Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Taxes: …and so it continues into 2023

Who thought back on March 13, 2020, that we'd still be dealing with the coronavirus three+ years later? Not me, but here we are.

At least we're beyond serious, widespread outbreaks as the virus is becoming endemic. Reflecting that change, the official federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency ended on May 11, 2023.

But since we will be living with COVID in some form for a while, the virus still might affect our taxes via future legislation.

I'll keep track of lingering COVID tax matters and future ones that might occur here, on the ol' blog's fifth Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Taxes page. If you want to check out previous COVID-related tax posts, you can head on over to the original page with the March-July 2020 designation, the second page with posts from August-December 2020, page number three's coverage of January-December 2021, and/or last year's iteration January-December 2022.

I won't challenge the health or tax gods by predicting whether this will be the last COVID page. But I will note that while there are, for now, five COVID and taxes pages, a couple of things are on all of them.

First, the items are listed with the most recent post first.

Secondly, this page, like its COVID predecessors, starts off with posts from Don't Mess With Taxes because, well, it's my blog! Then the other sections with coronavirus links from official government websites, professional associations, law and accounting firms, and tax policy think tanks follow.

OK, enough with the housekeeping. Let's get to this fifth (and final; OK, I did it, I did tempt the medical powers that be!) collection of coronavirus tax+ matters with a quick caveat. I'm pulling a few from the 2022 page as they also are of interest in 2023.

IRS welcomes voluntary disclosure of dubious ERC claims (Dec. 22, 2023)
Nearly 5 million taxpayers to get $1 billion in IRS penalty relief due to COVID-paused tax notices (Dec. 19, 2023)
Crypto fraud, international scheming, greedy families: All are in IRS CI's top 10 tax crime cases of 2023 (Dec. 15, 2023)
IRS sends ERC disallowance letters to 20,000+ claimants (Dec. 6, 2023)
2020 & 2021 stimulus money still available to eligible filers (Nov. 27, 2023)
IRS extends digital signature, certain email options (Nov. 5, 2023)
IRS allows businesses to withdraw improper ERC claims (Oct. 22, 2023)
W&M members want ERC backlog answers from IRS (Oct. 5, 2023)
Swifties & BeyHive provide the IRS with targets for lower resale tax reporting law (Sept. 23, 2023)
IRS halts ERC claims, warns businesses about scam promoters (Sept. 16, 2023)
Honoring 9/11 heroes by volunteering on Patriot Day (Sept. 10, 2023)
State general welfare payments in 2023 remain federally tax-free (Aug. 30, 2023)
COVID federal fraud sweep recovers $836 million, produces 371 criminal charges (Aug. 25, 2023)
D.C. restauranters plead guilty to 1.35 million in tax evasion, separate COVID relief fund fraud (Aug. 18, 2023)
Teachers' out-of-pocket classroom costs worth $300 tax break (Aug. 17, 2023)
Build your own Child Tax Credit with this online tool (Aug. 5, 2023)
One week left to collect your 2019 tax year refund (July 10, 2023)
Tips if the IRS audits your business' ERC claim (June 23, 2023)
After initial progress, IRS slips in processing paper tax filings (June 21, 2023)
IRS issued $10.5 million in miscalculated Child Tax Credits (June 18, 2023)
Time running out to repay COVID retirement distributions, recover paid taxes (June 7, 2023)
Business owners should look carefully at ERC promotions (May 27, 2023)
July 17, 2023, is deadline to claim $1.5 billion in 2019 tax year refunds (April 12, 2023)
6 family-friendly tax credits (March 29, 2023)
Child care tax credit returns to lower pre-COVID levels, but still worth a look (March 5, 2023)
10 reasons to file a tax return even if you don't have to (Jan. 25, 2023)
IRS issues 12 million refunds to correct errant 2020 unemployment filings (Jan. 15, 2023)
1099-K reporting delay yays and nays (Jan. 14, 2023)
What's new when it comes to filing your 2022 taxes (Jan. 4, 2023)
Tax happenings in 2022, and what to expect in 2023 (Jan. 1, 2023)

There also are some posts since the beginning of the pandemic that tangentially reference COVID-19's effects on taxes, but not enough so to make the official coronavirus cut for inclusion on this or the other pages.

If you're interested in seeing those, you can browse the Coronavirus COVID-19 category. The posts above (as well as those on the other coronavirus pages) will show up, too, but just keep scrolling to find others that didn't make this coronavirus tax specific list.

Now to other off-blog resources.

