Choose a business structure

When starting a business, an owner must decide what type of entity it will be. This type determines which tax forms a business needs to file. Owners can learn about business structures at IRS.gov. The most common forms of businesses are:

• Sole Proprietorships
• Partnerships
• Corporations
• S Corporations
• Limited Liability Company

Determine business tax responsibilities 

The type of business someone operates determines what taxes they need to pay and how to pay them. There are the five general types of business taxes.

• Income tax – All businesses except partnerships must file an annual income tax return. They must pay income tax as they earn or receive income during the year.
• Estimated taxes – If the amount of income tax withheld from a taxpayer’s salary or pension is not enough, or if the taxpayer receives income such as interest, dividends, alimony, self-employment income, capital gains, prizes and awards, they may have to make estimated tax payments.
• Self-employment tax – This is a Social Security and Medicare tax. It applies primarily to individuals who work for themselves.
• Employment taxes – These are taxes an employer pays or sends to the IRS for its employees. These include unemployment tax, income tax withholding, Social Security, and Medicare taxes.
• Excise tax – These taxes apply to businesses that:
  • Manufacture or sell certain products
  • Operate certain kinds of businesses
  • Use various kinds of equipment, facilities, or products
  • Receive payment for services

Choose a tax year accounting period

Businesses typically figure their taxable income based on a tax year of 12 consecutive months. A tax year is an annual accounting period for keeping records and reporting income and expenses. The options are:

• Calendar year: Jan. 1 to Dec. 31.
• Fiscal year:12 consecutive months ending on the last day of any month except December.

Set up recordkeeping processes

Being organized helps businesses owners be prepared for other tasks. Good recordkeeping helps a business monitor progress. It also helps prepare financial statements and tax returns. See IRS.gov for recordkeeping tips.

Additional Resources:

• Recommended reading for small businesses: Small Business Publications
• Checklist for starting a business
• Industries/professions webpage
• For information on state requirements for starting and operating a business, refer to a state’s website.

#IRSTaxTip: Four Things to Know about Taxes and Starting a Business. https://go.usa.gov/xn4Cj

Here are six things taxpayers should know about how the sharing economy might affect their taxes:

Taxes. Sharing economy activity is generally taxable. This includes:

• Part-time work.
• A side business.
• Cash payments received.
• Income stated on a Form 1099 or Form W-2.

Deductions. Some taxpayers can deduct their business expenses. For example, a taxpayer who uses a car for business use often qualifies to claim the standard mileage rate.

Rentals. Special rules apply to a taxpayer who rents out a home or apartment, but who also lives in it during the year. Publication 527, Residential Rental Property (Including Rental of Vacation Homes), has more information about these rules. Taxpayers can also use the Interactive Tax Assistant Tool. This tool is titled Is My Residential Rental Income Taxable and/or Are My Expenses Deductible? It walks a taxpayers through a series of questions to determine if their rental income is taxable.

Estimated Payments. Taxpayers can pay as they go, so they don’t owe. One way that taxpayers can cover the tax they owe is to make estimated tax payments during the year. These payments can help cover their tax obligation. Taxpayers use Form 1040-ES to figure these payments.

Payment Options. The fastest and easiest way to make estimated tax payments is through IRS Direct Pay. Taxpayers can also use the Treasury Department’s Electronic Federal Tax Payment System.

Withholding. Taxpayers involved in the sharing economy as an employee might want to review their withholding from that job and any other jobs they might have. They can often avoid making estimated tax payments by having more tax withheld from their regular paychecks. These taxpayers can file Form W-4 with their employer to request additional withholding. They can also use the Withholding Calculator on IRS.gov. This tool helps determine if they are having too much or too little tax withheld from their income.

