Tag Archive for 1040

Nine Tax Code “Head Scratchers”

John Stancil

Having survived tax season for one more year, I was struck by how complex our tax code really is. I’ve been preparing taxes for over 40 years, yet I ran into several provisions that I had not previously encountered. I am fully aware that there is much wrong with the code, that there are some major overhauls needed. In the midst of all this complexity, it struck me that there are provisions in the code which are not big deals, but are head scratchers. Why are these things in the code? Eliminating them can go a long way toward helping the middle-class taxpayer.

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Filing Season and Affordable Care Act

I think it is correct to say that all taxpayers are affected by the Affordable Care Act in some way. Certainly individuals living in the US.  All must answer a question on the 1040 as to whether everyone in the “shared responsibility family” (basically those listed on the return), had health coverage for all months of the year. If there are any uncovered months, the next step is to see if an exemption applies for that month. If no exemption for any month, a penalty is computed and reported on the 1040. Read More

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Which 1040 Is The Right One For You?

TaxConnections Member Barry Fowler

When Benjamin Franklin said that nothing is certain but death and taxes, he managed to name two of the things that people loathe and fear the most. One of the things that makes taxes so unpleasant is obviously the fact that you have to hand over some of your hard-earned money to the government, and the other is that it can be so difficult to figure out how to fill out the forms – and which one to use.

The rule of thumb for choosing your personal income tax form is to try to go with the one that is easiest to understand, but that being said, you also need to be sure that it is the one that is correct. The government provides three forms – the 1040, the 1040A, and the 1040EZ – and all are meant to help you pay the amount that you owe. But each form has a different purpose, and if you choose the wrong one, it can end up meaning that you either pay more than you owe or end up having to pay fines for not paying enough. Read More

Written by | Posted in Income Tax

The Unknown Tax Comic – Part 16

Some of the best tax jokes and tax humor in a series on TaxConnections Tax Blogs.

♦ Q: Ever wonder why the IRS calls it Form 1040?
A: Because for every $50 that you earn, you get $10 and they get $40.

♦ What’s the difference between death and taxes? Congress does not meet every year to make death worse.

♦ “A few years ago it was impossible to get through on the phone to the IRS. Now it is just hard to get through. That is what we call progress.” – Charles Rossotti, former IRS Commissioner Read More

Written by | Posted in Tax Humor • TaxConnections