Martin Cantu, EA - Tax Consultant - Tax Relief Services Blog

Just a reminder to be aware of phone scammers posing as IRS agents in the hopes of stealing your money or accessing your personal information. Scammers love to prey on the elderly, so please take extra precautions for those members of your family that are elderly. Keep in mind that any demographic with a land line and that may have contributed or subscribed to a group in the past is more likely to land on a phone list used by scammers. The elderly are more likely to have donated to political or charitable campaign, or receive frequent callers from insurance, medical or other solicitors. Sometimes its easy to get confused. Here are several things the IRS will never do: · Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Generally, the IRS will first mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes. · Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested

The income tax filing season has begun and important tax documents should be arriving in your mailbox. Even though your return is not due until April, you can make tax time easier on yourself with an early start. Here are the Internal Revenue Service’s top 10 tips to ensure a smooth tax-filing process. For more questions contact the Law Office of Martin Cantu . 1. Gather your records. Round up any documents you’ll need when filing your taxes: receipts, canceled checks and other documents that support income or deductions you’re claiming on your return. 2. Be on the lookout W-2s and 1099s will be coming soon; you’ll need these to file your tax return. 3. Have a question? Use the Interactive Tax Assistant available on the IRS website to find answers to your tax questions about credits, deductions, general filing questions and more. 4. Use Free File. Let Free File do the hard work for you with brand-name tax software or online fillable forms. It's available e

Six Year-End Tips to Reduce 2011 Taxes Here are six tax-saving tips for you to consider before the calendar turns to 2012: 1. Make Charitable Contributions – If you itemize deductions, your donations must be made to qualified charities no later than Dec. 31 to be deductible for 2011. You must have a canceled check, a bank statement, credit card statement or a written statement from the charity, showing the name of the charity and the date and amount of the contribution for all cash donations. Donations charged to a credit card by Dec. 31 are deductible for 2011, even if the bill isn't paid until 2012. If you donate clothing or household items, they must be in good used condition or better to be deductible. 2. Install Energy-Efficient Home Improvements – You still have time this year to make energy-saving and green-energy home improvements and qualify for either of two home energy credits. Installing energy efficient improvements such as insulation, new windows