Educator Expense Deduction Rises to $300

WASHINGTON — As the new school year begins, the Internal Revenue Service reminds teachers and other educators that they’ll be able to use the Educator Expense Deduction to deduct up to $300 of out-of-pocket classroom expenses for 2022 when they file their federal income tax return next year.

This is the first time the annual limit has increased since the special educator expense deduction was enacted in 2002. For tax years 2002 through 2021, the limit was $250 per year. The limit will rise in $50 increments in future years based on inflation adjustments.

For 2022, an eligible educator can deduct up to $300 of qualifying expenses. If they’re married and file a joint return with another eligible educator, the limit rises to $600. But in this situation, not more than $300 for each spouse.

Who qualifies?

Educators can claim this deduction, even if they take the standard deduction. Eligible educators include anyone who is a kindergarten through grade 12 teacher, instructor, counselor, principal or aide in a school for at least 900 hours during the school year. Both public and private school educators qualify.

What’s deductible?

Educators can deduct the unreimbursed cost of:

  • Books, supplies and other materials used in the classroom.
  • Equipment, including computer equipment, software and services.
  • COVID-19 protective items to stop the spread of the disease in the classroom. This includes face masks, disinfectant for use against COVID-19, hand soap, hand sanitizer, disposable gloves, tape, paint or chalk to guide social distancing, physical barriers, such as clear plexiglass, air purifiers and other items recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • Professional development courses related to the curriculum they teach or the students they teach. But the IRS cautions that, for these expenses, it may be more beneficial to claim another educational tax benefit, especially the lifetime learning credit. For details, see Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education, particularly Chapter 3.

Qualified expenses don’t include the cost of home schooling or for nonathletic supplies for courses in health or physical education. As with all deductions and credits, the IRS reminds educators to keep good records, including receipts, cancelled checks and other documentation.

Reminder for 2021 tax returns being filed now: Deduction limit is $250

For those who received a tax filing extension or still need to file a 2021 tax return, the IRS reminds any educator still working on their 2021 return that the deduction limit is $250. If they are married and file a joint return with another eligible educator, the limit rises to $500. But in this situation, not more than $250 for each spouse.

File electronically when ready. Tax-filing software uses a question-and-answer format that makes doing taxes easier. Whether a return is self-prepared or prepared with the assistance of a tax professional or trained community volunteer, the IRS urges everyone to file electronically and choose direct deposit for refunds. For details, visit Electronic Filing Options for Individuals.

In addition, the IRS urges anyone who owes taxes to choose the speed and convenience of paying electronically, such as with IRS Direct Pay, a free service available only on IRS.gov. For information about this and other payment options, visit Pay Online.

Taxpayers who requested more time to file an accurate return have until October 17, 2022. Those who have what they need to file, however, should file as soon as possible to avoid delays in processing their return. Taxpayers are urged to file electronically when they are ready and avoid the last-minute rush to file at the deadline.

 

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Form 2290 Deadline

Form 2290 Deadline

IR-2022-146, August 8, 2022

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today is reminding those who have registered, or are required to register, large trucks and buses that it’s time to file Form 2290, Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax ReturnPDF. The form 2290 deadline is August 31, 2022, for vehicles first used in July 2022.

Truckers that have a highway motor vehicle with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more registered in their name must file Form 2290 and pay the tax. However, on vehicles they expect to use for 5,000 miles or less (7,500 for farm vehicles), they’re required to file a return, but pay no tax. If the vehicle exceeds the mileage use limit during the tax period, the tax becomes due.

The filing deadline is not tied to the vehicle registration date. Taxpayers must file Form 2290 by the last day of the month following the month in which the taxpayer first used the vehicle on a public highway during the taxable period, regardless of the vehicle’s registration renewal date.

Vehicles first used on a public highway during the month of July 2022 must file Form 2290 and pay the appropriate tax between July 1 and August 31. Any additional taxable vehicles placed on the road during any month other than July should be prorated for the months during which it was in service. IRS.gov has a table to help determine the filing deadline.

