Tax Talk

Tax Talk: 2016 Tax Season

I hope you all enjoyed our February cover story on Big Rig Tax Relief. I am proud to have had the opportunity to formally introduce our company to the “Movin’Out” audience.

Obviously, we are super busy right now helping many drivers across the country prepare and file their 2015 return. The strongest advice I can offer, is to always seek a professional to help you with the preparation and filing of your return. I am a licensed tax practitioner, I can represent you before the United States Tax Court, and I personally heed this advice! There are far too many exemptions, laws, credits, and deductions changing every year, and you may miss or be entitled to some of them. Why would you risk it?

Now, speaking of deductions, I thought you might get a kick out of these deductions people have tried to use that are not legitimate. Many Americans view their pets as their children, and yes, many have tried to use Fido or Kitty as their dependent comes tax time- unfortunately, the IRS doesn’t feel the same way. I have seen some use their tattoos as a medical expense or try to roll their child’s wedding into a business entertainment expense, but it won't fly come audit time. The list of crazy attempted deductions is endless, but there are many successfully claimed deductions that a certified tax preparer can help you sort out.

New Confusion: The Affordable Health Care Act contains comprehensive health insurance reforms and includes tax provisions that affect individuals and businesses. The tax provisions can affect how individuals and families file their taxes. The law also contains benefits and responsibilities for employers. It's definitely confusing- big surprise.

Free Resource: All drivers should know about a resource provided by the Internal Revenue Service on their website called the "Trucking Tax Center." You can find tax tips, tax publications and get important reminders and the latest news. You can also find more detailed information about the Affordable Care Act Tax provisions.

2016 Deadlines: you have a few extra days this year to file your taxes. The filing deadline is Monday, April 18, 2016, rather than the traditional April 15 date. Washington, D.C. will celebrate Emancipation Day on that Friday, which pushes the deadline to the following Monday for most of the nation. Due to Patriots Day, the deadline will be Tuesday, April 19, in Maine and Massachusetts.

I have a special offer for you during tax season. We are giving all drivers $25 off their prepared tax return when they call Community Tax and mention the “Truck Mag” article. Even if you don’t use our services, you can refer anyone you know and receive a $25 Visa gift card when your referral uses our services, and they will still get $25 off their prepared return! Call us today at 1-844-346-3386 for more information. Remember, if you are attending the Mid-America Trucking show in Louisville, Kentucky stop by our booth (#74241 in the Pavillion, South Wall) and say hi! We have awesome raffle prizes and free giveaways.

About the Author: Nick Charveron, is a licensed tax practitioner & Co-Founder of Big Rig Tax Relief LLC, a Tax Company focused on Tax Debt Resolution Services. Nick was a motor transport operator (88M) while enlisted in the Illinois National Guard, US Army, Email him at [email protected]. Website: www.communitytax.com