2012 Irs 1040a Instructions

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2012 Irs 1040a Instructions

2012 irs 1040a instructions Index A Assistance (see Tax help) C Cancellation of indebtedness, Exclusion of Certain Cancellations of Indebtedness by Reason of the Severe Storms, Tornadoes, or Flooding Casualty and theft losses, Casualty and Theft Losses Charitable contributions, Temporary Suspension of Limits on Charitable Contributions Child tax credit, Earned Income Credit and Child Tax Credit Clean-up costs, Demolition and Clean-up Costs Copy of tax return, request for, Request for copy of tax return. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Credits: Child tax, Earned Income Credit and Child Tax Credit Earned income, Earned Income Credit and Child Tax Credit Education, Education Credits Employee retention, Employee Retention Credit Employer housing, Employer Housing Credit and Exclusion Rehabilitation tax, Increase in Rehabilitation Tax Credit D Demolition costs, Demolition and Clean-up Costs Distributions: Home purchase or construction, Repayment of Qualified Distributions for the Purchase or Construction of a Main Home Qualified disaster recovery assistance, Qualified disaster recovery assistance distribution. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Repayment of, Repayment of Qualified Disaster Recovery Assistance Distributions Taxation of, Taxation of Qualified Disaster Recovery Assistance Distributions E Earned income credit, Earned Income Credit and Child Tax Credit Education credits, Education Credits Eligible retirement plan, Eligible retirement plan. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Employee retention credit, Employee Retention Credit Employer housing credit, Employer Housing Credit and Exclusion Exemption, additional for housing, Additional Exemption for Housing Individuals Displaced by the Severe Storms, Tornadoes, or Flooding F Federal mortgage subsidy, recapture of, Recapture of Federal Mortgage Subsidy Free tax services, How To Get Tax Help H Help (see Tax help) Hope credit (see Education credits) I Involuntary conversion (see Replacement period for nonrecognition of gain) IRAs and other retirement plans, IRAs and Other Retirement Plans L Lifetime learning credit (see Education credits) M Mileage reimbursements, charitable volunteers, Mileage Reimbursements to Charitable Volunteers More information (see Tax help) N Net operating losses, Net Operating Losses P Publications (see Tax help) Q Qualified disaster recovery assistance distribution, Qualified disaster recovery assistance distribution. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Qualified disaster recovery assistance loss, Qualified disaster recovery assistance loss. 2012 irs 1040a instructions R Rehabilitation tax credit, Increase in Rehabilitation Tax Credit Relocation, temporary, Tax Relief for Temporary Relocation Replacement period for nonrecognition of gain, Replacement Period for Nonrecognition of Gain Retirement plan, eligible, Eligible retirement plan. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Retirement plans, IRAs and Other Retirement Plans S Standard mileage rate, charitable use, Standard Mileage Rate for Charitable Use of Vehicles T Tax help, How To Get Tax Help Tax return: Request for copy, Request for copy of tax return. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Request for transcript, Request for transcript of tax return. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Taxpayer Advocate, Contacting your Taxpayer Advocate. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Temporary relocation, Tax Relief for Temporary Relocation Theft losses, Casualty and Theft Losses Transcript of tax return, request for, Request for transcript of tax return. 2012 irs 1040a instructions TTY/TDD information, How To Get Tax Help Prev  Up     Home   More Online Publications

The 2012 Irs 1040a Instructions

2012 irs 1040a instructions Publication 555 - Main Content Table of Contents Domicile Community or Separate Property and Income Identifying Income, Deductions, and CreditsIncome Exemptions Deductions Credits, Taxes, and Payments Community Property Laws DisregardedRequesting relief. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Equitable relief. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Earned income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Trade or business income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Partnership income or loss. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Separate property income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Social security benefits. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Other income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions End of the Community Preparing a Federal Income Tax ReturnJoint Return Versus Separate Returns Separate Return Preparation How To Get Tax HelpLow Income Taxpayer Clinics Domicile Whether you have community property and community income depends on the state where you are domiciled. 2012 irs 1040a instructions If you and your spouse (or your registered domestic partner) have different domiciles, check the laws of each to see whether you have community property or community income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You have only one domicile even if you have more than one home. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Your domicile is a permanent legal home that you intend to use for an indefinite or unlimited period, and to which, when absent, you intend to return. 2012 irs 1040a instructions The question of your domicile is mainly a matter of your intention as indicated by your actions. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You must be able to show that you intend a given place or state to be your permanent home. 2012 irs 1040a instructions If you move into or out of a community property state during the year, you may or may not have community income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Factors considered in determining domicile include: Where you pay state income tax, Where you vote, Location of property you own, Your citizenship, Length of residence, and Business and social ties to the community. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Amount of time spent. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    The amount of time spent in one place does not always explain the difference between home and domicile. 2012 irs 1040a instructions A temporary home or residence may continue for months or years while a domicile may be established the first moment you occupy the property. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Your intent is the determining factor in proving where you have your domicile. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    Note. 2012 irs 1040a instructions When this publication refers to where you live, it means your domicile. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Community or Separate Property and Income If you file a federal tax return separately from your spouse, you must report half of all community income and all of your separate income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Likewise, a registered domestic partner must report half of all community income and all of his or her separate income on his or her federal tax return. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You each must attach your Form 8958 to your Form 1040 showing how you figured the amount you are reporting on your return. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Generally, the laws of the state in which you are domiciled govern whether you have community property and community income or separate property and separate income for federal tax purposes. 2012 irs 1040a instructions The following is a summary of the general rules. 2012 irs 1040a instructions These rules are also shown in Table 1. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Community property. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    Generally, community property is property: That you, your spouse (or your registered domestic partner), or both acquire during your marriage (or registered domestic partnership) while you and your spouse (or your registered domestic partner) are domiciled in a community property state. 2012 irs 1040a instructions That you and your spouse (or your registered domestic partner) agreed to convert from separate to community property. 2012 irs 1040a instructions That cannot be identified as separate property. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Community income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    Generally, community income is income from: Community property. