Explaining the Law and Providing Self-Help Information for Low-Income Iowans
There are 29 resources
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Immigrant Taxpayer Issues
A Guide for Nonresident Aliens Preparing Federal Income Tax
(Separate Website)
This site is geared towards, students, researchers and scholars. There is some information for non-resident aliens who are not students, researchers or scholars in the Frequently Asked Questions link.
The information in this article was not intended or written to be used and cannot be used to avoid penalties under the Internal Revenue Code.
By: University of Texas at Austin
How Do I Fill Out My W-4?
When you start working you will need to fill out a form to set the amount of taxes that will be taken out of your check each payday. This form is called a W-4.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
The Individual Taxpayer Identification Number or ITIN
Every tax return or other tax document must have an identification number on it. Taxpayers who are legal residents of the United States use their social security number. Taxpayers whose foreign status does not allow them to get a social security number need to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Top 10 Tax Tips for Immigrants
Some of the more common situations where an immigrant might be required to pay taxes and information about how to file.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Am I an "Employee" or "Independent Contractor" and Why It Really Matters
How to determine the answer to this question as well as a look at what could happen if you ask.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Beware of Suspicious e-Mails and Identity Theft
(Separate Website)
This IRS site has alerts about various email scams and articles to help you protect yourself online.
By: Internal Revenue Service
Debts "Written Off" May Count as Taxable Income
Many people do not know that having a debt ?written off? or forgiven may count as taxable income. When income is taxable, it must be reported to the IRS.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Rules Tax Preparers Must Follow
Anyone in the business of preparing tax returns will have to pass a basic tax law exam to legally prepare returns for other people.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Understanding Taxes Glossary
(Separate Website)
Definitions of tax terminology
By: Internal Revenue Service
Beware of Bad Tax Advice and Unreliable Return Preparation
Be an informed consumer when selecting a tax preparer. Going to an inexperienced or unethical return preparer can hit you in your pocket book. Filing returns with inflated deductions or credits can result in you owing back taxes, interest and penalties.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
How Do I Fill Out My W-4?
When you start working you will need to fill out a form to set the amount of taxes that will be taken out of your check each payday. This form is called a W-4.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Keep More Money in YOUR Pocket at Tax Time
Did you know that paying fees for tax preparation and a refund anticipation loan is like losing five days' pay? Here are some ways you can avoid giving away your money during tax time.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
The Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic
The Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic or "LITC" is a project of Iowa Legal Aid. The LITC can help low-income Iowans who have a tax problem. Iowans who do not use English as their first language can also get help with other tax issues including how to apply for the Earned Income Credit.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Understanding Taxes Glossary
(Separate Website)
Definitions of tax terminology
By: Internal Revenue Service
Am I an "Employee" or "Independent Contractor" and Why It Really Matters
How to determine the answer to this question as well as a look at what could happen if you ask.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Avoiding the Slings and Arrows of Tax Time
During tax season you will hear many businesses offering to help you file your return. The question is, “Do I really want a car dealership, pay day loan store or rental store to complete my tax return?”
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Common Mistakes on Tax Returns
(Separate Website)
An alert from the IRS about common mistakes made by individuals while preparing their federal tax returns.
By: Internal Revenue Service
Gambling and Taxes
Many people may go to a Casino to gamble for fun, however, gambling can have major tax consequences.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
I Lost My House and Now I Owe Taxes?
If sale of a home in a foreclosure action does not cover the amount owed to the lender, part of a loan may not have to be paid back. The IRS may consider the amount of debt ?forgiven? as income and tax it.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Read this in:
French / Français
,
Spanish / Español
I Owe the IRS Money. Now What?
Suppose the IRS sent you a letter a couple of years back indicating that you owed money to the IRS. At the time, you didn?t know what to do and missed the deadline. This year you are entitled to a refund, but the IRS is going to take it. You were going to fix your car or maybe catch up on your utility bills with the refund. Is there anything you can do?
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Identity Theft and the IRS
An identity thief may cause you problems with the IRS by using your social security number to file a false tax return or to use it to work.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
My Spouse Lied to the IRS and I Got the Bill!
Most of the time a husband and spouse filing a joint tax return are both held responsible for any tax debts that come from that tax return, called "Joint and Several Liability." This can become an issue when married couples separate.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Understanding Taxes Glossary
(Separate Website)
Definitions of tax terminology
By: Internal Revenue Service
What to Do When the IRS Plans to Take Your Social Security or Other Benefit Check
The IRS can take your social security retirement or social security disability benefits. As a general rule the IRS will limit what they take to 15%.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Keep More Money in YOUR Pocket at Tax Time
Did you know that paying fees for tax preparation and a refund anticipation loan is like losing five days' pay? Here are some ways you can avoid giving away your money during tax time.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
The Iowa Legal Aid Website is a project of Iowa Legal Aid, the Volunteer Lawyer Projects of the Iowa State Bar and Polk County Bar Associations and HELP Legal Assistance.
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