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Each year, many people get a larger refund than they expect. Some find they owe a lot more tax than they thought they would. If this has happened to you, review your situation to prevent a tax surprise. Did you marry? Have a child? Change in income? Life events can have a major impact on your taxes. Bring the taxes you pay closer to the amount you owe. Here are some tips to help you come up with a plan:

• New Job. When you start a new job, you must fill out a Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate, and give it to your employer. Your employer will use the form to figure the amount of federal income tax to withhold from your pay. Use the IRS Withholding Calculator on IRS.gov to help you fill out the form. This tool is easy to use and it’s available 24/7.
• Estimated Tax. If you earn income that is not subject to withholding you may need to pay estimated tax. This may include income such as self-employment, interest, dividends or rent. If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in tax, and meet other conditions, you may need to pay this tax. You normally pay it four times a year. Use the worksheet in Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals, to figure the tax.
• Life Events. Check to see if you need to change your Form W-4 or change the amount of estimated tax you pay when certain life events take place. A change in your marital status, the birth of a child or the purchase of a new home can change the amount of taxes you owe. In most cases, you can submit a new Form W–4 to your employer anytime.
• Changes in Circumstances. If you are receiving advance payments of the premium tax credit, it is important that you report changes in circumstances, such as changes in your income or family size, to your Health Insurance Marketplace. You should also notify the Marketplace when you move out of the area covered by your current Marketplace plan. Advance payments of the premium tax credit help you pay for the insurance you buy through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Reporting changes will help you get the proper type and amount of financial assistance so you can avoid getting too much or too little in advance.

For more see Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax. You can get it on IRS.gov/forms at any time.

For help with any income tax or tax deduction question call one of our offices:

Plymouth 734.454.4100, Allen Park 313.388.7180,

Grayling 989.348.4055,  Livonia 734-462-6161,

Madison Heights 248.544.6160, Royal Oak 248.399.7331,

Saginaw 989.782.1985, or St. Clair Shores 313.371.6600

The IRS normally sends correspondence in the mail. We mail millions of letters to taxpayers every year. Keep these important points in mind if you get a letter or notice:

• Don’t Ignore It.  You can respond to most IRS notices quickly and easily.
• Follow Instructions.  Read the notice carefully. It will tell you if you need to take any action. Be sure to follow the instructions. The letter will also have contact information if you have questions.
• Focus on the Issue.  IRS notices usually deal with a specific issue about your tax return or tax account. Your notice or letter will explain the reason for the contact and give you instructions on how to handle the issue. You can learn more about your notice or letter on IRS.gov.
• Correction Notice. If the IRS corrected your tax return, you should review the information provided and compare it to your tax return.

If you agree, you don’t need to reply unless a payment is due.

If you don’t agree, it’s important that you respond. Follow the instructions on the notice for the best way to respond to us. You may be able to call us to resolve the issue. Have a copy of your tax return and the notice with you when you call. If you choose to write to us, be sure to include information and any documents you want us to consider. Also, write your taxpayer identification number (Social Security number, employer identification number or individual taxpayer identification number) on each page of the letter you send. Mail your reply to the address shown on the notice. Allow at least 30 days for a response.

• Respond to Requests about the Premium Tax Credit.  The IRS may send you a letter asking you to clarify or verify your premium tax credit information. You should follow the instructions on the letter. For more information about these letters, see the Understanding Your Letter 0012C page on IRS.gov/aca.
• You Don’t Need to Visit the IRS.  You can handle most notices without visiting the IRS. If you have questions, call the phone number in the upper right corner of the notice. Have a copy of your tax return and the notice when you call.
• Keep the Notice.  Keep a copy of the IRS notice with your tax records.

Watch Out for Scams.  Don’t fall for phone and phishing email scams that use the IRS as a lure. We will contact you about unpaid taxes by mail first – not by phone.  Be aware that the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text or social media.

