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How many years back can you file taxes?
Contributed by: MatthewD, FreeTaxUSA Agent, Tax Pro Technically, you can file back taxes for any past year you are missing. However, in most situations, only the past six years are required to be in good standing with the IRS. The recommendation is to file all past due tax returns, regardless of whether you can pay past…
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Can I file multiple prior year tax returns?
Contributed by: MatthewD, FreeTaxUSA Agent, Tax Pro Life can throw you curve balls, and you may end up in a situation where you need to file your current year tax return along with a couple past due returns from previous years. You’ll want to get caught up as soon as you can. You may have a refund for one year but owe…
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How do I file multiple state tax returns in FreeTaxUSA?
Contributed by: JoshuaC,FreeTaxUSA Agent, Tax Pro There are several situations that may require a taxpayer to file two or more state income tax returns. These situations include (but are not limited to): You moved from one state to another during the year. You live in one state while working in another. You earned income…
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What should I do if I just discovered I didn’t file my tax return last year?
Contributed by: AndyS, FreeTaxUSA Agent, Tax Pro If you just realized you didn't file last year’s tax return, don't panic! It’s an easy fix to get your return filled out and filed, even if it’s late. You’ll want to get your return filed as soon as possible to avoid any potential late fees or penalties. We’ll break down…
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How to file late taxes
Contributed by: Henry, FreeTaxUSA Agent, Tax Pro and AndyS, FreeTaxUSA Agent, Tax Pro Did you have a significant life event that prevented you from filing your tax return on time? Or were you missing important documentation? Maybe you simply procrastinated and forgot to file. Whatever the reason, if you missed the filing…
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How do I enter the sale of a second home?
Contributed by: AndreaS, FreeTaxUSA Agent, Tax Pro A second home is typically a home that is used by you part of the year. This includes a vacation home or a smaller home in another city you live in occasionally throughout the year for business. It is a home used for personal use that isn’t your main home. When you’re…
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How do know if I am self-employed or an employee?
Contributed by: PhillipB, FreeTaxUSA Agent, Tax Pro Many businesses choose to issue Form(s) 1099-NEC instead of Form(s) W-2. This makes sense for people who want to be treated as running their own business. But for others, it can be confusing and frustrating. Some taxpayers are shocked because they don’t understand why…
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Can I file using head of household filing status if I am married?
Contributed by: PhillipB, FreeTaxUSA Agent, Tax Pro Generally, no. In most cases, head of household filing status is only for a single person who provides shelter and support for a dependent who lives with them most of the year. However, there are a few rules that may allow a married person to file using head of household…
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Should I file using the married joint or separate filing status?
Contributed by: PhillipB, FreeTaxUSA Agent, Tax Pro Married filing jointly is commonly recognized as the most advantageous filing status. However, are there many reasons to use the married filing separate or (in some cases) the head of household filing status even while you’re still married? The answer is “it depends.”…
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When should I fill out Form SS-8?
Contributed by: KristineS, FreeTaxUSA Agent, Tax Pro You were hired on to work for your new employer, congratulations! As far as you knew, you were an employee and every time you were paid, whatever taxes needed to be sent to the IRS were taken care of. You assumed you’d receive a W-2 at the end of year to file on your tax…