Tag Archive for April 15

8 Facts On Late Filing And Payment Penalties

April 15 is the annual deadline for most people to file their federal income tax return and pay any taxes they owe. If, for whatever reason, you missed the deadline you may be assessed penalties for both failing to file a tax return and for failing to pay taxes they owe by the deadline. Here are eight important facts every taxpayer should know about penalties for filing or paying late:

1. Two penalties may apply. A failure-to-file penalty may apply if you did not file by the tax filing deadline. A failure-to-pay penalty may apply if you did not pay all of the taxes you owe by the tax filing deadline.

2. File even if you can’t pay. The failure-to-file penalty is generally more than the failure- Read More

Written by | Posted in Income Tax • Individual • IRS

IRA Contribution By April 15 May Prevent Paying Back Premium Tax Credit

The Premium Tax Credit (PTC) for individuals who purchased health insurance on the Exchange (Marketplace) is an important tax break. As income goes up, this subsidy in the form of a refundable credit decreases. Then, it hits a cliff and completely disappears if one’s household income exceeds 400% of the Federal poverty line (FPL). This can result in a tax bill of thousands of dollars!

Here is an example. A married couple, both age 64, thought their 2014 income would be about $62,000. Being eligible for insurance on the Exchange, they purchased a policy and obtained a PTC of $14,112. When they file their return, they realize they actually have $63,000 of income for 2014. this is above 400% of the FPL so they must repay all of the $14,112 PTC! If they can drop their income to $62,040 (400% of the FPL for 2014), they Read More

Written by | Posted in Affordable Healthcare Act • Individual • IRS • Retirement • Tax Policy

How To File For An Extension

If you believe that you will not be able to file your tax return by the due date (generally April 15) you can apply for an automatic six-month extension of time to file, by filing Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. With the 6-month extension, you must file your tax return by October 15.

It is very important to note that when you file for an extension, you are only requesting an extension of time to file, and NOT an extension of time to pay. Therefore, you have an obligation to make an accurate estimate of your tax liability for the year, and pay the amount due by regular due date (April 15). If you do not pay the taxes due, you could be hit with a penalty. Read More

Written by | Posted in Income Tax • Individual • IRS