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July 2023 Tax Tips

Light up those tax fireworks!

Tax tip pencilThe first full month of summer is supposed to be a time to chill, literally if you can as relief from the season's increasingly hot temperatures.

But July, which already has an historical start with the July 4th celebration of the United States' birth, keeps throwing up tax fireworks throughout the month.

There are tax holidays, new state tax laws, and potential explosions from Mother Nature as we head into summer's tropical storm season and its tax implications when landfalls result in major disaster declarations. 

You can find more about those tax matters in the July Tax Tasks listed in the ol' blog's right column.

Taxes now and in the future: Also this month, we have the regular course of tax tasks, starting with the millions of folks extended their 2022 tax return filings.

While they have Oct. 16 this year to get their 1040 forms to the Internal Revenue Service, Uncle Sam's tax collector will gladly accept the returns early.

Those who are even bigger procrastinators have an earlier deadline. Folks who didn't submit a 2019 tax return back in 2020's filing season and were due a refund must file by July 17. If they miss that deadline, their forfeit their refund money to the U.S. Treasury.

People already done with their taxes, both 2022's and 2019's filings, have some planning to do and moves to make to ensure your already accruing 2023 tax bill is as small as possible. Heck, even if you're still working on last year's return, you need to think about your current taxes, too, so you don't owe more than you should.

These dualities also apply to July's tax tips. This month you'll find pieces of filing advice, along with tax planning moves for the remainder of 2023.

I know, you'd rather be enjoying the summer, but I promise not to take up too much of your time. So let's get to July tax tips now!

  1. Sales tax holiday time in Florida — Florida went sales tax holiday wild last year, and that no-tax state of mind is continuing in 2023. Its Freedom Summer, with no tax on a wide range of recreational expenditures is in effect for a couple more months. Plus, the Sunshine State has three more tax holidays that kicked off on July 1. The Home Hardening Sales Tax Exemption that started last July 1 will run through June 30, 2024, saving homeowners who install impact-resistance windows, doors, and garage doors. Two other Sunshine State year-long sales tax holidays also began July 1, with exemptions on purchases of Energy Star appliances and gas ranges and cooktops from this July 1 through next June 30. And the state's two-week back-to-school summer sales tax holiday starts July 24. (July 1, 2023)
  2. Tax considerations for young workers — Summer jobs are rites of passage for many teenagers. The temporary work allows them to put aside some money for college or buy something from a wish list. The jobs also provide real life lessons on taxes for young workers. (July 5, 2023)
  3. 6 tax and financial tips for new lottery millionaires — Sure, the odds of winning the $650 million Powerball jackpot Monday night are astronomical. Same goes for the Mega Millions drawing on Tuesday that's sitting at $480 million. But just in case your numbers do come up, here are six tax and financial tips to take once you recover from the realization of suddenly being ultra rich. (July 9, 2023)
  4. File 2019 return by July 17 or lose your refund — If you neglected to file a 2019 tax year return back in 2020, and were due a refund back then, you have one last chance to get the money. File that three-year-old Form 1040 by next Monday, July 17, 2023. Miss this fast-approaching deadline, and Uncle Sam gets to keep your tax cash. (July 10, 2023)
  5. Tax breaks that can help businesses with hiring — In my neighborhood, the windows of businesses large and small are plastered with "Help Wanted" signs. My suburban Austin area is not alone. Times are tough for businesses looking to hire, even during the summer when young workers are looking for seasonal jobs. Don't make things harder on yourself. Make sure your company is open to hiring all qualified employees, including those with disabilities. Several tax breaks can help you make your workplace more inviting to all, customers and workers alike. (July 14, 2023)
  6. 17 states have sales tax holidays this summer — Summer's slipping away, meaning schools will resume soon. Seventeen states are offering back-to-school sales tax holidays, the first this coming weekend, to help families save a bit on necessary educational items…and more. (July 17, 2023)
  7. Shopping tips for back-to-school tax holidays — Is your state one of the 17 holding a sales tax holiday this summer? Before you head out to make tax-saving purchases, check out these 6 shopping tips. They could help you make the most of your state's no-tax event. (July 19, 2023)
  8. IRS opening assistance centers, expanding taxpayer outreach — The Internal Revenue Service is putting some of its new funding to work helping taxpayers. It is reopening closed Taxpayer Assistance Centers, opening some new facilities, and making special visits to places off the beaten taxpayer help path. (July 21, 2023)
  9. Tequila and other alcohol excise taxes — Happy National Tequila Day! This marketing-prompted holiday is a good one to look at the margarita recipe I posted earlier this year on, what else, National Margarita Day. In addition to the ingredients for a good, and potent, cocktail, it also includes a look at federal and state alcohol taxes. (July 24, 2023)
  10. Tax tips for newlyweds — Congratulations to all this year's newlyweds! If you and your better half exchanged vows this summer, or plan to do so soon, here are some tax to-do's after you say 'I Do.' After the honeymoon, of course! (July 29, 2023)
  11. July 31 is Tax Day in 4 states — Horrific weather just before April's Tax Day meant major disaster declarations. And that also meant a new, July 31, Tax Day for residents and business owners in affected areas of Arkansas, Indiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. (July 30, 2023)
  12. 14 states are holding sales tax holidays in August — School is just weeks away. That's why most of the year's back-to-school sales tax holidays are coming up in August. This year, there are 14 tax-saving shopping events. Check out the states, dates, and items before you head to the stores. (July 31, 2023)

