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Taxes Information |
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SFR Substitute for Returns: IRS Action on Non-Filers
In the latest Star Wars episode, the evil empire executes a brutal revenge on the Jedi. While the IRS is not an evil empire (and due to the Revenue Reform Act of 1998 not very brutal anymore); it too is executing revenge on those who do not comply with filing their tax returns. The IRS is agressively using the "Substitute for Return" (SFR) program to file tax returns on behalf of those who fail to file.The SFR program has been around a long time. However, due to better computers at IRS, it is being used now more than ever to get people into filing compliance. Basically, if you do not file on time, the IRS sends you letters and may call you on the phone requesting that you file. If one ignores the letters, IRS takes the information reported to them by third parties and files a Form 1040 for you. In most cases, the tax owed on this IRS prepared return is far more than one would owe if they filed an original return. Why is the tax so high on an SFR? Well, IRS does not know who lived with you so they usually file the return single or Married Filing Separate (the worst tax table). A person might have had 3 or 4 dependents, but they won't be on the SFR. Also, if you worked contract labor and got a 1099, it is very likely you had deductable business expenses. Again, IRS does not know what your expenses were and will tax you on the total of 1099s. In addition, if you sold stock, IRS will tax you on 100% of the sales price because they do not know your basis in the stock. In this circumstance, you could have lost money on the stock and had a deduction, but will owe tax on it due to the SFR. For business owners who do not file 941 payroll tax or 940 unemployment tax, IRS uses code section 6020(b) to file payroll returns for non-filers. These returns can also be for more than one would have owed if they filed the originals. Once IRS files an SFR 1040 or a 6020(b) 941, they can collect on them just as if they were filed by the taxpayer. I had one client who had a Federal Tax Lien filed on him for over $100K due to an SFR on 1996. We went ahead and filed a correct tax return in 2004 and his true debt was only about $10K. The reason was because IRS taxed all his stock sales as 100% profits when he had many losses. There is good news for someone caught in SFR trap. You can always file an original return! The tax laws are valid and IRS is a legitimate government agency. Don't be fooled by bogus websites or folks who tell you that there is no law requiring one to file a tax return. If you get SFR'd, hire a tax professional to prepare a correct return and work with IRS to overturn the SFR. You may be audited, but if you are right then you will owe much less than the amount on an SFR. A good CPA, Enrolled Agent, or Tax Attorney can help you with IRS collection issues. DON'T IGNORE IRS LETTERS. GET HELP.Here are some websites that can help you get info: www.irs.gov James Robert Coleman, E.A., A.T.A.
MORE RESOURCES: One state lawmaker wants to impose a tax on strip club patrons. Another plans to call for higher cigarette taxes. A third will propose putting the state's four percent sales tax back on all groceries. With the state facing a $2 billion to $2.5 billion shortfall this fiscal year and possibly worse financial news next year, lawmakers are searching for ways to fill gaps to avoid slashing education, ... T he tax deadline may be a few months away , but the IRS recommends getting ready early. T he IRS recommends getting all your records together now so you can see what you are missing and still have time to find it. F ind and download all forms you'll need to file your taxes and do a little research to make sure you are getting all eligible deductions and ... Property owners in Wake County are making payment arrangements for their taxes, ABC 11 reports. Property taxes for the third installment are January 5 and should be postmakred or received by January 15th to avoid a penalty. Some out-of-work residents choose not to have taxes withheld from their unemployment checks, but that can be dangerous. Property owners are seeking payment plans on their taxes in Wake County. SHELBY - Long lines formed at the Cleveland County Administrative building Monday as people paid their property taxes at the last minute.Jan. 5 is the final day to pay before interest begins to accrue.Derek Mauney, waiting in a line that stretched down A new poll shows that registered voters in New York appear willing to pay higher taxes in order to prevent spending cuts in the state’s massive Medicaid program. Antrim Township in Franklin County is eliminating property taxes. LANCASTER, Pa. -- The Lancaster City Council unanimously passed Mayor Rick Gray's 2009 budget. The $46 million spending plan calls for a 5 percent increase in property taxes. |
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