National Spending Journal – By Shoeboxed

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The Internal Revenue Service today reminded individual and business taxpayers that many energy-saving steps taken this year may result in bigger tax savings next year.
The recently enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment (ARRA) of 2009 contained a number of either new or expanded tax benefits on expenditures to reduce energy use or create new energy sources.
The [...]

Taxpayers who need to make a change or adjustment on a return they already filed can do so by filing an amended return. Here are the top 10 things every taxpayer should know about amending your federal tax return.

Most taxpayers have already filed their federal tax returns but may still have questions. Here’s what you need to know about refund status, recordkeeping, mistakes and what to do if you move.
Refund Information
You can go online to check the status of your 2008 refund 72 hours after IRS acknowledges receipt of your e-filed return, or [...]

The Internal Revenue Service has issued its 2009 “dirty dozen” list of tax scams, including schemes involving phishing, hiding income offshore and false claims for refunds.
“Taxpayers should be wary of scams to avoid paying taxes that seem too good to be true, especially during these challenging economic times,” IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman said. “There is [...]

If you are just learning that today is Tax Day, you may be in a bit of trouble. For everyone trying to get them finished today, good luck! And to everyone already done, congrats!
If you think you’ll need more time, make sure to check out FileLater, an easy way to get a tax extension in [...]

It’s a moment many taxpayers dread. A letter arrives from the IRS — and it’s not a refund check. Don’t panic; many of these letters can be dealt with simply and painlessly.
Each year, the IRS sends millions of letters and notices to taxpayers to request payment of taxes, notify them of a change to their [...]

Every year, millions of taxpayers donate money to charitable organizations. Here are six things you should know about the tax treatment of tax-exempt organizations.

Tax returns are made available to public. Exempt organizations generally must make their tax return available for public inspection. This also includes the organization’s application for exemption. These documents must be made [...]

The Internal Revenue Service announced today that taxpayers who buy a new passenger vehicle this year may be entitled to deduct state and local sales and excise taxes paid on the purchase on their 2009 tax returns next year.
“For those thinking about buying a new car this year, this deduction may give them a little [...]

With the tax filing deadline close at hand, here are the top 10 tips for taxpayers still working on their tax return.

E-file your return. Consider filing electronically instead of using paper tax forms. Choosing to e-file is the best way to ensure your return is accurate and complete.
Review tax ID numbers. Remember to carefully check [...]

All or part of unemployment benefits received in 2009 will be tax free for many unemployed workers, according to the Internal Revenue Service.
“This morning we learned that a record 5.6 million people were receiving unemployment benefits in the middle of March. This underscores the need for the relief provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment [...]

The Internal Revenue Service announced today that small businesses with deductions exceeding their income in 2008 can use a new net operating loss tax provision to get a refund of taxes paid in prior years.
To accommodate the change in tax law, the IRS today updated the instructions for two key forms – Forms 1045 and [...]

Are you looking for ways to avoid the last-minute rush for doing your taxes? Here are some stress-relieving tips to help you.

Don’t Procrastinate – Resist the temptation to put off your taxes until the very last minute. Your haste to meet the filing deadline may cause you to overlook potential sources of tax savings and [...]

There is an additional standard deduction for those who don’t qualify to itemize their tax deductions, but who do pay state or local real estate taxes. This deduction is available for the 2008 and 2009 tax years.
Here are six things you need to know about the additional standard deduction for real estate taxes:

Taxpayers that are eligible for the first-time homebuyer credit have more flexibility in claiming the credit. If those taxpayers purchase a home this year before December 1, they can claim the tax credit on their 2008 return or their 2009 returns.
The first-time homebuyer credit can be worth up to $8,000, or $4,000 for married people [...]

While most income you receive is generally considered taxable, there are some situations when certain types of income are partially taxed or not taxed at all.
Some common examples of items that are not included in your income are: