Tax Tips From The Pros
Income Tax Tips From Your Go-To Copperas Cove, TX Financial Advisor
John Lister, Inc., PC provides a wide range of tax preparation and financial services to individuals and businesses in a variety of industries. At John Lister, Inc., PC, we strive to meet each client’s specific needs. See our tax tools below to maximize your tax savings!
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Tax Tips
Tax Tips For Individuals
Tax Incentives for Higher Education
The tax code provides a variety of tax incentives for families who are paying higher education costs or are repaying student loans. You may be able to claim an American Opportunity Credit or Lifetime Learning Credit for the qualified tuition and related expenses of the students in your family who are enrolled in eligible educational institutions.
Check Withholding to Avoid a Tax Surprise
If you owed tax last year or received a large refund you may want to adjust your tax withholding. Owing tax at the end of the year could result in penalties being assessed.
5 Tips For Early Preparation
Earlier is better when it comes to working on your taxes. The IRS encourages everyone to get a head start on tax preparation. Not only do you avoid the last-minute rush, early filers also get a faster refund.
Amended Returns
Oops! You’ve discovered an error after your tax return has been filed. What should you do? You may need to amend your return.
Ayuda en Espanol
If you need federal tax information, the IRS provides free Spanish language products and services. Pages on the IRS.gov, tax topics, refund information, tax publications and toll-free telephone assistance are all available in the Spanish-language.
Filing an Extension
If you can’t meet the April 15 deadline to file your tax return, you can get an automatic six month extension of time to file from the IRS. The extension will give you extra time to get the paperwork in to the IRS, but it does not extend the time you have to pay any tax due. You will owe interest on any amounts not paid by the April deadline, plus a late payment penalty if you have paid less than 90 percent of your total tax by that date.
Car Donations
The IRS reminds taxpayers that specific rules apply for taking a tax deduction for donating cars to charities.
Charitable Contributions
When preparing to file your federal tax return, don’t forget your contributions to charitable organizations. Your donations can add up to a nice tax deduction if you itemize on IRS Form 1040, Schedule A.
Plug-In Electric Vehicles (PEVs)
Internal Revenue Code Section 30D provides a credit for Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicles including passenger vehicles and light trucks.
Earned Income Tax Credit for Certain Workers
Millions of Americans forgo critical tax relief each year by failing to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a federal tax credit for individuals who work but do not earn high incomes. Taxpayers who qualify and claim the credit could pay less federal tax, pay no tax or even get a tax refund.
Refinancing Your Home
Taxpayers who refinanced their homes may be eligible to deduct some costs associated with their loans.
Credit for the Elderly or Disabled
You may be able to take the Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled if you were age 65 or older at the end of last year, or if you are retired on permanent and total disability, according to the IRS.
Selling Your Home
If you sold your main home, you may be able to exclude up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly) from your federal tax return.
Foreign Income
With more and more United States citizens earning money from foreign sources, the IRS reminds people that they must report all such income on their tax return, unless it is exempt under federal law. U.S. citizens are taxed on their worldwide income.
Deductible Taxes
Did you know that you may be able to deduct certain taxes on your federal income tax return? The IRS says you can if you file Form 1040 and itemize deductions on Schedule A. Deductions decrease the amount of income subject to taxation.
Gift Giving
If you gave any one person gifts valued at more than $15,000, it is necessary to report the total gift to the Internal Revenue Service. You may even have to pay tax on the gift.
Marriage or Divorce
Newlyweds and the recently divorced should make sure that names on their tax returns match those registered with the Social Security Administration (SSA). A mismatch between a name on the tax return and a Social Security number (SSN) could unexpectedly increase a tax bill or reduce the size of any refund.
Affordable Care Act
The individual shared responsibility provision requires that you and each member of your family have qualifying health insurance, a health coverage exemption, or make a payment when you file. If you, your spouse and dependents had health insurance coverage all year, you will indicate this by simply checking a box on your tax return.
Filing Deadline and Payment Options
If you’re trying to beat the tax deadline, there are several options for last-minute help. If you need a form or publication, you can download copies from the IRS Forms page under Tax Tools on our website. If you find you need more time to finish your return, you can get a six month extension of time to file using Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. And if you have trouble paying your tax bill, the IRS has several payment options available.
