Want to jump start your child's retirement with a million dollar tax-free account? Consider this:


The million dollar idea
As soon as your child begins to earn income, open a Roth IRA and set a contribution goal to reach before they graduate from high school. Assuming an 8% expected rate of return, the investments made by age 19 will grow to FORTY times its value by the time they reach 67 (current full retirement age). For example, $2,500 invested before graduation will be $100,000 at retirement. If you can bump that up to a $25,000 investment before graduation, at retirement it will be worth $1 million!


Why it works
Compounding interest occurs when interest is earned on the interest generated from the initial contribution. The more time the investment has to grow, the more exponential growth will occur. By starting to save prior to graduating from high school, the investment will have almost fifty years of compounding growth.
Even better, while contributions to Roth IRA's must be after-tax contributions, any earnings are TAX-FREE as long as the rules are followed! Simple to say, but how do you get $25,000 into a child's Roth IRA? Here are some tips.
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Tips to achieve the goal

• Hire your child. Roth IRA contributions are limited to the amount of income your child earns, so earned income is key. If you own a business or even make some money on the side, consider hiring your child to help with cleaning the office, filing or other tasks they can handle.
• Look for acceptable young-age work ideas. Babysitting, yard work, walking pets, shoveling, and lawn work are all good ideas to get your child earning income at a younger age. Cash-based income is harder to prove, so don't forget to keep track of the income and consider filing a tax return, even if not required.
• Leverage high school years. Ages 15 through 18 will be when your child has their highest earning potential before graduation. Summer jobs, internships and part-time jobs during the school year can produce a consistent income flow to contribute to their Roth IRA and still provide spending money.
• Parent or grandparent matching idea. The income earned by your child doesn't have to be directly contributed by them to the Roth IRA – it simply sets the contribution limit. Make a deal that for every dollar of income your child saves for college, a parent or grandparent contributes a matching amount to their Roth account. It can be a college and retirement savings in one!

By helping your child get a head start on saving, it should ease any anxiety regarding retirement and help them focus on school, starting their career, and other personal development goals.

"Tax Tips" are published to provide current tax information, tax-cutting suggestions, and tax reminders. If you would like more information on anything in "Tax Tips," or if you'd like to be on our mailing list to receive other tax information from time to time, please contact our office.
The tax information contained in this site is of a general nature and should not be acted upon in your specific situation without further details and/or professional assistance.
We are trusted CPA advisors servicing Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Willowbrook, Darien, Naperville, and all Chicagoland area. 
Do you need assistance with your business and/or personal tax returns? Would you like to have a trusted source for your accounting, allowing you additional time to focus on increasing your business? Do you use QuickBooks, or plan to in the future, for your accounting? We include these in all our service packages, customized to fit your personal or business needs.  
We are currently accepting new clients. Your initial consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Our experienced staff is available to help you streamline your accounting, giving you more free time for yourself. Set up an appointment today by calling (630) 320-3720 or email us at [email protected]. 
 
For more free resources, such as Tax Organizers, and Record Retention Schedules, access our website www.monarchaccountinggroup.com.

Mia Verc, CPA;  Janice Papais, CPA

The educator expense deduction allows eligible teachers and administrators to deduct part of the cost of technology, supplies and training from their taxes. They can only claim this deduction for expenses that were not reimbursed by their employer, a grant or other source.


Who is an eligible educator
The taxpayer must be a kindergarten through grade 12 teacher, instructor, counselor, principal, or aide. They must also work at least 900 hours a school year in a school that provides elementary or secondary education as determined under state law.


Things to know about this deduction
Educators can deduct up to $250 of trade or business expenses that were not reimbursed. As taxpayers prepare to file, they should remember to keep receipts after making any purchase to support claiming this deduction with their tax records.
The deduction is $500 if both taxpayers are eligible educators and file their return using the status married filing jointly. These taxpayers cannot deduct more than $250 each. Qualified expenses are the amounts the taxpayer paid with their own funds during the tax year.


Here are some of the expenses an educator can deduct:
• Professional development course fees
• Books
• Supplies
• Computer equipment, including related software and services
• Other equipment and materials used in the classroom
• Personal protective equipment, disinfectant, and other supplies used for the prevention of the spread of coronavirus


Expenses for COVID-19 protective items.
These items include, but are not limited to:
• Face masks
• Disinfectant for use against COVID-19
• Hand soap
• Hand sanitizer
• Disposable gloves
• Tape, paint, or chalk to guide social distancing
• Physical barriers, such as clear plexiglass
• Air purifiers
• Other items recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to be used for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19
​

This deduction is for unreimbursed expenses paid or incurred during the 2021 tax year. Taxpayers should keep records, such as receipts and other documents that support the deduction with other tax documents. Eligible taxpayers will claim the deduction on Form 1040, Form 1040-SR or Form 1040-NR, attaching Schedule 1, Additional Income and Adjustments to Income. 
Share this tip on social media - #IRSTaxTip: Filing season reminder for teachers: Some educator expenses may be tax deductible https://go.usa.gov/xtzsN

"Tax Tips" are published to provide current tax information, tax-cutting suggestions, and tax reminders. If you would like more information on anything in "Tax Tips," or if you'd like to be on our mailing list to receive other tax information from time to time, please contact our office.
 
