How do I know if I am required to file federal income tax return?	Top
Whether you have to file a federal income tax return for 2004 depends in part on your filing status, age, and gross income. You are required to file a federal income tax return if you are:
1. Single, under 65, and your gross income was at least $7,950. 2. Single, 65 or older, and your gross income was at least $9,150. 3. Married, filing a joint return, you are your spouse were both under 65, and your gross income was at least $15,900. 4. Married, filing a joint return, one spouse is 65 or older, and your gross income was at least $16,850. 5. Married, filing a joint return, both you and your spouse were 65 or older, and your gross income was at least $17,800. 6. Married, filing a separate return, and your gross income was at least $3,100 regardless of your age. 7. Head of Household, under 65, and your gross income was at least $10, 250. 8. Head of household, 65 or older, and your gross income was at least $11,450. 9. Qualifying widow or widower with a dependent child, you were under 65, and your gross income was at least $12,800. 10. Qualifying widow or widower with a dependent child, you were 65 or older, and your gross income was at least $13,750.
Gross income includes all income you receive in the form of money, goods, property, and services that is not exempt from tax. Even though your gross income was less than the amount stated for your ate and filing status, you may have to file a tax return.
You must file a federal income tax return if you had net earnings from self-employment of $400 or more. Net earnings form self-employment is your total self-employment income less the expenses paid in operating your trade or business, multiplied by 92.35%. Refer to IRS Publication 533 for more information on Self-Employment Tax.
If you are an individual who may be claimed as a dependent on another person’s return, you are subject to specific filing requirements. Refer to IRS Publication 929 for more information on Tax Rules for Children and Dependents.
You must file a federal income tax return if you received any amount of advance earned income credit payments from your employer during the year, or if you owe any taxes, such as social security tax, Medicare tax on tips or group life insurance, alternative minion tax, tax on qualified retirement plans including an individual Retirement Account, or other tax-favored account, or tax from recapture of an education credit, investment credit, low income housing credit, federal mortgage subsidy, qualified electric vehicle credit, or the native American employment credit.
an=2>Special filing requirements may apply to U.S. citizens who are residents of Puerto Rico or have income from U.S. possessions. Refer to IRS Publication 570 for additional information on this topic.
Generally, you must file a federal income tax return if you are a nonresident alien with income from sources in the United States.
Even if you are not required to file a federal income tax return, you should file a return if you are due a refund.
What is a 1040?	Top
Form 1040 is the tax form used for filing a tax return. There are actually three different versions of 1040. Form 1040EZ, Form 1040A and Form 1040. You will generally choose which form is right for you depending on your taxable income, filing status, and deductions and credits you can claim.
How do I know if I need to file a 1040 tax form?	Top
Form 1040 should be used when itemizing deductions and reporting more complex investments and other income. Other reasons to file Form 1040 include taxable income of $100,000 or more, self-employment, and income from the sale of property.
What is a 1040EZ?	Top
Form 1040EZ is the simplest tax form to file.
E-file does not begin until mid January and W-2's are required to be out by Jan 31st.
How do I know if I need to file a 1040EZ form?	Top
There are some general guidelines provided by the IRS to determine if Form 1040EZ is the form you should use. There are some general guidelines provided by the IRS to determine if you should file Form 1040EZ. These guidelines include:
Taxable income below $100,000 Single or Married Filing Jointly Under age 65 No dependents Interest income of $1,500 or less
If you meet these requirements, then you should choose Form 1040EZ when filing your tax return.
How does living in a community property state affect my taxes?	Top
Community property laws affect how you figure your income on your federal income tax return if you are married, live in a community property state or country, and file separate returns. Your tax usually will be less by filing a joint return if you are married. Sometimes it can be to your advantage to file separate returns. If you and your spouse file separate returns, you have to determine your community income and your separate income. Community property laws also affect your basis in property you inherit from a married person who lived in a community property state.
What is Form 1040-ES?	Top
Form 1040ES is used to report and pay estimated taxes. Estimated tax is the method used to pay taxes on income that is not subject to withholding. Examples of this type of income are earnings from self-employment, interest, dividends, rents, alimony, etc. Estimated taxes are due quarterly. If you file your taxes based on the calendar year, the due dates are April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year.
How do I know if I need to file Form 1040-ES?	Top
If you earned any income that was not subject to withholding you may be required to pay estimated tax. If you received self-employment income, interest income, dividend income, rent income or alimony, for example, and you did not have federal taxes withheld from those earnings, then you should make estimated tax payments to account for your tax liability.
What is an ITIN?	Top
An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to individuals who are required for U.S. tax purposes to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain, a social security number (SSN).
How do I get an ITIN?	Top
Use the January 2005 revision of Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to apply. Attach a valid federal income tax return unless you qualify for an exception, and include your original or certified proof of identity documents. Because you are filing your tax return as an attachment to your ITIN application, you should not mail your return to the address listed in the Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ instructions. Instead, send your return, Form W-7 and proof of identity documents to the address listed in the Form W-7 instructions:
Internal Revenue Service Philadelphia Service Center ITIN Unit, P.O. Box 447 Bensalem, PA 19020
You may also apply using the services of an IRS-authorized Acceptance Agent or visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in lieu of mailing your information to the IRS in Philadelphia. TACs in the United States provide in-person help with ITIN applications on a walk-in or appointment basis. Applicants outside the United States should contact an overseas the IRS office to find out if that office accepts Form W-7 applications. The IRS's ITIN Unit in Philadelphia issues all numbers by mail.
Can I e-file with form W-7?	Top
No, you have three choices: By mail. Mail Form W-7, your tax return (or other documents required by an exception), and the documentation required in the instructions to: Internal Revenue Service, Philadelphia Service Center, ITIN Unit, P.O. Box 447, Bensalem, PA 19020. In person. You can apply for a TIN by bringing your completed forms and documentation to any IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in the United States and most IRS offices abroad. Before applying at an IRS office abroad, find out if that office accepts Form W-7 applications. Through acceptance agent. You can also apply through an acceptance agent authorized by the IRS. To obtain a list of agents, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov .