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

  Tax practitioners are still waiting for the IRS to accelerate their notice letters and accompanying collection actions, after announcing earlier this year that the notices would resume their Covid hiatus, after tax season. So far, no acceleration.   The Texas Comptroller has filled that void, sending notices of sales tax audits to many more taxpayers. I base this on the number of calls my office has received from taxpayers who have received notices of a sales tax audit.   So, let’s take a moment to review a few things to keep in mind when dealing with the Texas Comptroller, just in case you receive that audit letter. 1. The Comptroller staff are professional, efficient, well-managed, very knowledgeable, etc., etc. You get the picture – you’re dealing with a well-run machine and one that knows their subject matter like the back of their hand. Taxpayers must be prepared when dealing with them. 2.     2. W hile payment plans are available, they will not discount the amount d

  What to Expect During Your IRS Appointment: A Step-by-Step Guide Dealing with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can be an intimidating experience for many people, especially if it's your first time. Whether you're facing an audit or simply need to resolve a tax issue, it's natural to feel nervous and unsure about what to expect. Fortunately, with a bit of preparation and a clear understanding of the process, you can approach your IRS appointment with confidence. In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through what to expect during your IRS appointment, from the initial scheduling to the final resolution of your tax issue. We'll cover everything from what documents to bring with you to how to handle difficult questions from the IRS agent. So if you're feeling anxious about your upcoming IRS appointment, take a deep breath and read on – we've got you covered. Types of IRS appointments The IRS offers different types of appointments depending on the

  How to Expedite Your IRS Amended Return and Get Your Refund Faster Have you recently discovered an error on your tax return that could potentially affect your refund? Filing an amended return with the IRS can seem like a daunting task, but fear not! With a few simple tips and tricks, you can expedite the process and receive your refund faster than you may have thought possible. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to take to ensure your amended return is processed quickly and efficiently. From gathering the necessary documentation to understanding the IRS processing times, we have you covered. Don't let the thought of filing an amended return stress you out any longer - read on to learn how to expedite the process and get your refund in your hands as soon as possible. Reasons for Amending Your Tax Return There are several reasons you might need to amend your tax return. Here are a few common ones: - You received a corrected W-2 or 1099 after you filed your

 I filed my return, so where's my refund? The IRS has a great tool to find out the status of your return and your refund. This is their website with the tool.  You will need the following information: Tax Year. SSN Filing Status Refund Amount as shown on your return. This is also a great opportunity for you to set up your ID.Me account . There are many benefits to establishing this account - one of which is access to your IRS records. Many other governmental agencies are using this as a starting point to access their online services as well.  I suggest taking the time to set up this account now. It does take some time and can be slightly frustrating, but you'll be glad you got it done so that you can access many other governmental portals.  Still have questions? Drop me a line at this link and I will be happy to get back you.  Good Luck!

  Preface – COVID changed many things for many people – working from home and staffing shortages among them. Now, as employers are living in a post-COVID world, things are getting back to normal. Workers are returning to their offices and staffing levels are back at normal levels.  This also holds true for the IRS. Their staffing levels are back at pre-COVID numbers, and they are finished processing the incredible back-log of returns they’ve had for the last couple of years. This means that Collection letters are back, as well as stepped-up compliance enforcement levels.  Be proactive and contact me today to get in front of your IRS issues.  As the old adage goes, there are only two things certain in life: death and taxes. For many taxpayers, however, the latter can be a source of significant stress and anxiety. This is particularly true for those who find themselves with delinquent tax accounts, facing the prospect of penalties and interest charges that can quickly add up and create

  The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Fresh Start Program is a program that is designed to help taxpayers who are struggling to pay their taxes. This program provides relief to individuals and businesses who are facing financial hardship and cannot pay their taxes in full. The Fresh Start Program offers various options to taxpayers, such as installment agreements, penalty abatement, and offers in compromise. Installment agreements are payment plans that allow taxpayers to pay their tax debt in smaller, more manageable amounts. Under this program, taxpayers can make monthly payments to the IRS until their tax debt is paid in full. The IRS offers different types of installment agreements, including guaranteed, streamlined, and regular installment agreements. Guaranteed installment agreements are available to taxpayers who owe $10,000 or less in taxes and have filed all of their tax returns. Streamlined installment agreements are available to taxpayers who owe $50,000 or less in taxes and

  If you're an independent consultant, you know how important it is to keep your tax obligations and deductions in order. Navigating the complex world of taxes can be overwhelming, but fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize your tax liability and maximize your earnings.   Our comprehensive guide " Mastering Consultant Tax" is designed to help you do just that. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know to stay compliant with IRS regulations while minimizing your tax burden. Here are some of the highlights:   Defining Independent Consultants   We begin by defining what we mean by independent consultants. We explain the difference between independent contractors and employees, and discuss the IRS standards for determining which category you fall into.   Tax Obligations   We then dive into your tax obligations as an independent consultant. We explain the different types of taxes you may be responsible for, including federal and