IRS Offers Summer Tax Tips for Jobs, Marriage, Deductions and Credits

Before starting a summer job, taking a vacation or sending the kids off to camp, the IRS has some summer tax tips: some activities qualify for tax credits or deductions.Here are some tips that may help taxpayers lower taxes and avoid issues with their taxes!

Worker classification matters

As with other workers, business owners must correctly determine whether summer workers are employees or independent contractors. Independent contractors are not subject to withholding, making them responsible for paying their own income taxes plus Social Security and Medicare taxes. Workers can avoid higher tax bills and lost benefits if they know their proper status.

Summer workers may be exempt from tax withholding

Workers may not earn enough from summer jobs to owe income tax, but employers must withhold Social Security and Medicare taxes from pay. If self-employed or an independent contractor, workers need to pay their own Social Security and Medicare taxes, even if they have no income tax liability. This is important because these taxes count toward coverage under the Social Security system. Normally, employees receive a Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, from their employer to account for the summer’s work by Jan. 31 of the following year. The Form W-2 shows the amount of earnings. It also shows withholdings for state and federal taxes, Social Security, Medicare wages and tips. Employees use the information on this form when they file their annual tax returns.

Check withholding

For those who work a seasonal or part-year job, checking withholding now can help make sure employers withhold the right amount of tax. Taxpayers who work part of the year should check early in the employment period to determine an accurate amount for their withholding. The Withholding Calculator helps employees determine whether they need to submit a new Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate to their employer. It estimates income, credits, adjustments, and deductions for most financial situations. Employees can use their results to fill out the form and adjust their income tax withholding. They must give their updated forms to their employers to take effect.

Getting married?

Newlyweds can help make wedded bliss last longer by doing a few things now to avoid problems at tax time. First, report any name change to the Social Security Administration before filing next year’s tax return. Then, report any address change to the United States Postal Service, any employers and the IRS to ensure receipt of tax-related items. Finally, use the Withholding Calculator at IRS.gov to make sure withholding is correct now that there are two people to consider. This is especially important for families with more than one wage earner, for taxpayers who have more than one job at a time, or for those who have children. For best results, do it as soon as possible!

Clean out, donate, deduct

A great summer tax tip: if they are in good condition, those long-unused items found during spring or summer cleaning and donated to a qualified charity may qualify for a tax deduction. Taxpayers must itemize deductions to deduct charitable contributions, and be sure to have proof of all donations.

Help with service project, deduct mileage

While there’s no tax deduction for time donated toward a charitable cause, driving a personal vehicle while donating services on a trip sponsored by a qualified charity could qualify for a tax break. Itemizers can deduct 14 cents per mile for charitable mileage driven in 2018. Summer tax tip – keep good records of mileage!

You can read more on how to donate unused rewards miles, points by clicking here

Get tax credit for summer day camp expenses

Many working parents must arrange for care of their younger children under 13 years of age during the school vacation period. A popular solution — with favorable tax consequences — is a day camp program. Unlike overnight camps, the cost of day camp may count as an expense towards the Child and Dependent Care Credit.

Refunds require a tax return

Here’s an interesting summer tax tip for you – although workers may not have earned enough money from a summer job to require filing a tax return, they still want to file when tax time comes around. It is essential to file a return to get a refund of any income tax withheld. There is no penalty for filing a late return for those receiving refunds, however, by law, a return must be filed within three years to get its refund. Otherwise, the money becomes property of the U. S. Treasury.

For details about any of these topics, visit IRS.gov/GetReady.

Source: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-offers-summer-tips-for-temporary-jobs-marriage-deductions-and-credits