For Tax Payers

Need professional help with a specific tax issue or have general tax questions? Ask a CPA is the easiest way to get advice from a licensed accountant in our network.

Ask a Tax Question

For Accountants

Provide answers to tax questions and introduce your practice to new potential clients. Build your CPAdirectory profile and earn reputation points.

Answer Tax Questions

Employee Business Expense

Army Reservist - Uniform Maintenance

Asked Wednesday, November 22, 2000 by an anonymous user
Generally, the costs to launder your uniform are deductible as a miscellaneous itemized deduction subject to the 2% AGI limitation on IRS Schedule A.
This is true if you are prohibited from wearing the uniform when off duty.
Tax Question Answered By CPAdirectory
Answer Provided by: CPAdirectory

Small Business Services

What is a NonProfit 990 tax return ?

Asked Tuesday, November 21, 2000 by an anonymous user
Individuals and Corporations must file yearly tax returns, nonprofit entities must file annual information tax returns on Federal Form 990 - Return of Organizations Exempt from Income Tax or Form 990EZ (990 short form). These forms compile financial information including program activities, names of board members, and other basic information.
Tax Question Answered By CPAdirectory
Answer Provided by: CPAdirectory

Small Business Services

Do all Nonprofit entities have to file Form 990 each year ?

Asked Tuesday, November 21, 2000 by an anonymous user
NO. In general, nonprofit entities with total yearly "gross" receipts over $50,000 must file federal form 990 annually. There are exceptions of organizations who do not have to file. In general, Churches government agenciesand certain political organizations do not have to file any form. If gross annual receipts are equal to or greater than $200,000 or its total assets are equal or greater than $500,000 the Form 990 must be used instead of form 990--EZ.
Tax Question Answered By CPAdirectory
Answer Provided by: CPAdirectory

Small Business Services

When is Nonprofit Form 990 due ?

Asked Tuesday, November 21, 2000 by an anonymous user
Form 990 is due four and a half months after the close of your fiscal year. If your fiscal year ends on December 31, Form 990 is due on May 15. Use Form 8868 to file a 3 month extension.
Tax Question Answered By CPAdirectory
Answer Provided by: CPAdirectory

Small Business Services

Where can I get Nonprofit Form 990 ?

Asked Tuesday, November 21, 2000 by an anonymous user
Most small tax-exempt organizations whose annual gross receipts are normally $50,000 or less ($25,000 for tax years ending after December 31, 2007 and before December 31, 2012) are required to electronically submit Form 990-N, also known as the e-Postcard, unless they choose to file a complete Form 990 or Form 990-EZ instead. If you do not file your e-Postcard on time, the IRS will send you a reminder notice. There is no penalty assessment for late filing the e-Postcard, but an organization that fails to file required e-Postcards (or information returns – Forms 990 or 990-EZ) for three consecutive years will automatically lose its tax-exempt status. The revocation of the organization’s tax-exempt status will not take place until the filing due date of the third year. Federal IRS offices have Forms 990 and 990 EZ forms, as well as the Instructions. You can request these forms by phone at 1-800-829-3676 (1-800-TAX-FORM). Also you can get them on line: , click on Forms & Pubs, and then Forms & Instructions.
Tax Question Answered By CPAdirectory
Answer Provided by: CPAdirectory

Small Business Services

In reference to banking , what is Debit Card ?

Asked Tuesday, November 21, 2000 by an anonymous user
A Debit Card is an ATM bankcard used to purchase goods and services and to obtain cash. A debit card debits the cardholder's personal deposit account and requires a (PIN) Personal Identification Number for use. Debit cards branded with a bankcard logo can be accepted in Internet transactions without a PIN.
Tax Question Answered By CPAdirectory
Answer Provided by: CPAdirectory

Business Start-ups

Do I need to get a Copyright for my business invention ?

Asked Tuesday, November 21, 2000 by an anonymous user
It depends on what property you are considering for a copyright. A copyright is a form of protection provided by U.S. laws to the authors of original works of authorship, including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works. Copyright protection begins from the time the work is created in a fixed form. When granted the copyright immediately and automatically becomes the property of the author who created it. Copyright registration is optional and generally not a requirement for protection. However, registration provides several advantages to copyright owners. It establishes a public record of the copyright claim and is necessary before any infringement suit may be filed in a court of law. Registration may be made at any time within the life of the copyright. If more information is needed speak to your local CPA or call the Copyright Office Public Information Office at (202)707-3000. or go to their Web site at http://lcweb.loc.gov/copyright/.
Tax Question Answered By CPAdirectory
Answer Provided by: CPAdirectory

Small Business Services

Standared mileage rate - for charity

Asked Friday, November 17, 2000 by an anonymous user
The standard mileage rate(s) for 2012 and 2011 is Charity = 14 cents a mile.
Tax Question Answered By CPAdirectory
Answer Provided by: CPAdirectory

Small Business Services

In reference to small businesses , what is Bonding ?

Asked Wednesday, November 15, 2000 by an anonymous user
Small businesses especially those performing contracting services will be asked to bond their work in advance. In some states certain types of contractors are required to be bonded. A bond is sometimes referred to as a surety bond is a third party obligation promising to pay if a vendor does not fulfill its valid obligations under a contract. There are various types of bonds; (LICENSE, PERFORMANCE, BID, INDEMNITY & PAYMENT). A bond is a financial guarantee that you will honor a business contract.
Tax Question Answered By CPAdirectory
Answer Provided by: CPAdirectory