While not all mistakes on tax returns cause delays in refunds, as the April 18 deadline approaches, taxpayers are advised to steer clear of the common tax return errors listed below to ensure a timely refund.
What’s New for IRS Form 1040 This Year
If you’ve gathered your tax documents and are ready to tackle your tax return, there’s one more step you should take: becoming familiar with what’s new on the 2021 Form 1040. While the format of Form 1040 and its schedules remain similar to 2020, there are several changes. Many of these changes can be attributed to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP).
Non-Profits: Electronic Filing of Form 1024
Starting January 3, 2022, nonprofit organizations applying for recognition of exemption must submit Form 1024, Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(a) or Section 521 of the Internal Revenue Code, electronically online at Pay.gov. Form 1024, which was previously filed using a paper version, has been revised by the IRS to allow electronic filing. There is, however, a 90-day grace period during which the IRS will continue to accept paper versions of Form 1024 (Rev. 01-2018) and letter applications.
Eight Facts About the Adoption Credit
Taxpayers who adopted or started the adoption process in 2021 may qualify for the adoption credit. This credit can be applied to international, domestic private, and public foster care adoption; however, taxpayers who adopt their spouse’s child cannot claim this credit.
Important Information About Charitable Giving This Year
For many nonprofits and taxpayers alike, Giving Tuesday is the start of the charitable giving season. While most organizations are legitimate, taxpayers should always research charities before donating. It is also a good idea to understand the expanded tax benefits of giving to causes that mean something to you personally. Taxpayers should also know that they may be able to deduct donations to tax-exempt organizations on their tax returns.
E-Signatures Extended for Many Tax Forms
To help reduce the burden to taxpayers brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, the use of electronic or digital signatures on certain paper forms they normally cannot file electronically have been extended through December 31, 2021. Let’s take a look at what this means for taxpayers:
Tax Relief for Those Affected by Natural Disasters
Recovery efforts after natural disasters can be costly. With floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters affecting so many people throughout the U.S. this year, many have been left wondering how they’re going to pay for the cleanup or when their businesses will be able to reopen. The good news is that there is relief for taxpayers – but only if you meet certain conditions. Let’s take a look:
Start Planning Now for Next Year’s Tax Return
This year’s tax deadline may have come and gone, but it’s never too early to start planning for next year. With that in mind, here are five things you can do now to make next April 15 easier for everyone.
Payment for Refundable Child Tax Credit Starts July 15
The first monthly payment of the expanded and newly-advanceable Child Tax Credit (CTC) from the American Rescue Plan will be made on July 15. Roughly 39 million households—nearly 90 percent of children in the United States—are slated to begin receiving monthly payments without any further action required.
Tax Withholdings Will Tax Your Nerves. Take These Steps Now.
Surprise! Will you be one of the taxpayers who gets this unwelcome one: You owe money to the IRS!
To ensure this doesn’t happen to you, take note of these 5 myths…