Check Your Tax Return Filing Status

By Wade Robins

Taxpayers have two options when filing a national or state income tax return. Taxpayers can have their tax returns professionally prepared or they can prepare their own taxes. Whatever tax preparation option an individual chooses, it is likely they will have a number of tax questions. To find the answer to a tax question many taxpayers research and review general tax information.

Since each state has different tax laws and tax forms, taxpayers looking for tax information are encouraged to contact their local or state government. Many local county officials may be able to answer common tax questions or point taxpayers in the right direction if they are unable to help. The majority of state tax officials can be contacted by obtaining a phone number from the Internet. In addition to using the Internet as a way to obtain contact information, many taxpayers may also be able to find valuable state tax information on the Internet. The majority of states have a website that is related to state taxes. It is not uncommon for a number of these tax websites to offer tax tips and other valuable state tax information.

From Where to Get Started:

We all work so hard for our money that the thought of parting ways often makes us restless, yet everyone knows that our government was designed to function with our tax paying dollars. Many of us out there feel as though the only thing you can count on is death and taxes. Often times we ask ourselves, 'Would the government know if I didn't pay my taxes?' Yes, the Internal Revenue Department is adamant that we all do our part to keep the country economically viable. Ever heard of Al Capone? The FBI tried for years to convict him of his many heinous crimes. Who finally got him and trotted him off to jail where he died? Yes, the IRS tried him for income tax evasion and put him in prison. Finally, one of the most notorious criminals of the Twentieth Century went to jail because he didn't pay his taxes.

According to federal and most state laws, if you made some sort of an income last year, than you must file an income tax return. Income tax returns are required regardless if you had income tax withheld or not; while all businesses except partnerships must file an annual tax return. For the individual, when determining whether you must file or not, the IRS takes into account your income, filing status, and age.

To Sum up with:

There is assistance from commercial tax filing services for low income tax payers. One service provider, VITA, provides free basic income tax return preparation to individuals with income of $34000 and below. The IRS stresses that it does not provide free electronic filing or tax return preparation services, which is why it formed this public-private alliance. Are you planning on filing your taxes yourself? You should consider avoiding filing manually and file electronically. Filing electronically is less cumbersome and less stressful. Make sure that you are using the appropriate tax rate for your filing status. - 31821

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