IRS YouTube Videos:

• IRS Withholding Calculator: English
• Estimated Tax Payments: English | Spanish | ASL

#IRSTaxTip: Participating in the Sharing Economy Can Affect Taxes https://go.usa.gov/xnTdw

Here is information about four tax credits that can mean a refund for eligible taxpayers:

• Earned Income Tax Credit. A taxpayer who worked and earned less than $53,930 last year could receive the EITC as a tax refund. They must qualify for the credit, and may do so with or without a qualifying child. They may be eligible for up to $6,318. Taxpayers can use the 2017 EITC Assistant tool to find out if they qualify.
• Premium Tax Credit.Taxpayers who chose to have advance payments of the premium tax credit sent directly to their insurer during 2017 must file a federal tax return to reconcile any advance payments with the allowable premium tax credit. In addition, taxpayers who enrolled in health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace in 2017 and did not receive the benefit of advance credit payments may be eligible to claim the premium tax credit when they file. They can use the Interactive Tax Assistant to see if they qualify for this credit.
• Additional Child Tax Credit. If a taxpayer has at least one child that qualifies for the Child Tax Credit, they might be eligible for the ACTC. This credit is for certain individuals who get less than the full amount of the child tax credit.
• American Opportunity Tax Credit. To claim the AOTC, the taxpayer, their spouse or their dependent must have been a student who was enrolled at least half time for one academic period. The credit is available for four years of post-secondary education. It can be worth up to $2,500 per eligible student. Even if the taxpayer doesn’t owe any taxes, they may still qualify. They are required to have Form 1098-T, Tuition Statement, to be eligible for an education benefit. Students receive this form from the school they attended. There are exceptions for some students. Taxpayers should complete Form 8863, Education Credits, and file it with their tax return.

By law, the IRS is required to hold EITC and Additional Child Tax Credit refunds until mid-February — even the portion not associated with the EITC or ACTC.  The IRS expects the earliest of these refunds to be available in taxpayer bank accounts or debit cards starting February 27, 2018, if these taxpayers choose direct deposit and there are no other issues with their tax return.

Instructions for Forms 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ list income tax filing requirements. Taxpayers can also use the Interactive Tax Assistant tool on IRS.gov to answer many tax questions. They should look for “Do I need to file a return?” under general topics.

This tax tip covers information for tax year 2017 and is not affected by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Most of the changes in this legislation take effect in 2018 and will affect the tax returns filed in 2019.

More Information:

• Publication 596, Earned Income Credit
• Schedule 8812 (Form 1040A or 1040), Child Tax Credit
• Publication 972, Child Tax Credit
• Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education
• Education Credits

#IRSTaxTip: These Tax Credits Can Mean a Refund for Individual Taxpayers.  http://go.usa.gov/xnGPV

• People have until Tuesday, April 17, 2018, to file their 2017 returns and pay any taxes due.
• Choosing e-file and direct deposit is the fastest and safest way to file an accurate income tax return and receive a refund.
• Families with incomes of $66,000 or less can file for free. They can do so using brand name software through the IRS Free File program. People who earned more than $66,000 may use Free File Fillable Forms.
• By law, the IRS cannot issue some refunds before mid-February. These refunds are for tax returns that claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit. The IRS expects the earliest refunds related to EITC and ACTC to be available in taxpayer bank accounts or on debit cards starting on Feb. 27, 2018.
• The best way for taxpayers to check the status of a refund is to use “Where’s My Refund?” ‎on IRS.gov or the IRS2Go mobile app.
• Taxpayers with low and moderate incomes can get help filing their taxes for free. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs have more than 12,000 sites around the country. To find the nearest site, use the VITA/TCE Site Locator on IRS.gov or the IRS2Go mobile app.
• Taxpayers should have their year-end statements in hand before filing. This includes Forms W-2 from employers and Forms 1099 from banks and other payers. Doing this helps avoid refund delays and the need to file an amended return.
• IRS.gov is the place to go online for tools that help people as they prepare and file their tax return. This includes:
  • Let Us Help You page helps answer most tax questions.
  • IRS Services Guide has information about where taxpayers can go for help.
  • IRS.gov/account allows people to access information about their federal tax account.
• Many Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers expired on Dec. 31, 2017. This includes any ITIN not used on a tax return at least once in the past three years. Also, any ITIN with middle digits of 70, 71, 72 or 80 is now expired. Affected taxpayers should act soon to renew their number.
• Some taxpayers using a tax filing software product for the first time may need their Adjusted Gross Income amount from their prior-year tax return. They need this to verify their identity. Taxpayers using the same tax software they used last year will not need to enter this information.

