Tax Returns 1040 EZ, W-2, W-4
Income Tax Return Filed every year To file = fill out form(s) & send to IRS Reports your income for year & income tax you owe/refunded Must be filed by April 15 each year Without extension being granted, not filing or filing late = FINES Purpose of return is to calculate your tax liability Tax liability – amount of tax you owe W-4 helps employer calculate tax liability
W-2 Getting completed W-2 is 1 st step of filing return Shows earnings for year Also shows amount employer withheld Employer must have W-2 ready by Jan. 31 st Received by mail or picked up
Filing Statuses Single Married Filing Jointly Married Filing Separately Head of Household Qualifying Widow(er) with Dependent Child
Do I have to file? Filing StatusAge at December 31, 2014Gross Income Single Under 65$10, or older$11,700 Married Filing Jointly Under 65 (both)$20, or older (both)$22,700 Under 65 (one)$21,500 Married Filing SeparatelyAny$6,200 Head of Household Under 65$13, or older$14,600 Qualifying Widow(er) Under 65$16, or older$17,300
Tax Forms 1040EZ – simplest tax form to file Can cost you 1040A – slightly more complex, but still simpler than 1040 1040 – most complex to file
1040EZ Requirements Single or married filing jointly No dependents Taxable Income is less than $100,000 Taxable Interest under $1500 If claiming tax credit, only claim Earned Income Credit (EIC) Claim no adjustments to income
Reportable Items 1040EZ Wages, tips, other compensation Taken from W-2 Unemployment Compensation 1099-G Interest Income, Interest on US Savings Bonds 1099-INT Social Security Benefits, Railroad Retirement Benefits Earned Income Credit (EIC)
Earned Income Credit Benefits working people with low to moderate income Credit means more money in your pocket Reduces amount of tax you owe May lead to refund Requirements If single income less than $14,590 and no qualifying children Cannot be qualifying child Have a qualifying child or Be age 25 but under 65 at end of year Live in US more than half the year Not qualify as dependent of another person
Activity IRS Simulation Complete Simulation 1 for Lawrence Red Owl Complete Simulation 2 for Cicely King 1040EZ Once finished with simulation pick up 3 pages from front table When everyone has finished the simulations we will walk through scenario 1 together