Michigan Tax Filing Tips
When you go to file your taxes, there are a few areas which you may either be confused about or not entirely confident on what to put in to maximize your tax return. Luckily, there are tax professionals which you can contact for help or any questions you may have about filing your taxes in Michigan. These legal experts will have the experience necessary to guide you through the tax filing process so that you file efficiently and have the best chance at maximizing your return.
Michigan tax lawyers at the law firm of Bendure & Thomas have compiled a short list of tips and things to remember when you're about to file your taxes. It is a good idea to review this list so that you don't miss anything when preparing your tax returns:
Here are a few of the most "popular" tax return filing errors:
Did you enter the proper amount as Federal Income Tax Withheld?
Form W-2 shows both federal income tax and FICA (Social Security tax) withheld from your paychecks, and if you use the wrong information, your refund or tax owed calculation is incorrect.
If you or your spouse are age 65 or older or blind:
You must check all appropriate boxes in order to get the additional tax benefits.
If you did not have enough deductions to itemize:
Make sure you used the correct standard deduction chart to find the right amount.
Are you entitled to an Earned Income Credit?
Taxpayers who have earned income below a certain level may be able to get this refundable credit. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction of taxes owed, and, with a refundable credit, your taxes could be reduced to the point that you would receive a refund rather than owe any taxes.
Did you enter the correct amount of tax owed?
In order to properly calculate your tax liability for the year, you have to find the line on your return that shows taxable income. In the tax table, find the line that includes your taxable income, then find the column for your particular filing status (married filing jointly, single, head of household, etc.). The amount shown on the line where your taxable income meets your filing status is your tax for the year.
Have you attached all necessary forms and schedules?
You must include Copy B of all your W-2's.
Did you (and your spouse, if filing jointly) sign and date the return?
If not, it will be bounced back to you.
Include a check made payable to the "Internal Revenue Service" for any amount due:
And print your social security number, phone number, tax form number, and tax year on your check.
Make copies for your own records.
Use proper mailing procedures.
If possible, use the pre-printed envelope and label included in your tax package. If not, make sure you use the address of the correct IRS center for your state.
Put enough postage on the envelope.
If it is returned to you for insufficient postage, it might not be processed in time.
Following these pieces of advice can help make the process of filing taxes go much more smoothly and will help to ease the stress that comes along with handling your taxes. If you still have questions about the process, be sure to call a tax attorney in Michigan at the law firm of Bendure & Thomas. Their skilled lawyers will assist you in any way they can to properly file your taxes or settle any disputes.
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