Steps to take now for 2020 filing Season

With 2019 almost over there are steps to take now for the 2020 filing season.

Earned Income Tax Credit
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable federal income tax credit for working people with low to moderate incomes who meet certain eligibility requirements. Because it's a refundable credit, those who qualify and claim EITC pay less federal tax, pay no tax or may even get a tax refund. EITC can mean a credit of up to $6,557 for working families with three or more qualifying children. Workers without a qualifying child may be eligible for a credit up to $529.

In addition to other requirements, to get the credit, people must have earned income and file a federal tax return — even if they don't owe any tax or aren't otherwise required to file.

Taxpayers should seek the advice of a tax professional to determine if they are eligible for EITC, determine if their child or children meet the tests for a qualifying child and estimate the amount of their credit.

Child Tax Credit
Taxpayers can claim the Child Tax Credit if they have a qualifying child under the age of 17 and meet other qualifications. The maximum amount per qualifying child is $2,000. Up to $1,400 of that amount can be refundable for each qualifying child. So, like the EITC, the Child Tax Credit can give a taxpayer a refund even if they owe no tax.

The qualifying child must have a valid Social Security number issued before the due date of the tax return, including extensions. For tax year 2019, this means April 15, 2020, or if a taxpayer gets a tax-filing extension, Oct. 15, 2020.

The amount of the Child Tax Credit begins to reduce or phase out at $200,000 of modified adjusted gross income, or $400,000 for married couples filing jointly.

Credit for Other Dependents
This credit is available to taxpayers with dependents for whom they cannot claim the Child Tax Credit. These include dependent children who are age 17 or older at the end of 2019 or parents or other qualifying individuals supported by the taxpayer.

IRS Publication 972, Child Tax Credit, available now on IRS.gov, has further details and will soon be updated for tax year 2019.

Education Credits
Two credits can help taxpayers paying higher education costs for themselves, a spouse or dependent. The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) and the Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) are claimed on IRS Form 8863, Education Credits. The AOTC is partly refundable.

Among other requirements, to get either credit, the taxpayer or student usually must receive Form 1098-T, Tuition Statement, from the school attended. Some exceptions apply. See the instructions to IRS Form 8863 for details.

Interactive Tax Assistant
The IRS has an Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA) to help people determine if they can claim any of these credits. The ITA also provides answers to general questions on filing status, claiming dependents, filing requirements and other topics. While useful it doesn't guarantee the IRS will allow someone to claim the credit if they believe it should be disallowed. Thus, its best to seek the advice of a tax professional if you have any questions about these tax items.

Filing electronically is easy, safe and the most accurate way to file your tax return. There are a variety of free electronic filing options for most taxpayers including using IRS Free File for taxpayers with income below $66,000, or Fillable Forms for taxpayers who earn more. Taxpayers who generally earn $56,000 or less can have their return prepared at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site. Tax Counseling for the Elderly sites offer free tax help for all taxpayers, particularly those who are 60 years of age and older.

Contact Joseph P. Wilson at 949-397-2292 or wilson@wilsontaxlaw.com. Mr. Wilson represents clients throughout California and the Globe, involving local, state, federal and international civil tax disputes, tax litigation and criminal tax defense. Mr. Wilson is the Managing Shareholder at Wilson Tax Law Group, APLC, former Member of the Executive Committee of the Taxation Section, California Lawyers’ Association, a former IRS Attorney, a former Assistant United States Attorney, and a former Tax Attorney in the Legal Division of the California Franchise Tax Board.