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I’m posting this in September of 2011—that means we have over three months before the year is even over. If you’re asking this question now, it means you’re expecting a refund—which is good—but the bad news is you’re not going to see it for quite a while.
Hopefully, here are some answers you’re looking for.
Although the IRS hasn’t posted any official dates yet, generally, the first day that you can e-file a return will be the day after Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—basically the middle of January. Please don’t hold me to that, Congress can always come in and mess things up, but that’s usually the earliest you can e-file.
Last year, because Congress had slowed up the e-filing for lots of people’s returns, folks asked, “Can I just mail my form in before the e-file date if I’ve got everything done?” The answer is “No, don’t.” The IRS will just toss your mailed return in a corner and not open it until they’re allowed to and your return will get processed slower than the e-filed returns so you really don’t want to do that.
What about those loans you can take against your refund? When do they start and who has them? That’s a really good question. Last year, the IRS changed its practice of providing something called a “debt indicator.” If you filed a tax return through a company that issued Refund Anticipation Loans, the IRS would send back information saying whether you had a federal tax levy against you or not. If there was no “debt indicator” then it was safe to assume that the bank issuing the Refund Anticipation Loan would get its money. If a taxpayer had a debt indicator flag, then they wouldn’t get the Refund Anticipation Loan.
The problem is that the IRS refuses to issue a debt indicator anymore so banks aren’t willing to take the risk. Refund Anticipation Loans have virtually dried up. Last year, only one tax business in my area offered a Refund Anticipation Loan but it was limited in scope.
The Advance Refund Anticipation Loans or Christmas Refund loans were pretty much based on the same principal. As of this writing, I know of no one who is issuing advanced money for the 2011 tax year. If anyone is, it’s doubtful they’ll offer that program anytime before Thanksgiving.
Is there anything I can do to get my hands on my tax money? In 2011, probably not: Congress repealed the advanced EITC law which used to allow you to claim your EITC in your paycheck. If you have federal income tax withholding taken from your pay (not Social Security and Medicare, but federal income tax) you can change your withholding so that you get more take home pay. There’s a calculator on the IRS website that can help you figure out how many exemptions to claim. http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96196,00.html
You’ll want to have your most recent pay stubs and your last tax return handy as you fill in the answers. It’s a pretty good indicator of what your refund will look like come tax season and if changing your W4 could benefit you.
A word of caution: The IRS clamped down on Refund Anticipation Loans because it felt that those loans were harmful to consumers. They basically put the big tax companies out of the loan business because they have to follow the rules. Sometimes, shady guys slip through the cracks. So here’s the warning—if you find a tax business that does refund anticipation loans ask a lot of questions. How long have they been in business? What happens if there’s a problem with your return? How will you get your money? How long will you have to wait for your money? What are the charges for the loan, for the tax preparation, etc.? If you don’t feel safe, if your questions aren’t answered to your satisfaction, then walk away.
You can get free tax preparation from VITA or the IRS. If you have a bank account, you can have your refund direct deposited within two weeks of filing. You’re already going to have to wait for a few months anyway, if you can hold out for just a little bit longer you can save yourself hundreds of dollars—money that you can spend on you, your kids, your rent, etc. Good luck.
@Manning–
good point.
Think of it this way: You hanevt gotten paid from work for 2 years. Your gas and lights are shut off, and foreclosure is imminent, just like many Vets on the million man waiting list for benefits. The VA contacts you, to offer help in filing your taxes (never mind that you did not have any income for the past two years so you dont need to file taxes)What do you say?Here is what I say: (Yes, that happened to me..I lost my home while the VA was processing my benefit application)I say: Forget helping Vets with taxes. Just pay their benefits on time. Is this so hard for the VA to understand? Dont those people at the VA need to get paid so they can pay their bills also? The VA does not get it .
Hey Tiffany,
There’s crazy stuff going on with the IRS and the Where’s My Refund website so don’t trust it. If your return is not showing up there, don’t panic.
