Coronavirus and Taxes: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The COVID-19 outbreak is affecting every facet of our lives – including our taxes. Check here for all your FAQs to see how you may be impacted.

Q: Has the government extended the filing deadline?

A: Yes, the federal government has extended the April 15 filing deadline for 2019 tax returns to July 15, 2020. Please check with your tax preparer about whether or not your state extended the deadline.

Q: Has the government postponed the deadline to pay my taxes?

A: Yes, as a result of extending the filing due and as a result of a previous postponement, the time for taxpayers to pay their 2019 taxes is extended until July 15, 2020. Please check with your tax preparer regarding any postponement available for your state tax. Q: Is April 15 still the last day I can make an IRA contribution for 2019? A: No, the last date to make an IRA contribution is the same as the tax return filing due date so you now have until July 15, 2020 to make the contribution.

Q: Are Corporation taxes affected by the extended filing due date?

A: Yes, the filing due date for calendar year C-corporations has also been extended to July 15, 2020. As a result of extending the filing due date, the payment of taxes and filing of estimated taxes has also been extended.

Q: Are estate and trust income taxes also extended?



A: Yes, the estate and trust income tax return due date been extended to July 15, 2020. Therefore, any tax payments are also extended.

Q: If I can’t file my return by July 15, what can I do?

A: You can file an extension using Form 4868 which gives you until October 15, 2020 to file your return.

Q: What about relief for other types of tax filings?

A: The IRS has not provided a payment extension for the payment or deposit of any other type of federal tax (including payroll taxes and excise taxes) or for the filing of any tax return or information return.

Q: Is there any tax relief for other types of tax filings that are late?

A: Yes, taxpayers may seek relief under certain provisions of the tax code that allow the IRS to waive penalties by reason of casualty, disaster, or other unusual circumstances, the imposition of such addition to tax would be against equity and good conscience.

Q: What should I do if I have an appointment with my tax preparer in the near future?

A: Most are now handling appointments remotely by phone, email and documents exchanged digitally by secure means. You should contact your tax preparer for details.

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“Bernard and his team at BR tax group are top notch. This is my first year using them after switching from a different local CPA and I didn't realize how much tax info I've been missing. His communication is great. The additional information he provides to maximize tax savings is something I didn't get from my previous CPA. Thanks Bernard”

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Frequently Asked Questions

You can prepare your taxes yourself, especially if your business is simple.

But once you have contractors, employees, business loans, equipment purchases, mileage, mixed expenses, or growing revenue, things get more complex. At that point, tax preparation becomes a way to make sure your business is reported correctly, your deductions are handled properly, and your records can support what you file.

Send anything that shows what your business earned, spent, bought, paid, borrowed, or changed during the year.

That usually means your income records, bank statements, credit card statements, payroll reports, contractor payments, loan documents, mileage records, and prior-year tax return. Also tell me about anything unusual, such as buying a vehicle, hiring someone, opening a new location, or taking out a business loan.

Messy books can slow things down. If expenses are in the wrong categories, transactions are missing, or personal and business spending are mixed together, your tax return may not show the right profit. We may need to clean things up before filing, so your return is accurate and easier to support.

Possibly, if it was truly for your business and you have proof.

Still, it is much better to avoid this when you can. A separate business bank account and business credit card make everything cleaner. They save time, reduce confusion, and make your records much easier to defend if anyone ever asks questions.

Most small business owners can deduct ordinary business expenses like software, advertising, supplies, insurance, rent, payroll, contractor payments, professional fees, travel, and some vehicle costs.

The question I usually ask is simple. Was this expense clearly for the business? If yes, we can look at how it should be handled. Personal expenses should stay personal.

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