The Internal Revenue Service has launched a new Spanish-language version of its online tool, Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant, designed to help families determine whether they qualify for the Child Tax Credit and the special monthly advance payments of the credit, due to begin on July 15.

IRS: Online Child Tax Credit eligibility tool now available in Spanish; other multi-lingual materials help families see if they qualify for advance payments

Available exclusively on IRS.gov, the new Spanish version of the tool, like its English-language counterpart, is interactive and easy to use. By answering a series of questions about themselves and their family members, a parent or other family member can quickly determine whether they qualify for the credit.

Though anyone can use this tool, it may be particularly useful to families who don’t normally file a federal tax return and have not yet filed either a 2019 or 2020 return. Often, these are people who receive little or no income, including those experiencing homelessness, low income households, and other underserved groups. Using this tool can help them decide whether they should take the next step and either register for the Child Tax Credit payments using another IRS tool, the Non-filer Sign-up Tool, or file a regular tax return using the IRS Free File system.

To help people understand and receive this benefit, the IRS has developed materials in several languages and additional multi-lingual resources will roll out in coming weeks and months. All tools and materials, in English and other languages, are posted on a special Advance Child Tax Credit 2021 page at IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021.

Multi-lingual resources already available include:

• A step-by-step guide to using the Non-filer Sign-up Tool (Publication 5538) in Spanish, Chinese Simplified, Korean, Vietnamese, Haitian Creole and Russian.
• A basic You Tube video on the Advance Child Tax Credit in Spanish and Chinese, as well as English.
• E-posters in various languages.
• Information about Free File in seven languages.

Besides the Child Tax Credit, the IRS has a variety of tax-related tools and resources available in various languages.

Community partners can help

The IRS urges community groups, especially those who serve non-English speakers, to help share this critical information about the Advance Child Tax Credit as well as other important benefits. This includes nonprofits, associations, education organizations and anyone else with connections to people with children. Among other things, The IRS is providing these groups with information that can be easily shared through social media, email and other methods.

Watch out for scams

The IRS urges everyone, especially those who speak languages other than English, to be on the lookout for scams related to both Advance Child Tax Credit payments and Economic Impact Payments. In particular, scammers often target non-English speakers and underserved communities. The IRS emphasized that the only way to get either of these benefits is by either filing a tax return with the IRS or registering online through the Non-filer Sign-up Tool, exclusively on IRS.gov. Any other option is a scam.

Watch out for scams using email, phone calls or texts related to the payments. Remember, the IRS never sends unsolicited electronic communications asking anyone to open attachments or visit a non-governmental web site.

More about the Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant

The Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant does not request any personally-identifiable information (PII) for any family member. For that reason, its results are not an official determination by the IRS. Though the results are reliable, if the questions are answered accurately, they should be considered preliminary. Neither the answers supplied by the user, nor the results, are retained by the IRS.

Non-filer Sign-Up Tool

If the Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant indicates that a family qualifies for the credit, the next step is to either register with the IRS or file a return. For families who don’t normally need to file a return, The online Non-filer Sign-Up Tool is the easiest way to register for the advance payments.

This tool, an update of last year’s IRS Economic Impact Payment Non-filers tool, is also designed to help eligible individuals who don’t normally file tax returns register for the $1,400 third round of Economic Impact Payments (also known as stimulus checks). In addition, it can help them claim the Recovery Rebate Credit for any amount of the first two rounds of Economic Impact Payments they may have missed.

Developed in partnership with Intuit and delivered through the Free File Alliance, the tool enables them to provide the IRS with basic information, such as their name, address, and social security numbers, as well as information about their qualifying children age 17 and under and their other dependents. It also enables them to provide their bank account information, so the IRS can quickly and easily deposit the payments directly into their checking or savings account.

The Non-filer Sign-Up tool should not be used by anyone who has already filed a 2019 or 2020 federal income tax return, or plans to do so.

Free File; a better option for some

Though the Non-filer Sign-up Tool is the easiest way to register for Advance Child Tax Credit payments, it may not be the best option for all families. That’s because many families also qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit and other benefits for low-and moderate-income people. For them, a better option is filing a regular tax return using the Free File system, available only on IRS.gov.

About the Advance Child Tax Credit

The expanded and newly-advanceable Child Tax Credit was authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act, enacted in March. Normally, the IRS will calculate the payment based on a family’s 2020 tax return, including those who use the Non-filer Sign-up Tool. If that return is not available because it has not yet been filed or is still being processed, the IRS will instead determine the initial payment amounts using the 2019 return or the information entered using the Non-filers tool that was available in 2020.

The payment will be up to $300 per month for each child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each child age 6 through 17.

To make sure families have easy access to their money, the IRS will issue these payments by direct deposit, as long as correct banking information has previously been provided to the IRS. Otherwise, people should watch their mail around July 15 for their mailed payment. The dates for the Advance Child Tax Credit payments are July 15, Aug. 13, Sept. 15, Oct. 15, Nov. 15, and Dec. 15.

For more information, visit IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021, or read FAQs on the 2021 Child Tax Credit and Advance Child Tax Credit Payments.