File and pay the easy way

Get the facts

Gather the required information

  • Vehicle Identification Number(s).
  • Employer Identification Number (EIN) – not a Social Security number. It can take about four weeks to establish a new EIN. See How to Apply for an EIN.
  • Taxable gross weight of each vehicle.

Filing options

  • All Form 2290 filers are encouraged to e-file, a list of IRS-approved e-file providers is on IRS.gov.
  • E-file is required when reporting 25 or more vehicles on Form 2290.
  • A watermarked Schedule 1 is sent within minutes after acceptance of an e-filed return.
  • If filing by mail, ensure that the correct mailing address is used.
  • Mail filers will receive their stamped Schedule 1 within 6 weeks after the IRS receives the form.

Payment options

More information:

 

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5 Different Types of IRA’s

IRS Tax Tip 2022-107, July 14, 2022

There are many ways people plan for retirement. Individual Retirement Arrangements, or IRAs, are a common one. Listed below are the 5 Different Types of IRA’s. IRAs provide tax incentives for people to make investments that can provide financial security when they retire. These accounts can be with a bank or other financial institution, a life insurance company, mutual fund, or stockbroker.

Here are some things to know about a traditional IRA.

  • traditional IRA is a tax-advantaged personal savings plan where contributions may be tax deductible.
  • Generally, the money in a traditional IRA isn’t taxed until it’s withdrawn.
  • There are annual limits to contributions depending on the person’s age and the type of IRA.
  • When planning when to withdraw money from an IRA, taxpayers should know that:
    • They may face a 10% penalty and a tax bill if they withdraw money before age 59½, unless they qualify for an exception.
    • Usually, they must start taking withdrawals from their IRA when they reach age 72. For tax years 2019 and earlier, that age was 70½.
    • Special distribution rules apply for IRA beneficiaries.

Roth IRAs are like traditional IRAs, but there are some important differences.

A Roth IRA is another tax-advantaged personal savings plan with many of the same rules as a traditional IRA but there are exceptions:

  • A taxpayer can’t deduct contributions to a Roth IRA.
  • Qualified distributions are tax-free.
  • Roth IRAs don’t require withdrawals until after the death of the owner.

Here are a few other types of IRAs:

  • Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees. A SIMPLE IRA allows employees and employers to contribute to traditional IRAs set up for employees. It is suited as a start-up retirement savings plan for small employers not currently sponsoring a retirement plan.
  • Simplified Employee Pension. A SEP IRA is set up by an employer. The employer makes contributions directly to an IRA set up for each employee.
  • Rollover IRA. This is when the IRA owner receives a payment from their retirement plan and deposits it into a different IRA within 60 days.

More information:

 

Contact ATS Advisors with any questions today about the 5 Different Types of IRA’s

IRS expands calling options for faster service, less wait time

Assistance for eligible taxpayers in setting up or modifying payment plans now available; more functions planned in 2022 to help taxpayers obtain account information

Voice Bot Video

IR-2022-127, June 17, 2022

WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service today announced expanded voice bot options to help eligible taxpayers easily verify their identity to set up or modify a payment plan while avoiding long wait times.

“This is part of a wider effort at the IRS to help improve the experience of taxpayers,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “We continue to look for ways to better assist taxpayers, and that includes helping people avoid waiting on hold or having to make a second phone call to get what they need. The expanded voice bots are another example of how technology can help the IRS provide better service to taxpayers.”

Voice bots run on software powered by artificial intelligence, which enables a caller to navigate an interactive voice response. The IRS has been using voice bots on numerous toll-free lines since January, enabling taxpayers with simple payment or notice questions to get what they need quickly and avoid waiting. Taxpayers can always speak with an English- or Spanish-speaking IRS telephone representative if needed.

Eligible taxpayers who call the Automated Collection System (ACS) and Accounts Management toll-free lines and want to discuss payment plan options can authenticate or verify their identities through a personal identification number (PIN) creation process. Setting up a PIN is easy: Taxpayers will need their most recent IRS bill and some basic personal information to complete the process.

“To date, the voice bots have answered over 3 million calls. As we add more functions for taxpayers to resolve their issues, I anticipate many more taxpayers getting the service they need quickly and easily,” said Darren Guillot, IRS Deputy Commissioner of Small Business/Self Employed Collection & Operations Support.