#IRSTaxTip: Tax Filing Season is Here – Things for Taxpayers to Consider.  https://go.usa.gov/xnADC

The right to be informed is the first one highlighted in the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Taxpayers have the right to:

• Know what they need to do to comply with the tax laws.
• Have clear explanations of the laws and IRS procedures in all forms, instructions, publications, notices and correspondence.
• Be informed of IRS decisions about their tax accounts, and to receive clear explanations of the outcomes.

The IRS will take these actions to make sure taxpayers are informed:

• Certain notices must include any amount of the tax, interest and certain penalties the taxpayer owes.
• The IRS must explain why the taxpayers owes any taxes.
• When the IRS disallows a claim for a refund, the agency must explain the specific reasons why.
• The IRS posts information on IRS.gov to help taxpayers understand their IRS notice or letter.
•  If the IRS proposes to assess tax, the agency sends an initial letter. That letter must include:
  • Information on how the taxpayer can appeal the decision
  • An explanation of the entire process from audit through collection.
  • Details on how the Taxpayer Advocate Service can help.
• The IRS must send an annual statement to taxpayers who enter into a payment plan, which is also known as an installment agreement. The statement will include how much the taxpayer:
  • Owes at the beginning of the year.
  • Paid during the year.
  • Still owes at the end of the year.
• IRS makes forms and publications available on IRS.gov. Taxpayers can also have hard copies mailed to them by calling 800-829-3676.
• IRS uses social media to provide helpful tax information to a wide audience of taxpayers.

#IRSTaxTip: The Right to Be Informed – Taxpayer Bill of Rights #1.  https://go.usa.gov/xnHAh

During filing season, the IRS generally sees a surge in scam phone calls threatening such things as arrest, deportation and license revocation if the victim doesn’t pay a bogus tax bill. In a new twist being seen in recent weeks, identity thieves file fraudulent tax returns with refunds going into the real taxpayer’s bank account – followed by a phone call trying to con the taxpayer to send the money to the scammer.

The Dirty Dozen is compiled annually by the IRS and lists a variety of common scams taxpayers may encounter any time during the year.

To help protect taxpayers, the IRS is highlighting each of these scams on 12 consecutive days to help raise awareness. The IRS also urges taxpayers to help protect themselves against identity theft by reviewing safety tips prepared the Security Summit, a collaborative effort between the IRS, states and the private-sector tax community.

How Do the Scams Work?

Con artists make unsolicited calls claiming to be IRS officials. They demand that the victim pay a bogus tax bill. They convince the victim to send cash, usually through a wire transfer or a prepaid debit card or gift card. They may also leave “urgent” callback requests through phone “robo-calls,” or send a phishing email.

Many phone scams use threats to intimidate and bully a victim into paying. They may even threaten to arrest, deport or revoke the driver’s license of their victim if they don’t get the money.

Scammers often alter caller ID numbers to make it look like the IRS or another agency is calling. The callers use IRS employee titles and fake badge numbers to appear legitimate. They may use the victim’s name, address and other personal information to make the call sound official.

The IRS also reminded taxpayers today that scammers change tactics. Aggressive and threatening phone calls by criminals impersonating IRS agents remain a major threat to taxpayers, but variations of the IRS impersonation scam continue year-round and they tend to peak when scammers find prime opportunities to strike.

The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) reports they have become aware of over 12,716 victims who have collectively paid over $63 million as a result of phone scams since October 2013.

Here are some things the scammers often do, but the IRS will not do. Taxpayers should remember that any one of these is a tell-tale sign of a scam.

The IRS Will Never:

• Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Generally, the IRS will first mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes.
• Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.
• Demand that taxes be paid without giving taxpayers the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.
• Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
• Call you about an unexpected refund.

For Taxpayers Who Don’t Owe Taxes or Don’t Think They Do:

• Do not give out any information. Hang up immediately.
• Contact TIGTA to report the call. Use their IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting web page. Alternatively, call 800-366-4484.
• Report it to the Federal Trade Commission. Use the “FTC Complaint Assistant” on FTC.gov. Please add “IRS Telephone Scam” in the notes.

For Those Who Owe Taxes or Think They Do:

• Call the IRS at 800-829-1040. IRS workers can help.

Stay alert to scams that use the IRS as a lure. Tax scams can happen any time of year, not just at tax time. For more information visit Tax Scams and Consumer Alerts on IRS.gov.

