IRS Launches the IRS2Go App for iPhone, Android; Taxpayers Can Check Refunds, Get Tax Information
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=234882,00.html?portlet=7
The Internal Revenue Service has unveiled IRS2Go, its first smartphone application that lets taxpayers check on their status of their tax refund and obtain helpful tax information.
"This new smart phone app reflects our commitment to modernizing the agency and engaging taxpayers where they want when they want it," said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. "As technology evolves and younger taxpayers get their information in new ways, we will keep innovating to make it easy for all taxpayers to access helpful information."
The IRS2Go phone app gives people a convenient way of checking on their federal refund. It also gives people a quick way of obtaining easy-to-understand tax tips. Apple users can download the free IRS2Go application by visiting the Apple App Store. Android users can visit the Android Marketplace to download the free IRS2Go app.
Tax Tip: Tax Help for Small Businesses and Self-Employed
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=234938,00.html
The IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center at http://www.irs.gov/smallbiz offers extensive resources and online tools designed to help small businesses and self-employed persons. The site provides important tax information available for all stages of owning a business. Whether you're starting, operating or closing a business, visit http://irs.gov/smallbiz for all your federal income tax information. Other resources available on the IRS website include a virtual small business tax workshop, video and audio presentations, a guide to IRS audits, and a tax calendar designed for small business taxpayers.
Download the Tax Calendar for Small Businesses and Self-Employed
The 2011 Tax Calendar for Small Businesses and Self-Employed is filled with useful information on general business taxes, IRS and SSA customer assistance, electronic filing and paying options, retirement plans, business publications and forms, and common tax filing dates. Paper copies are already out of stock, but you can download a PDF version of the calendar to print or download the calendar information to your Outlook Calendar or ICAL (for the MAC) from the IRS website at http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=176080,00.html
IRS to Start Processing Delayed Returns on Feb. 14; Most People Unaffected and Can File Now
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=234736,00.html
The Internal Revenue Service plans a Feb. 14 start date for processing tax returns delayed by last month's tax law changes. Taxpayers affected by the delay they can begin preparing their tax returns immediately because many software providers are ready now to accept these returns. Beginning Feb. 14, the IRS will start processing both paper and e-filed returns claiming itemized deductions on Schedule A, the higher education tuition and fees deduction on Form 8917 and the educator expenses deduction.
People using e-file for these delayed forms can get a head start because many major software providers have announced they will accept these impacted returns immediately. The software providers will hold onto the returns and then electronically submit them after the IRS systems open on Feb. 14 for the delayed forms. Taxpayers using commercial software can check with their providers for specific instructions. Those who use a paid tax preparer should check with their preparer, who also may be holding returns until the updates are complete. Most other returns, including those claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), education tax credits, child tax credit and other popular tax breaks, can be filed as normal, immediately.
The IRS needed the extra time to update its systems to accommodate the tax law changes without disrupting other operations tied to the filing season. The delay followed the Dec. 17 enactment of the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, which extended a number of expiring provisions including the state and local sales tax deduction, higher education tuition and fees deduction and educator expenses deduction.
Free Tax Help Available Nationwide
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=235201,00.html
Over 12,000 free tax preparation sites will be open nationwide this year as the Internal Revenue Service continues to expand its partnerships with nonprofit and community organizations providing vital tax preparation services for low- to moderate-income and elderly taxpayers. The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax help to people who earn less than $49,000. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program offers free tax help to taxpayers who are 60 and older. See the full article for more details on the types of returns volunteers can prepare, a list of what to bring with you, and how to find the VITA or TCE sites in your area.
For taxpayers who want to prepare and e-file their own tax returns, there is IRS Free File. Everyone can use Free File, the free way to prepare and e-file federal taxes either through brand-name software or online fillable forms. Individuals or families with 2010 adjusted gross incomes of $58,000 or less can use Free File software. Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic version of IRS paper forms, has no income restrictions. For either service, taxpayers must go through www.irs.gov/freefile to access the programs.
Relief for Tax Return Preparers Who Have Pending PTIN Applications
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-11-11.pdf
Notice 2011-11 provides relief by allowing tax return preparers who have made a good faith effort to obtain a PTIN to prepare tax returns for compensation even though they have not received a PTIN. Notice 2011-11 will appear in IRB 2011-7 dated Feb. 14.
Taxpayers Who File Electronically Must Use e-Signatures
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=234470,00.html
In an effort to make electronic filing even more secure and paperless, the Internal Revenue Service now requires all taxpayers who file their tax returns electronically to also use electronic signatures. The IRS has eliminated the paper signature document for e-filed returns. Just as the familiar automated teller machines use personal identification numbers, so does the IRS e-signature process. If filing a joint return, each taxpayer must create and use his or her own PIN to sign the tax return. The IRS also must verify your identity so there will be personal and tax-related questions. You should have your prior year 2009 tax return on hand if it's available. There are two ways to create an IRS e-signature PIN: self-select PIN method and practitioner PIN method - see the full article for more details.
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