Additional voice bot service enhancements are planned in 2022 that will allow authenticated individuals (taxpayers with established or newly created PINs) to get:

  • Account and return transcripts.
  • Payment history.
  • Current balance owed.

In addition to the payment lines, voice bots help people who call the Economic Impact Payment (EIP) toll-free line with general procedural responses to frequently asked questions. The IRS also added voice bots for the Advance Child Tax Credit toll-free line in February to provide similar assistance to callers who need help reconciling the credits on their 2021 tax return.

The IRS also reminds taxpayers about numerous other available self-service options.

 

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8 Things to Know About a Letter From The IRS

If you receive a letter this year from the IRS, don’t be alarmed. After every tax season, the agency sends out a variety of notices to taxpayers. Not every letter means there’s an impending audit coming your way. Here are 8 Things to Know About a Letter From The IRS.

As always, if you do not feel comfortable, reach out to a tax professional like us here at ATS Advisors for help.

Many of the notices are routine and can easily be resolved. Here’s what to do if one shows up in your mailbox.

1. Stay calm.

Before your heart starts racing, remember that not all IRS letters are delivering bad news. In fact, the large majority can be taken care of fairly quickly and painlessly. You often only need to respond to take care of a notice.

2. The IRS sends letters for all sorts of reasons.

Any notice you receive from the IRS could be about a number of different topics regarding your account or your federal tax return. For instance, the letter could mention any of the following:

  • you have a balance due
  • the IRS has a question about your tax return
  • something on your return was changed
  • you are due a larger or smaller refund
  • you need to verify your identity
  • additional information is requested
  • there’s a delay in return processing

Sometimes letters can wind up being quite lengthy because they also must inform you of your rights and other information required by law. If you need help understanding the letter, contact a tax professional like us here at ATS or call the IRS to ask questions.

3. It could be a change or correction.

You may get a notice that states the IRS has made a change or correction to your tax return. If you do, review the information and compare it with your original return.

4. There are specific instructions.

Each notice should state explicit instructions on what you need to do. As long as you follow them, you likely can take care of the request rather quickly.

Most importantly, do not ignore it! Don’t shove the letter to the side thinking you’ll take care of it later. Many of the instructions within those letters include a due date, so it’s important to take care of it right away. If you procrastinate, another letter will arrive in your mailbox not long after.

5. You shouldn’t have to visit the IRS.

Thankfully, most notices don’t require a call or visit to an IRS office. If you do have questions, however, you can call the phone number located in the upper right-hand corner of the notice. When you call, make sure to have your tax return and the notice in front of you so you can easily refer to specific information and answer any questions the IRS agent may ask.

6. You can agree or disagree with the notice.

Many letters from the IRS will require a response by a specific date. It’s important to comply with that date to minimize additional interest and penalty charges and to preserve your appeal rights if you don’t agree with what’s stated in the notice.

If you agree with the notice, you typically won’t need to reply unless other instructions are listed or you need to make a payment. Follow whatever instructions are given.

If you do not agree with the notice, you will need to respond by writing a letter explaining why you disagree. Within your letter, include any information and documents that support your claim. Mail your reply to the address shown in the upper left-hand corner with the bottom tear-off portion of the notice. Keep in mind, it can take up to 30 days to get a response back from the agency.

In the event that you owe money, always pay as much as you can right away. Even if you can’t pay the full amount, it’s better to send in some money than none at all. Doing so will reduce the extra penalties and fees you may accrue from paying late.

7. Keep a copy.

It’s in your best interest to keep copies of any notices you receive from the IRS with your other tax records. It may be a small chance you have to refer back to it, but it’s better to have a concrete paper trail of the occurrence than nothing at all.

8. All notices come by snail mail.

The IRS always sends letters and notices by mail. They will not contact you by email or social media to ask for personal or financial information. If you are ever contacted by someone via phone, email or social media who claim they are the IRS, immediately discontinue the conversation and call the IRS directly to ask if they are trying to reach you.