Source: IRS – July 12, 2021

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and partners in non-profit organizations, churches, community groups and others will host events in 12 cities this weekend to help people who don’t normally file a federal tax return to register for the monthly Advance Child Tax Credit (AdvCTC) payments.

Friday, Saturday events in 12 cities held to support eligible families

The special events PDF by IRS and partner groups to help people quickly file income tax returns and register for the advance payments will take place July 9-10, 2021. Events will be held in Atlanta, New York, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Phoenix, St. Louis and Washington, DC/Maryland.

“This is part of a wider effort by the IRS to reach as many people as possible who don’t file a tax return but may be eligible for the Child Tax Credit and Economic Impact Payments,” said Ken Corbin, IRS Wage and Investment Commissioner and the agency’s Chief Taxpayer Experience Officer. “We encourage people to share this information widely and encourage those who need help to visit these locations.”

With the help of a new Non-filer Sign-up Tool on the IRS website, volunteers and IRS employees will assist eligible individuals and families get these important tax credits and benefits. This tool, an update of last year’s IRS Non-Filers tool, is also designed to help individuals register for the $1,400 third round of Economic Impact Payments (also known as stimulus checks) and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit for any amount of the first two rounds of Economic Impact Payments they may have missed. Individuals do not need to have children to attend these events and sign up for Economic Impact Payments.

People can check their eligibility for the AdvCTC payments by using the new Advance Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant.

For this weekend’s events, to make the sign-up process go quickly and smoothly, people are encouraged to have the following information when they come to one of these events: (1) Social Security numbers for their children, (2) Social Security numbers or Tax Identification Numbers for themselves and their spouse, (3) a reliable mailing address, (4) an e-mail address, and (5) their bank account information if they want to receive their payment by direct deposit.

The IRS is also planning to do additional events in the future as well as work with partners inside and outside the tax community to share information as widely as possible to people who may be eligible for Child Tax Credits and the Economic Impact Payments. This is part of a wider effort to raise awareness of the expanded Child Tax Credit, the IRS also encourages its partners to use available online tools and toolkits to help non-filers, low-income families and other underserved groups sign up to receive the AdvCTC.

Some tax credits, such as the Child Tax Credit (CTC), are “refundable,” meaning that even if taxpayers don’t owe income tax, the IRS will issue them a refund if they’re eligible; but they must file a tax return or register with the new Non-filer Sign-up Tool to receive it. Some people who haven’t filed a 2020 tax return yet are also eligible for the $1,400 per person Economic Impact Payments and the Recovery Rebate Credit.

The first monthly payments of the expanded and newly-advanceable CTC from the American Rescue Plan will be made starting July 15. Most families will begin receiving monthly payments without any additional action. Eligible families will receive a payment of up to $300 per month for each child under age 6, and up to $250 per month for each child ages 6 to 17.

People who need to file a 2020 federal income tax return, but are unable to attend one of these events, may be able to prepare and file their own federal income tax online using IRS Free File if their income is $72,000 or less.

People who don’t need to file a 2020 federal tax return can also use the Non-filer Sign-up Tool to register to receive the advance CTC payments, the Third Round Economic Impact Payment, and the Recovery Rebate Credit.

The IRS encourages people to request payments via direct deposit, which is faster and more secure than other payment methods. People who don’t have a bank account should visit the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation website for details on opening an account online. They can also use the FDIC’s BankFind tool to locate an FDIC-insured bank.

Finally, BankOn, American Bankers Association, Independent Community Bankers of America and National Credit Union Administration have lists of banks and credit unions that can open an account online. Veterans can see the Veterans Benefits Banking Program for financial services at participating banks.

Source: IRS 2021-146, July 7, 2021

WASHINGTON — The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service today unveiled an online Non-filer Sign-up tooldesigned to help eligible families who don’t normally file tax returns register for the monthly Advance Child Tax Credit payments, scheduled to begin July 15.

This tool, an update of last year’s IRS Non-filers tool, is also designed to help eligible individuals who don’t normally file income tax returns register for the $1,400 third round of Economic Impact Payments (also known as stimulus checks) and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit for any amount of the first two rounds of Economic Impact Payments they may have missed.

Developed in partnership with Intuit and delivered through the Free File Alliance, this tool provides a free and easy way for eligible people who don’t make enough income to have an income tax return-filing obligation to provide the IRS the basic information needed—name, address, and Social Security numbers—to figure and issue their Advance Child Tax Credit payments. Often, these are individuals and families who receive little or no income, including those experiencing homelessness and other underserved groups. This new tool is available only on IRS.gov.

“We have been working hard to begin delivering the monthly Advance Child Tax Credit to millions of families with children in July,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “This new tool will help more people easily gain access to this important credit as well as help people who don’t normally file a tax return obtain an Economic Impact Payment. We encourage people to review the details about this important new effort.”

The Non-filer Sign-up tool is for people who did not file a tax return for 2019 or 2020 and who did not use the IRS Non-filers tool last year to register for Economic Impact Payments. The tool enables them to provide required information about themselves, their qualifying children age 17 and under, their other dependents, and their direct deposit bank information so the IRS can quickly and easily deposit the payments directly into their checking or savings account.