Taxpayers have a set of fundamental rights they should be aware of when dealing with the IRS. These are the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Explore these rights and the agency’s obligations to protect them on IRS.gov.

Source: IRS Newswire, an IRS e-mail service, 

Issue Number:    IR-2018-40

WASHINGTON — Following continuing threats to taxpayers, the Internal Revenue Service today listed email “phishing” schemes as a top filing season concern and part of the annual listing of the “Dirty Dozen” tax scams for 2018.

The IRS warned taxpayers, businesses and tax professionals to be alert to fake emails or websites looking to steal personal information. These attempts can expand during tax season and remain a major identity theft threat.

Compiled annually by the IRS, the “Dirty Dozen” lists a variety of common scams that taxpayers may encounter any time of the year, but many of these schemes peak during filing season as people prepare their tax returns or seek help from tax professionals.

To help protect taxpayers, the IRS is highlighting each of these scams on 12 consecutive days to help raise awareness. The IRS also urges taxpayers to help protect themselves against identity theft by reviewing safety tips prepared the Security Summit, a collaborative effort between the IRS, states and the private-sector tax community.

“We urge taxpayers to watch out for these tricky and dangerous schemes,” said Acting IRS Commissioner David Kautter. “Phishing and other scams on the ‘Dirty Dozen’ list can trap unsuspecting taxpayers. Being cautious and taking basic security steps can help protect people and their sensitive tax and financial data.”

2018 Sees New Phishing Schemes

The IRS continues to see a steady onslaught of new and evolving phishing schemes as scam artists work to victimize taxpayers during filing season.

In a recent twist to a phishing scam, the IRS has seen thousands of taxpayers victimized by an unusual scheme that involves their own bank accounts. After stealing client data from tax professionals and filing fraudulent tax returns, the criminals use taxpayers’ real bank accounts to direct deposit refunds. Thieves are then using various tactics to reclaim the refund from the taxpayers, including falsely claiming to be from a collection agency or representing the IRS. Phone calls, emails and web sites are used to make the scheme more elaborate. Versions of the scam may continue to evolve. The IRS encourages taxpayers to review some basic tips if they see anunexpected deposit in their bank account.

In addition, the IRS has seen email schemes in recent weeks targeting tax professionals, payroll professionals, human resources personnel, schools as well as individual taxpayers.

In these email schemes, criminals pose as a person or organization the taxpayer trusts or recognizes. They may hack an email account and send mass emails under another person’s name. Or they may pose as a bank, credit card company, tax software provider or government agency. Criminals go to great lengths to create websites that appear legitimate but contain phony log-in pages. These criminals hope victims will “take the bait” and provide money, passwords, Social Security numbers and other information that can lead to identity theft.

Fake emails and websites also can infect a taxpayer’s computer with malware without the user knowing it. The malware gives the criminal access to the device, enabling them to access all sensitive files or even track keyboard strokes, exposing login information.

For those participating in these schemes, such activity can lead to significant penalties and possible criminal prosecution. IRS Criminal Investigation works closely with the Department of Justice to shutdown scams and prosecute the criminals behind them.

Tax Pro Alert

Numerous data breaches in the past year mean the entire tax preparation community must be on high alert during filing season to any unusual activity. Criminals increasingly target tax professionals, deploying various types of phishing emails in an attempt to access client data. Thieves may use this data to impersonate taxpayers and file fraudulent tax returns for refunds.

As part of the Security Summit initiative, the IRS has joined with representatives of the software industry, tax preparation firms, payroll and tax financial product processors and state tax administrators to combat identity theft refund fraud to protect the nation’s taxpayers.

The Security Summit partners encourage tax practitioners to be wary of communicating solely by email with potential or even existing clients, especially if unusual requests are made. Data breach thefts have given thieves millions of identity data points including names, addresses, Social Security numbers and email addresses. If in doubt, tax practitioners should call to confirm a client’s identity.

What to Do with Phishing Attempts

If a taxpayer receives an unsolicited email that appears to be from either the IRS or an organization closely linked to the IRS, such as the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), they should report it by sending it to phishing@irs.gov. Learn more by going to the Report Phishing and Online Scams page on IRS.gov.