Refund, Where's My Refund?
Are you expecting a tax refund from the Internal Revenue Service this year? If you file a complete and accurate paper tax return, your refund should be issued in about six to eight weeks from the date the IRS receives your return. If you file your return electronically, your refund should be issued in about half the time it would take if you filed a paper return even faster when you choose direct deposit.
Ten Ways to Avoid Problems at Tax Time
Looking for ways to avoid the last-minute rush for doing your taxes? The IRS offers these tips.
The Tax Advocate Service, Provided by the IRS
Have you tried everything to resolve a tax problem with the IRS but are still experiencing delays? Are you facing what you consider to be an economic burden or hardship due to IRS collection or other actions? If so, you can seek the assistance of the Taxpayer Advocate Service.
Tips and Taxes
Do you work at a hair salon, barber shop, casino, golf course, hotel or restaurant or drive a taxicab? The tip income you receive as an employee from those services is taxable income, advises the IRS.
Tax Tips For Businesses
Organizational and Start Up Costs
Have you just started a new business? Did you know expenses incurred before a business begins operations are not allowed as current deductions?
Business or Hobby?
It is generally accepted that people prefer to make a living doing something they like. A hobby is an activity for which you do not expect to make a profit. If you do not carry on your business or investment activity to make a profit, there is a limit on the deductions you can take.
Business Eligibility for Schedule C-EZ
Your business may have become eligible to use the abbreviated Schedule C-EZ instead of the longer Schedule C when reporting business profit and loss on your federal income tax return, according to the IRS.
Deductible Home Offices
Whether you are self-employed or an employee, if you use a portion of your home exclusively and regularly for business purposes, you may be able to take a home office deduction.
Filing Deadline and Payment Options
If you’re trying to beat the tax deadline, there are several options for last-minute help. If you need a form or publication, you can download copies from the IRS Forms page under Tax Tools on our website. If you find you need more time to finish your return, you can get a five or six month extension of time to file using Form 7004, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File Certain Business Income Tax, Information, and Other Returns. And if you have trouble paying your tax bill, the IRS has several payment options available.
Refund, Where's My Refund?
Are you expecting a tax refund from the Internal Revenue Service this year? If you file a complete and accurate paper tax return, your refund should be issued in about six to eight weeks from the date IRS receives your return. If you file your return electronically, your refund should be issued in about half the time it would take if you filed a paper return even faster when you choose direct deposit.
Your Appeal Rights
Are you in the middle of a disagreement with the IRS? One of the guaranteed rights for all taxpayers is the right to appeal. If you disagree with the IRS about the amount of your tax liability or about proposed collection actions, you have the right to ask the IRS Appeals Office to review your case.
Information About IRS Notices
It’s a moment any taxpayer dreads. An envelope arrives from the IRS and it’s not a refund check. But don’t panic. Many IRS letters can be dealt with simply and painlessly.
Charitable Contributions
When preparing to file your federal tax return, don’t forget your contributions to charitable organizations. Your donations (up to 10% of taxable income) can add up to a nice tax deduction for your corporation.
Tax Tips For Finance
Tax Saving Techniques
Some generally recognized financial planning tools that may help you reduce your tax bill.
Deducting Mortgage Interest
If you own a home, you can claim a deduction for the interest paid. To be deductible, the interest you pay must be on a loan secured by your main home or a second home. The loan can be a first or second mortgage, a home improvement loan, or a home equity loan.
Capital Gains and Losses
Almost everything you own and use for personal purposes, pleasure or investment is a capital asset. The IRS says when you sell a capital asset, such as stocks, the difference between the amount you sell it for and your basis, which is usually what you paid for it, is a capital gain or a capital loss. While you must report all capital gains, you may deduct only your capital losses on investment property, not personal property.
Coverdell Savings Accounts
A Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) is a savings account created as an incentive to help parents and students save for education expenses.
IRA Contributions
If you haven’t contributed funds to an Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) for last tax year, or if you’ve put in less than the maximum allowed, you still have time to do so. You can contribute to either a traditional or Roth IRA until the April 15 due date for filing your tax return for last year, not including extensions.
ROTH IRA Contributions
Confused about whether you can contribute to a Roth IRA? The IRS suggests checking these simple rules.
Tax Rates
2022 Tax Rates Schedule X – Single
| If taxable income is over | But not over | The tax is |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $10,275 | 10% of the taxable amount |
| $10,275 | $41,775 | $1,027.50 plus 12% of the excess over $10,275 |
| $41,775 | $89,075 | $4,807.50 plus 22% of the excess over $41,775 |
| $89,075 | $170,050 | $15,213.50 plus 24% of the excess over $89,075 |
| $170,050 | $215,950 | $34,647.50 plus 32% of the excess over $170,050 |
| $215,950 | $539,900 | $49,335.50 plus 35% of the excess over $215,950 |
| $539,900 | no limit | $162,718.00 plus 37% of the excess over $539,900 |
2022 Tax Rates Schedule Y-1 – Married Filing Jointly or Qualifying Widow(er)
| If taxable income is over | But not over | The tax is |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $20,550 | 10% of the taxable amount |
| $20,550 | $83,550 | $2,055.00 plus 12% of the excess over $20,550 |
| $83,550 | $178,150 | $9,615.00 plus 22% of the excess over $83,550 |
| $178,150 | $340,100 | $30,427.00 plus 24% of the excess over $178,150 |
| $340,100 | $431,900 | $69,295.00 plus 32% of the excess over $340,100 |
| $431,900 | $647,850 | $98,671.00 plus 35% of the excess over $431,900 |
| $647,850 | no limit | $174,253.50 plus 37% of the excess over $647,850 |
2022 Tax Rates Schedule Y-2 – Married Filing Separately
| If taxable income is over | But not over | The tax is |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $10,275 | 10% of the taxable amount |
| $10,275 | $41,775 | $1,027.50 plus 12% of the excess over $10,275 |
| $41,775 | $89,075 | $4,807.50 plus 22% of the excess over $41,775 |
| $89,075 | $170,050 | $15,213.50 plus 24% of the excess over $89,075 |
| $170,050 | $215,950 | $34,647.50 plus 32% of the excess over $170,050 |
| $215,950 | $323,925 | $49,335.50 plus 35% of the excess over $215,950 |
| $323,925 | no limit | $87,126.75 plus 37% of the excess over $323,925 |
2022 Tax Rates Schedule Z – Head of Household
| If taxable income is over | But not over | The tax is |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $14,650 | 10% of the taxable amount |
| $14,650 | $55,900 | $1,465.00 plus 12% of the excess over $14,650 |
| $55,900 | $89,050 | $6,415.00 plus 22% of the excess over $55,900 |
| $89,050 | $170,050 | $13,708.00 plus 24% of the excess over $89,050 |
| $170,050 | $215,950 | $33,148.00 plus 32% of the excess over $170,050 |
| $215,950 | $539,900 | $47,836.00 plus 35% of the excess over $215,950 |
| $539,900 | no limit | $161,218.50 plus 37% of the excess over $539,900 |
2022 Tax Rates Estates & Trusts
| If taxable income is over | But not over | The tax is |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $2,750 | 10% of the taxable income |
| $2,750 | $9,850 | $275 plus 24% of the excess over $2,750 |
| $9,850 | $13,450 | $1,979 plus 35% of the excess over $9,850 |
| $13,450 | no limit | $3,239 plus 37% of the excess over $13,450 |
Social Security 2022 Tax Rates
| Base Salary | $147,000 |
| Social Security Tax Rate | 6.20% |
| Maximum Social Security Tax | $9,114 |
| Medicare Base Salary | unlimited |
| Medicare Tax Rate | 1.45% |
Additional Medicare 2022 Tax Rates
| Additional Medicare Tax | 0.90% |
| Filing status | Compensation over |
| Married filing jointly | $250,000 |
| Married filing separate | $125,000 |
| Single | $200,000 |
| Head of household (with qualifying person) | $200,000 |
| Qualifying widow(er) with dependent child | $200,000 |
Education 2022 Credit and Deduction Limits
| American Opportunity Tax Credit (Hope) | $2,500 |
| Lifetime Learning Credit | $2,000 |
| Student Loan Interest Deduction | $2,500 |
| Coverdell Education Savings Contribution | $2,000 |
Miscellaneous 2022 Tax Rates
| Standard Deduction: | |
| - Married filing jointly or Qualifying Widow(er) | $25,900 |
| - Head of household | $19,400 |
| - Single or Married filing separately | $12,950 |
| Business Equipment Expense Deduction | $1,080,000 |
| Prior-year safe harbor for estimated taxes of higher-income | 110% of your 2021 tax liability |
| Standard mileage rate for business driving | 58.5 cents |
| Standard mileage rate for medical/moving driving | 18 cents |
| Standard mileage rate for charitable driving | 14 cents |