No action needed by most families

Eligible families who already filed or plan to file 2019 or 2020 income tax returns should not use this tool. Once the IRS processes their 2019 or 2020 tax return, the information will be used to determine eligibility and issue advance payments. Families who want to claim other tax benefits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit for low- and moderate-income families, should not use this tool and instead file a regular tax return. For them, the fastest and easiest way to file a return is the Free Filesystem, available only on IRS.gov.

Public-private partnership plays vital role

Intuit developed the Non-filer Sign-up tool for the IRS and delivers this tool through its participation in the Free File Alliance. Intuit has a long history of working closely with the IRS on innovative solutions, including last year’s Non-filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool. In addition, for many years, Intuit has offered Free File Fillable Forms, also delivered through the Free File Alliance. This is the electronic version of IRS paper forms, which provides all taxpayers with the option to electronically file for free. There are no income restrictions for using this option to file a 2020 tax return.

Watch out for scams

The IRS urges everyone to be on the lookout for scams related to both Advance Child Tax Credit payments and Economic Impact Payments. The IRS emphasized that the only way to get either of these benefits is by either filing a tax return with the IRS or registering online through the Non-filer Sign-up tool, exclusively on IRS.gov. Any other option is a scam.

Watch out for scams using email, phone calls or texts related to the payments. Be careful and cautious: The IRS never sends unsolicited electronic communications asking anyone to open attachments or visit a non-governmental web site.

Other tools coming soon

The IRS has created a special Advance Child Tax Credit 2021 page at IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021, designed to provide the most up-to-date information about the credit and the advance payments.

The page already features a link to the Non-filer Sign-up tool. In the next few weeks, it will also feature other useful new tools, including:

• An interactive Child Tax Credit eligibility assistant to help families determine whether they qualify for the Advance Child Tax Credit payments.
• Another tool, the Child Tax Credit Update Portal, will initially enable anyone who has been determined to be eligible for advance payments to see that they are eligible and unenroll/opt out of the advance payment program. Later, it will allow people to check on the status of their payments, make updates to their information and be available in Spanish.

Community partners can help

The IRS urges community groups, non-profits, associations, education organizations and anyone else with connections to people with children to share this critical information about the Advance Child Tax Credit as well as other important benefits. The IRS will provide additional materials and information in the near future that can be easily shared by social media, email and other methods.

About the Advance Child Tax Credit

The expanded and newly-advanceable Child Tax Credit was authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act, enacted in March. Normally, the IRS will calculate the payment based on a person’s 2020 tax return, including those who use the Non-filer Sign-up tool. If that return is not available because it has not yet been filed or is still being processed, the IRS will instead determine the initial payment amounts using the 2019 return or the information entered using the Non-filers tool that was available in 2020.

The payment will be up to $300 per month for each child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each child age 6 through 17.

To make sure families have easy access to their money, the IRS will issue these payments by direct deposit, as long as correct banking information has previously been provided to the IRS. Otherwise, people should watch their mail around July 15 for their mailed payment. The dates for the Advance Child Tax Credit payments are July 15, Aug. 13, Sept. 15, Oct. 15, Nov. 15 and Dec. 15.

For more information, visit IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021, or read FAQs on the 2021 Child Tax Credit and Advance Child Tax Credit Payments.

Source: IRS Jun. 2021

The Internal Revenue Service is sending more than 2.8 million refunds this week to taxpayers who paid taxes on unemployment compensation that new legislation now excludes as income.

IRS efforts to correct unemployment compensation overpayments will help most affected taxpayers avoid filing an amended tax return. So far, the IRS has identified 13 million taxpayers that may be eligible for the adjustment. Some will receive refunds, which will be issued periodically, and some will have the overpayment applied to taxes due or other debts. For some there will be no change.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) excluded up to $10,200 in unemployment compensation per taxpayer paid in 2020. The $10,200 is the maximum amount that can be excluded when calculating taxable income; it is not the amount of refunds.

Earlier this month, the IRS began its programming review of tax returns filed prior to the enactment of ARPA to identify the excludible unemployment compensation. The IRS also is making corrections for the Earned Income Tax Credit, Premium Tax Credit and Recovery Rebate Credit affected by the exclusion.

Taxpayers who have qualifying children and who become eligible for EITC after the exclusion is calculated may have to file an amended return to claim any new benefits. The IRS can adjust tax returns for those who are single with no children and who become eligible for EITC. The IRS also can adjust tax returns where EITC was claimed and qualifying children identified.

To date, the IRS has reviewed over 3.1 million returns, with more than 2.8 million receiving refunds.

The IRS plans to issue the next set of refunds in mid-June. The review of returns and processing corrections will continue during the summer as the IRS continues to review the simplest returns and then turns to more complex returns.

Taxpayers will receive letters from the IRS, generally within 30 days of the adjustment, informing them of what kind of adjustment was made (such as refund, payment of IRS debt payment or payment offset for other authorized debts) and the amount of the adjustment.