Suspicious letters

Even though the IRS only communicates via paper letters, that doesn’t mean you couldn’t wind up receiving a fake notice. If any letter you receive seems suspicious, always contact the IRS to check its validity before you do anything else.

You can report fraudulent letters by visiting the IRS’ Report Phishing page or calling 800-829-1040.

Small Businesses should file Payroll Taxes Electronically

IR-2022-103, 2022

WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service today urged small businesses to take advantage of the accuracy, speed and convenience of filing their payroll tax returns and making tax payments electronically.

During National Small Business Week, May 1 to 7, the IRS is highlighting tax benefits and resources tied to the theme for this year’s celebration: “Building a Better America through Entrepreneurship.” Filing and paying taxes electronically helps entrepreneurs leave more time for what they really want to do—build their businesses.

What are payroll taxes?

Also known as employment taxes, payroll taxes include federal income tax withheld from employee wages, as well as both the employer and employee portions of Social Security and Medicare taxes. In addition, payroll taxes include the Federal Unemployment Tax, also known as FUTA, which most employers need to pay but is not withheld from employee wages.

In some cases, backup withholding applies to payments made to nonemployees, usually because the recipient failed to provide their correct Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), to the business making the payments. A TIN can be either a social security number, employer identification number or individual taxpayer identification number. For more information about backup withholding see Tax Topic No. 307.

Why e-file?

All of the returns reporting these taxes can either be filed electronically or on paper. Though the number of payroll tax returns e-filed has grown steadily in recent years—more than doubling in the last decade alone, more than 40% of them are still filed on paper.

Paper filers are missing out on all the advantages of electronic filing. E-file saves time, and it’s secure and accurate. Plus, the IRS acknowledges receipt of an electronically filed return within 24 hours. That doesn’t happen with paper filing.

It’s much easier to make a mistake on paper. With electronic filing, any mistake is often discovered and fixed quickly. With paper filing, it may take weeks or even months to discover and correct a mistake.

How to e-file

Employers have two options: Do it themselves or have a tax pro do it for them. Those choosing to do it themselves will need to purchase IRS-approved software. Alternatively, the Authorized IRS e-file Providers Locator Service, an online database, can help any employer find a suitable tax professional.

For more information about both options, visit IRS.gov/employmentefile.

Pay taxes electronically

Though some employers, especially those with small payrolls, can choose to pay their taxes when they file their payroll tax returns, most need to deposit them regularly with the Treasury Department instead. Federal tax deposits must be made by electronic funds transfer (EFT).

The fastest and easiest way to do that is through the Electronic Federal Tax Payments System (EFTPS), a free service available from the Treasury Department. Payments can be made either online or by phone. Any business or individual can also use EFTPS to pay other federal taxes, including quarterly estimated taxes.

Enrollment is required. To enroll or for more information, visit EFTPS.gov or call 800-555-4477 or TDD: 800-733-4829.

More information about the tax rules that apply to employers can be found in Publication 15, (Circular E), Employer’s Tax Guide, available on IRS.gov.

 

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May 16 filing deadline for many tax-exempt organizations

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded tax-exempt organizations that many have a filing deadline of May 16, 2022. Those that operate on a calendar-year (CY) basis have certain annual information and tax returns they file with the IRS. These returns are:

  • Form 990-series annual information returns (Forms 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF)
  • Form 990-N, Electronic Notice (e-Postcard) for Tax-Exempt Organizations Not Required to File Form 990 or Form 990-EZ
  • Form 990-T, Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (other than certain trusts)
  • Form 4720, Return of Certain Excise Taxes Under Chapters 41 and 42 of the Internal Revenue Code

Mandatory electronic filing

Electronic filing provides fast acknowledgement that the IRS has received the return and reduces processing time, making compliance with reporting requirements easier.

Organizations filing a Form 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF or 990-T for CY2021 must file their returns electronically. Private foundations filing a Form 4720 for CY 2021 must file the form electronically. Charities and other tax-exempt organizations can file these forms electronically through an IRS Authorized e-File Provider.

Organizations eligible to submit Form 990-N must do so electronically and can submit it through Form 990-N (e-Postcard) on IRS.gov.