For help with any income tax question or IRS notice call one of our offices:

Plymouth 734.454.4100, Allen Park 313.388.7180,

Grayling 989.348.4055,  Livonia 734-462-6161,

Royal Oak 248.399.7331,

Saginaw 989.782.1985, or St. Clair Shores 313.371.6600

If you are in the U. S. Armed Forces, there are special tax breaks for you. For example, some types of pay are not taxable. Certain rules apply to deductions or credits that you may be able to claim that can lower your tax. In some cases, you may get more time to file your tax return. You may also get more time to pay your income tax. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Deadline Extensions.  Some members of the military, such as those who serve in a combat zone, can postpone some tax deadlines. If this applies to you, you can get automatic extensions of time to file your tax return and to pay your taxes.
2. Combat Pay Exclusion.  If you serve in a combat zone, your combat pay is partially or fully tax-free. If you serve in support of a combat zone, you may also qualify for this exclusion.
3. Moving Expense Deduction.  You may be able to deduct some of your unreimbursed moving costs on Form 3903. This normally applies if the move is due to a permanent change of station.
4. Earned Income Tax Credit or EITC.  If you get nontaxable combat pay, you may choose to include it in your taxable income. Including it may boost your EITC, meaning you may owe less tax and could get a larger refund. In 2015, the maximum credit for taxpayers was $6,242. The average amount of EITC claimed was more than $2,400. Figure it both ways and choose the option that best benefits you. You may want to use tax preparation software or consult a tax professional to guide you.
5. Signing Joint Returns.  Both spouses normally must sign a joint income tax return. If your spouse is absent due to certain military duty or conditions, you may be able to sign for your spouse.  You may need a power of attorney to file a joint return. Your installation’s legal office may be able to help you.
6. Reservists’ Travel Deduction.  Reservists whose reserve-related duties take them more than 100 miles away from home can deduct their unreimbursed travel expenses on Form 2106, even if they do not itemize their deductions.
7. Uniform Deduction.  You can deduct the costs of certain uniforms that you can’t wear while off duty. This includes the costs of purchase and upkeep. You must reduce your deduction by any allowance you get for these costs.
8. ROTC Allowances.  Some amounts paid to ROTC students in advanced training are not taxable. This applies to allowances for education and subsistence. Active duty ROTC pay is taxable. For instance, pay for summer advanced camp is taxable.
9. Civilian Life.  If you leave the military and look for work, you may be able to deduct some job search expenses. You may be able to include the costs of travel, preparing a resume and job placement agency fees. Moving expenses may also qualify for a tax deduction.
10. Tax Help.  Most military bases offer free tax preparation and filing assistance during the tax filing season. Some also offer free tax help after the April deadline.

For more, refer to Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide. It is available on IRS.gov/forms any time.

For help with any income tax question call one of our offices:

Plymouth 734.454.4100, Allen Park 313.388.7180,

Grayling 989.348.4055,  Livonia 734-462-6161,

Madison Heights 248.544.6160, Royal Oak 248.399.7331,

Saginaw 989.782.1985, or St. Clair Shores 313.371.6600

Do you plan to donate your services to charity this summer? Will you travel as part of the service? If so, some travel expenses may help lower your taxes when you file your tax return next year. Here are several tax tips that you should know if you travel while giving your services to charity.

• Qualified Charities.  In order to deduct your costs, your volunteer work must be for a qualified charity. Most groups must apply to the IRS to become qualified. Churches and governments are qualified, and do not need to apply to the IRS. Ask the group about its IRS status before you donate. You can also use the Select Check tool on IRS.gov to check the group’s status.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses. You may be able to deduct some costs you pay to give your services. This can include the cost of travel. The costs must be necessary while you are away from home giving your services for a qualified charity. All  costs must be:

o Unreimbursed,

o Directly connected with the services,

o Expenses you had only because of the services you gave, and

o Not personal, living or family expenses.

• Genuine and Substantial Duty.  Your charity work has to be real and substantial throughout the trip. You can’t deduct expenses if you only have nominal duties or do not have any duties for significant parts of the trip.
• Value of Time or Service.  You can’t deduct the value of your services that you give to charity. This includes income lost while you work as an unpaid volunteer for a qualified charity.
• Deductible travel. The types of expenses that you may be able to deduct include:

o Air, rail and bus transportation,

o Car expenses,

o Lodging costs,

o The cost of meals, and

o Taxi or other transportation costs between the airport or station and your hotel.

