Gig Workers, Be on the Lookout

How On-Demand Workers Can Reduce Their IRS Audit Risk

As the shift from traditional employment to self-employment and business ownership continues, many workers are finding themselves in a brand-new situation. The IRS has noticed the shift to gig work, freelancing and self-employment, and their auditors and agents are increasingly focusing on those brand-new small business owners.

The audit rate for ordinary individual taxpayers has less than a 1% chance of getting a notice from the IRS. For small business owners, however, the audit rate is on the rise, and if you work in the gig economy that means you.

The rising audit rate for small business owners is certainly cause for concern.

If you are being audited by the IRS or if the IRS is claiming you owe $10,000 or more, contact our firm immediately for a consultation.

If you want to stay on the good side of the IRS, these strategies could greatly reduce your personal risk of an audit.

Track Earnings on the App or Platform

One of the biggest red flags for IRS auditors is unreported or misreported income. It is absolutely critical for all gig workers, freelancers, and other self-employed individuals to track their earnings carefully and report them correctly.

Tracking those earnings does not have to be cumbersome, and many participants in the gig economy already make it easy. If you are working for an app-based service, you may be able to find your total earnings on the platform - no calculator or spreadsheet required.

If you’re not, it’s important to track all of your income on something like QuickBooks. That way, when the IRS asks you for more information, you have it ready.

Ask Small Volume Clients for 1099 Forms

A single gig worker can have dozens of individual clients, and that can make accurate accounting and tax reporting difficult. One of the best ways to close this gap is by asking every client to issue a 1099-MISC form showing how much was earned throughout the year.

Major clients may already issue these 1099-MISC forms, but smaller ones may not realize they have this kind of reporting responsibility. Asking them nicely and explaining the importance of accurate reporting could convince them that the form really is required.

Check with Payment Processors for Accurate Figures

Another easy way to keep track of your earnings is through the payment processor you rely on. Services like PayPal, Stripe and Payoneer allow clients to pay freelancers and gig workers quickly, but they also tally up the individual earnings and provide handy reports for those small business owners.

If you are unsure about what to report to the IRS, you can simply go into the payment processor app or website and tally it up. Some payment processors make it easy, with detailed reports, while others require a bit of sleuthing. Either way, you can probably get the information you need this way.

Keep Your Deductions to a Reasonable, Legally Allowed Level

As a gig worker you are essentially a small business owner, and that entitles you to a host of new tax deductions. From the car you drive to the electricity powering your home office, lots of things you use every day can be deducted to lower your final tax bill.

The problem arises when gig workers and freelancers get greedy, writing off personal items and services as business expenses and invoking the ire of the IRS in the process. If you want to stay off the tax collection radar, make sure the deductions you claim fall within reasonable limits. Outsized deductions are a huge red flag for auditors, and writing off too much could put you at the top of the list.

Make Your Estimated Payments on Time

If you only do a few gigs here and there, you may not have to worry about making estimated payments to the IRS. But as your business grows, chances are you will be required to make those estimated payments - or face additional penalties down the line.

For those who are required to make quarterly payments, writing those checks promptly is important, so mark your calendar and make sure you set aside enough money to pay the IRS. These quarterly payments are a way of life for the self-employed, and that includes a growing number of gig workers.

The gig economy is growing fast, and that is good news for those who long to be their own bosses. As more and more employees leave their jobs for lives of self-employment, the IRS is already taking notice, and that could be bad news for unwary and incautious taxpayers. The tips listed above can help you reduce your risk of trouble, so you can focus on building your business instead of worrying about the IRS.

If you're facing IRS problems and owe $10,000 or more in back taxes or are being audited, reach out to our tax resolution firm, and we'll schedule a free and confidential consultation to explain your options thoroughly and help you permanently resolve your tax problem.

