What to Do With Form 5498-SA

The correct answer is nothing.  You do nothing with Form 5498-SA.  Form 5498-SA is a statement of contributions.  The amount shown on 5498-SA should have already been on your W2 so there's no need to enter it on your Federal tax return. Form 5498-SA is for informational information only.  

The Form is confusing because it looks just like a 1099-MISC.  But not to worry.  No need to enter onto the tax return. 

The IRS Explains How Offer in Compromise Works

Before you read "exactly" what the IRS tells you about the OIC or Offer in Compromise program, understand a few things the IRS doesn't say.

1. If you read and follow the instructions you can prepare and file a successful OIC.  This doesn't mean that the IRS won't reject your first or even second submission.  Just follow the instructions and stay committed.
2. When completing your expenses and income form (Form 656, Form 656-A, Form 656-B) ALWAYS remember that private school and your cable bill are NOT qualified expenses.  This also applies to additional luxury items that you may be financially responsible for. 
3. If you have the finances, it's best to consult with an Enrolled Agent to help you file your OIC, especially if you have assets that you'd like to protect.
4. Know that the IRS is governed by a book called "The Tax Codes."  In most cases, their response to you is not personal, but legal.  Yes, an IRS agent can make decisions which can make your life easier, and that is why you always want, to be honest, and professional when speaking with an IRS agent.  It is a felony to lie to a federal agent.

Now let's read what the IRS has to say on the matter:

Taxpayers who have a tax debt they cannot pay may have heard that they can settle their tax debt for less than the full amount owed. It’s called an Offer in Compromise.

Before applying for an Offer in Compromise, here are some things to know:

• In general, the IRS cannot accept a settlement offer if the taxpayer can afford to pay what they owe. Taxpayers should first explore other payment options. A payment plan is one possibility. Visit IRS.gov for information on Payment Plans – Installment Agreements.

• A taxpayer must file all required tax returns first before the IRS can consider a settlement offer. When applying for a settlement offer, taxpayers may need to make an initial payment. The IRS will apply submitted payments to reduce taxes owed.

• The IRS has an Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier tool on IRS.gov. Taxpayers can find out if they meet the basic qualifying requirements. The tool also provides an estimate of an acceptable offer amount. The IRS makes a final decision on whether to accept the offer based on the submitted application.

• Taxpayers wishing to file for an Offer in Compromise should visit IRS website’s Offer in Compromise page for more information. There taxpayers can find step-by-step instructions as well as the required forms. Taxpayers can download forms anytime at www.irs.gov/forms or call 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676) and ask for Form 656-B, Offer in Compromise booklet.

Deadline to File 2016 Taxes is April 18th, 2017

IRS Reminder: Use IRS.gov for Fast Answers as April 18 

WASHINGTON — With the tax deadline fast approaching, the Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers that they can use IRS.gov to find fast answers to tax questions, use free online tools and find key tax forms and publications.   With millions of people just now seeking help to complete their taxes, the IRS expects high call volumes between now and the April 18 tax filing deadline. This makes IRS.gov even more invaluable to taxpayers seeking quick answers. Answers to the most common questions taxpayers have this time of year are on IRS.gov.A

Research Credit Available for Small Business Startups

Special Note:  Businesess who have already filed may still use this option for the 2016 tax season.

WASHINGTON –The Internal Revenue Service today issued interim guidance explaining how eligible small businesses can take advantage of a new option enabling them to apply part or all of their research credit against their payroll tax liability, instead of their income tax liability. Before 2016, taxpayers could only take the research credit against their income tax liability.

Notice 2017-23, posted today on IRS.gov, provides guidance on a new provision included in the Protecting Americans From Tax Hikes (PATH) Act enacted in December 2015. This new option will be available for the first time to any eligible small business filing its 2016 federal income tax return this tax season. Those who already filed still have time to choose this option.

The option to elect the new payroll tax credit may especially benefit any eligible startup that has little or no income tax liability. To qualify for the new option for the current tax-year, a business must have gross receipts of less than $5 million and could not have had gross receipts prior to 2012.

An eligible small business with qualifying research expenses can choose to apply up to $250,000 of its research credit against its payroll tax liability. An eligible small business chooses this option by filling out Form 6765, Credit for Increasing Research Activities, and attaching it to a timely-filed business income tax return. But under a special rule for tax-year 2016, a small business that failed to choose this option and still wishes to do so, can still make the election by filing an amended return by Dec. 31, 2017. See the notice for further details.

After choosing this option, a small business claims the payroll tax credit by filling out Form 8974, Qualified Small Business Payroll Tax Credit for Increasing Research Activities. This form must be attached to its payroll tax return, for example Form 941, Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return. Further details on how and when to claim the credit are in the notice.

The notice provides interim guidance on controlled groups, the definition of gross receipts, and other issues. The notice also requests public comment on various payroll tax credit issues to be addressed in future guidance. See the notice for details on how and when to submit comments. For more information on the research credit itself, see the instructions to Form 6765.

From the IRS: Seven Reasons Taxpayers Should E-file Their Taxes in 2017

Taxpayers who still file paper returns may find now is the best time to switch to e-file. Last year over 85 percent of taxpayers filed their taxes electronically. E-file is the fastest and safest way to file.

Here are the top seven reasons a taxpayer should file electronically in 2017:

1. Accurate and Easy. IRS e-file is the best way to file an accurate tax return. The tax software helps taxpayers avoid mistakes by doing the math for them. It guides users through each section of a tax return. E-file is easier than doing taxes by hand and mailing paper tax forms.
2. Safe and Secure. IRS e-file meets strict security guidelines. It uses modern encryption technology to protect tax returns. The IRS continues to work with states and tax industry leaders to protect tax returns from refund fraud. This new effort has put more safeguards in place to make tax filing safer than ever before. The IRS has processed more than one billion e-filed returns safely and securely.
3. Convenient and Often Free. Taxpayers can e-file for free through IRS Free File. Free File is only available on IRS.gov. Taxpayers may qualify to have their taxes e-filed for free through IRS volunteer programs. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance offers free tax preparation for those earning $54,000 or less. Tax Counseling for the Elderly generally helps people who are age 60 or older. Taxpayers can buy commercial tax software or ask their tax preparer to e-file their tax return. Most paid preparers have to file their clients’ returns electronically.
4. Faster Refunds. In most cases, e-file prevents mistakes and helps people get their refund faster. The quickest way to get a refund is to combine e-file with direct deposit into a bank account. The IRS issues more than nine out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days – however, some returns need further review and take longer.
5. Prior-Year Tax Return. Taxpayers should keep a copy of their tax return. Beginning in 2017, taxpayers using a software product for the first time may need their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) amount from their prior-year tax return to verify their identity. Taxpayers can learn more about how to verify their identity and electronically sign tax returns at Validating Your Electronically Filed Tax Return.
6. Health Care Coverage Reporting. IRS e-file can help with tax provisions of the health care law. The software will walk users through each line on the tax form that relate to the Affordable Care Act.
7. Payment Options. If taxpayers owe taxes, they can e-file early and set up an automatic payment on any day until the April 18 deadline. They can pay electronically from their bank account with IRS Direct Pay. Other payment options include electronic funds withdrawal and payment by debit or credit card. Visit IRS.gov/payments for details.