| Child Tax Credit | $2,000 per qualifying child |
| Maximum capital gains tax rate for taxpayers with adjusted net capital gain up to $83,350 for joint filers and surviving spouses, $55,800 for heads of household, $41,675 for single filers, $41,675 for married taxpayers filing separately, and $2,800 for estates and trusts | 0% |
| Maximum capital gains tax rate for taxpayers with adjusted net capital gain over the amount subject to the 0% rate, and up to $517,200 for joint filers and surviving spouses, $488,500 for heads of household, $459,750 for single filers, $258,600 for married taxpayers filing separately, and $13,700 for estates and trusts | 15% |
| Maximum capital gains tax rate for taxpayers with adjusted net capital gain over $517,200 for joint filers and surviving spouses, $488,500 for heads of household, $459,750 for single filers, $258,600 for married taxpayers filing separately, and $13,700 for estates and trusts | 20% |
| Long-term gain attributable to certain depreciation recapture | 25% |
| Capital gains tax rate on collectibles and qualified small business stock | 28% |
| Maximum contribution for Traditional/Roth IRA | $6,000 if under age 50 $7,000 if 50 or older |
| Maximum employee contribution to SIMPLE IRA | $14,000 if under age 50 $17,000 if 50 or older |
| Maximum Contribution to SEP IRA | 25% of compensation up to $61,000 |
| 401(k) maximum employee contribution limit | $20,500 if under age 50 $27,000 if 50 or older |
| Self-employed health insurance deduction | 100% |
| Estate tax exemption | $12,060,000 |
| Annual Exclusion for Gifts | $16,000 |
| Foreign Earned Income Exclusion | $112,000 |
Due Dates
Retention Guide
Storing Tax Records: How Long is Long Enough?
April 15 has come and gone and another year of tax forms and shoeboxes full of receipts is behind us. But what should be done with those documents after your check or refund request is in the mail?
Federal law requires you to maintain copies of your tax returns and support documents for three years. This is called the “three-year law” and leads many people to believe they’re safe provided they retain their documents.
However, if the IRS believes you have significantly underreported your income (by 25 percent or more), it may go back six years in an audit. If there is any indication of fraud, or you do not file a return, no period of limitation exists. To be safe, use the following guidelines.
Federal law requires you to maintain copies of your tax returns and support documents for three years. This is called the “three-year law” and leads many people to believe they’re safe provided they retain their documents.
However, if the IRS believes you have significantly underreported your income (by 25 percent or more), it may go back six years in an audit. If there is any indication of fraud, or you do not file a return, no period of limitation exists. To be safe, use the following guidelines.
Business Documents To Keep For One Year
- Correspondence with Customers and Vendors
- Duplicate Deposit Slips
- Purchase Orders (other than Purchasing Department copy)
- Receiving Sheets
- Requisitions
- Stenographer’s Notebooks
- Stockroom Withdrawal Forms
Business Documents To Keep For Three Years
- Employee Personnel Records (after termination)
- Employment Applications
- Expired Insurance Policies
- General Correspondence
- Internal Audit Reports
- Internal Reports
- Petty Cash Vouchers
- Physical Inventory Tags
- Savings Bond Registration Records of Employees
- Time Cards For Hourly Employees
Business Documents To Keep For Six Years
- Accident Reports, Claims
- Accounts Payable Ledgers and Schedules
- Accounts Receivable Ledgers and Schedules
- Bank Statements and Reconciliations
- Canceled Checks
- Canceled Stock and Bond Certificates
- Employment Tax Records
- Expense Analysis and Expense Distribution Schedules
- Expired Contracts, Leases
- Expired Option Records
- Inventories of Products, Materials, Supplies
- Invoices to Customers
- Notes Receivable Ledgers, Schedules
- Payroll Records and Summaries, including payment to pensioners
- Plant Cost Ledgers
- Purchasing Department Copies of Purchase Orders
- Records related to net operating losses (NOL’s)
- Sales Records
- Subsidiary Ledgers
- Time Books
- Travel and Entertainment Records
- Vouchers for Payments to Vendors, Employees, etc.
