What Could Happen if You Don’t File a Required Tax Return?

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Taxpayers who are required to file a federal tax return but don’t may be in for a costly surprise. If the IRS receives a document like a Form W-2 indicating taxable income, it may file a Substitute for Return (SFR) on your behalf.

Before doing so, the IRS typically will attempt to contact you and encourage voluntary filing. If you fail to file by the deadline, the IRS can move forward with an SFR. The resulting tax bill will likely be higher than necessary because it won’t include deductions or credits you qualify for.

If you receive a Notice of Deficiency with a proposed assessment, don’t delay. Respond within 90 days to avoid further action and additional penalties. Contact the office for help.

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Marriage and Taxes: Key Changes After Saying ‘I Do’

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It may not be as fun to plan as the wedding venue, invitations and attire, but marriage can result in changes affecting essential tax issues that need prompt attention following the wedding.

Name

If your name has changed, report it to the Social Security Administration (SSA) so that the name on your Social Security card matches the name on your tax return. To make this change, file Form SS-5, “Application for a Social Security Card,” available from www.ssa.gov.

Tax Withholding

Both spouses must furnish their employer(s) with new Forms W-4, “Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate.” This is because combined incomes may move taxpayers into a different bracket. Search www.irs.gov for the IRS Withholding Calculator tool to help you complete the new Form W-4.

Filing Status

Marital status is determined as of December 31 each year. Spouses can choose to file jointly or separately each year. Contact the office and ask to have your tax liability calculated both ways.

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