There are ways to help them get their tax affairs in order that will benefit them down the line.
This year’s April 18th tax deadline has come and gone, but not everyone has filed their 2016 tax return. While many have filed an extension and will file their return later in the year, too many taxpayers who should file simply do not. This missed tax filing opportunity costs taxpayers over $1 billion in refunds every year.
“In general, refunds are forfeited if your return is filed three years after the original due date of the return,” explains Associate Partner Michael Engleman, CPA. “For example, 2012 tax returns were due April 15, 2013. If you file the 2012 return now and you were due a refund, the money becomes property of the U.S. Treasury Department.”
While you may be done with your tax filing, you probably know someone who could be helped with a little reminder. Common culprits include older, retired parents and young adults who are new to tax filing requirements.
People who work but earn less than the required filing threshold may need to file a tax return so they can get back any withholdings that their employer has taken out of their paycheck.
This happens because many taxpayers focus on the income threshold required to file a tax return and forget to look at their W-2 to see if money was taken out of their paycheck. Single individuals making less than $10,350 and married couples making less than $20,700 in 2016 don’t have to file, but they may want to anyway to recover those withholdings.
There are a number of refundable or partially refundable tax credits that are only available if you file a tax return. Refundable credits are special because they come off the top of your tax bill and can even reduce it below zero. In that case you’d get the amount of the credit back in a refund check from the IRS.
Examples of refundable credits include the earned income tax credit (EITC), the additional child tax credit, and the premium tax credit available to those using the Affordable Care Act marketplace to purchase their health insurance. The American opportunity tax credit (AOTC) exists to help students pay for college and is partially refundable by up to $1,000 – but only if you file a tax return.
Many banks, mortgage loan officers, or colleges will ask to see your tax return information to help you qualify for loans or financial aid, particularly for students. Filing a tax return, even if you’re not required to, will help support your application.
There’s a disturbing trend of identity thieves filing false returns in order to try to collect illicit refunds from the IRS. They often target people who do not usually file a return. By filing even a simple return, you can shut down this attempt at fraud by identity thieves.
By filing at all, you also limit the potential for an IRS audit stretching back years. The agency typically has three years to audit a return from the date it’s filed or the original due date, whichever is later. If no return is filed, this audit window is never closed.
You may know someone who hasn’t filed and who needs help doing so. If that’s the case, feel free to pass on this article and suggest they get in touch for a consultation.
The information contained in this newsletter is of a general nature and should not be acted upon in your specific situation without further details and/or professional assistance. For more information or for assistance with any of your tax or business concerns, contact our office at 856.667.4100.
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