What you do need to know is–did the IRS accept your return? Your tax company can tell you that. I’m assuming that the answer is yes. What the IRS is saying is that if your return was accepted, you can count on your refund turning up in 21 days. Don’t count on the “Where’s My Refund” site, and don’t count on the IRS Refund chart.
Now they’re saying not to count on the old charts and stuff like that–but back in the old days, the IRS used to fund on Thursdays. I’d wait until Thursday before looking again (because if the new stuff isn’t working–they go back to the old programs.) If you got some type of refund anticipation check, add three more days before you panic.
The first thing is to make sure that your return was accepted though–and your tax company is responsible for letting you know when that happened. Ask them what date you efiled return was “accepted” on. The 21 days should start from there.
My tax return is now 7 days late. When I call the IRS, I cannot speak to a real person. Instead when I input my information, I get a message that says “that there is no record of my return” however, a company filed on my behalf back on Feb 3rd. Do you know what this may mean? Also the company that filed my taxes for me says its up to me to call the IRS and find out what’s going on. Is this true? Since they were they did the actual paperwork, I would think that they would play some kind of role in helping me to find out what is going on. It’s like they have thrown up their hands and their done with it.
Hi Sharon–
First off, I’m required to say that I am not an attorney and I am not allowed to give legal advice (as per Circluar 230 of the IRS regulations.)
Okay, so no legal advice, but I’ll bet a whole box of Girl Scout cookies that yes it is legal. I don’t think it always was, but I noticed that my bank that I use has a similar rider in the contract. I don’t do loans–but I use a bank where you can take the fees you pay me out of your refund. There’s a clause in there that says if your federal refund can’t pay the fees, the bank can take if out of the state refund. I’m guessing that Liberty has the same clause in their paperwork.
I’m pretty sure that they only do that in states where it’s allowed. They’re a big company with a big legal department. I’m pretty sure their lawyers have that issue covered.
I efiled my federal and state thru liberty tax…I recieved the 1500 anticipation loan but where the irs is holding back another week Liberty applied my state refund toward the loan..is that legal?
Hey Beau,
Try this:
Input our w2s exactly as they are using the W2 input screen on your tax software. Then in order to make your numbers correct–use the “adjustments” screen and negative out our plus out the numbers for line 7.
This way, your w2s will match the IRS records and your numbers will still be correct. The IRS computer needs to see the W2 numbers match.
Before you do that though–first–just make sure that the EIN number was input correctly. I’m sort of surprised that you got a W2 reject for the amounts–I’m thinking it’s more likely that the ein number was mistyped. (Can you tell I’ve had to handle a few rejects before?)
Do the EIN first, and if that’s absolutely correct–then do the line 7 adjustment. Good luck.
I was wondering, I am trying to Efile my taxes through an “well established” online tax preparation service. This year, me and my wife both worked and I made substantially more than her. I worked the returns both as Married Filing Jointly and Married filing Separately, and we are better off going the MFS route. We live in a community property state (Louisiana). All we have is community income, no personal or separate income. I combined all wages, salaries, and tips and allotted each of us half of that total as required by the community property rules as well as our federal income tax withholdings. Everything is filled out correctly and the Community Property Allocation Sheet (from IRS Pub. 555) was generated and correctly populated by the tax website. The problem is that when we went to EFile the return, the IRS rejected. The rejection reason, summarized, said it was rejected because the amounts entered on form 1040 did not match the amounts entered on my W2. These numbers cannot match since this is an MFS return in a community property state. Do you have any suggestions?? Thanks for your time!!
Gee Jamie,
I know about this company called Roberg Tax Solutions that’s not too far from the Earth City IRS office that prepares taxes for a fee. (Just saying. I need to do a few commerical plugs once in awhile.)
But, if your income is below $50,000 a year, you should qualify to use one of the VITA offices. Here’s a link to the IRS website that tells you the places that have free tax assistance: http://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/
You just type in your zip code and it will tell you the places and when they’re open.