The tax information contained in this site is of a general nature and should not be acted upon in your specific situation without further details and/or professional assistance.
 
We are trusted CPA advisors servicing Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Willowbrook, Darien, Naperville, and all Chicagoland area. 

Do you need assistance with your business and/or personal tax returns? Would you like to have a trusted source for your accounting, allowing you additional time to focus on increasing your business? Do you use QuickBooks, or plan to in the future, for your accounting? We include these in all our service packages, customized to fit your personal or business needs.   
 
We are currently accepting new clients. Your initial consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Our experienced staff is available to help you streamline your accounting, giving you more free time for yourself. Set up an appointment today by calling (630) 320-3720 or email us at [email protected]. 
 
For more free resources, such as Tax Rates, Tax Organizers, and Record Retention Schedules, access our website www.monarchaccountinggroup.com.

Monarch Accounting Group, Inc
145 Tower Drive, Suite 10
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
Phone (630) 320-3720

Some parents who have a legal agreement with their child’s other parent about who claims the child on their taxes may have some questions this tax season about the child tax credit and the 2021 recovery rebate credit. Here’s what people in this situation need to know before filing their 2021 federal tax return.


Economic Impact Payments and the Recovery Rebate Credit

The third Economic Impact Payment was an advance payment of the 2021 recovery rebate credit. The IRS used taxpayers’ 2020 or 2019 tax information to determine eligibility and amounts. Here’s what this means for people who share a qualifying dependent:

• If an eligible taxpayer did not receive a third-round Economic Impact Payment for a qualifying dependent they will claim on their 2021 tax return, they can claim the 2021 recovery rebate credit, regardless of any Economic Impact Payment the other parent received.

• If a taxpayer received a third-round Economic Impact Payment for a dependent they won’t claim on their 2021 tax return, they are not required to pay back all or part of the Economic Impact Payment if, based on the information reported on their 2021 tax returns, they should have received less.


Child Tax Credit

The IRS determined who received 2021 advance child tax credit payments based on the information on taxpayers’ 2020 tax returns, or their 2019 return if the IRS hadn’t processed the 2020 return. In other words, the parent who claimed the Child Tax Credit for a qualifying child on their 2020 return would have received the advance child tax credit payments in 2021.  Here’s what that means for these parents:

• Families who knew they would not claim a child on their 2021 return had the option to unenroll from receiving monthly payments by using the Child Tax Credit Update Portal at IRS.gov. People who did not unenroll and received monthly payments during 2021 for a child they won’t claim on their 2021 tax return could have to repay those payments when they file. They may be excused from repaying some or all of the excess amount if they qualify for repayment protection.

• An eligible parent who did not receive advance payments for a qualifying child will be able to claim the full amount of the child tax credit for that child on a 2021 tax return even if the other parent received advance child tax credit payments.


Get the correct information to file an accurate return

Taxpayers who received these advance credits in 2021 need to compare the total amount they received with the amount they’re eligible to claim. Individuals can view the total amount of their payments through their individual Online Account. If spouses received joint payments, each of them will need to sign into their own account to retrieve their separate amounts.


More information:
Instructions for Schedule 8812 ,Form 1040, Credits for Qualifying Children and Other Dependents 
Instructions for Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
Calculating the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit


"Tax Tips" are published to provide current tax information, tax-cutting suggestions, and tax reminders. If you would like more information on anything in "Tax Tips," or if you'd like to be on our mailing list to receive other tax information from time to time, please contact our office.
 
The tax information contained in this site is of a general nature and should not be acted upon in your specific situation without further details and/or professional assistance.
 
We are trusted CPA advisors servicing Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Willowbrook, Darien, Naperville, and all Chicagoland area. 

Do you need assistance with your business and/or personal tax returns? Would you like to have a trusted source for your accounting, allowing you additional time to focus on increasing your business? Do you use QuickBooks, or plan to in the future, for your accounting? We include these in all our service packages, customized to fit your personal or business needs.   
 
