Thinking about income taxes should not just be an end-of-year or pre-April-15-panic occurrence. The well-informed taxpayer will think about these seven mid-year tax tips that could help save on his next income tax filing, as well as yours.
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Q: I’m concerned. I was sure I paid my income tax this year when I filed, but I have just received a call from someone saying they are an authorized IRS collection agent and I need to pay a small balance now due ($350). The agent said I should pay by prepaid debit card. What do you recommend?
– Bailey J., Private Business Owner
Akron, OH
Traditionally, taxpayers have been able to deduct mortgage interest paid on mortgages of up to $1 million and Home Equity Lines of Credit of up to $100,000, for a total of $1.1 million in debt upon which mortgage interest paid can potentially be deductible. 
These rules apply to both single and married filing joint taxpayers. Taxpayers married filing separate will see the qualifying debt limits reduced by half ($500,000 mortgage and $50,000 Home Equity Line of Credit).
There have been several situations in which taxpayers have struggled to find common ground with the IRS, including
For many, being in the position to either sell your primary residence or rent the property is a powerful one. Rental income can be a great additional source of income and the investment, if managed properly against the rest of one’s financial portfolio, can contribute to a nice tax shelter.
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The midway mark in the calendar year signifies a checkpoint for the Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC). The BWC Annual True-up reports are due soon and while many companies are ready, some may still be a little fuzzy about the new process and timeline. 
This is the second year for annual True-up reporting. Most private employers are on a bi-monthly payment installment schedule (other than the minimum payers). If employers wish to elect a monthly installment option, they can make the change annually prior to the start of the new policy year,
Partner Sue Krantz and Audit & Assurance Manager Chris Valponi were just two of the many folks who attended the opening of Land Studio’s “Dialogue” in the Eastman Reading Garden at the Cleveland Public Library. 
As summer winds down, many parents are now facing the reality of what their summer child care costs actually totaled. Surprisingly, it is quite significant. When registering little Timmy for day camp back in the spring, the $250 early-bird fee seemed so insignificant. In addition to the weekly cost of camp, there were a variety of incidental costs, such as concession stand monies, field trip fees, souvenir dollars and three replacement swim goggles that contributed to a very shocking bottom line.
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WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today that unclaimed federal income tax refunds totaling more than $1 billion may be waiting for an estimated 1 million taxpayers who did not file a 2013 federal income tax return.
For many taxpayers, the dread of gathering information, preparing a tax return, and filing it is tedious and time consuming. However, just as the sun shines brightest after a rain, cheers and smiles replace the angst of prep when the tax refund check makes its way to the bank account.
“I’m going to … take a trip, buy a TV, go shopping…” After all, a common thought when receiving the refund is “it’s my money AND it is a refund! I should live a little.”
If you discover an error after filing your return, you may need to amend your return. The IRS may correct mathematical or clerical errors on a return and may accept returns without certain required forms or schedules. 
In these instances, there’s no need to amend your return. However, do file an amended return if there’s a change in your filing status, income, deductions, or credits. Use Form 1040X (PDF), Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to correct a previously filed Form 1040 (PDF), Form 1040A (PDF), Form 1040EZ (PDF), Form 1040NR (PDF), Form 1040NR-EZ (PDF), or to change amounts previously adjusted by the IRS.
You can also use Form 1040X to make a claim for a carryback due to a loss or unused credit; however, you may also be able to use Form 1045 (PDF), Application for Tentative Refund, instead of Form 1040X. Also, if the Form 8938 (PDF), Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets, applies to you, file it with an annual return or an amended return. See the Form 8938 Instructions for more information.
Learn more about income tax planning from the Zinner & Co. tax team
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