I was a little shocked when you said that neither Earth City nor Downtown were doing returns. They always do, or at least they used to. (And you can’t call and talk to a human, you have to leave a message and they say they’ll get back to you within three days–so I didn’t confirm anything about them not preparing returns.)
Anyway, try one of the VITA offices (or remember, I’m in the Gold Tower at Westport Plaza on the 6th floor. 🙂
Hello Jan-
I am in St. Louis and I am use to filing my return with the irs building located downtown or in Earth City I went to both locations on Jan 23rd and I was informed that they were not aware of the date they would start to file or even if they were going to file. Considering that these are irs buildings why are they not filing now. I do not know how to file my own taxes, where should I go now. I am not sure of how to do this online without help. The phone numbers that are provided though the phone system or on line are no help you are unable to speck with a live person and the automatic system does not answer any questions for me.
Thanks for your advice.
@ Anyone Who’s been experiencing delays with your refund:
This is the official IRS notice that’s out about that. Bottom line–expect your refund to be about a week late. http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USIRS-282378
@ John–the IRS has been experiencing some delays. It’s not intentional, but I got an email from my software company and from the National Association of Tax Preparers that there have been some delays. It should get ironed out soon.
Is the Irs holding checks and deposits?
Hey TT–
I just got an email from my software providing telling me about delays with the tax refunds. So, while it could just be your bank card thing–it’s also quite possible the problem really is with the IRS. Bottom line–no matter where the problem is, it should be fixed within a few days. Sorry.
Hey tt–
this one’s not the IRS’ fault. You mentioned your card–so I’m guessing that you got one of those deals where you pay your tax prep fees with your refund and they deposit the rest of your refund on one of those debit cards. That usually takes an extra day or so. The IRS already deposited your refund into the bank that does the card–and then it will be however long the bank takes to deposit the money onto your card. I wouldn’t be surprised if you have your money before I get this answer out.
What is going on with the IRS? I was told that i will recive my refund on 01/25/12 it is the next day stilll no refund has been deposit on my card.
You’re probably thinking about the Earned Income Tax Credit. There are a bunch of rules that go with it, but if you have kids, you need to check into it. Here’s a post about some of the basic rules:
http://robergtaxsolutions.com/2011/12/eight-basic-rules-to-qualify-for-the-earned-income-tax-credit/
And here’s the IRS website that has special calculators that will tell you if your children qualify and how much you can get.
http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=130102,00.html
Is.it true that the irs is giving over 3,000 for each child & that you can claim three children. Thanks
Hi Shamika,
You should be able to do your own taxes and just pay them back but you might want to check those loan documents to make sure you didn’t sign some form saying that you’re filing taxes with them.
if i got a loan from instant tax service but it wasnt an anticipation loan yet want to file my own taxes this year electronically and just pay them back the one hundred dollars they lent me can i do that
Hi Bryan,
Okay find a new preparer! Sorry, but he should give you a little more information than that. First, lots of companies have losses for 3 years in a row. Now you don’t want to have losses every year, but there’s a whole list of things to determine if you’re a real business. For example: what kind of business is it? Some businesses you can almost guarantee they won’t profit within 3 years. Do you have any experience in that industry to make the IRS believe you’re for real? Are you in business to make money? (Okay, the correct answer is well duh, yes, but if the answer’s no then maybe you do have a problem.)
Do you keep books and records? Do you have a business card? A web site? Do you run your business like a business? Are you having fun? I always thought that was a stupid question–I love what I do. But it’s more like–let’s say your business was dating beautiful women, okay the IRS might consider that to be a hobby not a business. Just because you enjoy your work doesn’t mean you can’t do it as a business.
I don’t believe in the 3 year rule. Oh–that’s because it’s not a rule, it’s a guideline and only one of several. I’m attaching a link about whether you’re a hobby or a business: http://robergtaxsolutions.com/2010/10/business-or-hobby/
That might help you figure out where you stand better.