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Salaries, wages, and other pay received for the services performed by you, your spouse (or your registered domestic partner), or both during your marriage (or registered domestic partnership) while domiciled in a community property state. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Real estate that is treated as community property under the laws of the state where the property is located. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Note Separate property. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    Generally, separate property is: Property that you or your spouse (or your registered domestic partner) owned separately before your marriage (or registered domestic partnership). 2012 irs 1040a instructions Money earned while domiciled in a noncommunity property state. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Property that you or your spouse (or your registered domestic partner) received separately as a gift or inheritance during your marriage (or registered domestic partnership). 2012 irs 1040a instructions Property that you or your spouse (or your registered domestic partner) bought with separate funds, or acquired in exchange for separate property, during your marriage (or registered domestic partnership). 2012 irs 1040a instructions Property that you and your spouse (or your registered domestic partner) converted from community property to separate property through an agreement valid under state law. 2012 irs 1040a instructions The part of property bought with separate funds, if part was bought with community funds and part with separate funds. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Separate income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    Generally, income from separate property is the separate income of the spouse (or the registered domestic partner) who owns the property. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    In Idaho, Louisiana, Texas, and Wisconsin, income from most separate property is community income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Table 1. 2012 irs 1040a instructions General Rules — Property and Income: Community or Separate? Community property is property: That you, your spouse (or your registered domestic partner), or both acquire during your marriage (or registered domestic partnership) while you and your spouse (or your registered domestic partner) are domiciled in a community property state. 2012 irs 1040a instructions (Includes the part of property bought with community property funds if part was bought with community funds and part with separate funds. 2012 irs 1040a instructions ) That you and your spouse (or your registered domestic partner) agreed to convert from separate to community property. 2012 irs 1040a instructions That cannot be identified as separate property. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Separate property is: Property that you or your spouse (or your registered domestic partner) owned separately before your marriage (or registered domestic partnership). 2012 irs 1040a instructions Money earned while domiciled in a noncommunity property state. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Property either of you received as a gift or inherited separately during your marriage (or registered domestic partnership). 2012 irs 1040a instructions Property bought with separate funds, or exchanged for separate property, during your marriage (or registered domestic partnership). 2012 irs 1040a instructions Property that you and your spouse (or your registered domestic partner) agreed to convert from community to separate property through an agreement valid under state law. 2012 irs 1040a instructions The part of property bought with separate funds, if part was bought with community funds and part with separate funds. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Community income 1,2,3 is income from: Community property. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Salaries, wages, or pay for services of you, your spouse (or your registered domestic partner), or both during your marriage (or registered domestic partnership) while domiciled in a community property state. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Real estate that is treated as community property under the laws of the state where the property is located. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Separate income 1,2 is income from: Separate property which belongs to the spouse (or registered domestic partner) who owns the property. 2012 irs 1040a instructions 1In Idaho, Louisiana, Texas, and Wisconsin, income from most separate property is community income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions 2Check your state law if you are separated but do not meet the conditions discussed in Spouses living apart all year , later. 2012 irs 1040a instructions In some states, the income you earn after you are separated and before a divorce decree is issued continues to be community income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions In other states, it is separate income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions 3Under special rules, income that can otherwise be characterized as community income may not be treated as community income for federal income tax purposes in certain situations. 2012 irs 1040a instructions See Community Property Laws Disregarded , later. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Identifying Income, Deductions, and Credits If you file separate returns, you and your spouse (or your registered domestic partner) each must attach your Form 8958 to your Form 1040 to identify your community and separate income, deductions, credits, and other return amounts according to the laws of your state. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Under special rules, income that can otherwise be characterized as community income may not be treated as community income for federal income tax purposes in certain situations. 2012 irs 1040a instructions See Community Property Laws Disregarded, later. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Check your state law if you are separated but do not meet the conditions discussed in Spouses living apart all year, later. 2012 irs 1040a instructions In some states, the income you earn after you are separated and before a divorce decree is issued continues to be community income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions In other states, it is separate income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Income The following is a discussion of the general effect of community property laws on the federal income tax treatment of certain items of income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Wages, earnings, and profits. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    A spouse's (or your registered domestic partner's) wages, earnings, and net profits from a sole proprietorship are community income and must be evenly split. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Dividends, interest, and rents. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    Dividends, interest, and rents from community property are community income and must be evenly split. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Dividends, interest, and rents from separate property are characterized in accordance with the discussion under Income from separate property , later. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Example. 2012 irs 1040a instructions If you and your spouse (or your registered domestic partner) buy a bond that is considered community property under your state laws, half the bond interest belongs to you and half belongs to your spouse. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You each must show the bond interest and the split of that interest on your Form 8958, and report half the interest on your Form 1040. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Attach your Form 8958 to your Form 1040. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Alimony received. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    Alimony or separate maintenance payments made prior to divorce are taxable to the payee spouse only to the extent they exceed 50% (his or her share) of the reportable community income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions This is so because the payee spouse is already required to report half of the community income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions See also Alimony paid , later. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Gains and losses. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    Gains and losses are classified as separate or community depending on how the property is held. 2012 irs 1040a instructions For example, a loss on separate property, such as stock held separately, is a separate loss. 2012 irs 1040a instructions On the other hand, a loss on community property, such as a casualty loss to your home held as community property, is a community loss. 2012 irs 1040a instructions See Publication 544, Sales and Other Dispositions of Assets, for information on gains and losses. 2012 irs 1040a instructions See Publication 547, Casualties, Disasters, and Thefts, for information on losses due to a casualty or theft. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Withdrawals from individual retirement arrangements (IRAs) and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs). 2012 irs 1040a instructions    There are several kinds of individual retirement arrangements (IRAs). 2012 irs 1040a instructions They are traditional IRAs (including SEP-IRAs), SIMPLE IRAs, and Roth IRAs. 2012 irs 1040a instructions IRAs and ESAs by law are deemed to be separate property. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Therefore, taxable IRA and ESA distributions are separate property, even if the funds in the account would otherwise be community property. 2012 irs 1040a instructions These distributions are wholly taxable to the spouse (or registered domestic partner) whose name is on the account. 2012 irs 1040a instructions That spouse (or registered domestic partner) is also liable for any penalties and additional taxes on the distributions. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Pensions. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    Generally, distributions from pensions will be characterized as community or separate income depending on the respective periods of participation in the pension while married (or during the registered domestic partnership) and domiciled in a community property state or in a noncommunity property state during the total period of participation in the pension. 2012 irs 1040a instructions See the example under Civil service retirement , later. 2012 irs 1040a instructions These rules may vary between states. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Check your state law. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Lump-sum distributions. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    If you were born before January 2, 1936, and receive a lump-sum distribution from a qualified retirement plan, you may be able to choose an optional method of figuring the tax on the distribution. 2012 irs 1040a instructions For the 10-year tax option, you must disregard community property laws. 2012 irs 1040a instructions For more information, see Publication 575, Pension and Annuity Income, and Form 4972, Tax on Lump-Sum Distributions. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Civil service retirement. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    For income tax purposes, community property laws apply to annuities payable under the Civil Service Retirement Act (CSRS) or Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS). 2012 irs 1040a instructions   Whether a civil service annuity is separate or community income depends on your marital status (or your status as a registered domestic partner) and domicile of the employee when the services were performed for which the annuity is paid. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Even if you now live in a noncommunity property state and you receive a civil service annuity, it may be community income if it is based on services you performed while married (or during the registered domestic partnership) and domiciled in a community property state. 2012 irs 1040a instructions   If a civil service annuity is a mixture of community income and separate income, it must be divided between the two kinds of income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions The division is based on the employee's domicile and marital status (or registered domestic partnership) in community and noncommunity property states during his or her periods of service. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Example. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Henry Wright retired this year after 30 years of civil service. 2012 irs 1040a instructions He and his wife were domiciled in a community property state during the past 15 years. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Since half the service was performed while the Wrights were married and domiciled in a community property state, half the civil service retirement pay is considered to be community income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions If Mr. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Wright receives $1,000 a month in retirement pay, $500 is considered community income—half ($250) is his income and half ($250) is his wife's. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Military retirement pay. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    State community property laws apply to military retirement pay. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Generally, the pay is either separate or community income based on the marital status and domicile of the couple while the member of the Armed Forces was in active military service. 2012 irs 1040a instructions For example, military retirement pay for services performed during marriage and domicile in a community property state is community income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions   Active military pay earned while married and domiciled in a community property state is also community income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions This income is considered to be received half by the member of the Armed Forces and half by the spouse. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Partnership income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    If an interest is held in a partnership, and income from the partnership is attributable to the efforts of either spouse (or registered domestic partner), the partnership income is community property. 2012 irs 1040a instructions If it is merely a passive investment in a separate property partnership, the partnership income will be characterized in accordance with the discussion under Income from separate property , later. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Tax-exempt income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    For spouses, community income exempt from federal tax generally keeps its exempt status for both spouses. 2012 irs 1040a instructions For example, under certain circumstances, income earned outside the United States is tax exempt. 2012 irs 1040a instructions If you earned income and met the conditions that made it exempt, the income is also exempt for your spouse even though he or she may not have met the conditions. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Registered domestic partners should consult the particular exclusion provision to see if the exempt status applies to both. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Income from separate property. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    In some states, income from separate property is separate income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions These states include Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Washington. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Other states characterize income from separate property as community income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions These states include Idaho, Louisiana, Texas, and Wisconsin. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Exemptions When you file separate returns, you must claim your own exemption amount for that year. 2012 irs 1040a instructions (See your tax return instructions. 2012 irs 1040a instructions ) You cannot divide the amount allowed as an exemption for a dependent between you and your spouse (or your registered domestic partner). 2012 irs 1040a instructions When community funds provide support for more than one person, each of whom otherwise qualifies as a dependent, you and your spouse (or your registered domestic partner) may divide the number of dependency exemptions as explained in the following example. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Example. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Ron and Diane White have three dependent children and live in Nevada. 2012 irs 1040a instructions If Ron and Diane file separately, only Ron can claim his own exemption, and only Diane can claim her own exemption. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Ron and Diane can agree that one of them will claim the exemption for one, two, or all of their children and the other will claim any remaining exemptions. 2012 irs 1040a instructions They cannot each claim half of the total exemption amount for their three children. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Deductions If you file separate returns, your deductions generally depend on whether the expenses involve community or separate income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Business and investment expenses. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    If you file separate returns, expenses incurred to earn or produce community business or investment income are generally divided equally between you and your spouse (or your registered domestic partner). 2012 irs 1040a instructions Each of you is entitled to deduct one-half of the expenses on your separate returns. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Expenses incurred by a spouse (or registered domestic partner) to produce separate business or investment income is deductible by the spouse (or the registered domestic partner) who earns the corresponding separate business or investment income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    Other limits may also apply to business and investment expenses. 2012 irs 1040a instructions For more information, see Publication 535, Business Expenses, and Publication 550, Investment Income and Expenses. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Alimony paid. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    Payments that may otherwise qualify as alimony are not deductible by the payer if they are the recipient spouse's part of community income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions They are deductible as alimony only to the extent they are more than that spouse's part of community income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Example. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You live in a community property state. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You are separated but the special rules explained later under Spouses living apart all year do not apply. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Under a written agreement, you pay your spouse $12,000 of your $20,000 total yearly community income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Your spouse receives no other community income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Under your state law, earnings of a spouse living separately and apart from the other spouse continue as community property. 2012 irs 1040a instructions On your separate returns, each of you must report $10,000 of the total community income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions In addition, your spouse must report $2,000 as alimony received. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You can deduct $2,000 as alimony paid. 2012 irs 1040a instructions IRA deduction. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    Deductions for IRA contributions cannot be split between spouses (or registered domestic partners). 2012 irs 1040a instructions The deduction for each spouse (or each registered domestic partner) is figured separately and without regard to community property laws. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Personal expenses. 2012 irs 1040a instructions   Expenses that are paid out of separate funds, such as medical expenses, are deductible by the spouse who pays them. 2012 irs 1040a instructions If these expenses are paid from community funds, divide the deduction equally between you and your spouse. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Credits, Taxes, and Payments The following is a discussion of the general effect of community property laws on the treatment of certain credits, taxes, and payments on your separate return. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Child tax credit. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    You may be entitled to a child tax credit for each of your qualifying children. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You must provide the name and identification number (usually the social security number) of each qualifying child on your return. 2012 irs 1040a instructions See your tax return instructions for the maximum amount of the credit you can claim for each qualifying child. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Limit on credit. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    The credit is limited if your modified adjusted gross income (modified AGI) is above a certain amount. 2012 irs 1040a instructions The amount at which the limitation (phaseout) begins depends on your filing status. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Generally, your credit is limited to your tax liability unless you have three or more qualifying children. 2012 irs 1040a instructions See your tax return instructions for more information. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Self-employment tax. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    For the effect of community property laws on the income tax treatment of income from a sole proprietorship and partnerships, see Wages, earnings, and profits and Partnership income , earlier. 2012 irs 1040a instructions The following rules only apply to persons married for federal tax purposes. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Registered domestic partners report community income for self-employment tax purposes the same way they do for income tax purposes. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Sole proprietorship. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    With regard to net income from a trade or business (other than a partnership) that is community income, self-employment tax is imposed on the spouse carrying on the trade or business. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Partnerships. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    All of the distributive share of a married partner's income or loss from a partnership trade or business is attributable to the partner for computing any self-employment tax, even if a portion of the partner's distributive share of income or loss is community income or loss that is otherwise attributable to the partner's spouse for income tax purposes. 2012 irs 1040a instructions If both spouses are partners, any self-employment tax is allocated based on their distributive shares. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Federal income tax withheld. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    Report the credit for federal income tax withheld on community wages in the same manner as your wages. 2012 irs 1040a instructions If you and your spouse file separate returns on which each of you reports half the community wages, each of you is entitled to credit for half the income tax withheld on those wages. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Likewise, each registered domestic partner is entitled to credit for half the income tax withheld on those wages. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Estimated tax payments. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    In determining whether you must pay estimated tax, apply the estimated tax rules to your estimated income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions These rules are explained in Publication 505. 2012 irs 1040a instructions   If you think you may owe estimated tax and want to pay the tax separately (registered domestic partners must pay the tax separately), determine whether you must pay it by taking into account: Half the community income and deductions, All of your separate income and deductions, and Your own exemption and any exemptions for dependents that you may claim. 2012 irs 1040a instructions   Whether you and your spouse pay estimated tax jointly or separately will not affect your choice of filing joint or separate income tax returns. 2012 irs 1040a instructions   If you and your spouse paid estimated tax jointly but file separate income tax returns, either of you can claim all of the estimated tax paid, or you may divide it between you in any way that you agree upon. 2012 irs 1040a instructions   If you cannot agree on how to divide it, the estimated tax you can claim equals the total estimated tax paid times the tax shown on your separate return, divided by the total of the tax shown on your return and your spouse's return. 2012 irs 1040a instructions   If you paid your estimated taxes separately, you get credit for only the estimated taxes you paid. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Earned income credit. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    You may be entitled to an earned income credit (EIC). 2012 irs 1040a instructions You cannot claim this credit if your filing status is married filing separately. 