Tax professionals who receive unsolicited and suspicious emails that appear to be from the IRS or related to the e-Services program also should report it by sending it to phishing@irs.gov.

It is important to keep in mind the IRS generally does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages and social media channels.

Taxpayers have a set of fundamental rights they should be aware of when dealing with the IRS. Taxpayers can explore the Taxpayer Bill of Rights and the agency’s obligations to protect them on IRS.gov.

Source: IRS Newswire, an IRS e-mail service.

Issue Number:    IR-2018-39

Responding to many questions received from taxpayers and tax professionals, the IRS said that despite newly-enacted restrictions on home mortgages, taxpayers can often still deduct interest on a home equity loan, home equity line of credit (HELOC) or second mortgage, regardless of how the loan is labelled. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, enacted Dec. 22, suspends from 2018 until 2026 the deduction for interest paid on home equity loans and lines of credit, unless they are used to buy, build or substantially improve the taxpayer’s home that secures the loan.

Under the new law, for example, interest on a home equity loan used to build an addition to an existing home is typically deductible, while interest on the same loan used to pay personal living expenses, such as credit card debts, is not. As under prior law, the loan must be secured by the taxpayer’s main home or second home (known as a qualified residence), not exceed the cost of the home and meet other requirements.

New dollar limit on total qualified residence loan balance

For anyone considering taking out a mortgage, the new law imposes a lower dollar limit on mortgages qualifying for the home mortgage interest deduction. Beginning in 2018, taxpayers may only deduct interest on $750,000 of qualified residence loans. The limit is $375,000 for a married taxpayer filing a separate return. These are down from the prior limits of $1 million, or $500,000 for a married taxpayer filing a separate return.  The limits apply to the combined amount of loans used to buy, build or substantially improve the taxpayer’s main home and second home.

The following examples illustrate these points.

Example 1:  In January 2018, a taxpayer takes out a $500,000 mortgage to purchase a main home with a fair market value of $800,000.  In February 2018, the taxpayer takes out a $250,000 home equity loan to put an addition on the main home. Both loans are secured by the main home and the total does not exceed the cost of the home. Because the total amount of both loans does not exceed $750,000, all of the interest paid on the loans is deductible. However, if the taxpayer used the home equity loan proceeds for personal expenses, such as paying off student loans and credit cards, then the interest on the home equity loan would not be deductible.

Example 2:  In January 2018, a taxpayer takes out a $500,000 mortgage to purchase a main home.  The loan is secured by the main home. In February 2018, the taxpayer takes out a $250,000 loan to purchase a vacation home. The loan is secured by the vacation home.  Because the total amount of both mortgages does not exceed $750,000, all of the interest paid on both mortgages is deductible. However, if the taxpayer took out a $250,000 home equity loan on the main home to purchase the vacation home, then the interest on the home equity loan would not be deductible.

Example 3:  In January 2018, a taxpayer takes out a $500,000 mortgage to purchase a main home.  The loan is secured by the main home. In February 2018, the taxpayer takes out a $500,000 loan to purchase a vacation home. The loan is secured by the vacation home.  Because the total amount of both mortgages exceeds $750,000, not all of the interest paid on the mortgages is deductible. A percentage of the total interest paid is deductible (see Publication 936).

For more information about the new tax law, visit the Tax Reform page on IRS.gov.

Source: IRS Newswire, an IRS e-mail service.

Issue Number:    IR-2018-32

The IRS emphasizes the new tax law changes make it especially important for specific groups of taxpayers to visit the Withholding Calculator on IRS.gov. This includes people in households with two or more jobs, who have children or dependents, who itemize their taxes, or who have high incomes or complex tax situations. 

“It’s important every year for people to review if they’re having the right amount of tax withheld from their paychecks,” said Acting IRS Commissioner David Kautter. “This year, it’s even more urgent for people to review their situation following the new tax law changes. As people complete their 2017 tax returns, this is a perfect time to take a paycheck checkup.”

The IRS unveiled several new features to help taxpayers understand the implications of the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and navigate the complex issues affecting withholding. During the Paycheck Checkup campaign, the IRS is highlighting these efforts, including new YouTube videos and a special Tax Tip series. 

The centerpiece of the effort is the updated Withholding Calculator on IRS.gov.

