All posts by Mark Friesen

IRS Looking For Taxpayers Who Pad Their Tax Deductions

It’s tax time. For those who might think, “I’ll add a little here, maybe add a little more there … nobody will notice, right?” Well, the IRS is looking harder at deductions and is warning taxpayers to avoid the temptation of falsely inflating deductions or expenses on their returns to under pay what they owe…

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Chat Live with our Customer Support for a Quick Answers!

Our Customer Support department is standing by to answer your questions—and not just on the phone. To better assist you, we’ve  implemented an online chat feature on our website. Click the We’re Available button on the lower right of our web page. You’ll be prompted to enter your name and  email address. Depending on the nature…

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Tax Scams To Look Out For in 2016

It’s the beginning of tax season, and with it comes veritable stress, including scams. Con artists work diligently to gather personal information that can lead to your hard-earned money being stolen. Over the years, the IRS has become privy to this and crafted advice to deal with each. Here’s a look at a few common…

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Can the housing allowance resolution be amended mid-year?

The housing allowance resolution can be adopted or amended at any time during the year. However, it can only be applied prospectively, not retroactively. It is important for the housing allowance resolution to be adopted by the church council prior to each calendar year (or prior to the start date), which would accurately reflect the…

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Complicated Nanny Taxes

Employing a nanny or an elder-care giver may seem like a simple proposition, but in the eyes of the IRS it isn’t. Is it the your responsibility as a home-care employer to report workers’ earnings to the IRS? Should the worker receive a 1099 tax form or a W-2? Is he or she an employee or…

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Keeping Data Safe in Tax Season (and Year Round)

Tax season is in full swing, which means we are collaborating with our clients everyday. For many, the tool of choice for sharing information electronically will be e-mail. It is quick, easy and everyone has it. However, when relying on e-mail to share personal information such as Social Security numbers, financial statements and 1098 forms, individuals are putting…

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Are Clergy Eligible For Public Service Loan Forgiveness

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. For more details click the link below: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service#qualifying-employment  

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How does the IRS decide whether a taxpayer is a Minister for Tax Purposes?

The IRS considers individual facts and circumstances to decide if a taxpayer is a Minister for Tax Purposes. Court cases and practices of different denominations have influenced IRS decisions. These five questions will help determine if a person is a Minister for Tax Purposes: Is the person ordained, licensed or commissioned? Does the person administer…

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When Paying the IRS, Handle Checks With Care

Always provide the reason for the payment, the form number, and tax year on the front of the check – for instance, “balance due on 2015 Form 1040” or “2016 estimated payment.”  Also include your daytime telephone number and Social Security number (joint filers should enter the number shown first on their return). Writing separate…

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How Do I Get a Copy of a Social Security Earnings Report?

In the past, the Social Security Administration sent an annual statement of your earnings to you by mail. In 2011, the administration discontinued this service to workers younger than age 60. However, you can still access a basic earnings report for free online or request one by mail. A basic report lists your combined earnings…

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