2012 irs 1040a instructions   If you are married, but qualify to file as head of household under rules for married taxpayers living apart (see Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information), and live in a state that has community property laws, your earned income for the EIC does not include any amount earned by your spouse that is treated as belonging to you under community property laws. 2012 irs 1040a instructions That amount is not earned income for the EIC, even though you must include it in your gross income on your income tax return. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Your earned income includes the entire amount you earned, even if part of it is treated as belonging to your spouse under your state's community property laws. 2012 irs 1040a instructions The same rule applies to registered domestic partners. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    This rule does not apply when determining your adjusted gross income (AGI) for the EIC. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Your AGI includes that part of both your and your spouse's (or your registered domestic partner's) wages that you are required to include in gross income shown on your tax return. 2012 irs 1040a instructions   For more information about the EIC, see Publication 596, Earned Income Credit (EIC). 2012 irs 1040a instructions Overpayments. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    The amount of an overpayment on a joint return is allocated under the community property laws of the state in which you are domiciled. 2012 irs 1040a instructions If, under the laws of your state, community property is subject to premarital or other separate debts of either spouse, the full joint overpayment may be used to offset the obligation. 2012 irs 1040a instructions If, under the laws of your state, community property is not subject to premarital or other separate debts of either spouse, only the portion of the joint overpayment allocated to the spouse liable for the obligation can be used to offset that liability. 2012 irs 1040a instructions The portion allocated to the other spouse can be refunded. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Community Property Laws Disregarded The following discussions are situations where special rules apply to community property and community income for spouses. 2012 irs 1040a instructions These rules do not apply to registered domestic partners. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Certain community income not treated as community income by one spouse. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    Community property laws may not apply to an item of community income that you received but did not treat as community income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You are responsible for reporting all of that income item if: You treat the item as if only you are entitled to the income, and You do not notify your spouse of the nature and amount of the income by the due date for filing the return (including extensions). 2012 irs 1040a instructions Relief from liability arising from community property law. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    You are not responsible for the tax relating to an item of community income if all the following conditions are met. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You did not file a joint return for the tax year. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You did not include an item of community income in gross income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions The item of community income you did not include is one of the following: Wages, salaries, and other compensation your spouse (or former spouse) received for services he or she performed as an employee. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Income your spouse (or former spouse) derived from a trade or business he or she operated as a sole proprietor. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Your spouse's (or former spouse's) distributive share of partnership income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Income from your spouse's (or former spouse's) separate property (other than income described in (a), (b), or (c)). 2012 irs 1040a instructions Use the appropriate community property law to determine what is separate property. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Any other income that belongs to your spouse (or former spouse) under community property law. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You establish that you did not know of, and had no reason to know of, that community income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Under all facts and circumstances, it would not be fair to include the item of community income in your gross income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Requesting relief. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    For information on how and when to request relief from liabilities arising from community property laws, see Community Property Laws in Publication 971, Innocent Spouse Relief. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Equitable relief. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    If you do not qualify for the relief discussed earlier under Relief from liability arising from community property law and are now liable for an underpaid or understated tax you believe should be paid only by your spouse (or former spouse), you may request equitable relief. 2012 irs 1040a instructions To request equitable relief, you must file Form 8857, Request for Innocent Spouse Relief. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Also see Publication 971. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Spousal agreements. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    In some states a married couple may enter into an agreement that affects the status of property or income as community or separate property. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Check your state law to determine how it affects you. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Nonresident alien spouse. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    If you are a U. 2012 irs 1040a instructions S. 2012 irs 1040a instructions citizen or resident alien and you choose to treat your nonresident alien spouse as a U. 2012 irs 1040a instructions S. 2012 irs 1040a instructions resident for tax purposes and you are domiciled in a community property state or country, use the community property rules. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You must file a joint return for the year you make the choice. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You can file separate returns in later years. 2012 irs 1040a instructions For details on making this choice, see Publication 519, U. 2012 irs 1040a instructions S. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Tax Guide for Aliens. 2012 irs 1040a instructions   If you are a U. 2012 irs 1040a instructions S. 2012 irs 1040a instructions citizen or resident alien and do not choose to treat your nonresident alien spouse as a U. 2012 irs 1040a instructions S. 2012 irs 1040a instructions resident for tax purposes, treat your community income as explained next under Spouses living apart all year. 2012 irs 1040a instructions However, you do not have to meet the four conditions discussed there. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Spouses living apart all year. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    If you are married at any time during the calendar year, special rules apply for reporting certain community income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You must meet all the following conditions for these special rules to apply. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You and your spouse lived apart all year. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You and your spouse did not file a joint return for a tax year beginning or ending in the calendar year. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You and/or your spouse had earned income for the calendar year that is community income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You and your spouse have not transferred, directly or indirectly, any of the earned income in condition (3) above between yourselves before the end of the year. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Do not take into account transfers satisfying child support obligations or transfers of very small amounts or value. 2012 irs 1040a instructions If all these conditions are met, you and your spouse must report your community income as discussed next. 2012 irs 1040a instructions See also Certain community income not treated as community income by one spouse , earlier. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Earned income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    Treat earned income that is not trade or business or partnership income as the income of the spouse who performed the services to earn the income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Earned income is wages, salaries, professional fees, and other pay for personal services. 2012 irs 1040a instructions   Earned income does not include amounts paid by a corporation that are a distribution of earnings and profits rather than a reasonable allowance for personal services rendered. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Trade or business income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    Treat income and related deductions from a trade or business that is not a partnership as those of the spouse carrying on the trade or business. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Partnership income or loss. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    Treat income or loss from a trade or business carried on by a partnership as the income or loss of the spouse who is the partner. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Separate property income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    Treat income from the separate property of one spouse as the income of that spouse. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Social security benefits. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    Treat social security and equivalent railroad retirement benefits as the income of the spouse who receives the benefits. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Other income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    Treat all other community income, such as dividends, interest, rents, royalties, or gains, as provided under your state's community property law. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Example. 2012 irs 1040a instructions George and Sharon were married throughout the year but did not live together at any time during the year. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Both domiciles were in a community property state. 2012 irs 1040a instructions They did not file a joint return or transfer any of their earned income between themselves. 2012 irs 1040a instructions During the year their incomes were as follows:   George Sharon Wages $20,000 $22,000 Consulting business 5,000   Partnership   10,000 Dividends from separate property 1,000 2,000 Interest from community property 500 500 Total $26,500 $34,500 Under the community property law of their state, all the income is considered community income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions (Some states treat income from separate property as separate income—check your state law. 2012 irs 1040a instructions ) Sharon did not take part in George's consulting business. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Ordinarily, on their separate returns they would each report $30,500, half the total community income of $61,000 ($26,500 + $34,500). 2012 irs 1040a instructions But because they meet the four conditions listed earlier under Spouses living apart all year , they must disregard community property law in reporting all their income (except the interest income) from community property. 2012 irs 1040a instructions They each report on their returns only their own earnings and other income, and their share of the interest income from community property. 2012 irs 1040a instructions George reports $26,500 and Sharon reports $34,500. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Other separated spouses. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    If you and your spouse are separated but do not meet the four conditions discussed earlier under Spouses living apart all year , you must treat your income according to the laws of your state. 2012 irs 1040a instructions In some states, income earned after separation but before a decree of divorce continues to be community income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions In other states, it is separate income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions End of the Community The marital community may end in several ways. 2012 irs 1040a instructions When the marital community ends, the community assets (money and property) are divided between the spouses. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Similarly, a registered domestic partnership may end in several ways and the community assets must be divided between the registered domestic partners. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Death of spouse. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    If you own community property and your spouse dies, the total fair market value (FMV) of the community property, including the part that belongs to you, generally becomes the basis of the entire property. 2012 irs 1040a instructions For this rule to apply, at least half the value of the community property interest must be includible in your spouse's gross estate, whether or not the estate must file a return (this rule does not apply to registered domestic partners). 2012 irs 1040a instructions Example. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Bob and Ann owned community property that had a basis of $80,000. 2012 irs 1040a instructions When Bob died, his and Ann's community property had an FMV of $100,000. 2012 irs 1040a instructions One-half of the FMV of their community interest was includible in Bob's estate. 2012 irs 1040a instructions The basis of Ann's half of the property is $50,000 after Bob died (half of the $100,000 FMV). 2012 irs 1040a instructions The basis of the other half to Bob's heirs is also $50,000. 2012 irs 1040a instructions   For more information about the basis of assets, see Publication 551, Basis of Assets. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    The above basis rule does not apply if your spouse died in 2010 and the spouse's executor elected out of the estate tax, in which case section 1022 will apply. 2012 irs 1040a instructions See Publication 4895, Tax Treatment of Property Acquired From a Decedent Dying in 2010, for additional information. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Divorce or separation. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    If spouses divorce or separate, the (equal or unequal) division of community property in connection with the divorce or property settlement does not result in a gain or loss. 2012 irs 1040a instructions For registered domestic partners, an unequal division of community property in a property settlement may result in a gain or loss. 2012 irs 1040a instructions For information on the tax consequences of the division of property under a property settlement or divorce decree, see Publication 504. 2012 irs 1040a instructions   Each spouse (or each registered domestic partner) is taxed on half the community income for the part of the year before the community ends. 2012 irs 1040a instructions However, see Spouses living apart all year , earlier. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Any income received after the community ends is separate income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions This separate income is taxable only to the spouse (or the registered domestic partner) to whom it belongs. 2012 irs 1040a instructions   An absolute decree of divorce or annulment ends the marital community in all community property states. 2012 irs 1040a instructions A decree of annulment, even though it holds that no valid marriage ever existed, usually does not nullify community property rights arising during the “marriage. 2012 irs 1040a instructions ” However, you should check your state law for exceptions. 2012 irs 1040a instructions   A decree of legal separation or of separate maintenance may or may not end the marital community. 2012 irs 1040a instructions The court issuing the decree may terminate the marital community and divide the property between the spouses. 2012 irs 1040a instructions   A separation agreement may divide the community property between you and your spouse. 2012 irs 1040a instructions It may provide that this property, along with future earnings and property acquired, will be separate property. 2012 irs 1040a instructions This agreement may end the community. 2012 irs 1040a instructions   In some states, the marital community ends when the spouses permanently separate, even if there is no formal agreement. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Check your state law. 2012 irs 1040a instructions   If you are a registered domestic partner, you should check your state law to determine when the community ends. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Preparing a Federal Income Tax Return The following discussion does not apply to spouses who meet the conditions under Spouses living apart all year , discussed earlier. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Those spouses must report their community income as explained in that discussion. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Joint Return Versus Separate Returns Ordinarily, filing a joint return will give you a greater tax advantage than filing a separate return. 2012 irs 1040a instructions But in some cases, your combined income tax on separate returns may be less than it would be on a joint return. 2012 irs 1040a instructions This discussion concerning joint versus separate returns does not apply to registered domestic partners. 2012 irs 1040a instructions The following rules apply if your filing status is married filing separately. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You should itemize deductions if your spouse itemizes deductions, because you cannot claim the standard deduction. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You cannot take the credit for child and dependent care expenses in most instances. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You cannot take the earned income credit. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You cannot exclude any interest income from qualified U. 2012 irs 1040a instructions S. 2012 irs 1040a instructions savings bonds that you used for higher education expenses. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You cannot take the credit for the elderly or the disabled unless you lived apart from your spouse all year. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You may have to include in income more of any social security benefits (including any equivalent railroad retirement benefits) you received during the year than you would on a joint return. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You cannot deduct interest paid on a qualified student loan. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You cannot take the education credits. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You may have a smaller child tax credit than you would on a joint return. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You cannot take the exclusion or credit for adoption expenses in most instances. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Figure your tax both on a joint return and on separate returns under the community property laws of your state. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You can then compare the tax figured under both methods and use the one that results in less tax. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Separate Return Preparation If you file separate returns, you and your spouse must each report half of your combined community income and deductions in addition to your separate income and deductions. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Each of you must complete and attach Form 8958 to your Form 1040 showing how you figured the amount you are reporting on your return. 2012 irs 1040a instructions On the appropriate lines of your separate Form 1040, list only your share of the income and deductions on the appropriate lines of your separate tax returns (wages, interest, dividends, etc. 2012 irs 1040a instructions ). 2012 irs 1040a instructions The same reporting rule applies to registered domestic partners. 2012 irs 1040a instructions For a discussion of the effect of community property laws on certain items of income, deductions, credits, and other return amounts, see Identifying Income, Deductions, and Credits , earlier. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Attach your Form 8958 to your separate return showing how you figured the income, deductions, and federal income tax withheld that each of you reported. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Form 8958 is used for married spouses in community property states who choose to file married filing separately. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Form 8958 is also used for registered domestic partners who are domiciled in Nevada, Washington, or California. 2012 irs 1040a instructions A registered domestic partner in Nevada, Washington, or California must follow state community property laws and report half the combined community income of the individual and his or her registered domestic partner. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Extension of time to file. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    An extension of time for filing your separate return does not extend the time for filing your spouse's (or your registered domestic partner's) separate return. 2012 irs 1040a instructions If you and your spouse file a joint return, you cannot file separate returns after the due date for filing either separate return has passed. 2012 irs 1040a instructions How To Get Tax Help Whether it's help with a tax issue, preparing your tax return or a need for a free publication or form, get the help you need the way you want it: online, use a smart phone, call or walk in to an IRS office or volunteer site near you. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Free help with your tax return. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    You can get free help preparing your return nationwide from IRS-certified volunteers. 2012 irs 1040a instructions The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program helps low-to-moderate income, elderly, people with disabilities, and limited English proficient taxpayers. 2012 irs 1040a instructions The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program helps taxpayers age 60 and older with their tax returns. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Most VITA and TCE sites offer free electronic filing and all volunteers will let you know about credits and deductions you may be entitled to claim. 2012 irs 1040a instructions In addition, some VITA and TCE sites provide taxpayers the opportunity to prepare their own return with help from an IRS-certified volunteer. 2012 irs 1040a instructions To find the nearest VITA or TCE site, you can use the VITA Locator Tool on IRS. 2012 irs 1040a instructions gov, download the IRS2Go app, or call 1-800-906-9887. 2012 irs 1040a instructions   As part of the TCE program, AARP offers the Tax-Aide counseling program. 2012 irs 1040a instructions To find the nearest AARP Tax-Aide site, visit AARP's website at www. 2012 irs 1040a instructions aarp. 2012 irs 1040a instructions org/money/taxaide or call 1-888-227-7669. 2012 irs 1040a instructions For more information on these programs, go to IRS. 2012 irs 1040a instructions gov and enter “VITA” in the search box. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Internet. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    IRS. 2012 irs 1040a instructions gov and IRS2Go are ready when you are —24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Download the free IRS2Go app from the iTunes app store or from Google Play. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Use it to check your refund status, order transcripts of your tax returns or tax account, watch the IRS YouTube channel, get IRS news as soon as it's released to the public, subscribe to filing season updates or daily tax tips, and follow the IRS Twitter news feed, @IRSnews, to get the latest federal tax news, including information about tax law changes and important IRS programs. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Check the status of your 2013 refund with the Where's My Refund? application on IRS. 2012 irs 1040a instructions gov or download the IRS2Go app and select the Refund Status option. 2012 irs 1040a instructions The IRS issues more than 9 out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Using these applications, you can start checking on the status of your return within 24 hours after we receive your e-filed return or 4 weeks after you mail a paper return. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You will also be given a personalized refund date as soon as the IRS processes your tax return and approves your refund. 2012 irs 1040a instructions The IRS updates Where's My Refund? every 24 hours, usually overnight, so you only need to check once a day. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Use the Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA) to research your tax questions. 2012 irs 1040a instructions No need to wait on the phone or stand in line. 2012 irs 1040a instructions The ITA is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and provides you with a variety of tax information related to general filing topics, deductions, credits, and income. 2012 irs 1040a instructions When you reach the response screen, you can print the entire interview and the final response for your records. 2012 irs 1040a instructions New subject areas are added on a regular basis. 