We are currently accepting new clients. Your initial consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Our experienced staff is available to help you streamline your accounting, giving you more free time for yourself. Set up an appointment today by calling (630) 320-3720 or email us at [email protected]. 
 
For more free resources, such as Tax Rates, Tax Organizers, and Record Retention Schedules, access our website www.monarchaccountinggroup.com.

Monarch Accounting Group, Inc
145 Tower Drive, Suite 10
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
Phone (630) 320-3720

In a recent announcement, the IRS is telling taxpayers it's turning off some of its automated notices. Here is what you need to know.


Background
With the pandemic, incredibly late tax law changes from Congress, the congressional imposition on the IRS to send out three rounds of stimulus checks, and the requirement to create a new, automatic payment system of child tax credits has created a huge backlog at the IRS. In fact, there are over 6 million tax returns from last year that have still not been processed.


In the meantime, there are automated notices that go out to taxpayers that have not filed tax returns or corrected errors as deemed by IRS audit programming. To make matters worse, payments are being processed without an underlying tax return and the IRS is telling you they will return the money if you do not file your return. Penalties are imposed, there are demands for payment, even repeated notices to fix errors that have been fixed months ago!


Current situation
The IRS is now acknowledging the angst and hardship these notices are causing, at least for some taxpayers. So effective immediately, the IRS is turning off the following notices:

• Unfiled Tax Return
• Return Delinquency Notice
• Balance Due Notices
• Withholding Compliance Letter

Source: IR 2022-31


What you should know
Don’t fret. IRS notices almost always raise your blood pressure. So open the notice and ask for help.
If you receive a notice, reply to it. While the IRS says it is not necessary to reply, you should probably still do so. Your reply must be timely AND be sent with confirmation of date sent. You can use certified mail or express mail service with tracking information. You don’t want to get caught up in the IRS machine while they try to sort it out.


Compliance is required. While the IRS is turning off many notices, the penalties and interest will still accrue if you have not filed your tax return or owe tax. So file your tax return and pay the tax as it is still required.


E-file helps. While some forms must still be processed via mail, most individual tax returns can be sent via e-file. Continue to file your return digitally whenever possible. Unfortunately, handling these correspondence audits often requires a written response.
It is temporary. The IRS will turn these notices back on after the backlog of tax returns is brought under control.


Sanity will hopefully return and all future tax law changes will be made before the next tax year starts. Just don’t hold your breath and be quick to ask for help if you need it.

"Tax Tips" are published to provide current tax information, tax-cutting suggestions, and tax reminders. If you would like more information on anything in "Tax Tips," or if you'd like to be on our mailing list to receive other tax information from time to time, please contact our office.
 
The tax information contained in this site is of a general nature and should not be acted upon in your specific situation without further details and/or professional assistance.
 
We are trusted CPA advisors servicing Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Willowbrook, Darien, Naperville, and all Chicagoland area. 

Do you need assistance with your business and/or personal tax returns? Would you like to have a trusted source for your accounting, allowing you additional time to focus on increasing your business? Do you use QuickBooks, or plan to in the future, for your accounting? We include these in all our service packages, customized to fit your personal or business needs.   
 
We are currently accepting new clients. Your initial consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Our experienced staff is available to help you streamline your accounting, giving you more free time for yourself. Set up an appointment today by calling (630) 320-3720 or email us at [email protected]. 
 
For more free resources, such as Tax Rates, Tax Organizers, and Record Retention Schedules, access our website www.monarchaccountinggroup.com.

Monarch Accounting Group, Inc
145 Tower Drive, Suite 10
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
Phone (630) 320-3720
​

Now that the filing season has begun, the IRS reminds taxpayers that IRS online tools and resources provide the fastest way to get information and answers they need to file their federal tax returns. IRS.gov tools are easy to use and available 24 hours a day. People can use these tools to find information about their tax accounts, get answers to tax questions or file and pay taxes.


Get answers with the Interactive Tax AssistantTaxpayers who experienced changes to their income or other life events in 2021 could be eligible for tax credits and deductions that can put more money in their pockets. Thinking about eligibility now can help make tax filing easier.


The Interactive Tax Assistant answers general tax law questions, like determining eligibility to claim certain credits and deductions or if a type of income is taxable.


File electronicallyThe IRS strongly recommends individuals, especially those who don't usually file a tax return, to file electronically for faster return processing and refunds. Using tax preparation software or a trusted tax professional will help guide people through the process and avoid making errors.


It's important that taxpayers wait until they have all their income statements and documents that support deductions and credits they claim in-hand before filing. Filing an incomplete or inaccurate return will cause processing and refund delays. There are several free options are available for eligible taxpayers. These include IRS Free File, MilTax for military service members and some veterans, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs.


