It's that time of year again—tax season. For many individuals and businesses, the looming deadline to file taxes can bring about stress and uncertainty. However, if you find yourself needing more time to gather documents or organize your finances, filing for a tax extension might give you the extra time you need. Let's delve into what a tax extension entails and how you can use an extension to buy yourself a little extra time ..read more

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in February 2012 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. While doing your own taxes might be an easy way to save money, some individuals, especially those with complex returns, may need a bit more assistance to make sure everything is in order on their return.  ..read more

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in April 2019 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. No one wants to be audited by the IRS. And while there is no guaranteed way to avoid an audit, there are actions you can take in preparing your taxes to help minimize your chances of being selected for audit ..read more

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in June 2013 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. When you are seriously negligent in paying your IRS tax debt, you put your income and assets at risk of being seized. The IRS uses this extraordinary step to collect on debts when taxpayers have failed after repeated warnings to pay what they owe.  ..read more

So you're getting audited.  You're not alone. According to USA Today, roughly 2 in every 1,000 tax returns of middle-income Americans was flagged for audit in the last fiscal year (2022). Hiring representation is a smart next step ..read more

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in May 2018 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. The IRS expects most taxpayers to file their returns on time every year. When the tax season starts in January, you have close to four months to file and submit your returns before the April 15 deadline ..read more

We live in the age of the 1099 employee. A recent study found that an estimated 15% of employees are independent contractors. Other studies estimate that number to be ever higher. With cost savings for employers, flexibility and other personal benefits for employees, it is no surprise that hiring practices in many industries are starting to include an increasing amount of independent contractors. But as a self-employed contractor, you should understand your tax obligations and responsibilities to avoid entanglements with the IRS ..read more

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in October 2019 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. You knew you weren’t going to make the tax filing deadline last April, so you requested an extension. But now that second deadline has come and gone. Can you file for another extension ..read more

Marriage involves the merging of many aspects of life, including finances. While this union brings numerous benefits, it also raises questions about potential liabilities, especially when it comes to taxes. If your spouse owes money to the IRS, you might be wondering if you could be held responsible for their tax debt. At Top Tax Defenders, we're here to shed light on the subject and help you navigate the complexities of spousal tax liability ..read more

When tax season rolls around, it's important to know the various methods available for settling your tax bill. We understand that navigating tax payment options can sometimes be confusing. In this post, we'll walk you through the different ways you can pay your taxes, making the process smoother and more convenient for you ..read more