• Nondeductible Travel. Some types of travel do not qualify for a tax deduction. For example, you can’t deduct your costs if a significant part of the trip involves recreation or a vacation.

For more on these rules, see Publication 526, Charitable Contributions. You can get it on IRS.gov/forms at any time.

For help with any income tax question call one of our offices:

Plymouth 734.454.4100, Allen Park 313.388.7180,

Grayling 989.348.4055,  Livonia 734-462-6161,

Madison Heights 248.544.6160, Royal Oak 248.399.7331,

Saginaw 989.782.1985, or St. Clair Shores 313.371.6600

Many students get summer jobs. It’s a great way to earn extra spending money or to save for later. Here are some tips for students with summer jobs:

1. Withholding and Estimated Tax. If you are an employee, your employer normally withholds tax from your paychecks. If you are self-employed, you may be responsible for paying taxes directly to the IRS. One way to do that is by making estimated tax payments on set dates during the year. This is essentially how our pay-as-you-go tax system works.
2. New Employees. When you get a new job, you need to fill out a Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate. Employers use this form to calculate how much federal income tax to withhold from your pay. The IRS Withholding Calculator tool on IRS.gov can help you fill out the form.
3. Self-Employment. Money you earn working for others is taxable. Some work you do may count as self-employment. These can be jobs like baby-sitting or lawn care. Keep good records of your income and expenses related to your work. You may be able to deduct those costs. A tax deduction generally reduces the taxes you pay.
4. Tip Income. All tip income is taxable. Keep a daily log to report your tips. You must report $20 or more in cash tips received in any single month to your employer. And you must report all of your yearly tips on your tax return.
5. Payroll Taxes. You may earn too little from your summer job to owe income tax. But your employer usually must withhold social security and Medicare taxes from your pay. If you’re self-employed, you may have to pay them yourself. They count for your coverage under the Social Security system.
6. Newspaper Carriers. Special rules apply to a newspaper carrier or distributor. If you meet certain conditions, you are self-employed. If you do not meet those conditions, and are under age 18, you may be exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes.
7. ROTC Pay. If you’re in ROTC, active duty pay, such as pay you get for summer advanced camp, is taxable. Other allowances you may receive may not be taxable, see Publication 3 for details.
8. Use IRS Free File. You can prepare and e-file your tax return for free using IRS Free File, available only on IRS.gov. You may not earn enough money to be required to file a federal tax return. Even if that is true, you may still want to file. For example, if your employer withheld income tax from your pay, you will have to file a return to get a tax refund.

Visit IRS.gov for more about the tax rules for students.

For help with any income tax question call one of our offices:

Plymouth 734.454.4100, Allen Park 313.388.7180,

Grayling 989.348.4055,  Livonia 734-462-6161,

Madison Heights 248.544.6160, Royal Oak 248.399.7331,

Saginaw 989.782.1985, or St. Clair Shores 313.371.6600

Day camps are common during the summer months. Many parents enroll their children in a day camp or pay for day care so they can work or look for work. If this applies to you, your costs may qualify for a federal tax credit. Here are 10 things to know about the Child and Dependent Care Credit:

1. Care for Qualifying Persons.  Your expenses must be for the care of one or more qualifying persons. Your dependent child or children under age 13 generally qualify.
2. Work-related Expenses. Your expenses for care must be work-related. In other words, you must pay for the care so you can work or look for work. This rule also applies to your spouse if you file a joint return. Your spouse meets this rule during any month they are a full-time student. They also meet it if they are physically or mentally incapable of self-care.
3. Earned Income Required. You must have earned income. Earned income includes wages, salaries and tips. It also includes net earnings from self-employment. Your spouse must also have earned income if you file jointly. Your spouse is treated as having earned income for any month that they are a full-time student or incapable of self-care.
4. Joint Return if Married. Generally, married couples must file a joint return. You can still take the credit, however, if you are legally separated or living apart from your spouse.
5. Type of Care. You may qualify for the credit whether you pay for care at home, at a daycare facility or at a day camp.
6. Credit Amount. The credit is worth between 20 and 35 percent of your allowable expenses. The percentage depends on your income.
7. Expense Limits. The total expense that you can use in a year is limited. The limit is $3,000 for one qualifying person or $6,000 for two or more.
8. Certain Care Does Not Qualify. You may not include the cost of certain types of care for the tax credit, including:

• Overnight camps or summer school tutoring costs.
• Care provided by your spouse or your child who is under age 19 at the end of the year.
• Care given by a person you can claim as your dependent.