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So summer fun couldn't keep you from thinking about taxes. I totally understand.

Yes, you can click on any of the monthly links below, but unless we're in that month (July right now), you'll just be greeted (again) by that nay-saying guy's GIF, instead of helpful Internal Revenue Service and tax code tips. 

You can, however, check out the filing season tips posted in the first six months of the year. As for the remaining six, don't worry. They and their tax tips will be here before you know it.

Time really does fly when you're having tax fun.

January July
February August
March September
April October
May November
June December

 

 

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Today's Tax Tip

  • Added summer income means more tax considerations — If you’re taking on added jobs this summer instead of taking a vacation, be aware of the tax implications. Students at their first paying job are encountering the Internal Revenue Service for the first time. And workers well past their school days but who are earning extra via summer gigs could face new self-employment tax challenges. (June 15, 2025)


  • Tax Tip; click pencil for all tax tip links

  • The 2025 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
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    Kay Bell — Native Texan
    (the blog title totally makes sense now, right?). Professional journalist. Tax geek.
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  • Tax Year 2025 Continues!

    We made it. Tax Day 2025 is finally over. For most of us. When the filing season started on Jan. 27, the IRS said it expected more than 140 million individual tax returns for tax year 2024 to be filed by April 15. When the month started, the agency was around 39 million short of that number. While many taxpayers no doubt got their 1040s in by Tax Day, million every year get an extension to file. That's fine.

    In fact, the Internal Revenue Service appreciates some of us spreading out our tax submissions. It gives the agency time to process the surge of returns that arrive en masse on April 15.

    But enough about Uncle Sam's tax collection issues. The focus now is on all y'all who filed for extensions, giving you another six months to complete your return. Let's get started on meeting that new Oct. 15 deadline. It will be here before you know it.

    The monthly tips and reminders a little further down this column can help you finish up your extended Form 1040. There also will be tax tidbits each month that make sure you meet other tax deadlines. And, of course, you'll find advice on ways to cut your 2025 tax bill.

    The monthly tips and reminders a little further down this column can help you finish up your extended Form 1040. There also will be tax tidbits each month that make sure you meet other tax deadlines. And, of course, you'll find advice on ways to cut your 2025 tax bill.
    Note: I'm in the Central Time Zone, so adjust accordingly for where you live.


Time for Tax Tasks


  • monthly tax moves


  • ☀️ Hello 🌞 June! ☀️
    Your radiant face, bringing us the start of summer, is long overdue. We need your consistent warmth and a sunny attitude to fully recover from tax season, even one that didn’t throw us too many curveballs.

    via GIPHY


    And let’s be honest. We’re not really in the mood for summer tax tasks. But there are some that do need attention, especially if you got an extension to file back in April. Taking care of these tax matters now can make the coming 2026 filing season go smoothly. Even better, some tax moves can mean you’ll owe Uncle Sam less. So grab your sun visor, and let’s get to them!


  • June 1: Summer conjures dreams of lazy beach days. But for full-time coastal residents, June also brings the start of the annual Atlantic (and Gulf of Mexico) hurricane season, which runs through Nov.  30. Federal forecasters once again are forecasting a more active than usual hurricane season. And while the tropical storm season heats up in August and September, now is the time to get ready.

