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April 15th is just FIVE days away; here's some last-minute tips and advice that'll keep your butt out of the taxman crack Plus: Didja get caught in the hail storm? Here's some insurance tips!
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Ben's Tips To Avoiding Last Minute IRS Panic...
[...and other associated taxman-related heartburn]
Plus: Some Hail-Storm Related Advice For
Dealing With Your Insurance Company
Air Date: Thursday, April 10, 2003
Aren't we the smart ones...waiting until the last minute to mail our taxes in to our pals at the IRS? Not to worry...
There's only 5 days to go until our annual deadline with our pals at the IRS - and there may still be enough time to lower your tax bite: If you haven't funded your IRA for 2002, you've got until April 15th to do it and pick-up the deduction.. And you don't have to fund the maximum amount-if all you've got is $500 or $1,000 to contribute, then do it and get some relief on your tax bottom line.
If you're married, it might make more sense to file (I said file, not live) separately: I can't tell you if it's the right move for you, but a qualified tax professional, such as a CPA or Enrolled Agent, can. And remember...if you choose to rely on one of those tax preparation services that promises to do your return for a low fee, you're getting what you pay for.
Less than a week to go to April 15th; do you need to file for an extension with our buddies at the IRS? Get in line, you're not the only one. Click here for all of the tax-filing scoop you're looking for...
Speaking of filing your taxes, here's 15 steps to error free filing: And remember, an error-free return is an audit-less return [hopefully!]. Say your prayers and click away...
Do you have copies of your tax returns and supporting records/receipts dating back to the Nixon Administration? What are you waiting for, a presidential invitation to buy a shredder? Toss your records and free up that spare bedroom...read more about it.
Wanna find out when you'll receive your tax refund from the IRS? Here's a link to the "Where's My Refund?" service from our pals at the Treasury...
No refund yet? Maybe it's because you haven't filed your tax returns in awhile? Maybe you're being haunted by old student loans or an ex-spouse's IRS-related problems: You're not alone...there are millions of folks in the same boat...so what's your story? It doesn't really matter, but who you hire to cover your butt does. Read about your IRS representation alternatives here...
Owe the IRS some dough and...
a. ...can't pay them now? Don't be scared...but you STILL need to file your return on time...if you owe under $10K, they'll set you up on a payment plan;
b. ...you CAN pay them? Good! Then mail your return back via Certified Mail/Return Receipt Requested. You need a paper trail...ALWAYS, whenever you're dealing with IRS-related matters.
The IRS owes you some cash? We love that when it happens...if you don't "e-file" your taxes but mail them the old-fashioned way, send your paperwork via Certified Mail/Return Receipt Requested. Always paper your trail with the IRS. Aways.
And speaking of Certified Mail: Don't be a dope and go really cheap on tax advice. Getting a place like Jackson-Hewitt or H&R Block to do your taxes is bad enough--but asking a person working the window at the Post Office for tax advice (I'm serious, it really happens!) is downright silly.
If you're:
A non-filer [for one or more years]...
Don't have enough dough to pay them for this or back years...
Are an innocent spouse being haunted by a current or ex-spouse's IRS-related "creativity"...
Own a business and have gotten behind on your 941 [payroll] taxes...
...then relax. Click here and ready about your IRS representation options...and don't run and make them coming looking for you. The sooner you get this under control, the better off you're gonna be.
Didja get caught in the big hail storm last weekend? Dealing with your insurance company can sometimes simply add insult to injury in this area; check out Ben's special section on insurance company claim negotiation strategies and get what you deserve!
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