THE TAX SHACK INC

CHECKLISTS: Use the links above to navigate to checklists that will help you figure out what information you need to bring your preparer in order to get your taxes done.  These are a good tool to help you jog your brain.  However, they are very generic and may not include everything that pertains to you.  If you think something might be deductible that we haven't listed, or have a question about something that's not on the list, right it down or bring it in anyway.  It never hurts to ask!

IRS WEBSITES

Get the status of your tax refund!  Get Refund Status

 
Figure out what to claim on your W4!  Withholding Calculator

Get IRS forms and publications!  Forms & Publications

STATE WEBSITES

Department of Revenue  WSDOR

Labor & Industries  WSLNI

Employment Security  WSDES

Report your New Hires online!  Report New Hires

STARTING OR CHANGING YOUR BUSINESS

Register to become a corporation or LLC.
Corporations & LLC Registrations

License your business.  WSDOL

Apply for an employer identification number online.
EIN Online

OTHER SITES YOU MAY NEED

Sales Tax Rates  Sales Tax Rates

Figure out loan payments.  Amortization Calculator

Look up or pay your property taxes online.

Pierce Co. Assessor

Kitsap Co. Assessor

We have links to other assessor web sites as well.  Email us with your county and we'll send you the link if we have it or can obtain it.

Find a zip code or look up postage rates.  USPS

 NEWS AND TIPS

TAX SHACK SMALL BUSINESS CLIENTS

L&I has increased minimum wage for 2012.  Starting January 1st, minimum wage is increased to $9.04 per hour.  Please update your payroll programs accordingly for your minimum wage employees.  If we do your payroll, we will automatically handle it.  Also, remember to update all of your wage and labor law posters for the new year.

IRS NEWS THAT MAY AFFECT YOU

The IRS is now requiring preparers who prepare more than 11 returns in a year to e-file all of the returns that they prepare!  Most of our clients will remember that we started e-filing them all last year, but this is a good reminder for you and important information for new clients.  There is a form that can be filed with a paper return if for some reason you feel you do not want to e-file, but we will be e-filing everyone unless told otherwise.

TIPS FOR THE TAXPAYER 

ORGANIZING: Tax Season is here!  Time to start organizing your receipts and adding up your totals!  Be sure to use our checklists (links at the top of this page) to help get organized.  Remember, there is no such thing as "just taking the maximum" or "just taking the whatever they give you."  You must have receipts to prove all of your expenses.

SPLIT MILEAGE:  When figuring your business, medical, or charitable mileage for the 2011 tax year, remember that there were two different mileage rates allowed.  So be sure to split your mileage up from January through June 30th, and then July through December 31st!    

February 02

New Tool to Use for First Time Homebuyer Repayment
New Tool Available on IRS Website to Help Taxpayers Who Have to Repay Their First-Time Homebuyer Credit The IRS has a tool to help people who have to repay their First-Time Homebuyer Credit. Reminder letters will no longer be mailed to taxpayers who have to repay the credit but you can now use an online [...]

10:49 AM GMT  |  Read comments(0)

February 01

Can I File Without My W-2?
The classic question.  You’re in a hurry, you want your refund, but your employer hasn’t sent out your W-2 yet!  Can you file without the W-2? In this particular situation, no you cannot.  In some situations, however, you can and you do it by filing a substitute W-2. All employers have until January 31st of [...]

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Tips if You Are Missing a W-2
Make sure you have all the needed documents, including all your Forms W-2, before you file your 2011 tax return. You should receive an IRS Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, from each of your employers. Employers have until Jan. 31, 2012 to issue your 2011 Form W-2 earnings statement. If you haven’t received your [...]

3:53 PM GMT  |  Read comments(0)

January 27

Tips: Get Your Prior Years’ Information From the IRS
Sometimes taxpayers need a copy of an old tax return, but can’t find or don’t have their own records. There are three easy and convenient options for getting tax return transcripts and tax account transcripts from the IRS: on the web, by phone or by mail. There are eight things you need to know about [...]

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January 25

Important Information About Hiring Subcontractors
WHAT TO KEEP ON FILE IF YOU HIRE SUBCONTRACTORS: 1.  SIGNED CONTRACT:  Many people just make verbal contracts, but a verbal contract doesn’t help you in an audit.  Create a contract between you and your sub that clearly states each party’s role and responsibilities. 2.  LICENSE, INSURANCE, AND BOND:  You should always ask your subs [...]

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