segment of the latest news from the IRS. Please read through and find out how this might impact your refund. 

Avoid the rush: Fastest way to check tax refund is ‘Where’s My Refund?’ tool at IRS.gov

IR-2019-12, February 12, 2019

WASHINGTON — Offering time-saving alternatives to a telephone call, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers they can get fast answers to their refund questions by using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool available on IRS.gov and through the IRS2Go app.

The IRS issues nine out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days, and the fastest way to get a refund is to use IRS e-file and direct deposit. Taxpayers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional ChildTax Credit will see their refunds, which by law must be held until mid-February, after Feb. 27.

The time around Presidents Day is a peak period for telephone calls to the IRS, resulting in longer than normal hold times for callers. Questions about tax refunds are the most frequent reason people call the IRS. People are encouraged to first check “Where’s My Refund?” or review the IRS Services Guide which links to many IRS online services.

Please note: Ordering a tax transcript will not speed delivery of tax refunds nor does the posting of a tax transcript to a taxpayer’s account determine the timing of a refund delivery. Calls to request transcripts for this purpose are unnecessary. Transcripts are available online and by mail at Get Transcript.

IRS telephone assistors can only research a refund’s status if it has been 21 days or more since the taxpayer filed electronically, six weeks since they mailed a paper return or if “Where’s My Refund?” directs a taxpayer to call.

Taxpayers can avoid the Presidents Day rush by using the "Where’s My Refund?" tool. All that is needed is the taxpayer’s Social Security number, tax filing status (single, married, head of household) and exact amount of the tax refund claimed on the return. Alternatively, taxpayers may call 800-829-1954 for the same information.

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For the full article please visit IRS.gov 

Follow us at our social media or our website at MegaRefundIncomeTax.com

-Mega Refund Staff 

Shutdown Impact on Tax Court Cases

Mega Refund
01.25.2019



The following is a short introduction to the blog(s) over the development between the Tax Court cases that will continue to delay those who are subject to pending decisions. 





IRS Update on Shutdown Impact on Tax Court Cases; Important Information for Taxpayers, Tax Professionals with Pending Cases


The United States Tax Court’s website announced that the Tax Court shut down operations on Friday, December 28, 2018, at 11:59 p.m. and will remain closed until further notice. The IRS reminds taxpayers and tax professionals the Tax Court website is the best place to get information about a pending case.

There are some important points for taxpayers and tax professionals to keep in mind. These are some questions and answers to help during the current appropriations lapse.
What should I do if a document I mailed or sent to the Tax Court was returned to me?

The Tax Court website indicates that mail sent to the court through the U.S. Postal Service or through designated private delivery services may have been returned undelivered. If a document you sent to the Tax Court was returned to you, as the Tax Court website indicates, re-mail or re-send the document to the Court with a copy of the envelope or container (with the postmark or proof of mailing date) in which it was first mailed or sent. In addition, please retain the original.

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Source can be found at IRS.GOV

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-Mega Refund

A new tax year - 2019

Mega Refund
01.17.2019

INCOME TAX NEWS

This year has presented itself with a plentiful bounty of changes. Some changes that might be beneficial to you and others that might require you to review your future expenses as the current administration continues to iron out publication laws. The following below is a sample article from the IRS. 

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IR-2019-01, January 7, 2019

WASHINGTON ― Despite the government shutdown, the Internal Revenue Service today confirmed that it will process tax returns beginning January 28, 2019 and provide refunds to taxpayers as scheduled.

“We are committed to ensuring that taxpayers receive their refunds notwithstanding the government shutdown. I appreciate the hard work of the employees and their commitment to the taxpayers during this period,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig.

Congress directed the payment of all tax refunds through a permanent, indefinite appropriation (31 U.S.C. 1324), and the IRS has consistently been of the view that it has authority to pay refunds despite a lapse in annual appropriations. Although in 2011 the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directed the IRS not to pay refunds during a lapse, OMB has reviewed the relevant law at Treasury’s request and concluded that IRS may pay tax refunds during a lapse.

The IRS will be recalling a significant portion of its workforce, currently furloughed as part of the government shutdown, to work. Additional details for the IRS filing season will be included in an updated FY2019 Lapsed Appropriations Contingency Plan to be released publicly in the coming days. "

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Full article at IRS.GOV

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-Mega Refund Staff

Data Book

Mega Refund
03.29.2018

Please read through the following article brought to you by the IRS! 

'IRS Releases Data Book for 2017'

IR-2018-77, March 29, 2018

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today released the 2017 IRS Data Book, a snapshot of agency activities for the fiscal year.

The 2017 IRS Data Book describes activities conducted by the IRS from Oct. 1, 2016, to Sept. 30, 2017, and includes information about tax returns, refunds, examinations and appeals, illustrated with charts showing changes in IRS enforcement activities, taxpayer assistance levels, tax-exempt activities, legal support workload, and IRS budget and workforce levels when compared to fiscal year 2016. New to this edition is a section on taxpayer attitudes from a long-running opinion survey.

Revenue Collection, Returns Processing, Taxpayer Service, and Enforcement Actions
During fiscal year 2017, the IRS collected more than $3.4 trillion, processed more than 245 million tax returns and other forms and issued more than 121 million individual income tax refunds totaling almost $437 billion.

The IRS provided taxpayer assistance through almost a half billion visits to IRS.gov and helped more than 53 million taxpayers through different service channels, such as correspondence, toll-free telephone helplines or at walk-in sites. There were also more than 278 million inquiries to the “Where’s My Refund?” application.

Compared to the prior year, there were fewer audits and collection actions during fiscal year 2017. The IRS audited almost 934,000 individual income tax returns during the fiscal year, the lowest number of audits since 2003. The chance of being audited fell to 0.6 percent, the lowest coverage rate since 2002.