Hi Christa,
I feel for you. And I wish I had a magic answer for you but I don’t. I’ve got another reader who’s been dealing with the same problem for 5 years. Supposedly, people who’ve lost on EIC claims are supposed to be “hot listed” and can’t claim EIC again for a couple of years. From what I’m reading on the blogs, it’s not happening.
In your favor—you know you’re right and you know you’re going to win the case. But it’s also a royal pain in the behind. I can tell you to file first, but if you don’t have your papers, well what can you do?
Technically, a reputable tax firm should ask him to prove—-oh dear, I just thought of something totally nasty. Forgive me but I’m not always a nice person. A reputable tax firm should be asking for ID—they should look to see the kid’s social security cards and they are required to validate the self employment income. If a company didn’t do that before, the fine was $100 per incident. This year, the fine is $500 to the individual preparer per incident. This is really nasty but, if you found out what tax company was preparing your ex’s return, you could report the preparer. Now, if your ex is filing his own returns, you can’t do anything about that, but if he’s going to a tax office—you might want to report the office. Clearly if he’s passing fraudulent returns, the tax office is not doing their due diligence.
Now $500 isn’t enough to hurt a thriving business, but if they’re filing bad returns for your ex, then they’re filing bad returns for other people as well. You could put them out of business. Now this doesn’t help you personally at all—but it might make you feel better. Here’s the IRS instructions for reporting a fraudulent preparer: http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=106778,00.html
Sorry I couldn’t be more help. Good luck.
Hi Jan,
I currently own a business that I have shown losses for the last 2 years!! I am showing a loss for a 3rd straight year and I am nervous about filing this year because the person that did my taxes last year told me I dont need to show another loss.. How will this affect my return? Please advise!
I have a question my kids father has claimed my kids for the past 3 years illegally he signed the birth certificate n that’s it. He hasn’t seen them n 3 years he’s a druggy n spends his money on that he doesn’t work but he makes up stuff like he does house cleaning n helps ppl out every year this works I end up having to go to the irs every year proving I have custody I get my money but its a pain n the butt. N after the first time I thought he couldn’t do it again well I went to file taxes n it was rejected someone already claimed their social. So he dis it that year again so I go back to the irs n show proof again n go to file taxes again n bam rejected. So I go again.. this is an ongoing process then I go to file n its rejected the irs says they’d put a stop to it I took custody papers stating he wasn’t to even be alone with our miss cuz he’s in n out of jail and on drugs. N I took the form where he signed over all rights to the children. N I’m so scared I’m gonna go through the night mare again this year I’m in a tight spot this year I need the money so bad he lies n says the kids live with him n he’s head of house hold. When I ask him he lies so I ask his mom n sister they inform me they took him to file n he claimed both. I’ve had my lawyer at the irs building in knoxville my accountant everyone and they still allowed him to do it time after time when r they going to put a stop to it. Again he doesn’t work but he makes up stuff he ends up oweing at the end but when he claims the kids I guess that puts him getting cash back. Or he might of found a new scam. But he is a scam artist. It makes me mad on a singel mother of 2 work n go to school what else can I do n what should I do this year different please help me.. GOD BLESS You.!!!:)
Hi Alek,
Your CPA should be able to file on the 17th just like everyone else. Last year was crazy but this year should be fine for homeowners and all the other people who were delayed last year. (The crazy stuff is in the payroll taxes, but that’s not your problem.)
One thing that could potentially be an issue this year is the new reporting requirements for people with stock sales. The tax forms are up and ready, but there were changes to the reporting requirements. The IRS hasn’t said anything about it, but if you’ve got stock investments, I wouldn’t be surprised if your paperwork is a little slow this year. (And maybe I’m just a worry wart–might not be an issue at all.)
If a major issue does come up, I’ll report it, but I think you should be fine.
hi Jan,
I am following the posts on this web site and I should appreciate your replies and help.
Here is my question
I am Colorado state resident and a home owner.
If a CPA is filing my returns,when he will be able to e-file my returns?