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Understanding the LT11 Letter: Take Immediate Action

By 7066766659 • December 30, 2024

Receiving an LT11 letter from the IRS can be incredibly unsettling. This notice is a serious warning that the IRS is prepared to take tough action to collect unpaid taxes. If you’ve received this letter, it’s important to understand what it means and why you need to act quickly. What is an LT11 Letter? An LT11 letter, also known as the "Final Notice of Intent to Levy and Notice of Your Right to a Hearing," is sent by the IRS when you have unpaid taxes and haven’t responded to previous notices. This letter means the IRS is ready to levy your assets, which means they can legally take your property to pay off the tax debt. This could include money in your bank accounts, your wages, your home, or other valuable belongings. What Can Happen If You Ignore It? If you ignore an LT11 letter, the IRS can take serious actions, such as: Seizing Money from Your Bank Account: The IRS can freeze your bank accounts and take the money. Garnishing Your Wages: Your employer will have to send a portion of your paycheck to the IRS. Taking Your Property: The IRS can seize your house, car, or other valuable items. Damaging Your Credit Score: A levy or lien can hurt your credit score, making it hard to get loans or credit in the future. Why You Need to Act Quickly The LT11 letter gives you only 30 days to respond. Within this time, you have the right to request a Collection Due Process (CDP) hearing. This hearing is your chance to dispute the levy action, propose a different payment plan, or challenge the amount you owe. If you don’t act within these 30 days, the IRS will start the levy process, and your options will be very limited. The Importance of Professional Help Dealing with the IRS and resolving tax problems can be very complex, and trying to handle it on your own can lead to mistakes that might make your situation worse. A tax resolution professional has the knowledge and experience to help you navigate this challenging process. Benefits of Professional Help: Expert Negotiation: A professional can negotiate with the IRS on your behalf to secure the best possible terms. Strategic Planning: They can develop a plan to resolve your tax issues without causing financial hardship. Legal Protection: A professional ensures that your rights are protected throughout the process. If you’ve received an LT11 letter, don’t wait another moment. Contact Advantage Tax Relief immediately at 630-773-3200. Advantage Tax Relief is a skilled tax resolution firm that can help you navigate your tax issues and achieve the best possible outcome. Call Advantage Tax Relief NOW at 630-773-3200 to prevent the IRS from taking your hard-earned money and assets.

What to Do If You Have an IRS Balance: Solutions from Advantage Tax Relief

December 9, 2024

Dealing with an IRS Balance? Reach out to Advantage Tax Relief today to solve all of your IRS problems! Receive expert guidance and support from a professional expert.

How to Handle a CP523 Notice from the IRS

November 25, 2024

What is a CP523 Notice from the IRS? Receiving a CP523 notice is a serious matter. It’s an official communication from the IRS informing you that your tax installment agreement has been canceled. This typically happens when you fail to make payments or violate the terms of your repayment plan. If you’ve gotten this notice, it means the IRS is prepared to take further action, so it’s critical to understand what it means for your situation. Why You Need to Act Now A CP523 notice signals that your repayment agreement is no longer in effect. Without an active installment plan, the IRS has the authority to initiate collection actions against you, including: Wage Garnishments: The IRS can garnish your wages without additional warning. Bank Levies: They may seize funds directly from your bank account. Liens on Property: The IRS could place liens on your property, affecting your ability to sell or refinance. Ignoring the CP523 notice can lead to significant financial consequences, such as: Immediate Tax Payment Demand: You could be required to pay your entire outstanding balance in full, which can be overwhelming. Escalating Collection Efforts: The IRS can move quickly to enforce collection actions if you don’t address the notice in a timely manner. Damage to Your Credit: Unresolved tax issues can severely impact your credit, making it difficult to secure loans, credit, or even housing. Steps to Take if You Receive a CP523 Notice While receiving a CP523 notice can feel intimidating, there are clear actions you can take to prevent further issues: 1. Respond Promptly: Time is critical. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of avoiding severe consequences. 2. Review the Notice Carefully: Understand the reason your installment agreement was canceled, the amount you owe, and any deadlines for taking action. 3. Evaluate Your Financial Situation: Take stock of your finances and explore your options for resolving your debt. This might include reinstating your installment agreement, negotiating new terms, or looking into other tax relief solutions. 4. Contact the IRS: Reach out to the IRS as soon as possible to discuss your situation and find out what steps you need to take to get back on track. 5. Consider Professional Help: Navigating the IRS system can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. A tax professional like John Bruszewski at Advantage Tax Relief can help you negotiate with the IRS, review your options, and work toward a favorable outcome. Don’t Wait – Get Help Now Ignoring a CP523 notice can make matters worse. It's essential to act quickly and seek guidance from a trusted expert. John Bruszewski at Advantage Tax Relief is here to help you understand your options, negotiate on your behalf, and guide you through the process. Call for a Free Consultation Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call Advantage Tax Relief today at 630-773-3200 for a risk-free consultation and get the help you need to resolve your tax issues and protect your financial future.