When Should I File Taxes

Efile Your Clients Return

If youre a tax professional, the Efile program makes it easy to submit tax returns for your clients. To use this method, you must register to get an Efile number you have to renew your registration each year.

To register, youll need to provide information about your tax preparation business, as well as contact information, and details of how you plan to keep your clients data confidential. Your profile undergoes a suitability evaluation by the CRA to ensure that your business is reliable and has not engaged in questionable business practices, especially with regard to filing taxes.

Your clients will have to sign :

• : known previously as T1013 it allows you to get your clients information from CRA by phone, internet, or both. You will need this form signed and approved before you start the tax return.
• T183 form: your client will have to sign this form to declare that they have reported the correct and complete information and that you are authorized to file their returns electronically.

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Overview Of The American Tax System

Americans and others residing within this country must pay taxes to the state and federal government, and theprocess is completed through an agency called the Internal Revenue Service . Usually when someone earns money aportion of it is automatically deducted and sent directly to the government. Organizations that pay individuals senda summary of how much money they paid you every January or so, as well as how much of that was sent to thegovernment. The purpose of filing your tax return is to report all your sources of income to the government, whatyou already paid, and what you still owe. It is also an opportunity to claim deductions or exemptions you mayqualify for. At the end of the process, you calculate how much in total you should have paid. If you paid more thanwhat you owe during the year, you get a refund. On the other hand, if you didn’t pay enough, you have to pay thedifference.

When Can I File An Amended Return

You must wait until the IRS has processed your tax return before making corrections. If you are expecting a tax refund, wait until you receive it before filing an amended return.

An amended return can be filed either within 3 years after the date you filed your original return or within 2 years after the date you paid any tax owed, whichever comes later.

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When A Dependent May Need To File A Tax Return

Taxpayers who are claimed as a dependent on someone’s tax return are subject to different IRS filing requirements, regardless of whether they are children or adults. A tax return is necessary when their earned income is more than their standard deduction.

The standard deduction for single dependents who are under age 65 and not blind is the greater of:

• $1,100 in 2021
• Or the sum of $350 + the person’s earned income, up to the standard deduction for an unclaimed single taxpayer which is $12,550 in 2021.

A dependent’s income can be “unearned” when it comes from sources such as dividends and interest. When a dependent’s unearned income is greater than $1,100 in 2021, the dependent must file a tax return.

You Must File An Income Tax Return If:

• You owe tax to the CRA.
• Youve participated in the Home Buyers Plan or Lifelong Learning Plan and have repayments owing.
• You disposed of capital property. If you sold your home, you must file a tax return even if you dont have to pay capital gains tax on the sale .
• You have received a Canada Workers Benefit advance payments in the tax year.
• The CRA has sent you a Request to File.
• If the CRA has sent you a Demand to File, then that means they are serious about your lack of filing and you had better get to it.

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Penalties For Not Paying Your Taxes

Even if you file an extension to submit your tax return, you must pay any estimated tax you owe by April 15, 2022. If you do not pay your taxes, you will be charged a penalty and owe interest on any unpaid balance.

The penalty for failing to pay your taxes by the due date is 0.5 percent of your unpaid tax for each month or part of a month that your return is late. This penalty is capped at 25 percent of late unpaid taxes. If you file your return on time and request to pay by an installment agreement, the penalty drops to 0.25 percent for each month or part of a month of the installment agreement.

Youre also charged interest on the unpaid balance, which compounds daily. The rate is set each quarter and is based on the federal short-term rate, plus an additional 3 percent.

If you owe taxes and dont file your return on time, youll be charged a penalty for failing to file. This is usually 5 percent of the tax owed for each month or part of a month your return is late. This penalty is also capped at 25 percent.

What If I Only Receive Social Security Benefits

In most cases, if you only receive Social Security benefits you wouldn’t have any taxable income and wouldn’t need to file a tax return.

One catch with Social Security benefits is if you are married but file a separate tax return from your spouse who you lived with during the year. Then you will always have to include at least some of your Social Security benefits in your taxable income to see if it is greater than your standard deduction.