Last year it was delayed as several forms related to home owners are not availble? Is there any delay for home owners forms to be availble?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Mickey,
You’ve posed two good questions. First, you may mail your tax return in before the 17th, but even if you do, the IRS will still not process it until the 17th so you won’t save any time doing that. Also–it will be even slower than efiled returns because when you mail your return in, a person has to manually input your numbers into the IRS computer. They won’t even open your envelope until the 17th. It’s going to go sit in a pile in the corner of some office.
You can still manually file and have your refund direct deposited into your bank account. The IRS says to wait for three or four weeks before checking to see if your return has been processed, then take another 10 days to 2 weeks for your refund to be deposited. (So, it’s still faster to efile.)
The other question is–are you eligible to efile? If you’re filing a regular 1040 tax return (and not a 1040 NR or some other return that has unusual circumstances) you should be eligible to e-file. As a tax professional, I’m now required by law to efile all of my client’s returns unless they sign a special document saying they don’t want to or can’t.
But here’s the real reason you want to efile: the percentage of e-filed tax returns that get audited is 1/2 of 1%. The percentage of mailed in returns that get audited is 25%. That’s not a typo. 1/2 of one percent versus twentyfive percent: which group would you rather be in? Can you tell I’m a big e-file fan?
If you’re doing your own taxes, you’ll need a PIN number (which I’m guessing you don’t have since you’ve never e-filed) or else your Adjusted Gross Income from your last year’s tax return. If you don’t have that, you can actually call the IRS and get it from them. Use their 1 800 829-1040 and follow the prompts. Good luck!
I see alot of communication on efiling. Does the (after MLK Holiday) date apply to paper filing as well?
Question: If I paper file with the request to have my refund posted into my bank account, how long will that take?
I have never efiled before, am I eligible to efile this year?
Hi Nicole,
If you do your return yourself, the IRS will accept the first returns on the 17th and if you use direct deposit into your bank account, you should expect your refund about 2 weeks from then—around January 31st.
Most of those places that offer quick refunds don’t offer them anymore. And the ones that do, you’re right, the fees are outrageous. You ask, who can you trust? Trust yourself! If you’ve got a simple return, with just W2s and maybe claiming exemptions for dependents, you’re probably fine preparing your own return. Take a look at your last year’s return and use it as a guideline when you’re preparing this year’s. Basically, you should have all the same forms—except you should not have a “Schedule M” for the making work pay credit because that’s over.
If you invest in the stock market—they’ve really changed the Schedule D (then you might want professional help—it’s really different) but most everything else is pretty much the same.
Now here’s the tough part, I’d like you to do your taxes on my website and then I get paid for that, but since you mention the problem with fees and things like that, if your income is low enough, you might be able to use the IRS free file. Don’t forget to do a state tax return (which you’ll have to pay for unless your state has a free file option—Missouri does.) Here’s the link to the IRS free file: http://www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=118986,00.html?portlet=106
Now if you don’t like the IRS link—please come back here. But you should be able to find something there that should work for you. Good luck.
Happy new year…. i was wondering if i did my return my self, how soon can i get my refund… this would be my first time trying on my own. i understand that no returns can be submitted until the 1/17, but on my on can i still Efile and wait two weeks or so. i need my refund asap but those fees are crazy and some of these place scare me … who can i trust?
A note about filing early and getting into the queue. My professional software has started accepting tax returns today–January 2nd. They will not be forwarded to the IRS until the 17th but they’ll be in the queue. I’ve checked my 1040.com site and they are still not filing yet.
Personally, if you don’t have a reason (like a competing claim for a child’s exemption) to be first to file, I would wait for a few days after the first filing date to submit a return. I like to see the bugs get worked out of the program before filing (I guess I’ve been doing this long enough I’ve seen a few issues with those early returns.)
Also, the state of California is accepting returns starting today as well.