- Voucher Register, Schedules
Business Records To Keep Forever
While federal guidelines do not require you to keep tax records “forever,” in many cases, there will be other reasons you’ll want to retain these documents indefinitely.
- Audit Reports from CPAs/Accountants
- Cancelled Checks for Important Payments (especially tax payments)
- Cash Books, Charts of Accounts
- Contracts, Leases Currently in Effect
- Corporate Documents (incorporation, charter, by-laws, etc.)
- Documents substantiating fixed asset additions
- Deeds
- Depreciation Schedules
- Financial Statements (Year End)
- General and Private Ledgers, Year-End Trial Balances
- Insurance Records, Current Accident Reports, Claims, Policies
- Investment Trade Confirmations
- IRS Revenue Agent Reports
- Journals
- Legal Records, Correspondence and Other Important Matters
- Minutes Books of Directors and Stockholders
- Mortgages, Bills of Sale
Property Appraisals by Outside Appraisers - Property Records
- Retirement and Pension Records
- Tax Returns and Worksheets
- Trademark and Patent Registrations
Personal Documents To Keep For One Year
While it’s important to keep year-end mutual fund and IRA contribution statements forever, you don’t have to save monthly and quarterly statements once the year-end statement has arrived.
Personal Documents To Keep For Three Years
- Credit Card Statements
- Medical Bills (in case of insurance disputes)
- Utility Records
- Expired Insurance Policies
Personal Documents To Keep For Six Years
- Supporting Documents For Tax Returns
- Accident Reports and Claims
- Medical Bills (if tax-related)
- Sales Receipts
- Wage Garnishments
- Other Tax-Related Bills
Personal Records To Keep Forever
- CPA Audit Reports
- Legal Records
- Important Correspondence
- Income Tax Returns
- Income Tax Payment Checks
- Property Records / Improvement Receipts (or six years after property sold)
- Investment Trade Confirmations
- Retirement and Pension Records (Forms 5448, 1099-R and 8606 until all distributions are made from your IRA or other qualified plan)
Special Circumstances
- Car Records (keep until the car is sold)
- Credit Card Receipts (keep until verified on your statement)
- Insurance Policies (save for the life of the policy)
- Mortgages / Deeds / Leases (keep 6 years beyond the agreement)
- Pay Stubs (keep until reconciled with your W-2)
- Sales Receipts (keep for life of the warranty)
- Stock and Bond Records (keep for 6 years beyond selling)
- Warranties and Instructions (save for the life of the product)
- Other Bills (keep until payment is verified on the next bill)
- Depreciation Schedules and Other Capital Asset Records (keep for 3 years after the tax life of the asset)
Tax Forms & Publications
The Tax Organizer is a simple form that is easy to fill out and will provide all of the necessary information to prepare your taxes.
| Product Number | Form Type | Product Description |
|---|---|---|
| Form 1040 | Form | Form for 1040 |
| Form 1040 (Schedule 8812) | Form | Form for 1040 (Schedule 8812) |
| Form 1040 (Schedule A) | Form | Form for 1040 (Schedule A) |
| Form 1040 (Schedule B) | Form | Form for 1040 (Schedule B) |
| Form 1040 (Schedule C) | Form | Form for 1040 (Schedule C) |
| Form 1040 (Schedule C-EZ) | Form | Form for 1040 (Schedule C-EZ) |
| Form 1040 (Schedule D) | Form | Form for 1040 (Schedule D) |
| Form 1040 (Schedule E) | Form | Form for 1040 (Schedule E) |
| Form 1040 (Schedule EIC) | Form | Form for 1040 (Schedule EIC) |
| Form 1040 (Schedule F) | Form | Form for 1040 (Schedule F) |