TAXES AND YOUR CHILD'S SUMMER JOB

With the school year over, your teenager might be taking a summer job. If so, you both may have questions about taxes. Here are some of the common concerns.

WHAT ARE YOUR AUDIT ODDS?

Do you wonder what your odds are of being selected for an IRS audit? Statistics just released for tax returns filed in 2011 and audited in 2012 show a 1% audit rate for individual tax returns. About 3.6% of business returns with income under $200,000 were audited; returns with income over $200,000 were audited at a 3.4% rate. Large corporations had a 17.8% audit rate, while small corporations had a 1.1% rate.

IT'S TAX PLANNING TIME

It's midyear 2013, and if you haven't thought about your 2013 tax situation yet, it's time to do so. By now, you should have a good idea of what your 2013 income and deductions will be. There are several very significant tax changes this year, and you need to start planning now if any of them will affect you. Don't procrastinate or you could end up paying more tax for 2013 than necessary. Contact us at (518) 798-3330 to schedule your midyear review.

IRS ANNOUNCES 2014 HSA CONTRIBUTION LIMITS

The IRS recently announced the inflation-adjusted contribution limits for health savings accounts (HSAs) for 2014. HSAs allow taxpayers with high-deductible health insurance plans to set aside pretax dollars that can be withdrawn tax-free to pay unreimbursed medical expenses. The 2014 contribution limit for individuals is $3,300; the limit for family coverage is $6,550. A catch-up contribution of an additional $1,000 is permitted for individuals who are 55 or older.

FBAR FILING DUE BY JUNE 28, 2013

If you have assets in a foreign account and the total value exceeded $10,000 at any time, you must file the "Foreign Bank Account Report" (commonly called FBAR) by June 28, 2013. The FBAR is an annual information form, filed separately from your federal income tax return. The 2012 FBAR must be received by the Treasury Department by the deadline, not just postmarked by that date. No filing extension is available, and penalties for failing to file are steep. You may choose to file electronically. For details or filing assistance, please contact our office at (518) 798-3330.

BUDGET ISSUES FORCE IRS CLOSURES

The IRS will close all of its operations on June 14, July 5, July 22, and August 30, 2013. The current budget situation, including the sequester, has made these closures necessary; IRS employees will be furloughed without pay on these days. Taxpayers should continue to file returns and pay any taxes due as usual, though on these days the IRS will not answer toll-free hotlines or accept or acknowledge receipt of electronically filed returns. Electronic deposits of employment and excise taxes must be made as usual.