In the U.S., the income tax system is set up to be paid as you go, Instant Tax Solutions says. For many Americans this process is simple, Instant Tax Solutions points out, as income tax is taken out of each paycheck. But the team at Instant Tax Solutions helps quite a few taxpayers who are either self-employed or work as contractors or consultants, and in many of these situations Instant Tax Solutions often observes that taxes are not withheld.
According to Instant Tax Solutions, in those instances the IRS expects taxpayers to make estimated tax payments in advance of the April 15th filing deadline. This means filing quarterly, says Instant Tax Solutions. Failure to pay quarterly could result in a taxpayer being assessed a penalty, which, according to Instant Tax Solutions, kicks in if a taxpayer owes more than $1,000 at the end of the tax year.
Instant Tax Solutions says this is one of several types of penalties the IRS may assess, but it is a common one, as many taxpayers are caught off guard by just how much they owe at the end of a tax year. Another penalty that affects taxpayers is the failure to file penalty, which Instant Tax Solutions often sees assessed against taxpayers who allow the deadline to pass without filing. Failing to file isn’t the only reason the IRS will assess a penalty, Instant Tax Solutions says. Even if a taxpayer files on time, if that taxpayer doesn’t pay taxes due by the deadline, that taxpayer will face a failure-to-pay penalty, according to Instant Tax Solutions. Since the failure-to-file penalty is higher, Instant Tax Solutions urges taxpayers to file by the deadline and work out payment options later if they cannot afford to pay.
Generally speaking, failure-to-file penalties are generally five percent of taxes due for each month the taxes are not paid, Instant Tax Solutions explains. However, this will never exceed twenty-five percent, Instant Tax Solutions says.
Even for taxpayers who file on time, the IRS may also assess penalties related to inaccuracies and misinformation, Instant Tax Solutions warns. This can include ignoring regulations, misstating income tax, or failure to include enough information.
Instant Tax Solutions stresses the importance of working with an experienced tax preparer to avoid costly fees. Instant Tax Solutions maintains a staff of former IRS agents, tax attorneys, and accountants to help you, as well as negotiate with the IRS on your behalf.