Use direct deposit for tax refundsDirect deposit gives taxpayers faster access to their refund, rather than waiting on a paper check. Individuals can use a bank account, prepaid debit card or mobile app to use direct deposit but will need to provide their accurate routing and account numbers. Taxpayers can open an account at an FDIC-insured bank or through the credit union locator tool. Veterans should see the Veterans Benefits Banking Program for access to financial services at participating banks.


Information on IRS Online AccountTaxpayers can use IRS Online Account to securely view their personal tax information, which is helpful when preparing to file their tax return or following up on balances or notices. Taxpayers can view their adjusted gross income from their last tax return, the total of any estimated tax payments they made, and their Economic Impact Payments and advance child tax credit payment amounts needed to file a complete and accurate return. Eligible families who did not get monthly advance payments in 2021 can still get a lump-sum payment by claiming the child tax credit when they file a 2021 federal income tax return this year. This includes families who don't normally need to file a return.


Online Account now allows taxpayers to change their communication preferences to go paperless for certain notices from the IRS and receive email notifications when the IRS sends them a new digital notice. They can also make payments through their online account, including payments for an extension to file.

"Tax Tips" are published to provide current tax information, tax-cutting suggestions, and tax reminders. If you would like more information on anything in "Tax Tips," or if you'd like to be on our mailing list to receive other tax information from time to time, please contact our office.
 
The tax information contained in this site is of a general nature and should not be acted upon in your specific situation without further details and/or professional assistance.
 
We are trusted CPA advisors servicing Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Willowbrook, Darien, Naperville, and all Chicagoland area. 

Do you need assistance with your business and/or personal tax returns? Would you like to have a trusted source for your accounting, allowing you additional time to focus on increasing your business? Do you use QuickBooks, or plan to in the future, for your accounting? We include these in all our service packages, customized to fit your personal or business needs.   
 
We are currently accepting new clients. Your initial consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Our experienced staff is available to help you streamline your accounting, giving you more free time for yourself. Set up an appointment today by calling (630) 320-3720 or email us at [email protected]. 
 
For more free resources, such as Tax Rates, Tax Organizers, and Record Retention Schedules, access our website www.monarchaccountinggroup.com.

Monarch Accounting Group, Inc
145 Tower Drive, Suite 10
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
Phone (630) 320-3720

Picture this: For the past few years you've received your tax return and have had a small but nice refund. Now imagine your surprise, when this year, you are required to send in a fairly big check to settle your tax bill. Believe it or not, this message is almost as hard to deliver to you as it is to hear it. Here are some situations to watch for that can increase your tax liability:


New tax laws. The multiple bills passed to pay out assistance from government programs must now be accounted for on this year's tax return. While the goal of the legislation is to reduce taxes, there are several changes that could cause you to pay more taxes, including:

• Repayment of excess economic stimulus checks.
• New taxability of unemployment benefits.
• Accounting for any small business loan and grant benefits.
• The need to take required minimum distributions once again in 2021.

A child is no longer eligible. This year's child tax credit is a big increase versus prior years. But if you already received the money through the advance child tax credit payment system, it will impact your refund this year. And as children get older they grow out of lots of things — clothes, interests and tax credits. Here are some age requirements for popular tax benefits:

• Child and Dependent Care Credit: under age 13
• Child Tax Credit: over age 17
• Earned Income Tax Credit: under age 19 (24 if a qualified student)

Earnings with Social Security benefits. If you are recently retired, start collecting Social Security Benefits, and then begin working part-time, you are also in for a tax surprise. These extra earnings could not only make your Social Security benefits taxable, it could result in a reduction of benefits received.


Other life events. Other life events could provide a tax surprise for you. While some may have positive tax consequences, like a new birth, or becoming the head of household, others might surprise you and result in additional tax. Other common life events include retirement, death and entering/leaving school.


Capital gains surprises from mutual funds. Often sales of investments are a planned event. Unfortunately, many mutual funds sell assets and then you receive a capital gain statement with a surprise taxable event.
Want to avoid these surprises? Spend some time now reviewing your anticipated tax situation for 2021. By doing so, perhaps a planned pleasant surprise can be in store for you.

"Tax Tips" are published to provide current tax information, tax-cutting suggestions, and tax reminders. If you would like more information on anything in "Tax Tips," or if you'd like to be on our mailing list to receive other tax information from time to time, please contact our office.
 
The tax information contained in this site is of a general nature and should not be acted upon in your specific situation without further details and/or professional assistance.
 
We are trusted CPA advisors servicing Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Willowbrook, Darien, Naperville, and all Chicagoland area. 
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