The new tax law could affect how much tax someone should have their employer withhold from their paycheck. Using the Withholding Calculator can help prevent employees from having too little or too much tax withheld.

Having too little tax withheld can mean an unexpected tax bill or potentially a penalty at tax time in 2019. And with the average refund topping $2,800, some taxpayers might prefer to have less tax withheld up front and receive more in their paychecks.

Taxpayers can use the Withholding Calculator to estimate their 2018 income tax. The Withholding Calculator compares that estimate to the taxpayer’s current tax withholding and can help them decide if they need to change their withholding by submitting a new W-4 form to their employer.  When using the calculator, it’s helpful to have a completed 2017 tax return available.  

Special alert for key groups to check withholding

The IRS always recommends employees check their withholding at the beginning of each year or when their personal circumstances change to make sure they’re having the right amount of tax withheld from their paychecks. 

Following the recent tax law changes, it’s especially important for certain people to use the Withholding Calculator on IRS.gov to check if they are having the right amount of withholding.

Among the groups, in particular, who should check their withholding are people who:

• Belong to a two-income family.
• Work two or more jobs or only work for part of the year.
• Have children and claim credits such as the Child Tax Credit.
• Have older dependents, including children age 17 or older.
• Itemized deductions on their 2017 tax returns.
• Earn high incomes and have more complex tax returns.

Received large tax refunds or had large tax bills for 2017.

“The IRS urges people in these groups to take a few minutes and review their withholding and tax situation,” Kautter said. “Taking this step will help avoid surprises next year at tax time.”

The new law increased the standard deduction, removed personal exemptions, increased the child tax credit, limited or discontinued certain deductions, and changed the tax rates and brackets.

Withholding calculator helps with Form W-4; submit to employer as soon as possible

Taxpayers can use the results from the Withholding Calculator to help determine if they should complete a new Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate, and, if so, what information to put on it. Employees will submit the completed Form W-4 form to their employer.

When changes in personal circumstances reduce withholding allowances they are entitled to claim–including divorce, starting a second job, or a child no longer being a dependent–employees have 10 days to submit a new Form W-4 to their employer claiming the proper number of withholding allowances.

Employees who need to adjust their withholding should do so as quickly as possible so there’s more time for tax withholding to take place evenly during the rest of the year. Waiting until later in the year means there are fewer pay periods to make the tax changes – which could have bigger consequences for each paycheck.

To use the Withholding Calculator, taxpayers should have their 2017 tax returns and most recent paystubs ready. Having a completed 2017 tax return can help taxpayers work with the Withholding Calculator to help determine their proper withholding for 2018 and avoid issues when they file next year.

Taxpayers should remember that the tax law changes generally don’t affect 2017 returns that people are filing in early 2018. They affect returns for 2018, which taxpayers will file in 2019. The Withholding Calculator helps taxpayers check their 2018 withholding for their 2018 situation, including recent law changes.

Withholding Calculator results depend on the accuracy of information entered. Taxpayers whose personal circumstances change during the year should return to the calculator to check whether their withholding should be changed.

For more details on withholding issues, taxpayers are encouraged to visit IRS.gov.

Source: IRS Newswire, an IRS e-mail service.

Issue Number: IR-2018-80 April 2, 2018

• New Tax Reform Web Page. The IRS created the Tax Reform page to highlight what taxpayers need to know about the tax law changes and how they affect taxpayers. This page also links taxpayers and tax professionals to news releases, publications, notices, and legal guidance related to the legislation.
• Updated Withholding Calculator. The IRS updated the Withholding Calculator to reflect the changes to the withholding tables. The IRS encourages everyone to use the Withholding Calculator to perform a quick “paycheck checkup,” which is even more important this year because of the tax law changes. The calculator helps taxpayers determine if they’re having the right amount of tax withheld from their paychecks.
• Updated Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate. Taxpayers who determine they need to make changes to their withholding can refer to the new Form W-4, which reflects the tax law changes. Employees will submit the completed Form W-4 to their employers.
• Frequently Asked Questions. The IRS posted new FAQs to help people understand how to use the Withholding Calculator and the changes to the Withholding Tables.

More information about the tax law changes will be coming throughout the year. IRS.gov will be updated to reflect changes as they develop.

Issue Number:    Tax Reform Tax Tip 2018-49