Tax Facts and Tax Fictions

Two Truths and a Lie: Facts and Fictions on Paying Taxes and Filing Late

Every year, the Internal Revenue Service hears the same excuses from taxpayers attempting to avoid paying their taxes. The idea that certain circumstance can get you out of paying your taxes is a fallacy. Although you do have to pay, there are certain situations in which the IRS will provide tax relief options or allow you to pay later.

In this article, we’ll discuss these facts and fictions about paying your taxes. Read more

withholding allowances

Should You Break Even or Make Bank on Your Tax Returns?

Have you noticed how many tax preparation firms and other companies hype up tax refunds? While getting a large tax refund may seem exciting, you could have had that money already with a proper withholding strategy. At S.H. Block Tax Services, we think you should hold onto your hard-earned money.

Keep reading to learn more about why people prefer a bigger refund over a bigger paycheck, what you’re missing by withholding extra money, and how an experienced tax lawyer can help you break even on your taxes. Read more

IRS Identification

IRS Knocking at Your Door? How to Tell if They’re the Real Deal

It can be challenging to tell if an IRS agent is legitimate, especially if they show up at your home or place of business and you feel flustered by the threat of IRS action. Giving away sensitive tax or identity information to a scammer can have devastating consequences. However, if the IRS actually is at your door, the situation needs to be taken seriously, and the issue resolved as soon as possible.

Keep reading for more information on how to identify real IRS agents and report scammers — and how S.H. Block Tax Services can help you with all your IRS concerns. Read more

Small Business Bookkeeping

What Is a Bookkeeper and When Do I Need One?

Does managing your business financials give you a headache? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Between the cost, time, and paperwork, it’s no wonder that 40% of small business owners state that bookkeeping and taxes are the worst part of owning their own business.

Do you want to spend less time pouring over your books and have more time to spend with your family or devote to the crucial aspects of running your business? Free up your time and reduce the stress and hassle of managing your accounts by working with a professional bookkeeper. Read more

keep tax returns

5 Reasons You’ll Want to Keep Your Tax Returns (And How to Keep Them)

Suppose you get a letter from the IRS, asking for information about your taxable income from two years ago? Would you know where to find your tax documents, including your tax returns, W-2 forms, 1099 forms, and business-related receipts? Unfortunately, many people throw these valuable documents away too early, complicating their tax audit strategies.

In this article, the experienced tax professionals at S.H. Block Tax Services explain why you need to hang onto your records, where you should store them to keep them secure, and when to keep them longer. Read more

How to Contact the IRS

Can I Call the IRS? How to Contact the Internal Revenue Service

If you’ve ever had questions or concerns regarding your tax returns or tax payments, you’ve likely experienced the pain of trying to get an IRS representative on the line. Sometimes this annoyance is avoidable. For general tax questions, the IRS provides answers via online FAQs and other resources. There are also several methods of contacting the IRS directly, which we’ll discuss in more detail below.

However, sometimes you don’t need to speak with an IRS agent at all. In many cases, the smartest option is to contact a skilled and experienced tax attorney to help you navigate the complicated world of tax planning liability resolution.

In this article, we’ll discuss various methods for contacting the IRS, tips for improving your IRS experience, and what to do if the IRS can’t (or won’t) help you. Read more

I’m Facing a Sales and Use Tax Audit

I’m Facing a Sales and Use Tax Audit — Help!

Sales and use tax audits that result in large sums of uncollected or under-accrued taxes can crush a business, especially a small business. These assessments can decimate your existing cash flow, pressure you to extend your credit, and even force you to close your business.

If your small business is currently undergoing a sales and use tax audit from your state government or you think you might soon, there could be serious consequences, which is why it’s important to start preparing now. Keep reading and learn how S.H. Block Tax Services can help you avoid, prepare for, and navigate your upcoming audit successfully. Read more

IRS Collections Dispute

Dispute IRS Tax Debt: Here’s How

If you have received a Notice of Intent to Levy or a Notice of Federal Tax Lien letter and feel the IRS erred in calculating your tax debt, you may be able to dispute their findings at a Collection Due Process hearing.

Keep reading to learn more about Collection Due Process, whether you qualify for a hearing, and how to file your request. Read more

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Understanding Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, Debts, and Liability

Business owners struggling to pay their monthly bills can easily become overwhelmed by debt. Running a business is hard enough, but when you add crippling credit card and loan debt into the mix, owners can find themselves in impossible situations.
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innocent spouse relief

Understanding the Similarities and Differences Between Innocent and Injured Spouse Relief 

While there are many benefits to checking “married filing jointly” on your tax return, there could also be serious consequences if your spouse incurs significant tax debt or has encountered legal issues. An experienced tax lawyer can help you navigate these complicated matters and potentially avoid penalization for your spouse’s mistakes or misconduct.

Read this article to learn more about innocent and injured spouse tax relief and how these programs could work in your favor if your spouse has gotten into hot water with Uncle Sam. Read more