Source: IRS June

WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers living and working outside of the United States that they must file their 2020 federal income tax return by Tuesday, June 15. This deadline applies to both U.S. citizens and resident aliens abroad, including those with dual citizenship.

Just as most taxpayers in the United States are required to timely file their tax returns with the IRS, those living and working in another country are also required to file. An automatic two-month deadline extension is normally granted for those overseas and in 2021 that date is still June 15 even though the normal income tax filing deadline was extended a month from April 15 to May 17.

Benefits and qualifications

An income tax filing requirement generally applies even if a taxpayer qualifies for tax benefits, such as the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion or the Foreign Tax Credit, which substantially reduce or eliminate U.S. tax liability. These tax benefits are only available if an eligible taxpayer files a U.S. income tax return.

A taxpayer qualifies for the special June 15 filing deadline if both their tax home and abode are outside the United States and Puerto Rico. Those serving in the military outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico on the regular due date of their tax return also qualify for the extension to June 15. IRS recommends attaching a statement if one of these two situations apply.

Reporting required for foreign accounts and assets

Federal law requires U.S. citizens and resident aliens to report any worldwide income, including income from foreign trusts and foreign bank and securities accounts. In most cases, affected taxpayers need to complete and attach Schedule B to their tax return. Part III of Schedule B asks about the existence of foreign accounts, such as bank and securities accounts, and usually requires U.S. citizens to report the country in which each account is located.

In addition, certain taxpayers may also have to complete and attach to their return Form 8938, Statement of Foreign Financial Assets. Generally, U.S. citizens, resident aliens and certain nonresident aliens must report specified foreign financial assets on this form if the aggregate value of those assets exceeds certain thresholds. See the instructions for this form for details.

Foreign accounts reporting deadline

Separate from reporting specified foreign financial assets on their tax return, taxpayers with an interest in, or signature or other authority over foreign financial accounts whose aggregate value exceeded $10,000 at any time during 2020, must file electronically with the Treasury Department a Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR). Because of this threshold, the IRS encourages taxpayers with foreign assets, even relatively small ones, to check if this filing requirement applies to them. The form is only available through the BSA E-filing System website.

The deadline for filing the annual Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) was April 15, 2021, but FinCEN is granting filers who missed the original deadline an automatic extension until October 15, 2021, to file the FBAR. There is no need to request this extension.

Report in U.S. dollars

Any income received or deductible expenses paid in foreign currency must be reported on a U.S. tax return in U.S. dollars. Likewise, any tax payments must be made in U.S. dollars.

Both FINCEN Form 114 and IRS Form 8938 require the use of a December 31 exchange rate for all transactions, regardless of the actual exchange rate on the date of the transaction. Generally, the IRS accepts any posted exchange rate that is used consistently. For more information on exchange rates, see Foreign Currency and Currency Exchange Rates.

Expatriate reporting

Taxpayers who relinquished their U.S. citizenship or ceased to be lawful permanent residents of the United States during 2020 must file a dual-status alien tax return, and attach Form 8854, Initial and Annual Expatriation Statement. A copy of Form 8854 must also be filed with Internal Revenue Service, 3651 S IH35 MS 4301AUSC, Austin, TX 78741, by the due date of the tax return (including extensions). See the instructions for this form and Notice 2009-85 PDF, Guidance for Expatriates Under Section 877A, for further details.

More time is available

Extra time is available for those who cannot meet the June 15 date. Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file can request a filing extension to Oct. 15 by printing and mailing Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. The IRS can’t process extension requests filed electronically after May 17, 2021. Find out where to mail the form.

Businesses that need additional time to file income tax returns must file Form 7004, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File Certain Business Income Tax, Information, and Other Returns.

Combat zone extension

Members of the military qualify for an additional extension of at least 180 days to file and pay taxes if either of the following situations apply:

• They serve in a combat zone or they have qualifying service outside of a combat zone or
• They serve on deployment outside the United States away from their permanent duty station while participating in a contingency operation. This is a military operation that is designated by the Secretary of Defense or results in calling members of the uniformed services to active duty (or retains them on active duty) during a war or a national emergency declared by the President or Congress.

Deadlines are also extended for individuals serving in a combat zone or a contingency operation in support of the Armed Forces. This applies to Red Cross personnel, accredited correspondents and civilian personnel acting under the direction of the Armed Forces in support of those forces.

Spouses of individuals who served in a combat zone or contingency operation are generally entitled to the same deadline extensions with some exceptions. Extension details and more military tax information is available in IRS Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide.

Visit IRS.gov for tax information

Tax help and filing information is available anytime on IRS.gov. The IRS website offers a variety of online tools to help taxpayers answer common tax questions. For example, taxpayers can search the Interactive Tax Assistant, Tax Topics and Frequently Asked Questions to get answers to common questions. IRS.gov/payments provides information on electronic payment options.

Source: IRS – June 2021

Now that Xanddy’s (Harmonia do Samba) tour in the United States is officially confirmed, we can start thinking about the best place to watch the concert “Xanddy, Samba & Summer“. A four-hour event, a DJ to warm up and 2 hours of lots of samba, the performance in the magical city will be in a carefully assembled environment, consisting on top-shelf all inclusive drinks and an intimate proposal that has never been seen before in Orlando, Central Florida.