As noted at the top of this page, the official federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency ended in May. With that expiration date, many sites ended or scaled back their coronavirus postings. Some official government sites, however, continue to offer advice. The image above recommends Coronavirus.gov, which goes to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's COVID page. It's also part of the government sites list below.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Coronavirus Tax Relief and Economic Impact Payments

Treasury: How the Treasury Department is Taking Action

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Coronavirus - What the FTC is Doing

Health and Human Services (HHS): COVID-19 Portal

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): A guide to COVID-19 economic stimulus relief

Department of Education (Ed): COVID-19 ("Coronavirus") Information and Resources for Schools and School Personnel

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response (note the rumor control section)

U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS): Coronavirus/COVID-19 Related Scams

USA.gov: Government Response to Coronavirus, COVID-19

At the height of the pandemic, other tax-focused professional and industry sites followed the virus-related tax changes. Now, however, they are effectively dated, if not deleted, so I've excised that listing from this 2023 page.

However, since COVID-19 is still around, you can find medical coronavirus resource links below.

Need help finding a coronavirus vaccine in the United States?
Call 1-800-232-0233
or TTY 1-888-720-7489.
More information and resources at:
CDC Vaccines
CDC Booster Shots
HHS Combat COVID
USA.Gov COVID Info

Taxes are important, but they are just taxes. The well-being of everyone and your families is everything, the only thing. Stay safe!

First COVID-19 resource page posted April 4, 2020

Today's Tax Tip

10 December tax moves — I love Santa Claus, but even the Jolly Old Elf isn’t magical enough provide the tax solutions you asked for in your letter to him. You’re going to have to make some tax moves this December yourself, like these 10 suggestions. (Dec. 1, 2024)
The 2024 Tax Tips offer ways to file your annual return, along with post-filing advice, important tax news and, of course, ways to cut your current tax year bill. You'll find the monthly assemblages on their own respective pages: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December. Remember, tax tasks and tips don't stop after you file your annual return!

All About Kay

OK, some about Kay

Kay Bell — Native Texan
(the blog title totally makes sense now, right?). Professional journalist. Tax geek.
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Tax Season 2024 Final Push

It's over! The final 2023 tax year extended filing deadline has passed, unless you get more time because your filing due date was extended further by a natural disaster like the three hurricanes that have made landfall in Florida this fall.

For most of us, though, the passage of Oct. 15 means it's time to focus on the tax return we'll file next year. We have until Dec. 31 this year to make moves that will reduce our already accruing 2024 tax bill. The monthly tips and reminders a little further down this column suggest ways to do just that.

Finally, keep an eye on the countdown clock just below. It's keeping track of just how many days are left for us to make these tax moves.
Note: I'm in the Central Time Zone, so adjust accordingly for where you live.

Time for Tax Tasks

Ho 🎅 Ho 🎅 Ho!
December is here!
You better watch out. You better not cry. But you better make some year-end tax moves this December or next April 15 could turn out to be the tax equivalent of Santa Claus putting coal in your stocking.

Click image to hear a musical Santa message from The Boss, Bruce Springsteen.
OK, St. Nick can't deliver a festively wrapped, already prepared tax return for you (unless he's even more magical than I think!) to file next year, but he does have a tax connection.
Santa's tracking of naughty and nice boys and girls basically is the same method that the Internal Revenue Service uses. That's why we all need to be nice, especially to ourselves, in this final month of the year by making some important tax-saving moves. Let's get to it!
Dec. 1: It’s here. The last month of the year, meaning the last 31 days to make tax moves that could shave some off your 2024 tax bill, as well as set up 2025 as another saving, and easy, tax year. You could make things even easier on yourself if you opt next filing season to turn over your taxes to a professional. The key is picking the perfect tax pro for your filing (and more) needs. And you need to start your search now, as the good tax pros’ client lists fill up fast. If you can hire one soon, there’s a December bonus. You might get some year-end tax tips!

Dec. 4: In the meantime, check out these 10 tax moves to make in December. They could be the perfect tax present to give yourself.

Dec. 10: Do you work as a server at a restaurant or at any other establishment where gratuities from customers are part of your compensation? I hope you get all the tips you deserve for doing your job well. Remember, though, that those tips are taxable income.

Whether you're dining at your favorite eatery or getting food delivered to your home, if a tip isn't included on your restaurant or delivery bill, click the image above to calculate how much to tip the person who brought it to you.

And if you got at least $20 in gratuities in November for your extraordinary services as a food server or hair stylist or parking valet or whatever job where tipping is common, you must report that amount by today. Use Form 4070 to let your employer know the total tips you took in last month.

Dec. 13: It’s the holiday season, full of joy and peace and goodwill toward all. So what the heck is a Friday the 13thh doing in December? Don’t worry, as least not about tax fears and superstitions. Check out the tax truth about these 13 tax misperceptions. They’ll help get you through today and help you be a fearless taxpayer year-round.

Dec. 15: Christmas is just 10 days away! If you're still shopping for gifts, you're probably searching for the perfect present online. But beware and be wary. Internet crooks also are logged on, looking to steal your money and identity. Many of the holiday scams use the same techniques as tax scammers employ. Any personal information they get now can be used at tax time to file a fake return in your name and claim a fraudulent refund. So be careful out there, now and next filing season, and, well, unfortunately all the time.