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Consider Your Gross Income Thresholds

Most taxpayers are eligible to take the standard deduction. The standard tax deduction amounts that you’re eligible for are primarily determined by your age and filing status. These amounts are set by the government before the tax filing season and generally increase for inflation each year.

The standard deduction, along with other available deductions, reduces your income to determine how much of your income is taxable. As long as you don’t have a type of income that requires you to file a return for other reasons, like self-employment income, generally you don’t need to file a return as long as your income is less than your standard deduction.

For example, in 2021, you don’t need to file a tax return if all of the following are true for you:

• Under age 65
• Don’t have any special circumstances that require you to file
• Earn less than $12,550

When You May Want To Submit A Tax Return To Claim A Tax Refund

With all the above being said, there are years when you might not be required to file a tax return but may want to. If you have federal taxes withheld from your paycheck, the only way you can receive a tax refund when too much was withheld is if you file a tax return.

• For example, if you are a single taxpayer who earns $2,500 during the year, with $300 withheld for federal tax, then you are entitled to a refund for the entire $300 since you earned less than the standard deduction.
• The IRS doesn’t automatically issue refunds without a tax return, so if you want to claim any tax refund due to you, then you should file one.

Remember, with TurboTax, we’ll ask you simple questions about your life and help you fill out all the right tax forms. With TurboTax you can be confident your taxes are done right, from simple to complex tax returns, no matter what your situation.

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Getting Someone To Help You With Your Tax Return

There are several ways you can ask for help with your tax return. You can appoint a relative, friend or an accredited accountant to complete and send your tax return to HMRC on your behalf.

If you decide this is the best option for you, you will need to notify HMRC.

Even if you authorise someone to act on your behalf, it is still your responsibility to make sure your tax return is correctly completed and submitted on time.

Can I Refile My Taxes If I Made A Mistake

should you send if you tax return and then discover you made a mistake? Filing an amended tax return using Form 1040-X will make your tax situation more efficient. Making changes to your tax return may allow you to take a tax break you were unable to capitalize the first time you did so or to fix an error you might notice higher taxes.

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Using Commercial Tax Software

Another option is to use commercially available tax software. Some options include TaxAct, TurboTax and even H& R Block. Tax software prices vary greatly, from free to roughly $200.

Some of this software only offers guidance, but others offer the ability to get live help for an extra cost. Plus, some offer an audit protection option that helps you through the audit process if the IRS chooses to take a deeper look into your taxes.

Pros of commercial tax software

Commercial tax software has many pros, including:

• Many options: There are so many tax software options to pick from, its likely one of them will fit your needs

• Free options: Some offer the Free File option if your AGI meets the required level.

• Live help: Some software also offers live help from a tax professional for an additional fee. This gives you the ability to make sure your taxes are done right the first time.

• Loads of other options: Tax software generally has many other options to pick from, including audit protection, identity theft protection, fast-refund loans and more. This makes them highly customizable to your needs.

• Scheduling: You can do the filing on your schedule instead of aligning with a tax professional’s busy calendar during the tax filing season.

Cons of commercial tax software

The upsides make commercial tax software seem like a perfect option, but you must consider a few downsides, including:

Filing Your Tax Return

What you need to know about filing your personal income tax and benefit return.

Get help this tax season with the Ontario Child Care Tax Credit and the Low-Income Workers Tax Credit.

Save your receipts for the new Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit in 2021, which you can apply for during the 2022 tax season.

You may be eligible for tax credits and benefits to help you with living costs.

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When To File Taxes: Should You Always Try To Be Early

OVERVIEW

While the most common advice is to file your taxes as early as possible, is that always the wisest choice? Depending on your situation, it might actually be more beneficial to wait in order to file the most accurate return. Here’s what you need to know to decide when to file taxes.

For information on the third coronavirus relief package, please visit our American Rescue Plan: What Does it Mean for You and a Third Stimulus Check blog post.