The space, with a total capacity for 600 people and exclusive sale only for 300, will make you feel like you are in Porto Seguro, Bahia, and was created by specialists and designers to offer the public the proper infrastructure to enjoy the concert close to Xanddy, in one of the performances of his tour in the United States. At least 20 people are required for its assembly, which in this case, for the concert “Xanddy, Samba & Summer”, takes four days to be fully built. Besides the central stage and dressing rooms, the structure is also divided into sectors for the public, being the VIP area ticket sales exclusive for Larson Accounting Group clients.

The concert which has been confirmed for Saturday, June 19th, will be a milestone and the official Summer Opening.

The opening date for the sales in Orlando has not been announced yet, but the number of tickets is limited. The ticket sales for the upcoming tour will start soon, but Larson Accounting Group customers will have exclusive pre-sale tickets until May 31.

We at Larson are delighted to support the culture and art of a great Brazilian artist. “Supporting the culture and great talents of our Brazil has always been and will always be a commitment of mine, along with our entire community,” says Carol Larson – CEO & founder of Larson Accounting.

Visit the pre-sale website, sign up and become a part of this special moment of joy and fun.

Learn how to save and what to buy during Florida’s tax free holidays for back-to-school and emergency preparedness — as well as its brand-new “Freedom Week.”

It’s not often that states revamp their annual tax-free holidays. But Florida, filled with post-pandemic enthusiasm, has drastically changed its tax-free holiday offerings for 2021. Shoppers not only get a completely new tax-free holiday geared at post-pandemic, economy-stimulating purchases (dubbed “Freedom Week”). But it’s ballooned its tax-free back-to-school shopping holiday into 10 days (it’s usually just three days long).

Here’s everything Florida shoppers need to know to get all the stuff they can without paying sales tax this year.

When is Florida’s tax-free holiday?

Florida is offering three tax-free holidays during 2021 at different times.

Florida Freedom Week (July 1-7)

Florida Freedom Week runs over the Fourth of July holiday, from July 1 to 7.

This sales tax holiday is brand new for 2021, and it’s geared at post-pandemic purchases. So what exactly are these eligible freedom-related purchases? The list includes:

• Tickets to music events, sporting events, cultural events, movies, museums and state parks for admission through Dec. 31.
• Boating and water supplies: Get the first $25 tax free when you buy snorkels, goggles and swimming masks; the first $50 tax free when you buy safety flares; the first $75 tax free when you buy life jackets, paddles, oars and coolers; the first $150 tax free when you buy water skis, wakeboards, kneeboards and inflatable water tubes; the first $300 tax free when you buy paddleboards and surfboards; and the first $500 tax free when you buy canoes and kayaks.
• Camping supplies: You can get the first $30 tax free when you buy camping lanterns and flashlights; the first $50 tax free when you buy sleeping bags, portable hammocks and camping stoves; and the first $200 tax free when you buy tents.
• Fishing supplies, general outdoor supplies and sports equipment: See a full list of what qualifies in this Florida Freedom Week press release.

Florida tax-free weekend for back-to-school (July 31-Aug.9)

For 2021, Florida’s tax-free weekend for back-to-school prep runs 12:01 a.m. on July 31, through 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 9. That’s 10 days, up from three days in past years. Shoppers save Florida’s 6% state sales tax plus local tax.

What qualifies for back-to-school tax-free weekend in Florida?

The following items are tax free:

• Clothing and apparel costing $60 or less per item.

• School supplies and related items costing $15 or less per item.

• The first $1,000 for personal computers and related accessories (for noncommercial use only). This is a slight change over last year. In 2019, only computers selling for $1,000 or less were tax exempt. This year, things are more flexible — you can buy a computer for more than $1,000 and still have taxes waived on the first $1k you spend.

See a full list of tax-free items for 2020.

Most items that children need for school are tax exempt. This includes most clothing and most school supplies, but not all of them. Within each category, there are exemptions.

Because the guidelines aren’t necessarily intuitive, take some time on the Florida Department of Revenue website to familiarize yourself with Florida’s list of exempt and taxable items.

And keep in mind the spending thresholds, too. Tax exemptions apply only to clothing items $60 or less. There’s also no limit to how many tax-free items you can buy so, in essence, you could buy a hundred $50 jackets, and they’d all be tax-free.

Florida tax-free week for disaster preparedness (May 28-June 6)

This one’s also been extended to 10 days for 2021, running from May 28 to June 6.

In anticipation of hurricane season, Florida’s tax-free emergency preparedness week waives sales tax on items residents need to weather the storm.

When is Florida’s tax-free week for disaster preparedness?

Shop the Florida emergency-prep tax-free holiday from May 28 to June 6. That roughly matches the holiday’s usual Memorial-Day weekend timing, but the holiday is longer this year. In 2020, that same holiday ran May 29 to June 4 (seven days).

What does the Florida disaster-preparation tax-free week include?