Hi Korin,
You can click on the tab at the top of the page that says “Do Your Own 2011 Taxes”. I just got the page up so it might not have been there when you posted before. Or, you can skip that and go right to the log in page: https://fileonline.1040.com/1040/SignIn/?did=95443
Is it easier than Turbo Tax? I don’t think so–they’re about the same as far as being able to navigate and stuff like that. II hate being brutally honest.) They both use the interview style to help you prepare your return. I think that’s the best way for most do it yourselfers to prepare their taxes. (As a professional preparer, it drives me crazy–but that’s because we’re trained to look at your return a little differently.)
If you tried to log in today, you couldn’t actually prepare your return yet, but they’d send you an email telling you when you can. But, I noticed that we’ve got a 20% discount for people who log in early so that might be something to consider.
The most important thing to remember about Turbo Tax is: if you buy the box instead of using their online program, it’s absolutely essential that you run the update program before you file your tax return. This isn’t Turbo Tax’s (or any other software company’s) fault. Changes are made to the tax code at the last minute but the discs have to go to the stores in November. If you don’t update, your taxes could be wrong. When you use an online program it’s automatically updated. Any box program that you see in the store must be updated before you file your tax return–but those updates should be just as current as their online programs, you just have internet access to do the update.
Hope that helps. Thanks for coming back!
By the way what is the link to your online filing? Is it easier than Turbo Tax?
Hi Korin,
Happy New Year! It sort of depends on how much money you paid for tuition and stuff like that. With the American Opportunity Credit, you get a 100% tax credit on the first $2000 of tuition paid. That’s a dollar for dollar tax credit. After that, you get a credit of 25% of the next $2000 of tuition paid. The most you can possibly get back is $2500.
And there are other issues too–like do your parents claim you as a dependent? (I’m guessing not otherwise you wouldn’t have gotten the credit last year.) And how much was your income. For all the answers there’s the IRS guide. Here’s the link: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf
For the most part, if you use any type of computer software and answer all the questions, it should compute the credit for you correctly. Basically, the rules will be the same as last year. Hope that helps.
I’m currently a student and was wondering if will I receive all of my money back that I paid to attend school? If I can remember correctly last year I receive all my money back that I paid out of pocket for school in my refund. Do you know if that will happen again for this 2011 tax year?
@ Susan,
You’re absolutely right you can do your taxes before January 17th online, but the IRS just won’t accept before then. But Susan, did you have to say TurboTax? I’ve got my own online filng–the link’s right up at the top! Sorry, gotta plug my own business.
You can do then online earlier they just wont be processed before January 17th. I know people who go to turbotax and file Jan 1st but then I don’t think they can be actually submitted and filed. Just put all info in and at 12:01 Jan 17th hit the file/submit. Button
Hi Doris,
I just got off the phone with the IRS (really, not making that up.) They say that they are not accepting e-filed returns until January 17th (day after MLK day.) I called them because I’ve heard rumors of earlier days, and I’ve even seen a few internet postings by some other companies giving earlier days and I wanted to be absolutely sure.
Now you can go someplace and they can e-file your return earlier where it goes into a “batch” holding area for processing. It still won’t be accepted by the IRS until the 17th.
I’m going to refer you to the “My Ex Claimed My Kids” page. Even if he is allowed to claim the children for the exemption, he doesn’t have custody and cannot claim head of household or EIC. http://robergtaxsolutions.com/2011/01/my-ex-claimed-my-kid-now-what-do-i-do/
And here’s the link for splitting the exemption: http://robergtaxsolutions.com/2011/11/split-exemption-claiming-one-child-on-two-tax-returns-%e2%80%94-the-legal-way/
These might help you figure out what you want to do from here. If your daughter has no income and lives with you, then you probably should at least be claiming the child for head of household and EIC status (if your income qualifies.)
My daughter has custody of her kids, lives with me her mother, she does not work. she states the ex is going to claim the kids so he can use the money to pay back his back child support. i read that i can not file my income tax until after MLK birthday, but he seemed to do it earlier than that last year when she was suppose to claim them.
@Mariemomof3–
Your advice is right on. Thanks!
