Tennessee State Fire Marshal reminds Tennesseans to replace Smoke Alarm Batteries as you Spring Forward
March 9, 2012
‘Change your clock, change your battery’ for daylight saving time
Nashville, TN – As clocks move ahead this weekend for daylight saving time, Tennessee State Fire Marshal and Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak would like to remind Tennesseans to change their homes’ smoke alarm batteries, as well.
“ ‘Change your clock, change your battery’ is an easy phrase to remember and practice when you update your clocks this weekend,” says McPeak. “Smoke alarms, even those that are hard-wired, should have their batteries replaced regularly and tested monthly to ensure you have the protection you need,” McPeak says. “Use this time to protect your home and family.” [Read more]
Tax Scam Warning: Beware of Phony Refund Scheme Abusing Popular College Tax Credit
March 2, 2012
Senior Citizens, Working Families and Church Members Are Targets
Washington, D.C. – The Internal Revenue Service today warned senior citizens and other taxpayers to beware of an emerging scheme tempting them to file tax returns claiming fraudulent refunds.
The scheme carries a common theme of promising refunds to people who have little or no income and normally don’t have a tax filing requirement. Under the scheme, promoters claim they can obtain for their victims, often senior citizens, a tax refund or nonexistent stimulus payment based on the American Opportunity Tax Credit, even if the victim was not enrolled in or paying for college.
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security encourages Voters to obtain Photo IDs before March 6th Presidential Primary
February 28, 2012
Special Saturday Service will cease after March 3rd, County Clerk Partners to stop issuing Voter Photo ID on March 12th
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security is encouraging voters this week to obtain photo IDs for voting purposes at no cost before the Tennessee Presidential Primary elections on March 6th.
The department will open certain driver service centers across the state this Saturday for voter photo identification issuance only. March 3rd will be the last opportunity for registered voters to take advantage of this special Saturday service.
Additionally, March 12th will be the final day the Department of Safety & Homeland Security’s county clerk partners will issue voter photo IDs at no cost. [Read more]
IRS Has $16.1 Million for Tennesseans Who Have Not Filed a 2008 Income Tax Return
February 23, 2012
Nashville, TN – Refunds totaling $16,130,000 may be waiting for about 18,400 Tennesseans who did not file a federal income tax return for 2008, the Internal Revenue Service announced today.
Nationwide, the IRS has over $1 billion for about 1 million people who haven’t filed for 2008 yet.
To collect the money, a return for 2008 must be filed with the IRS no later than Tuesday, April 17th, 2012. There is no penalty for filing a late return qualifying for a refund. [Read more]
IRS Alerts Tennesseans to Most Common Tax Scams
February 18, 2012
Nashville, TN – The Internal Revenue Service today issued its annual “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams, including those most common in Tennessee.
“Be cautious! Remember a deal that sounds too good to be true probably is,” said IRS spokesman Dan Boone. “And when someone you don’t know and trust wants your private information, they may be up to no good.” [Read more]
Five Tips for Recently Married or Divorced Taxpayers with a Name Change
February 17, 2012
Washington, D.C. – If you changed your name after a recent marriage or divorce, the IRS reminds you to take the necessary steps to ensure the name on your tax return matches the name registered with the Social Security Administration.
A mismatch between the name shown on your tax return and the SSA records can cause problems in the processing of your return and may even delay your refund.
IRS Offers Four Tips on Unemployment Benefits
February 16, 2012
Washington, D.C. – Unemployment can be stressful enough without having to figure out the tax treatment of the unemployment benefits you receive.
Unemployment compensation generally includes, among other forms, state unemployment compensation benefits, but the tax implications depend on the type of program paying the benefits. You must report unemployment compensation on line 19 of Form 1040, line 13 of Form 1040A, or line 3 of Form 1040EZ. [Read more]
When Can You Expect Your Refund?
February 12, 2012
Washington, D.C. – The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers to keep in mind that many variables can affect the speed of a tax refund. Using e-file with direct deposit remains the fastest option for taxpayers.
Following technology improvements, the IRS will issue refunds to more taxpayers in as few as 10 days this year for those who e-file and select direct deposit. Overall, the IRS issues the vast majority (more than 9 out of 10) of all refunds — whether filed electronically or on paper — in 21 days or less.
Check your Eligibility for Earned Income Tax Credit
February 11, 2012
Washington, D.C. – The Earned Income Tax Credit is a financial boost for workers earning $49,078 or less in 2011. Four of five eligible taxpayers filed for and received their EITC last year. The IRS wants you to get what you earned also, if you are eligible.
Here are the top 10 things the IRS wants you to know about this valuable credit, which has been making the lives of working people a little easier since 1975.
Get Your Prior Years Tax Information from the IRS
February 9, 2012
Washington, D.C. – 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 getting federal tax return information from a previously filed tax return.
Eight Things You Need to Know
- You can order transcripts online or by phone for the current tax year as well as the past three tax years. Earlier tax years must be requested with Form 4506T-EZ, Short Form Request for Individual Tax Return Transcript.
- A tax return transcript shows most line items from your tax return as it was originally filed, including any accompanying forms and schedules. It does not reflect any changes made after the return was filed.
- A tax account transcript shows any later adjustments either you or the IRS made after the tax return was filed. This transcript shows basic data, including marital status, type of return filed, adjusted gross income and taxable income.
- To request either transcript online from this website use our online tool called Order a Transcript. To order by phone, call 800-908-9946 and follow the prompts in the recorded message. When you use these automated self-service options, the selected transcript will be mailed to your current address of record. To have your transcript mailed to a different address, complete and mail Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return. The IRS does not charge a fee for transcripts.
- To request a 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ tax return transcript through the mail, complete IRS Form 4506T-EZ. Businesses, partnerships and individuals who need transcript information from other forms or need a tax account transcript must use the Form 4506T.
- If you order online or by phone, you should receive your tax return transcript within five to 10 calendar days from the time the IRS receives your request. Allow 30 calendar days for delivery of a tax account transcript if you order by mail using Form 4506T or Form 4506T-EZ.
- If you still need an actual copy of a previously processed tax return, it will cost $57.00 for each tax year you order. Complete Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, and mail it to the IRS address listed on the form for your area. Copies are generally available for the current year as well as the past six years. Please allow 60 days for actual copies of your return.
- Visit this website to determine which form will meet your needs. Forms 4506, 4506T and 4506T-EZ can be downloaded here or by calling the IRS forms and publications order line at 800-TAX-FORM (800.829.3676)
Links:
- Order a Transcript online tool
- Form 4506T-EZ, Short Form Request for Individual Tax Return Transcript
- Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return
- Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Form