Eligible items include generators costing $1,000 or less; flashlights and lanterns costing $40 or less; radios costing $50 or less; tarps costing $100 or less; coolers costing $60 or less; and batteries costing $50 or less. See the full list of eligible items.]

Does Florida’s tax-free holidays apply to online purchases?

Florida residents can also take advantage of the tax-free weekend online. Tax-free shopping applies to all transactions that are accepted and confirmed by the retailer during the tax-free period (even if delivery happens later). However, according to Florida law, shipping and handling charges are part of the sales price of an item, even if they are stated separately. This means that an order of a $59 jacket with $5 shipping would not be tax exempt because the item exceeds the $60 apparel threshold. Pro Tip: Bypass this rule by adding a couple more items to your order – shipping and handling will be divided by the number of items in the order to determine tax exemption.

Learn more about tax-free shopping and see a list of other state’s tax-free holidays for 2021.

Using coupons during Florida’s tax-free week

Coupons and discounts can help you buy more items tax free during Tax Free Weekend. That’s because it’s the total paid the retailer — not the sticker price — that determines whether sales tax is waived. For example, if you want a $65 jacket, it would not be tax free because it’s above the $60 threshold. However, if you have a coupon for 10% off, the price would fall below $60, and you’d get the jacket tax free. Note that manufacturers’ coupons are different. Because the retailer is reimbursed for the amount of the discount, manufacturer coupons do notrender an item tax exempt, even if they bring the customer’s price down below the threshold.

Are layaway items tax free during Florida’s sales tax holidays?

Yes. However, you must place the item on layaway during Tax Free Weekend, or pick it up during that time frame.

Source: Offers
By: Kristin McGrath

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today continued an ongoing effort to help those experiencing homelessness by reminding people who don’t have a permanent address or a bank account that they may still qualify for stimulus payments and other credits, including the advance Child Tax Credit.

The agency is also asking for help from groups that assist vulnerable or underserved people who may have difficulty getting a stimulus payment automatically. Filing a 2020 tax return, even if people don’t have to, could put money in their pocket.

While the third round of Economic Impact Payments continue to be made automatically to most eligible people, the IRS can’t issue a payment to eligible Americans when information about them isn’t available in the tax agency’s systems.

To help people experiencing homelessness, the rural poor and other historically underserved groups, the IRS urges community groups, employers and others to share information about Economic Impact Payments, the upcoming advance Child Tax Credit and other tax details to help more eligible people file a tax return so they can receive everything to which they’re eligible.

Advance Child Tax Credit: Payments begin soon

The IRS and the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced earlier this week that the first monthly payment of the expanded and newly-advanceable Child Tax Credit (CTC) from the American Rescue Plan will be made on July 15. Roughly 39 million households—covering 88% of children in the United States—are slated to begin receiving monthly payments without any further action required.

IRS and Treasury also announced the increased CTC payments will be made on the 15th of each month unless the 15th falls on a weekend or holiday. Families who receive the credit by direct deposit can plan their budgets around receipt of the benefit. Eligible families will receive a payment of up to $300 per month for each child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each child age 6 and above.

The American Rescue Plan increased the maximum Child Tax Credit in 2021 to $3,600 for children under the age of 6 and to $3,000 per child for children between ages 6 and 17. The American Rescue Plan is projected to lift more than five million children out of poverty this year, cutting child poverty by more than half.

Households covering more than 65 million children will receive the monthly CTC payments through direct deposit, paper check, or debit cards, and IRS and Treasury are committed to maximizing the use of direct deposit to ensure fast and secure delivery. While most taxpayers will not be required to take any action to receive their payments, Treasury and the IRS will continue outreach efforts with partner organizations over the coming months to make more families aware of their eligibility.

How to help

The IRS urges community groups, employers and others to share information about the Child Tax Credit, Economic Impact Payments and other key programs to help more eligible people file a tax return so they can receive everything to which they’re eligible. IRS.gov has a variety of information and tools to help people.

Economic Impact Payments, also known as stimulus payments, are different from most other tax benefits; people are eligible for the payments even if they have little or no income and even if they don’t usually file a tax return. This is true as long as they have a Social Security number and are not being supported by someone else who can claim them as a dependent. For anyone who missed out on the first two rounds of payments, it’s not too late.

However, filing a 2020 tax return is the only way, if they’re eligible, to get the money from the first or second payment now. People will need to claim the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit. Most people who don’t usually file can use IRS Free File to provide very basic information. There’s even a special section on IRS.gov that can help: Claiming the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit if you aren’t required to file a tax return.

When the individual answers the questions in Free File, they may also find that they’re eligible for other tax credits which may mean a bigger refund. The IRS will process the tax return and issue a refund. The individual can expect two payments because the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit is paid as part of the tax refund. After the refund is issued, if they’re eligible, they’ll get another payment shortly afterward for the third Economic Impact Payment.

For the third round of payments, people who are experiencing homelessness may qualify to receive $1,400 for themselves. If they are married or have eligible dependents, they can get an additional $1,400 for each of their family members.

