Employer Responsibility

All tax preparers must practice due diligence, especially when it comes to the EITC, or they could be fined $500. Their clients could be fined as well. EITC eligibility is complicated. An updated version of Form 8867, the paid preparer's checklist, is worth reviewing in every situation. If tax preparers complete and submit the form with [...]

Disabled Child

Think you can claim the Earned Income Tax Credit for having a disabled child? You may need to think again. Tax law says you can only claim the EITC for a disabled child if s/he's disabled for more than 12 months. However, the caregiver of a disabled child may qualify for a smaller credit just for [...]

Have You Checked Your Withholding Lately?

There are many reasons to check your tax withholding. This means looking to see how much money your employer is withholding from your paycheck for federal income tax. It's a good idea to check your withholding, as it will help you avoid a surprise at tax time. If your employer is withholding too little, you could [...]

What Constitutes a Qualifying Child, Part 2

In this episode of "The Tale of the Complicated Household," learn more about who can claim the Earned Income Tax Credit. Don't forget that the law about who can claim a child changed over the last few years. If a parent and non-parent both meet EITC requirements, the non-parent must have the higher AGI. If you [...]

What Constitutes a Qualifying Child, Part 1

This humorous IRS video explains what does - and does not - constitute as a qualifying child when trying to claim the EITC. Read Publication 4717 to become familiar with the questions that, by law, tax preparers must ask taxpayers, as well as the documentation taxpayers must provide to verify their filing status and to claim [...]

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