So how much is the late fee?So how much is the late fee?

So you forgot to file and wondering about the late fees. Well it depends on a few things. First is the amount of time since the deadline. Every month the fee goes up so it is best to file as soon as possible after the filing deadline. The fee does not cap until you approach 25% of unpaid taxes. This applies to each year you do not file. Read below for the exact details from the IRS.

IRS calculates the Failure to File Penalty in this way:

  • The Failure to File Penalty is 5% of the unpaid taxes for each month or part of a month that a tax return is late. The penalty won’t exceed 25% of your unpaid taxes.
  • If both a Failure to File and a Failure to Pay Penalty are applied in the same month, the Failure to File Penalty is reduced by the amount of the Failure to Pay Penalty for that month, for a combined penalty of 5% for each month or part of a month that your return was late.
  • If after 5 months you still haven’t paid, the Failure to File Penalty will max out, but the Failure to Pay Penalty continues until the tax is paid, up to its maximum of 25% of the unpaid tax as of the due date.
  • If your return was over 60 days late, the minimum Failure to File Penalty is $435 (for tax returns required to be filed in 2020, 2021 and 2022) or 100% of the tax required to be shown on the return, whichever is less.

    Contact us to get started with filing your late returns. We are here to help.

Surviving the IRS with Richard HatchSurviving the IRS with Richard Hatch

A federal judge sentenced Richard Hatch to 51 months in prison for evading income taxes. A jury found him guilty of tax evasion and filing a false return for not reporting to the IRS about $1,428,000 that he earned from the “Survivor” television series and other sources. Windfalls are rate but not uncommon and the IRS expects you to pay tax on them. Many people are shocked upon winning the lottery to see the IRS take almost half. The state governments holds lottery proceeds leading to less tax cases for the IRS. Television shows may hold tax but many do now. Not all windfalls are taxable though. Insurance proceeds for instance are taxed different then lottery winnings. If you have gotten a windfall from any source then contacts us today to see what taxes may be due.

Nicholas Cage and the IRSNicholas Cage and the IRS

Skull horror background. Illustration Generative AI

Nicholas Cage has made some great movies and questionable business choices. He found himself owing the IRS around 14 million dollars. He was able to make a quick payment of 6 million and then started on his VOD movie saga. The IRS worked with him to pay off the other 8 million due. Cage decide the best way to pay the debt was to make a lot of lower quality movies then he had made before. Nicholas say he does not regret his roles and is proud of his work. The IRS will work with individuals that fall behind on taxes and a great example is the Nicholas Cage payment of back taxes. Always file your tax return even if you don’t have the money to pay. Not filing just makes matters worse. If you have tax returns that need to be filed contact us today to file your previous tax returns quickly.

Update to Meals and Entertainment DeductionUpdate to Meals and Entertainment Deduction

Starting January 1, 2023 the meals and entertainment expenses are returning to the pre-covid amounts. Most client meetings are going to be 50% now instead 100% of meal cost at a restaurant. A review of your meal and entertainment expense and the return on investment from it should be evaluated now at the 50% deductible amount. Many employee provided meals still remain at the 100% deduction. This would be for long days at the office as employees try to meet a deadline for a project or task. At least half of employees need to be present when ordering food. Holiday and team building events also still remain at 100% deductible. Clients are advised to contact us if you have any questions about your meal and entertainment deductions.

Tax fraud case involving Heidi FleissTax fraud case involving Heidi Fleiss

Heidi Fleiss is estimated to have made $1.5million for leading a Los Angeles prostitution ring that pandered to Hollywood’s stars. She was convicted of tax fraud and sentenced to 37 months in prison. It is advised that cash based earners report all income including tips and gifts from customers. Late night workers may find themselves being audited by the IRS for reporting low income yet owning expensive cars. Does your material possessions match your income reporting?

How to deduct mileage for businessHow to deduct mileage for business

Proper mileage tracking is important incase of an IRS audit. Mileage can be tracked using a simple excel spreadsheet or even advance phone applications using GPS tracking. Amazon has log books for as low as $10 and it is recommended to keep a book in the car at all times. Phone applications range in price from $10 a month to $50. Standard mileage rate for 2023 will be .655 per mile.

Source for mileage: https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/standard-mileage-rates

Mob Boss Al Capone Went To Jail Over TaxesMob Boss Al Capone Went To Jail Over Taxes

Mob Boss Al Capone was a known high spender and spent thousands on cloths, food and betting. He also did not file a tax return for many years. The FBI opened a file and started finding vendors that knew his spending habits. The IRS is looking at your spending and comparing to your income reported. Many transactions are non taxable but still need to be report on tax forms.

Starting tomorrow we will have Busted Celeb Posts on Fridays.Starting tomorrow we will have Busted Celeb Posts on Fridays.

The busted posts will be about Celebs who found themselves in trouble with the IRS. Just a hand full of names below. We will go into detail with each one on Busted Fridays.

Wesley Snipes

Mike ‘The Situation’ Sorrentino

Stephen Baldwin

Ja Rule

Darryl Strawberry

Fat Joe

Joe Francis

Lauryn Hill

Teresa and Joe Giudice

Heidi Fleiss

Sophia Loren – Unbusted

Chuck Berry

Richard Hatch

Pete Rose

Dolce and Gabbana – Unbusted

H. Ty Warner

Leona Helmsley

Martha Stewart

Nicolas Cage

Willie Nelson

Toni Braxton

Marc Anthony

Sinbad