Filing a 2020 federal income tax return that provides very basic information about the person is something that can be done electronically using a smartphone or a computer. When the IRS receives the return, it will automatically calculate and issue the Economic Impact Payments to eligible individuals. People do not need a permanent address or a bank account. They don’t need to have a job. For eligible individuals, the IRS will still issue the payment even if they haven’t filed a tax return in years.

Permanent address not required

People can claim the Recovery Rebate Credit or other credits or get a third Economic Impact Payment even if they don’t have a permanent address. For example, someone experiencing homelessness may list the address of a friend, relative or trusted service provider, such as a shelter, drop-in day center or transitional housing program, on the return filed with the IRS. If they are unable to choose direct deposit, a check or debit card for the tax refund and the third Economic Impact Payment can then be mailed to this address.

For those with no bank account

Many financial institutions will help a person lacking an account to open a low-cost or no-cost bank account. Individuals who open accounts will then have an account and routing number available if they file and request a direct deposit of the Economic Impact Payment.

Visit the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) website for details, in both English and Spanish, on opening an account online. Among other things, people can use the FDIC’s BankFind tool to locate a nearby FDIC-insured bank. In addition, BankOn, the American Bankers Association, Independent Community Bankers of America and the National Credit Union Administration have all compiled lists of banks and credit unions that can open an account online.

For veterans, see the Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP) for access to financial services at participating banks.

People with a prepaid debit card may be able to have their refund applied to the card. Many reloadable prepaid cards or mobile payment apps have account and routing numbers that can be provided to the IRS. Individuals would need to check with the financial institution to ensure the card can be used and to obtain the routing number and account number, which may be different from the card number.

Workers experiencing homelessness can also receive the EITC

A worker experiencing homelessness might also qualify for an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). To get the credit, federal law requires that a worker live in the U.S. for more than half of the year and meet other requirements. This means living in a home in any of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. Therefore, individuals experiencing homelessness, including those who reside at one or more homeless shelters, can meet that requirement.

More details on the Earned Income Tax Credit

For people experiencing homelessness who have a job, filing a return often carries an added bonus—getting a refund based on various tax benefits, especially the EITC for low-and moderate-income workers and working families.

Like many other workers, some workers experiencing homelessness still qualify for the credit even if they earned too little income during 2020 to owe tax. For 2020, the income limit is $15,820 for singles with no children ($21,710 for couples with no children). The income limit is higher for people with children. For example, the limit is $50,594 for singles with three or more children ($56,844 for couples with three or more children). Those who make less must also meet other eligibility requirements.

Because it’s a refundable credit, those who qualify and claim the credit could pay less federal tax, pay no tax or even get a tax refund. The EITC can put up to $6,660 into a worker’s pocket. The amount varies depending upon the worker’s income, filing status and other factors.

The IRS recognizes that eligible workers experiencing homelessness often encounter unique challenges not faced by other people.

To find out if they’re eligible, people can use the EITC Assistant on IRS.gov. It’s available in both English and Spanish.

File for free

The fastest and easiest way to claim the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or to get the third Economic Impact Payment is to file a return electronically using IRS Free File. People can use a smartphone or computer to visit IRS.gov.

Through the Free File system, anyone who qualifies for the EITC also qualifies to use brand-name software to prepare and electronically file their return for free. The IRS urges anyone experiencing homelessness who has a smartphone or access to a computer to take advantage of this service.

Direct deposit speeds payments

Direct deposit is the safest and fastest way to receive a refund and the third Economic Impact Payment. People will need to include direct deposit information on their 2020 tax return to get their payment directly deposited.

Anyone with a savings, checking or brokerage account can choose to have their refund electronically deposited in that account. Taxpayers can also purchase U.S. Savings Bonds with their refund. Direct deposit is available even for people who file a paper tax return, but processing of paper returns takes longer.

Help spread the word

Employers can help by making their employees aware of the third Economic Impact Payment, 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit and Earned Income Tax and Child Tax Credit, and by encouraging them to file for these benefits based on tax year 2020 rules. In addition, the American Rescue Plan, enacted in March 2021, expands EITC and the Child Tax Credit benefits for the 2021 tax year.

Some people will be able to get advance payments of the Child Tax Credit later this year. There is nothing those who qualify need to do at this point other than file a 2020 tax return.

The IRS also continues to work extensively with community groups across the country to get people to file tax returns and receive all the Economic Impact Payments and credits they’re entitled to. These efforts helped lead to more than 8 million people last year to submit tax returns who normally don’t file.

For more information, check out the outreach material, available on IRS.gov.

Source: IRS – R-2021-116, May 19, 2021

The IRS is falling behind in processing millions of income tax returns, potentially delaying refunds for many Americans.

According to the Taxpayer Advocate Service, an independent arm of the IRS focused on tax filers’ rights, the agency is holding almost 31 million returns for manual processing just ahead of the May 17 tax-filing deadline. That backlog has grown by 2 million returns since mid-April, National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins told CBS MoneyWatch.

“I was hoping it would go down, but I’m not that optimistic,” she said of the logjam. “Taxpayers will continue to experience unusually long delays. I don’t think anyone wants to hear that, but that is the case.”