    Hurricane satellite image

    Uncle Sam's official forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center say we could get 13 to 19 total named storms, which are those with winds of 39 mph or higher. Of those, six to 10 are forecast to become hurricanes, meaning winds of 74 mph or higher. Three to five of the storms this season could become major hurricanes; that’s category 3, 4 or 5, with winds of 111 mph or higher.



    Regardless of the count, it only takes one to wreak havoc. The countdown clock above can help you keep track of how many more days you have to worry about tracking any size or type of tropical storms. You also might want to check out the ol' blog's Storm Warnings collection of special pages with posts offer tax advice on preparing for, recovering from and helping those who sustain damages from the many ways that that weather goes wild.

    June 6: With school out, working parents need to make child care arrangements. Consider day camps. I know, many filled up earlier this year, but check out the options in your area. Not only do day camps offer some supervision of your kiddos while you're at the office, the activities' costs also count toward claiming the child and dependent care credit.

    June 10: If your job is 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.

    restaurant check tip iStock
    Whether you're dining at your favorite eatery or getting food, groceries and/or prepared meals, 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.

    If you got at least $20 in gratuities in May 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.

    June 14: Happy Flag Day! It's not a day-off-work federal holiday, but Flag Day has been an official day to celebrate the Star-Spangled Banner since 1949. If you need to buy a U.S. flag to fly today, you also might get a tax break. Several states exempt the national symbol from sales tax. Check with your state's tax department to see if you can save on your patriotic display.

    June 15: Happy Father's Day!

    Happy Father's Day


    Dad might not say so, but he appreciates being recognized, so take time today to let him know you care. And if your father is getting on up in years, take the time when you visit to make sure he doesn't need some added help from you. If you provide papa a little, or even a lot of assistance, there's a chance you could get some help from a couple of tax credits.

    June 16: It's Tax Day again, this time for taxpayers living and working abroad. That includes military personnel posted outside the United States or Puerto Rico. This automatic filing delay until mid-June officially is on 6/15, but is a day later this year because the 15th was on Sunday.

    Today, June 16, also is the one-day-later deadline for the second estimated tax payment for the 2025 tax year.

    June 19: It's Juneteenth. This date marks when Texans finally received word that all slaves were free. And although it is our newest federal holiday, and is celebrated on June 19, not on a nearby Monday, it is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

    Juneteenth


    June 20: At 10:42 p.m. Eastern Time it’s official. Summer is here, arriving on this longest day of the year.

    Summer sun

    It’s also a dangerous season for many who don’t have air conditioning. Many charitable groups help people cope with the heat. If you itemize, your gift to such IRS-qualified nonprofits this summer — or any day in any season in 2025 — could be tax deductible on the tax return you file next year.

    June 30: If you got an extension to file back in April, you don’t have to wait until the final Oct. 15 deadline to do so. You can get this tax task out of the way so you don’t have to think about it for the rest of the summer. You also might be able to file electroncally at no cost if your adjusted gross income (AGI), regardless of your filing status, is $84,000 or less by using the official IRS.gov Free File website.

    IRS Free File; click image for details

    Eight software companies are part of this year’s IRS-Free File Alliance partnership option at IRS.gov. They will be available through the Oct. 15 extension deadline, but again, you don’t have to wait. And if your income is too high, you still can file for free by using Free File's Fillable Forms option.

    Small Business Tax Calendar: If you run your own company, you know there are myriad important filing, deposit and record keeping dates throughout the year that your company needs to meet. You also can track key business and individual tax deadlines in IRS Pub. 509.

State Tax Help

  • Don't forget your state taxes!
    Forty-two states and D.C. collect personal income taxes. But even if you live in of the eight states without any 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


  • 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 2025 page.

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  • 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

  • COVID-19
    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
    It is 2025 and, yes, it's still an issue
    You can find medical coronavirus resource links in the next section.

COVID-19 Resources

  • COVID-19
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    Call 1-800-232-0233
    or TTY 1-888-720-7489.
    More information and resources at:
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  • Seafoam on beach by Hans Isaacson on Unsplash
    Photo by Hans Isaacson on Unsplash
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Tell it to the Hill

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  • 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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