Each year, millions of Americans file their tax returns to report their taxable income to the federal government and reconcile their tax bill. In 2019, nearly 72% of filed returns resulted in a tax refund of almost $2,900. Because this money belongs to you and does not accrue interest, filing sooner rather than later to put this money in your pocket makes good financial sense.

For most, the best choice is to file taxes early or at least as soon as you can. This way:

• The IRS may process your return and agree on your tax liability sooner.
• You will know sooner if you owe and have more time to save money.
• You can assess whether you need to file an amended return if you have discovered an error or omission.

Let’s walk through some of the considerations you should make when trying to decide when to file taxes.

Do You Need To File A Tax Return

Here’s how to figure out if you should file a tax return this year:

• Look at your income to see if you made the minimum required to file a tax return
• Decide which filing status is best for you
• If you’re retired, find out if your retirement income is taxable
• Find out if you qualify to claim certain to lower the amount of tax you owe
• Use the Interactive Tax Assistant to see if you need to file

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Learn The Rules About When A Child Must File A Tax Return Because Of Earned And Unearned Income

By Stephen Fishman, J.D.

Sometimes one or more of your children will need to file their own tax returns. This can be true even though they are still your dependents for tax purposes. Generally, a child is responsible for filing his or her own tax return and paying any tax, penalties, or interest on that return. However, if your child does not pay the tax due on this income, the parents may be liable for the tax. Moreover, if a child cannot file his or her return for any reason, such as age, the child’s parent or guardian is responsible for filing a return on the child’s behalf.

What Could Cause A Refund Delay

There are countless reasons your tax refund could be delayed. Weve outlined some common instances where a delay could occur:

• If you file a paper return, the IRS says you should allow about six weeks to receive your refund.
• If the IRS mails you a physical check, you will receive a check through the mail.
• If you file Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation, it could take up to 14 weeks to process your tax return.
• If your identity has been stolen and another return was filed with your social security number, it could take longer for the IRS to sort out the situation.
• If you owe a debt, like unpaid child support, your refund could be offset to pay part or all of it.

Each of the possibilities above could cause a delay or prevent receiving the refund altogether. Its important to note that each individuals tax scenario is unique and no two filings are handled exactly the same.

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Can I Amend A Return From 5 Years Ago

You dont want to wait. Do not delay. In any calendar year, amended returns may be filed by you or the IRS may reject them if you file the return after the date the tax was due. The filing of an amended return cant be e-filed. The amended return may be prepared online, but it cannot be electronically filed.

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Making Money In Canada

Your Canadian residency status doesnt affect whether or not you have to file a Canadian income tax return, however, it does affect how you file your taxes, what income you need to report, and the availability of certain credits or deductions. If you meet any of the CRAs criteria listed above, for example, you have to file a tax return regardless of your residency status.

If you live in another country but receive income from a business you own in Canada, or from investments you have in Canada or if you have property in Canada, then you will need to file an income tax return.

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When Can I File My Taxes 2022 Tax Filing Deadline

One of the most important things to remember as a taxpayer are the deadlines for filing your taxes. The Canada Revenue Agency sets strict due dates for returns and payments. Filing your return on time helps you avoid any interest or penalties and get your refund earlier. Weve rounded up all the major dates that matter for your taxes to make this season stress-free.

Key Takeaways

Should A Return Be Filed Even If Not Required

Even if your child does not meet any of the filing requirements discussed, he or she should file a tax return if income tax was withheld from his or her income, or he or she qualifies for the earned income credit, additional child tax credit, health coverage tax credit, refundable credit for prior year minimum tax, first-time home buyer credit, adoption credit, or refundable American opportunity education credit. See the tax return instructions to find out who qualifies for these credits. By filing a return, your child can get a refund.

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Does My Child Need To File A Tax Return 2019

The only thing the earnings of a child have to do is file a return within a year if that the total exceeds the standard deduction. It is now possible for children to earn up to $12,550 without paying income taxes. An individual with a dependent child can claim an additional deduction of $12,500 under the following income level: $400 earned income plus $400.