Collins had flagged the issue in an April 22 blog post, when the number of tax returns held up for manual processing had reached about 29 million. Some of those returns are paper tax filings from 2019, which the IRS got behind in processing due to the coronavirus pandemic last year. But much of the backlog also consists of 2020 tax returns, which are still flowing into the IRS.

Some of those newly filed tax returns are getting flagged by the IRS because of issues related to recent tax changes and federal stimulus checks, Collins said. One of those relates to the “Recovery Rebate Credit,” the line on Form 1040 that allows people to adjust their stimulus payments if they didn’t receive all the funds to which they were entitled. Some people are incorrectly filling out that line, typically by claiming the incorrect amount on the form.

In such instances, the IRS flags the return for review — that requires an employee to check the return against the agency’s record of stimulus payments. All that can add time to processing a tax return, which, in turn, means delays for taxpayers in getting their refunds.

About 1 in 3 people who have claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit have had their returns flagged for review by an employee, according to a May 6 report from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.

Collins expressed concern that the returns-processing backlog will continue to grow ahead of the May 17 filing deadline. So far, about 121 million tax returns have been filed out of the more than 160 million that are expected. The IRS has issued about 5 million fewer refunds so far this tax season compared with the same time last year, according to the agency’s statistics.

With more than 40 million taxpayers yet to file, it’s likely a portion of those returns will end up flagged for review — leaving those taxpayers with an unknown wait for their refunds, rather than the usual three-week turnaround.

“My tax person said he was shocked if I wouldn’t see my refund in 10 days, and it’s been over two months,” said Hillary Osborne, 41. She filed her 2020 tax return on February 27. So far, nothing. “I check ‘Where’s My Refund?,’ and it says it’s still being processed — I called the IRS after 21 days, and you can’t get through to anyone.”

Osborne, a single mother who works as a project administrator in Tennessee, said her refund should amount to more than $4,400, which will cover about four months of rent. She said her taxes are fairly simple, but she wondered if something about the stimulus checks have tied up her return.

For now she remains in limbo, with Osborne telling CBS MoneyWatch she’s been unable to reach anyone at the IRS. “I’m not happy,” she said. “I depend on that money.”

In limbo for a year

Some taxpayers are still in the dark due to tax returns filed last year, when the IRS shut down its offices as the pandemic took hold. Paper tax returns filed for the 2019 tax year were stored in trailers until IRS employees could get to them. As of March, the agency still had a backlog of 2.4 million paper returns from the 2019 tax year to process.

The IRS also must cope with the unprecedented health crisis with significantly fewer employees and less funding compared with a decade ago. The number of operations staff has fallen by almost a third since 2010, while overall funding has declined by more than 20%, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

The IRS said the agency is now opening mail within “normal timeframes,” and noted that it’s making progress on processing tax returns that were filed last year. As of April 23, it had a backlog of 1.3 million individual returns filed before 2021 to finish processing, an IRS spokesman told CBS MoneyWatch in an emailed statement.

One of those taxpayers is Eileen Mahoney, 63, an American who lives in London and who mailed her paper tax forms last year. She’s still waiting for her tax return to be processed. Although Mahoney said she wasn’t due a refund, she worries the issue is holding up her second and third stimulus checks — $600 and $1,400, respectively — which she has yet to receive.

“It is money I could well do with,” Mahoney said, noting that she was laid off from her job as a paralegal before COVID-19 hit. The stimulus checks would allow her and her husband to fix up their home in London and list it for sale, achieving a dream of moving to Galway, Ireland. She’s reached out to lawmakers and spent four hours and about $60 in overseas telephone charges to try to get through to the IRS, but hasn’t been able to find out where her 2019 tax return is, or when it might be processed.

“The fact I might have to wait 12 to 18 months for it is driving me insane,” Mahoney said. “This is not my fault — it’s the IRS’.”

Other taxpayers who spoke with CBS MoneyWatch about their return-processing delays also expressed frustration. Many have been unable to reach an IRS employees, an issue that’s carried over from last year, when only one in four callers got through to an actual person.

All expressed a desire to get two questions answered: Where is my tax return, and when will it be processed? Knowing some information — even if it’s learning that their tax return wouldn’t be processed for several months — is better than nothing, they said.

Collins of the Taxpayer Advocate Service agreed. “The IRS should do a better job of being more transparent even if it’s bad news,” she said. “Being in limbo is worse.”

Avoiding manual review?

Taxpayers who have yet to file should heed the issues that millions of taxpayers are currently facing, tax experts say. For one, file electronically if possible, which is something the IRS is also urging taxpayers to do given their backlog of paper tax returns.

If you have to file via paper — a requirement for people who live outside the U.S., as well as in some other cases — make sure to send it via certified mail with a required signature, said Lisa Greene-Lewis, a certified public accountant and TurboTax tax expert. Without that, you may not know whether the IRS received your return, she added.

People who are filing for the Recovery Rebate Credit should also check their records to make sure they are accurately noting the amount they received, Greene-Lewis said. If you can’t find the letters the IRS sent to confirm payment (forms 1444 and 1444-b), then check your bank and deposit records, she recommended.