How to Report Virtual Currency on Your Taxes

How to Report Virtual Currency on Your Taxes and Stay on the IRS’ Good Side

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In the summer of 2019, the IRS mailed a series of notification letters to taxpayers who owned virtual currency. These letters informed taxpayers that the IRS was aware of their virtual transactions and expected them to submit amended tax returns if they had not included virtual income and transactions on their 2018 returns.  

Previously, the IRS was unable to track virtual currency transactions, so these letters came as a surprise to many taxpayers. If you received one of these letters or are new to virtual currency, please keep reading to learn how this might affect your taxes. 

 

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tax schemes 2019

Watch Out for These Top Tax Scams During Tax Season 2020

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Tax season is nearly here, which means it’s time to gather all your returns, find your receipts, tally up your donations, and figure out all your write-offs from 2019. It’s also time to educate yourself about some of the top tax scams that make the rounds every year.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of unsavory people out there looking to rip you off. During tax time, these people will attempt to steal your identity, drain your bank account, and take your tax refund. No matter who you are, you need to watch out for these tax fraudsters.

Let’s take a look at some of the top tax schemes to be aware of this year and find out how you can protect yourself in 2020 and beyond.
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Easily Missed Tax Deductions

Home Office Expenses and Other Tax Deductions You Won’t Want to Miss

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Many taxpayers wince when they think about paying and filing their taxes, but there’s one area of taxes that won’t make you cringe: deductions! Most of us would like to pay less in taxes, and claiming deductions is one way to do just that.

Let’s examine some of the most easily missed tax deductions and how you can use them to your benefit during tax season and all year ‘round. Read more

What Is Assignment of Income

FAQ: What Is the Assignment of Income?

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Assignment of income allows you to assign part of your income directly to another person. While there are several valid reasons to assign your income to someone else, many taxpayers mistakenly believe that it can help lower their taxable income. While assignment of income allows you to divert income, you cannot divert taxes.

In this article, we’ll provide some examples of failed attempts at avoiding income taxes through the assignment of income and the valid reasons someone might want to assign income to someone else. Read more

Tax Identity Theft During the Holidays

Protect Yourself From Tax Identity Theft This Holiday Season

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Tax identity theft is a growing concern. In 2018, tax fraud ranked second for the most frequent type of identity theft — only behind credit card fraud. The IRS is always working to improve security and minimize tax identity theft cases. Last holiday season, the IRS warned taxpayers that the increase in shoppers makes December a shopping season for identity thieves too.

Identity thefts use a variety of tactics and schemes to steal your money. For instance, one method is to use stolen credit card information, social security numbers, and other personal information to file a fraudulent tax return and steal your refund.

In this article, we’ll take a look at popular tax scams, how the IRS is improving tax identity security, and steps you can take this holiday season to protect yourself from tax identity theft. Read more

Mayor Pugh

Former Mayor Pugh: A Lesson in What Not to Do With Taxes

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Recently, a grand jury indicted former Mayor Catherine Pugh in federal court on 11 different counts, three of which were tax crimes: one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and two counts of tax evasion. Within days, she pled guilty to four charges.

At S.H. Block Tax Services, we believe there are valuable lessons for all Marylanders on what not to do with your taxes. Read more

lower tax bill 2019

5 Tips for Lowering Your Tax Bill in 2019

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Federal tax laws are continually changing, and it’s becoming harder to optimize your tax return. While recent tax changes have eliminated some of the breaks and deductions available to taxpayers, there are still ways you can legally reduce your tax obligation. In this article, we’ll discuss five tips for lowering your 2019 tax bill and how S.H. Block Tax Services can help. Read more

business bookkeeping

Trouble Keeping Your Receipts on Business Travel? Use the I.R.S. Per Diem Rules.

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If you are self-employed, and travel away from home on business, you can deduct certain expenses, like meals or lodging, that you ordinarily could not.  If you have employees who travel, and you reimburse them for travel expenses like food and incidentals (e.g., you can also use the per diem rates so long as you reimburse the employee at the per diem rate.  Read more

Scheduling Estimated Quarterly Tax Payments

Schedule Your Estimated Quarterly Tax Payments to Avoid Penalties

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The deadline to submit your fourth quarter estimated tax payment is due on January 15. If you’re worried about forgetting the deadline amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, you can schedule your estimate tax payments in advance.

In this blog, we discuss how paying estimated quarterly taxes ahead of the deadline can save you time, stress, and money — and also how an experienced Maryland tax lawyer can help if you’re struggling with tax liabilities. Read more

Year-Round Tax Planning

The Benefits of Year-Round Tax Planning and Organization

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For many individuals and companies, taxes are something you only worry about in March and April as you rush to file and cross your fingers for a large return. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to look into year-long tax planning.

Tax-planning is the practice of considering how your taxes affect your overall financial situation and goals. By organizing tax-related documents as you acquire them (or by working with a bookkeeping service), you can tax plan all year long and stay on top of your financials.

Keep reading to learn how organizing your tax documents and strategizing your taxes year-round is both easy and highly beneficial for all taxpayers. Read more