“To help exempt organizations comply with their filing requirements, the IRS provides a series of pre-recorded online workshops,” said Robert Malone, Exempt Organizations and Government Entities Director. “These workshops are designed to assist officers, board members and volunteers with the steps they need to take to maintain their tax-exempt status, including filing annual information returns.”

Common errors

The IRS also reminds organizations to submit complete and accurate returns. If an organization’s return is incomplete or the wrong return for the organization, the return will be rejected. Common errors include missing or incomplete schedules.

Extension of time to file

Tax-exempt organizations that need additional time to file beyond the May 16 deadline can request a 6-month automatic extension by filing Form 8868, Application for Extension of Time To File an Exempt Organization Return PDF. In situations where tax is due, extending the time for filing a return does not extend the time for paying tax. The IRS encourages organizations requesting an extension to electronically file Form 8868.

 

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Missed Tax Deadline? File Now To Limit Penalties

Taxpayers who owe and missed tax deadline should file now to limit penalties and interest; not too late to claim the Child Tax Credit for 2021.

The Internal Revenue Service encourages taxpayers who missed Monday’s April 18 tax-filing deadline to file as soon as possible. While taxpayers due a refund receive no penalty for filing late, those who owe and missed tax deadline without requesting an extension should file quickly to limit penalties and interest.

Families who don’t owe taxes to the IRS can still file their 2021 tax return and claim the Child Tax Credit for the 2021 tax year at any point until April 15, 2025, without any penalty. This year also marks the first time in history that many families with children in Puerto Rico will be eligible to claim the Child Tax Credit, which has been expanded to provide up to $3,600 per child.

Some taxpayers automatically qualify for extra time to file and pay taxes due without penalties and interest, including:

File without penalty to get a tax refund

Some people may choose not to file a tax return because they didn’t earn enough money to be required to file. But they may miss out on receiving a refund. The only way to get a refund is to file a tax return. There’s no penalty for filing after the April 18 deadline if a refund is due. Taxpayers are encouraged to use electronic filing options including IRS Free File which is available on IRS.gov through October 17 to prepare and file 2021 tax returns electronically.

While most tax credits can be used to reduce the tax owed, there are a few credits that allow taxpayers to receive money beyond what they owe. The most common examples of these refundable credits are the Earned Income Tax CreditChild and Dependent Care Credit and Child Tax Credit. Those who don’t usually file and didn’t qualify for a third-round Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amount may be eligible to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit when they file their 2021 tax return. Taxpayers often fail to file a tax return and claim a refund for these credits and others for which they may be eligible.

Generally, the IRS issues nine out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days for taxpayers who e-file and choose direct deposit. However, it’s possible a tax return may require additional review or take longer. The IRS processes paper tax returns in the order they are received.

Taxpayers can track their refund using the Where’s My Refund? tool on IRS.gov, IRS2Go or by calling the automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954. Taxpayers need the primary Social Security number on the tax return, the filing status and the expected refund amount. The refund status information updates once daily, usually overnight, so there’s no need to check more frequently.

File to reduce penalties and interest

Taxpayers should file their tax return and pay any taxes they owe as soon as possible to reduce penalties and interest. An extension to file is not an extension to pay. An extension to file provides an additional six months with a new filing deadline of October 17. Penalties and interest apply to taxes owed after April 18 and interest is charged on tax and penalties until the balance is paid in full.

Filing and paying as much as possible is key because the late-filing penalty and late-payment penalty add up quickly.

Even if a taxpayer can’t afford to immediately pay the full amount of taxes owed, they should still file a tax return to reduce possible delayed filing penalties. The IRS offers a variety of options for taxpayers who owe the IRS but cannot afford to pay.

Usually, the failure to file penalty is 5% of the tax owed for each month or part of a month that a tax return is late, up to five months, reduced by the failure to pay penalty amount for any month where both penalties apply. If a return is filed more than 60 days after the due date, the minimum penalty is either $435 or 100% of the unpaid tax, whichever is less.

The failure to pay penalty rate is generally 0.5% of unpaid tax owed for each month or part of a month until the tax is fully paid or until 25% is reached. The rate is subject to change. For more information see the Penalties page on IRS.gov.