In fiscal year 2017, the IRS also continued a years-long effort to fight tax-related identity theft. The IRS Criminal Investigation Division completed 524 criminal investiga­tions of tax-related identity thefts.

Several collection actions fell during the fiscal year. IRS levies were down 32 percent compared to the prior year, and the agency filed about 5 percent fewer liens than in fiscal year 2016.

The IRS Data Book’s online format makes navigating data on taxpayer assistance, enforcement and IRS operations easier. The publication contains depictions of key areas and quick links to the underlying data.

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Full article can be found on IRS.gov

For more on the latest in tax news and updates, follow us on social media and our website at MegaRefundIncomeTax.com! 

-Mega Refund

The after presidents day rush!

02.20.2018
Mega Refund





The following is an brief summary article over the best methods on getting your answers over tax questions concerning the IRS! Enjoy!






IR-2018-31, Feb. 20, 2018

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service alerted taxpayers the day after Presidents Day marks the busiest day of the year for calls to the toll-free help line. The IRS reminded taxpayers that most answers to their tax questions can be quickly found on IRS.gov.

Taxpayers who call the IRS the day after Presidents Day can expect longer than usual wait times. Those who need to call can avoid the rush by waiting a day or two or by using online options to get their tax questions answered immediately.

To help taxpayers, the IRS has redesigned its website to make it easier to use, whether with a computer, smart phone or tablet. A good first stop is the IRS Services Guide, which provides an overview of the many IRS.gov tools available to taxpayers and tax professionals. For fast answers to general tax questions, taxpayers can search the Interactive Tax Assistant, Tax Topics, Frequently Asked Questions, Tax Trails and IRS Tax Map.

Those who have already filed can use the "Where’s My Refund?" tool to track their refund. Alternatively, they can call 800-829-1954 for automated refund information.

“Where’s My Refund?” is the best way to check the status of a refund. The application displays progress through three stages: (1) Return Received, (2) Refund Approved, and (3) Refund Sent. Taxpayers get personalized information based on the processing of their tax return. The tool provides an actual refund date after the IRS has approved a refund.

The IRS reminded taxpayers about a common misconception that requesting a tax transcript will help a taxpayer determine the status of their refund. The information included on a transcript does not necessarily reflect the amount or timing of a refund. Transcripts are best used to validate past income and tax filing status for loan applications and to help with tax preparation.

Taxpayers visiting IRS.gov will also find answers to tax questions about filing requirements and credits and deductions that may be available to them and can download forms and instructions. Taxpayers who owe additional tax can learn about payment options or what steps they can take online to create a payment agreement if they can’t pay what they owe all at once.

Employees who did not receive a Form W-2 from their employer should first contact their employer. If they receive no response by the end of February, they can call the IRS and the agency will contact the employer by mail. Taxpayers may have to use Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, and estimate wages and withholding by using their pay statements and other records.

Taxpayers must file their 2017 tax returns by April 17, 2018, or request a six-month extension. Extensions can be requested using Free File, by filing Form 4868 or by paying all or part of the estimated income tax due and indicating that the payment is for an extension using Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) or a credit or debit card. Taxpayers don’t have to file a separate extension form and they receive a confirmation number for their records.

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The full article can be found on IRS.gov

For more on the latest tax news and updates, please follow us online on our social medias! Face Book Twitter and more on our website:  MegaRefundIncomeTax.com 

-Mega Refund Staff

Filing Scheme Emerges! Scam Alert!

02.03.2018
Mega Refund

As tax scams are on the rise, we encourage everyone to be on the look out of suspicious actives, both online and when you are on the phone. Thieves are always out to get your information and money!  The following article provides updated information on the IRS's attempt to stop fraud. 

"Tax Scams / Consumer Alerts"

Thousands of people have lost millions of dollars and their personal information to tax scams. Scammers use the regular mail, telephone, or email to set up individuals, businesses, payroll and tax professionals.

The IRS doesn't initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information. Recognize the telltale signs of a scam. See also: How to know it’s really the IRS calling or knocking on your door

Scams Targeting Taxpayers
IRS-Impersonation Telephone Scams

A sophisticated phone scam targeting taxpayers, including recent immigrants, has been making the rounds throughout the country. Callers claim to be IRS employees, using fake names and bogus IRS identification badge numbers. They may know a lot about their targets, and they usually alter the caller ID to make it look like the IRS is calling.

Victims are told they owe money to the IRS and it must be paid promptly through a gift card or wire transfer. Victims may be threatened with arrest, deportation or suspension of a business or driver’s license. In many cases, the caller becomes hostile and insulting. Victims may be told they have a refund due to try to trick them into sharing private information. If the phone isn't answered, the scammers often leave an “urgent” callback request.

Please See: Consumer Alert: Scammers Change Tactics, Once Again  (Article)

Some thieves have used video relay services (VRS) to try to scam deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Taxpayers are urged not trust calls just because they are made through VRS, as interpreters don’t screen calls for validity. For details see the IRS video: Tax Scams via Video Relay Service.  (YouTube)

Limited English Proficiency victims are often approached in their native language, threatened with deportation, police arrest and license revocation, among other things. IRS urges all taxpayers caution before paying unexpected tax bills. Please see: IRS Alerts Taxpayers with Limited English Proficiency of Ongoing Phone Scams.  (Article)

Note that the IRS doesn't:

Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Generally, the IRS will first mail you a bill if you owe any taxes.
Threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.
Demand payment without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.
Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.

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Full article can be found on IRS.gov

For more on the latest information, facts and news on Income Tax laws please follow us online at MegaRefundIncomeTax.com

-Mega Refund Staff