9. Keep Records and Receipts. Keep all your receipts and records for when you file taxes next year. You will need the name, address and taxpayer identification number of the care provider. You must report this information when you claim the credit on Form 2441, Child and Dependent Care Expenses.
10. Dependent Care Benefits. Special rules apply if you get dependent care benefits from your employer.

Keep in mind this credit is not just a summer tax benefit. You may be able to claim it at any time during the year for qualifying care. IRS Publication 503, Child and Dependent Care Expenses, provides complete details on all the rules. Get it anytime on IRS.gov.

For help or questions with tax deductions call one of our offices:

Plymouth 734.454.4100, Allen Park 313.388.7180,

Grayling 989.348.4055,  Livonia 734-462-6161,

Madison Heights 248.544.6160, Royal Oak 248.399.7331,

Saginaw 989.782.1985, or St. Clair Shores 313.371.6600

The IRS has issued a consumer alert about possible fake charity scams in the wake of last weekend’s mass shooting in Orlando, Fla.

Scam artists commonly try to take advantage of generosity after such a headline tragedy by impersonating charities to get money or private information from taxpayers, the agency warns. Such fraudulent schemes may involve contact by telephone, social media, e-mail or in-person solicitations.

The IRS cautions donors to follow these tips:

• Donate to recognized charities and beware of charities with names similar to familiar or nationally known organizations. Some phony charities use names or Web sites that sound or look like those of respected, legitimate organizations. The IRS Exempt Organizations Select Check feature, helps find qualified charities. Donations to these charities may also be tax-deductible.
• Don’t give out personal financial information such as Social Security numbers or credit card and bank account numbers and passwords to anyone who solicits a contribution.
• Don’t give or send cash. For security and tax record purposes, contribute by check or credit card or another way that provides documentation of the gift.
• Bogus Web sites may solicit funds for victims of this tragedy, frequently mimicking the sites of legitimate charities or claiming to be affiliated with legitimate charities.
• Scammers often send e-mails that steer recipients to bogus sites that appear to be affiliated with legitimate charitable causes.
• Taxpayers suspecting fraud by e-mail should visit IRS.gov and search for the keywords “Report Phishing.” More information about tax scams and schemes may be found at IRS.gov using the keywords “scams and schemes”.

For help with any tax question call one of our offices:

Plymouth 734.454.4100, Allen Park 313.388.7180,

Grayling 989.348.4055,  Livonia 734-462-6161,

Madison Heights 248.544.6160, Royal Oak 248.399.7331,

Saginaw 989.782.1985, or St. Clair Shores 313.371.6600

Along with saving taxes, a retirement plan also secures your future. You can save more in taxes by choosing the right kind of retirement plans according to your financial situation. Before you select one, it’s important to know the various types of retirement plans available:

1. Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)

2. Roth IRAs

3. 401(k) Plans

4. 403(b) Plans

5. SIMPLE IRA Plans (Savings Incentive Match Plans for Employees)

6. SEP Plans (Simplified Employee Pension)

7. SARSEP Plans (Salary Reduction Simplified Employee Pension)

8. Payroll Deduction IRAs

9. Profit-Sharing Plans

10. Defined Benefit Plans

11. Money Purchase Plans

12. Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)

13. 457 Plans

14. 409A Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans 

Contributions to retirement plans are usually tax deductible. You can claim a deduction on your individual federal income tax return for the amount you contributed to your IRA. Roth IRA deductions, however, are not deductible. With the exception of a Roth, contributions and investment gains are not taxed until they are distributed.