Taxpayers may qualify for penalty relief if they have filed and paid timely for the past three years and meet other important requirements, including paying or arranging to pay any tax due. For more information, see the first time penalty abatement page on IRS.gov.

Pay taxes due electronically on IRS.gov/payments

Those who owe taxes can pay quickly and securely via their Online Account, IRS Direct Paydebit or credit card or digital wallet, or they can apply online for a payment plan (including an installment agreement). Taxpayers paying electronically receive immediate confirmation when they submit their payment. With Direct Pay and the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), taxpayers can receive email notifications about their payments.

Selecting a tax professional

The IRS offers tips to help taxpayers choose a Tax Professional to assist in tax return preparation.

The Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications can help taxpayers find tax return preparers who hold a professional credential recognized by the IRS or who have completed IRS requirements for the Annual Filing Season Program.

Taxpayer Bill of Rights

Taxpayers have fundamental rights under the law that protect them when they interact with the IRS. The Taxpayer Bill of Rights presents these rights in 10 categories. IRS Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer, highlights these rights and the agency’s obligation to protect them.

 

Missed Tax Deadline? Contact Us today with any questions!

6 Month Tax Extension announced by IRS

A 6 Month Tax Extension was announced by the IRS for all taxpayers who use IRS Free File to request an extension.

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that if they’re unable to file their tax return by this year’s April 18 deadline, there’s an easy, online option to get a 6 Month Tax Extension .

Taxpayers who need more time to complete their return can request an automatic six-month extension to file. An extension allows for extra time to gather, prepare and file paperwork with the IRS; however, taxpayers should be aware that:

  • An extension to file their return doesn’t grant them an extension to pay their taxes,
  • They should estimate and pay any owed taxes by their regular deadline to help avoid possible penalties and
  • They must file their extension no later than the regular due date of their return.

E-file an extension form for free

Individual tax filers, regardless of income, can use IRS Free File to electronically request an automatic tax-filing extension. The fastest and easiest way to get an extension is through IRS Free File on IRS.gov. Taxpayers can electronically request an extension on Form 4868 PDF. Filing this form gives taxpayers until October 17 to file their tax return. To get the extension, taxpayers must estimate their tax liability on this form and should timely pay any amount due.

Get an extension when making a payment

Other fast, free and easy ways to get an extension include using IRS Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System or by paying with a credit or debit card or digital wallet. There’s no need to file a separate Form 4868 extension request when making an electronic payment and indicating it’s for an extension. The IRS will automatically count it as an extension.

Important reminders on extensions

The IRS reminds taxpayers that a request for an extension provides extra time to file a tax return, but not extra time to pay any taxes owed. Payments are still due by the original deadline. Taxpayers should file even if they can’t pay the full amount. By filing either a return on time or requesting an extension by the April 18 filing deadline, they’ll avoid the late-filing penalty, which can be 10 times as costly as the penalty for not paying.

Taxpayers who pay as much as they can by the due date, reduce the overall amount subject to penalty and interest charges. The interest rate is currently four percent per year, compounded daily. The late-filing penalty is generally five percent per month and the late-payment penalty is normally 0.5 percent per month.

The IRS will work with taxpayers who cannot pay the full amount of tax they owe. Other options to pay, such as getting a loan or paying by credit card, may help resolve a tax debt. Most people can set up a payment plan on IRS.gov to pay off their balance over time.

Other automatic extensions

Certain eligible taxpayers get more time to file without having to ask for extensions. These include:

  • U.S. citizens and resident aliens who live and work outside of the United States and Puerto Rico get an automatic 2-month extension to file their tax returns. They have until June 15 to file. However, tax payments are still due April 18 or interest will be charged.
  • Members of the military on duty outside the United States and Puerto Rico also receive an automatic two-month extension to file. Those serving in combat zones have up to 180 days after they leave the combat zone to file returns and pay any taxes due. Details are available in Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide PDF.
  • When the President makes a disaster area declaration, the IRS can postpone certain taxpayer deadlines for residents and businesses in the affected area. People can find information on the most recent tax relief for disaster situations on the IRS website.