@makita, if you’re sure you have the right to claim your children (they lived with you over 6 months of the year, they’re enrolled in your neighborhood schools etc) you should be okay, regardless if their father attempts to claim them before you. If he beats you to the punch you will not be allowed to e-file, however you will still get your return and the IRS will deal with him personally. This happened to me once, I was instructed to file as usual (while notifying the IRS of the situation) and I received my tax refund as usual. Their father shared his check with the IRS for the next yr or so and received some other penalties for committing fraud. Some fathers believe paying child support entitles them to claim the children, but it doesn’t. I hope this helps, be sure to speak with a reputable SEASONED tax agent!
Hi Makita,
Thanks for your question. First I’m going to give you my lame piece of advice–and please forgive that it’s lame but it does happen to be pretty effective–file your tax return before he does.
The reason that’s lame advice is because you shouldn’t have to, they’re your kids, you have custody and he doesn’t–there should be something better, but that’s the easiest trick I have to offer you.
But, I’ve got some more–first, if the only thing he’s ever done is sign the birth certiciate–he might not have the social security numbers. Guard those with your life!
But let’s say he does have the social security numbers and he does file before you do, all is not lost–it’s going to be a pain in the behind and take some time, but you can fight him. Here’s a post about what to do if your ex claims your kid: http://robergtaxsolutions.com/2011/01/my-ex-claimed-my-kid-now-what-do-i-do/
And here’s another one that might help, it’s about tax tips for single moms: http://robergtaxsolutions.com/2011/01/tax-tips-for-single-moms/
Good luck.
Hi.. I have been taking care of my children since birth.. Their dad did sign birth certificate thats all.. Im afraid this year since he has worked he is going to try to claim my children.. What do i do.
Hi Elsa,
Thanks for your question. I’m going to refer you over to a different page, it’s all about that type of situation, about an ex claiming the kids: http://robergtaxsolutions.com/2011/01/my-ex-claimed-my-kid-now-what-do-i-do/
In your situation, I’d have a few questions about the date of the divorce decree and stuff like that, but even if the mother does have some type of legal right to claim the boys, the father has custody and he gets the rights to EIC and head of household filing status.
But, she might not have any rights for claiming at all so that may still need to be battled out.
Now, if the IRS has already sent letters and is doing an investigation, the father may need to do more than just sent the court order showing custody. He may need to prove he has actual custody–like showing where the boys go to school, or if they’re too young, that he takes them to the doctor and is up to date on shots and stuff like that. Do not send the IRS anything they do not specifically ask for–but make sure that you do send them everything they do ask for to prove the case.
I hope this at least gets you started in the right direction.
What if the father has custody of his 3 boys (court order) and the mother claims she already filed her 2011 tax return claiming 2 of the boys without the fathers consent, can the father still claim his 3 boys? A certified letter with a copy of the court order was sent to the IRS by the father explaining the situation.
I found a company here in St. Louis that does the Christmas tax loans–the problem is, they only do it for their previous tax customers. That said, they are a loan company (not really a tax company) and they are doing loans for Christmas, you just don’t pay it back with your tax return, you’ll have another payment arrangement. If you call my office, (314) 275-9160 and ask for Kelly, she’ll refer you. The loan company will have their qualification rules and everything, but I know someone who had a loan there and was very satisfied with the service so it’s probably worth checking out.
Hi Andy,
You’re right, people can reduce their withholdings to get more tax dollars back sooner. That’s a great idea. While it this trick won’t help everyone, it certainly can help some people.
You also mentioned statistics about tax return filings. The IRS, being a numbers driven government organization, maintains all sorts of statistics. Here’s a link to the filings per week from 2011: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=220953,00.html
It goes by week and shows how many returns were received, how many were e-files, how many were done by professionals, etc. There’s also a link to get you ever more statistics, if you wanted them.
I wonder if there are stats on schedule of tax return filings. Also, people can reduce their witholdings if they want to get more of their tax dollars back sooner (assuming they are expecting a refund).
It’s official, H&R Block will not be offering Refund Anticipation Loans for the upcoming tax season. Evidently they announced five days ago.