Businesses offering retirement plans to their employees can help them save taxes and reduce turnover by making this perk attractive to workers.

The sooner you start making contributions to your plan(s), the more you will have when you retire. Before setting up a retirement plan, consult a tax professional in one of our offices.

Our offices are located in:

Plymouth 734.454.4100, Allen Park 313.388.7180,

Grayling 989.348.4055,  Livonia 734-462-6161,

Madison Heights 248.544.6160, Royal Oak 248.399.7331,

Saginaw 989.782.1985, and St. Clair Shores 313.371.6600

You can use tax credits and deductions to lower your tax liability, but you can also lower your taxes by using tax tips throughout the year. Here are a few:

Contribute more to your retirement savings – A good way to lower your tax bill is to begin contributing more to your IRA and other retirement accounts. Make sure you check the details of any retirement account you have; you may be able to deduct some or all of your contributions. That will reduce your taxable income because the amount you contribute will not be counted as taxable income.

Check your withholdings – You should check your withholdings if you received a big tax refund. If you are an employee, it likely means that you are withholding more than required. Paying too much in taxes is like giving a free loan to the government. If you withhold less, you get to keep more in your pocket throughout the year.

Account for job-hunting expenses – If you look for a job when you are unemployed, you can deduct the expenses incurred for transportation, food, and resume costs. Just keep in mind that if you are looking for a job in a new or different field of work, you cannot deduct job-hunting expenses.

Make charitable donations – If you make a charitable donation, remember to make it to a recognized charity to get the tax benefits.

Cost of moving to a new job – You can deduct the cost of the move if your new job is 50 miles or farther than your home and your old job.

There are other deductions as well such as those for a home computer used for business. Be sure to thoroughly research you options to save on taxes during the year that can really help on your next tax return.

For help with any income tax question call one of our offices:

Plymouth 734.454.4100, Allen Park 313.388.7180,

Grayling 989.348.4055,  Livonia 734-462-6161,

Madison Heights 248.544.6160, Royal Oak 248.399.7331,

Saginaw 989.782.1985, or St. Clair Shores 313.371.6600

One of the top ways to save taxes is through investments. Investing in tax-saving programs can help you grow your money while paying zero taxes. Here are some investment vehicles that have virtually no risk:

U.S. Savings Bonds, Treasury Bonds, and Securities

The U.S. Treasury offers a variety of investment vehicles, including U.S. Treasury bonds, U.S. Savings Bonds, notes, bills, TIPS, Floating Rate Notes (RTNs). These are endorsed by the federal government. To learn more about each investment program, visit Treasury Direct, a U.S. Department of Treasury website.

Retirement Accounts (Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, 401(k))

Experts believe that you will need at least about 80% of your current income to continue with your current lifestyle after retirement. Saving for retirement is a good way to also save on taxes. The various retirement plans to consider include:

• Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)
• Roth IRAs
• 401(k) Plans and 403(b) Plans
• SIMPLE IRA Plans (Savings Incentive Match Plans for Employees)
• SEP Plans (Simplified Employee Pension)
• SARSEP Plans (Salary Reduction Simplified Employee Pension)
• Payroll Deduction IRAs
• Profit-Sharing Plans
• Defined Benefit Plans
• Money Purchase Plans
• Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)
• Governmental Plans
• 457 Plans
• 409A Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans

IRAs and 401(k)s are the most commonly used retirement plans. Traditional IRAs and 401(k)s are pre-tax retirement plans, which means that they are funded with income that has not been taxed. However, taxes need to be paid when withdrawals are made. In a Roth IRA, contributions are made with taxed income, but withdrawals are not taxed.

Maxing out retirement accounts each year is one of the top tax-saving strategies used by taxpayers. When it comes to investing, it is better to start as early as possible.

For help with tax planning call one of our offices:

Plymouth 734.454.4100, Allen Park 313.388.7180,

Grayling 989.348.4055,  Livonia 734-462-6161,

Madison Heights 248.544.6160, Royal Oak 248.399.7331,

Saginaw 989.782.1985, or St. Clair Shores 313.371.6600