The deadline to submit 2021 tax returns or an extension to file and pay tax owed this year falls on April 18, instead of April 15, because of the Emancipation Day holiday in the District of Columbia. Taxpayers in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 19, 2022, to file their returns due to the Patriots’ Day holiday in those states.

If you need more information regarding the 6 Month Tax Extension please Contact Us Today!

Last day to take money out of IRAs and 401(k)s

IRS reminder to many retirees: April 1 is the last day to take money out of IRAs and 401(k)s

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded retirees who turned 72 during the last half of 2021 that, in most cases, Friday, April 1, 2022, is the last day to begin receiving payments from Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs), 401(k)s and similar workplace retirement plans.

The payments, called required minimum distributions (RMDs), are normally made by the end of the year. But anyone who reached age 72 after June 30, 2021, is covered by a special rule that allows IRA account owners and participants in workplace retirement plans to wait until as late as April 1, 2022, to take their first RMD. In other words, in general, the special April 1 rule applies to IRA owners and other participants in these plans who were born after June 30, 1949.

Two payments in the same year

The April 1st last day to take money out of IRAs and 401(k)s deadline only applies to the required distribution for the first year. For all later years, the RMD must be made by December 31.

This means that taxpayers who turned 72 after June 30, 2021, and receive their first required distribution (for 2021) in 2022 on or before April 1, must receive their second RMD (for 2022) by December 31, 2022. Even though the first distribution is actually the required 2021 distribution, it’s taxable in 2022 and reported on the 2022 tax return – along with the regular 2022 distribution.

Types of retirement plans requiring RMDs

These required distribution rules apply to owners of traditional, SEP and SIMPLE IRAs while the original owner is alive. They also apply to participants in various workplace retirement plans, including 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) plans. RMDs don’t apply to Roth IRAs.

An IRA trustee must either report the amount of the RMD to the IRA owner or offer to calculate it. Often, the trustee shows the RMD amount on Form 5498 in Box 12b. For a 2021 RMD, required by April 1, 2022, the RMD amount is shown on the 2020 Form 5498, normally issued to the owner during the first part of 2021.

Some can delay RMDs

Though the April 1 deadline is mandatory for all owners of traditional IRAs and most participants in workplace retirement plans, some people with workplace plans can wait longer to receive their RMD.

Most participants who are still working for that employer can wait until April 1 of the year after they retire to start receiving these distributions, if their workplace plan allows. This RMD exception does not apply to 5% owners of the business sponsoring the retirement plan or to participants in SEP and SIMPLE IRA plans. See Tax on Excess Accumulation in Publication 575 for details.

Employees of public schools and certain tax-exempt organizations with 403(b) plan accruals before 1987 should check with their employer, plan administrator or provider to see how to treat these accruals.

IRS online tools and publications can help

Many answers to questions about RMDs can be found at RMD FAQs on IRS.gov. Most taxpayers use Table III (Uniform Lifetime) to figure their RMD. Married taxpayers whose spouse is more than 10 years younger and is their only beneficiary use Table II.

Because this and other life expectancy tables were updated for 2022, recipients need to use a different version of this table to figure their 2021 RMD, compared to their 2022 RMD. The required withdrawals in 2022 and future years will generally be smaller.

For a 2021 RMD (due April 1, 2022), use the life expectancy tables in Appendix B of the Pub. 590-B PDF used for preparing 2020 returns. As shown in Table III, the RMD for a person age 72 in 2021 will normally be based on a distribution period of 25.6 years. Divide the December 31, 2020, balance by 25.6 to get the RMD for 2021.

For a 2022 RMD (due December 31, 2022), use the revised life expectancy tables in Appendix B of the Pub. 590-B PDF used for preparing 2021 returns. As shown in the revised Table III, the RMD for a person age 72 in 2022 will normally be based on a distribution period of 27.4 years. Divide the December 31, 2021, balance by 27.4 to get the RMD for 2022.

Pub. 590-B has worksheets, examples and other information that can help anyone figure their RMD. Visit IRS.gov for more information.

Again, April 1 is the last day to take money out of IRAs and 401(k)s.

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