As expected, the state of Tennessee Department of Revenue followed the lead of the IRS and moved the Franchise and Excise tax filing deadline and payment due date from April 15th to July 15th.  This includes quarterly estimated payments due April 15th.  The extension due date will remain October 15th per the notice.  Click here to read the notice from the Tennessee Department of Revenue.  

On March 21, the IRS moved the due date for all April income tax filings and payments due from April 15th to July 15th.  No action is required by the filer to receive the extended due date.  This applies to the first estimated payment due April 15th as well.  It is expected that most states will follow the lead of the IRS and move their due date as well.  When this is confirmed, we will post here on our website.  Click here to view the IRS notice.

The IRS and the Tennessee Department of Revenue have provided relief to those areas affected by the recent tornadoes.  The Federal Government declared Davidson County, Putnam County and Wilson County as Federal Disaster Areas after the tornadoes.  As a result, the IRS and state of Tennessee have moved the due date for selected returns for residents of these counties from April 15 to July 15.  Residents of these counties do not need to take any action to receive the extended date.  This applies to Federal Form 1040, Federal Form 1041, Federal Form 1120, Federal Form 941, Federal Form 990, Tennessee Form FAE 170, Tennessee Form INC 250 and all estimated tax payments, federal and state.  Click here for the IRS notice for further details.  Click here for the TDOR notice for state specific details.

If you feel like you've heard this before, well you very likely have.  The IRS has modified the just recently modified W4 form and calculator in an effort to simplify determining proper tax withholding for the tax year.  If your taxes are relatively simple, then you probably don't need to make any changes.  However, if your tax situation involves spousal income, dependents, child credits and/or other deductions; then it is a good idea to take a look at your withholding early in the year rather than later.  Kiplinger.com has an explanation of the changes to the W4, click here to view their story.  If you want to go straight to the IRS calculator click here.  If your mind is spinning after visiting one or both sites, contact us.

As the end of the year closes in, the IRS reminds us to be diligent about tax scams.  It's easy for complacency to creep in as we read stories of how others were scammed and think I would never fall for that.  The reality is that as scams are exposed, the scammers become more sophisticated and better at disguising their intentions.  The IRS has provided the latest scam methods on their website for us to be aware of.  Click here to see the links and learn more how to protect yourself.

If you love examining and comparing tax situations for different events or time periods, you're in luck. Kiplinger.com has published a comparison of the tax tables for 2019 with 2018 so you can greet April 15, 2020 with anticipation rather than dread.  The changes are modest but the brackets have been updated to account for inflation.  Click here to view the brackets and put your pencils to work.

The IRS continues to work to catch up to the changes imposed on the tax system by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).  In early August, the service announced the release of a revised Withholding Calculator to better estimate tax liability after the changes.   Many people were surprised that their refunds were much smaller or even worse, they owed taxes with their returns when filing for 2018 due to the new withholding tables being implemented midsummer last year.  If you are interested in using the new calculator, click here to visit the IRS site.   

Even though we are out of the tax filing season (for those who filed by the deadline rather than extend their due date) and our conversation is filled more with tropical storms and "feels like temperatures", the IRS recently published tips for activities that commonly occur during summer but aren't at the forefront of thought.  From weddings to house purchases, there are actions to take now to ensure a smoother tax season in 2019.  Click here to see what the IRS is focused on right now.

On June 5, 2019 the IRS released it's latest update on scams with the warning that being alert for tax scams is a year round pursuit.  The IRS identifies two new scams and gives basic pointers on methods that the service will/won't use to contact you.  Click here to see the latest from the IRS on these topics.

The IRS recently released their inflation adjusted deduction limits for contributions for 2020.  The limits are increased $50 for individuals and $100 for families.  Click here for a detailed explanation from the Journal of Accountancy.​