Monday, January 11, 2010

Questions for the Tax Lady: January 11th, 2010

Check out the following new Questions for the Tax Lady answers and feel free to ask me questions through one of the links below. You can send me an email, direct message or @ reply, and I will do my best to get an answer for you!



Question #1: What is the Taxpayer Advocate Service

Answer: The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) describes itself as “an independent organization within the IRS,” that helps mediate the resolution of tax debts. It is a free service offered by the Federal government, but not every taxpayer with back taxes will qualify for TAS assistance. You must meet certain income requirements and be able to prove that you are experiencing an economic burden because of the IRS collections. You can contact the TAS by calling 1-877-777-4778.

Question #2: What is the Earned Income Tax Credit, and how do I know if I qualify for it?

Answer: The Earned Income Tax Credit is a tax credit available to low income workers who may or may not have qualifying children living with them. It was designed to encourage low wage workers, while offsetting the burden of payroll taxes. Since it is a credit, not a deduction, the Earned Income Tax Credit can be subtracted directly from what you owe. For more information, including rules about qualifying, check out this article on bankrate.com.