Louisiana has started accepting 2017 income tax returns

If you get a $1,000 refund, the argument goes, you could instead have seen $20 per week more in your paychecks.

Despite the free options available, approximately 70 percent of all NY taxpayers still decide to use a paid tax preparer.

For those with investments including bitcoin, you must report them.

The IRS has once again opened its popular Free File Program, available at www.irs.gov, a public-private partnership between the federal government and private tax preparation companies, including TurboTax maker Intuit. The online “Where’s My Refund?” tool has the most up to date information about refunds, but it’s not updated a couple of times a day, so taxpayers don’t need to check more often.

If you want your refunds processed quicker, the IRS suggests filing your returns electronically. It’s also a skill my students have that they can share with the community.

You have a complicated tax situation with dependents, investments, or significant assets or charitable contributions, or you own a business.

For those early birds out there, you can start turning in your tax returns today. “The first ones in, the first ones out”.

This year the deadline to file is April 17 which means you have two extra days to file but getting them in early is always recommended. The Department of Revenue and summit partners continue to improve these safeguards to further protect taxpayers filing in 2018, state officials said. According to the IRS, many individuals qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), but can not afford professional tax assistance.

If you think you might be a victim of identity theft, including tax identity theft, we’ve got helpful information.

Part of the potential problems centers around the Equifax hack a year ago.

“It’s Identity Theft Awareness Week and we’re trying to guide people through the process of protecting themselves”, Deputy Attorney General Jane Hochberg told News Radio 1310 on Friday. “It’ll be effective.” Equifax is offering free coverage to the 143 million Americans hacked last October.

VITA agents will be at Richland Library’s main branch on Assembly Street on Wednesday, January 31st from 2 to 5 p.m.to help people who have a household income of 66 thousand dollars or less.

“Data breaches are one of the top ways scammers get your Social Security number”.

Trained Volunteer Income Tax Assistance volunteers can provide seniors and residents with limited income with free assistance to prepare their federal and state income tax returns.

She also said those who’ve had their identity stolen still have to pay taxes, but the IRS has a specialized unit that can help them file their returns. “Some will not. Some will have to pay in”.

The Child Tax Credit increase to $2,000 per qualifying child and the phase-out threshold increased.

You earn over $200,000 a year. Henderson says it’s important to find a reputable preparer.

“The IRS will contact you by mail if they need information from you”, says Cory Streeter, a Financial Crimes Detective with the Eau Claire Police Department.