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Posts By: Zinner & Co. Tax Department
IRS Offers Last-Minute Filing Tips

IRS Offers Last-Minute Filing Tips

by | 26 Dec | , ,

From IRS.gov 

IR-2017-80, April 12, 2017                                                                   

WASHINGTON — With the April 18 deadline fast approaching, the Internal Revenue Service today offered taxpayers still working on their 2016 taxes a number of tips.taxes due Zinner Cleveland CPA.png

The IRS encourages taxpayers to file electronically. Doing so, whether through e-file or IRS Free File, vastly reduces tax return errors, as the tax software does the calculations, flags common errors and prompts taxpayers for missing information. And best of all, there is a free option for everyone. Whether filing electronically or on paper, be sure to keep a copy of your tax return.

In addition, the IRS offers these last-minute tips:

read more…
Trick? How to Know if the Knock on Your Door is Actually Someone from the IRS

Trick? How to Know if the Knock on Your Door is Actually Someone from the IRS

by | 26 Dec | ,

Every Halloween, children knock on doors pretending they are everything from superheroes to movie stars. Scammers, on the other hand, don’t leave their impersonations to one day. They can happen any time of the year.Cleveland CPAs make taxes less scary.jpeg

People can avoid taking the bait and falling victim to a scam by knowing how and when the IRS does contact a taxpayer in person. 

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Where’s My Refund? Impatient or important,  when to call the IRS

Where’s My Refund? Impatient or important,  when to call the IRS

by | 26 Dec | ,

If you are a taxpayer who has filed their income tax early, you may be wondering what is taking your IRS refund so long. It seems waiting for the refund becomes a test of patience. But when should your patience give way to persistence and determine when to make a call to the IRS?  Zinner CPAs help you file your taxes .jpeg

According to the IRS.gov,  the IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days, although some require additional time. You should only call if it has been: read more…
Fraudulent Filers Keep Tax-return Identity Theft as One of the IRS’ “Dirty Dozen” Scams

Fraudulent Filers Keep Tax-return Identity Theft as One of the IRS’ “Dirty Dozen” Scams

by | 26 Dec | , , ,

Even though reports of tax-related identity theft have declined markedly in recent years, the Internal Revenue Service warns that this practice is still widespread and remains serious enough to earn a spot on the agency’s annual “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams.Cleveland CPA firm Zinner & Co helps people who may be victims of identity theft.jpeg

The Dirty Dozen is compiled each year by the IRS and outlines a variety of common scams taxpayers may encounter any time during the year. Many of these cons peak during filing season as people prepare their tax returns.

Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses a stolen Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to file a fraudulent tax return claiming a refund. read more…

The Lost or Misplaced Trust Agreement

The Lost or Misplaced Trust Agreement

by | 8 Nov | ,

One of the first things we ask for when we obtain a new trust client is “Can you provide us with a copy of the trust agreement?”

You’d be surprised that, sometimes, the answer is, “I’m not sure where it is and I’ll have to find it and send it over later,” or, “It was created by Mom or Dad’s estate and I don’t have a copy,” and worst yet, “I’ve lost it and don’t have another copy”.

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Get Schooled Before Filing Your FAFSA

Get Schooled Before Filing Your FAFSA

by | 31 Oct |

If you are a parent of a soon-to-be college student or perhaps thinking of attending or completing your education, you will want to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as a FAFSA. 

But where to start? As they say, knowledge is power! For many, the FAFSA, and the process of completing a FAFSA, can be confusing. graduation girl holding her diploma with pride.jpeg

Lessening the confusion
First, take time to navigate through the FAFSA website. Unfortunately, a simple Google search with the terms FAFSA will return sites that may or may not be accurate.

read more…
8 Tax Issues to Consider When Your Spouse Dies

8 Tax Issues to Consider When Your Spouse Dies

by | 31 Oct |

It goes without saying that the death of one’s spouse is typically an extremely difficult emotional trauma.  When one loses a spouse, the last thing on the surviving spouse’s mind is the tax issues to be addressed. 
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Nonetheless, the passing of one’s spouse will likely lead to certain federal income tax tasks and responsibilities. Among other things, you’ll need to learn the proper procedure for filing and signing your spouse’s final income tax return, and you’ll need to review the applicable filing status rules.  Certain other tax issues may also come into play, which will also be discussed.

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About Us

Since 1938, Zinner has counseled individuals and businesses from start-up to succession. At Zinner, we strive to ensure we understand your business and recognize threats that could impact your financial situation.

Recent Blog Posts

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