Accounting Simplified

Qualified Dividends - Did You Know?

If you earn dividend income, take a close look at your year-end Form 1099-DIV to see whether any of your dividends are reported as “qualified dividends.” Qualified dividends meet certain IRS criteria, such as being paid by a U.S. corporation or qualifying foreign company and meeting specific holding-period requirements. These dividends are taxed at the lower long-term capital gains rates instead of ordinary income rates, which can reduce your overall tax bill.

October 15th Filing Extension Deadlines

Taxpayers who requested an extension to file their 2024 federal income tax returns should do so by next Wednesday, October 15, 2025. The same deadline applies to C corporations that received an extension to file their 2024 corporate returns (Form 1120).

In addition, taxpayers with foreign financial accounts exceeding $10,000 at any point in 2024 who are required to file a Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) should also do so by the extension deadline of October 15.

IRS Issues New Warning About Tax Credit Scams

The IRS recently warned all Americans about the growing number of tax scams getting promoted on the internet and social media. Many of the scams involve fraudulently claiming tax credits like the Fuel Tax Credit and Sick and Family Leave Credit. In reality, the vast majority of people are not eligible for these credits, which can only be claimed by businesses and self-employed people under very specific circumstances.

The consequences of filing a return with improper credit claims may include denial of a refund, a $5,000 civil penalty, and additional tax penalties and interest charges. Over the last few years, IRS penalties assessed in connection with tax credit scams have totaled over $162 million.

Common traits of these scams include claims that "everyone qualifies" for a tax credit, promises of a rapid refund with little or no paperwork, advice to amend past tax returns by adding unusual credit claims, and encouragement to ignore or falsely respond to IRS notices. In reality, no one can determine whether you qualify for a tax credit without reviewing your circumstances. Anyone who says otherwise is almost certainly peddling a scam.

If you receive an IRS letter about a tax credit you claimed, or believe you may have been misled by one of these scams, seek guidance from a reliable source immediately such as a trusted tax professional.