Dec. 19: Are you taking on multiple gig jobs to make some extra holiday cash to pay for all those online orders? Those added side hustles mean you're an independent contractor. And that means you're responsible for paying income taxes due on the money, as well as any self-employment tax. In most cases, that means paying estimated tax on these end-of-year earnings by Jan. 15, 2025, to avoid a possible penalty for not paying as you earned the money.

Dec. 23: It's Christmas Week! That means holiday treats, final decorations — or first, if you wait until the very end to get a tree — and frantic last-minute shopping! Rather than worry about how you'll get the perfect gift under the tree on time, consider instead giving some easy tax-favored presents. Open a Roth IRA for your child or grandchild who earned some money this year. Or pay tuition by Dec. 31 for classes that will start in the first quarter of 2025.

Dec. 24: Christmas Eve!
No taxes tonight. It's early to bed for kiddies of all ages. Santa's on his way!

Click image to watch NORAD track Santa's Christmas Eve delivery route.

Dec. 25: Merry Christmas! My gift to you is another day without tax thoughts.
Just enjoy the holiday and your family and friends.

Dec. 26: Happy Boxing Day. This unofficial holiday on St. Stephen's Day is celebrated by additional giving.
If you donate to your favorite charity on this Boxing Day or any other day by Dec. 31, on your 2023 taxes you'll have to itemize your gifts on Schedule A to claim them. If you don’t have enough expenses to exceed your standard deduction amount this tax year, consider delaying your charitable contributions until early January as part of a tax deduction bunching strategy.

Dec. 31: This is it. The drop-dead deadline to make most 2024 tax moves. A quick and easy action today is to zero out your medical flexible spending account (FSA) by buying over-the-counter medications for which the funds can be used. This is especially important if your employer doesn't offer a grace period to use the money or let you roll some FSA money over into 2025. Without those alternatives, you'll lose any FSA funds you don't use.

Done? Great! Make sure the champagne is chilling and settle in for your New Year's Eve party or a cozy night at home with your friends and loved ones. Either way, cheers and Auld Lang Syne as the ball drops at midnight.

Small Business Tax Calendar: Important filing, deposit and record keeping dates throughout the year that your company needs to know. You can get more tax calendar information at the IRS' online calendar page and view the full year's important business and individual tax dates in IRS Pub. 509.

State Tax Help

Don't forget your state taxes!
Forty-three states and D.C. collect personal income taxes. But even if you live in of the seven states without an income levy, you still face other state (and local) taxes.

State Tax Departments provides links to your state's Web page. The companion page, Tax Tidbits, is the compilation of blurbs about each state's tax laws. And for more state tax news, check out all our state tax bloggings.

Tax Forms

Thanks to our increased use of tax preparers and computer software, many of us don't see our tax forms until we sign and file them. But knowing what's on these documents, either in paper or digital form, and why the IRS wants it is key to understanding our tax system. And knowledge definitely is power, especially when it comes to tax savings. Find this valuable information in the ol' blog's special Tax Forms 2024 page.

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I gotta tell ya ...

AKA Disclaimer:

I am a professional journalist who has been covering tax issues since 1999. I am not a professional tax preparer.

The content on Don't Mess With Taxes is my personal interpretation and opinion based on my study and understanding of tax laws, policies, and regulations. It is provided for your private, noncommercial, educational, and informational purposes only. While I work to ensure each post's accuracy, the items are not recommendations of any specific tax action(s) you should or should not take. Similarly, mentions of commercial tax products or services are not endorsements.

In other words, my ramblings on the ol' tax blog are free advice, and you know what they say about getting what you pay for. That's why when it is time for you to file your own taxes, I urge you to get additional, professional, paid-for guidance from an accountant, Enrolled Agent, or other reputable, qualified tax preparer who is familiar with your individual tax circumstances.

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COVID-19 & Taxes

Coronavirus has wreaked havoc
on the 2020 and 2021 tax seasons.
These five Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Taxes pages have details:
March-July 2020
August-December 2020
January-December 2021
January-December 2022
…and so it continues into 2023
…and, alas, into 2024
You can find medical coronavirus resource links in the next section.

COVID-19 Resources

Need help finding a coronavirus vaccine in the United States?
Call 1-800-232-0233
or TTY 1-888-720-7489.
More information and resources at:
CDC Vaccines
CDC Booster Shots
HHS Combat COVID
USA.Gov COVID Info

December 2024

..................................................

Photo by Isaac Martin on Unsplash

Tell it to the Hill

While it's easy to rail at the IRS, for the most part we can thank — or blame — Congress and the White House for our tax laws. So if you have an issue with tax legislation or want a tax bill passed, you need to let your federal legislators and the White House occupant know of your concerns. You can find out who in Washington, D.C., to contact (and how), as well as get information on your local lawmakers for matters, tax or otherwise, closer to home, at USA Gov.

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