2012 irs 1040a instructions  Answers not provided through ITA may be found in Tax Trails, one of the Tax Topics on IRS. 2012 irs 1040a instructions gov which contain general individual and business tax information or by searching the IRS Tax Map, which includes an international subject index. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You can use the IRS Tax Map, to search publications and instructions by topic or keyword. 2012 irs 1040a instructions The IRS Tax Map integrates forms and publications into one research tool and provides single-point access to tax law information by subject. 2012 irs 1040a instructions When the user searches the IRS Tax Map, they will be provided with links to related content in existing IRS publications, forms and instructions, questions and answers, and Tax Topics. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Coming this filing season, you can immediately view and print for free all 5 types of individual federal tax transcripts (tax returns, tax account, record of account, wage and income statement, and certification of non-filing) using Get Transcript. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You can also ask the IRS to mail a return or an account transcript to you. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Only the mail option is available by choosing the Tax Records option on the IRS2Go app by selecting Mail Transcript on IRS. 2012 irs 1040a instructions gov or by calling 1-800-908-9946. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Tax return and tax account transcripts are generally available for the current year and the past three years. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Determine if you are eligible for the EITC and estimate the amount of the credit with the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Assistant. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Visit Understanding Your IRS Notice or Letter to get answers to questions about a notice or letter you received from the IRS. 2012 irs 1040a instructions If you received the First Time Homebuyer Credit, you can use the First Time Homebuyer Credit Account Look-up tool for information on your repayments and account balance. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Check the status of your amended return using Where's My Amended Return? Go to IRS. 2012 irs 1040a instructions gov and enter Where's My Amended Return? in the search box. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You can generally expect your amended return to be processed up to 12 weeks from the date we receive it. 2012 irs 1040a instructions It can take up to 3 weeks from the date you mailed it to show up in our system. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Make a payment using one of several safe and convenient electronic payment options available on IRS. 2012 irs 1040a instructions gov. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Select the Payment tab on the front page of IRS. 2012 irs 1040a instructions gov for more information. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Determine if you are eligible and apply for an online payment agreement, if you owe more tax than you can pay today. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Figure your income tax withholding with the IRS Withholding Calculator on IRS. 2012 irs 1040a instructions gov. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Use it if you've had too much or too little withheld, your personal situation has changed, you're starting a new job or you just want to see if you're having the right amount withheld. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Determine if you might be subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax by using the Alternative Minimum Tax Assistant on IRS. 2012 irs 1040a instructions gov. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Request an Electronic Filing PIN by going to IRS. 2012 irs 1040a instructions gov and entering Electronic Filing PIN in the search box. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Download forms, instructions and publications, including accessible versions for people with disabilities. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Locate the nearest Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) using the Office Locator tool on IRS. 2012 irs 1040a instructions gov, or choose the Contact Us option on the IRS2Go app and search Local Offices. 2012 irs 1040a instructions An employee can answer questions about your tax account or help you set up a payment plan. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Before you visit, check the Office Locator on IRS. 2012 irs 1040a instructions gov, or Local Offices under Contact Us on IRS2Go to confirm the address, phone number, days and hours of operation, and the services provided. 2012 irs 1040a instructions If you have a special need, such as a disability, you can request an appointment. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Call the local number listed in the Office Locator, or look in the phone book under United States Government, Internal Revenue Service. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). 2012 irs 1040a instructions Go to IRS. 2012 irs 1040a instructions gov and enter Apply for an EIN in the search box. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Read the Internal Revenue Code, regulations, or other official guidance. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Read Internal Revenue Bulletins. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Sign up to receive local and national tax news and more by email. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Just click on “subscriptions” above the search box on IRS. 2012 irs 1040a instructions gov and choose from a variety of options. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    Phone. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You can call the IRS, or you can carry it in your pocket with the IRS2Go app on your smart phone or tablet. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Download the free IRS2Go app from the iTunes app store or from Google Play. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Call to locate the nearest volunteer help site, 1-800-906-9887 or you can use the VITA Locator Tool on IRS. 2012 irs 1040a instructions gov, or download the IRS2Go app. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Low-to-moderate income, elderly, people with disabilities, and limited English proficient taxpayers can get free help with their tax return from the nationwide Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. 2012 irs 1040a instructions The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program helps taxpayers age 60 and older with their tax returns. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Most VITA and TCE sites offer free electronic filing. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Some VITA and TCE sites provide IRS-certified volunteers who can help prepare your tax return. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Through the TCE program, AARP offers the Tax-Aide counseling program; call 1-888-227-7669 to find the nearest Tax-Aide location. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Call the automated Where's My Refund? information hotline to check the status of your 2013 refund 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-829-1954. 2012 irs 1040a instructions If you e-file, you can start checking on the status of your return within 24 hours after the IRS receives your tax return or 4 weeks after you've mailed a paper return. 2012 irs 1040a instructions The IRS issues more than 9 out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Where's My Refund? will give you a personalized refund date as soon as the IRS processes your tax return and approves your refund. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Before you call this automated hotline, have your 2013 tax return handy so you can enter your social security number, your filing status, and the exact whole dollar amount of your refund. 2012 irs 1040a instructions The IRS updates Where's My Refund? every 24 hours, usually overnight, so you only need to check once a day. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Note, the above information is for our automated hotline. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Our live phone and walk-in assistors can research the status of your refund only if it's been 21 days or more since you filed electronically or more than 6 weeks since you mailed your paper return. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Call the Amended Return Hotline, 1-866-464-2050, to check the status of your amended return. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You can generally expect your amended return to be processed up to 12 weeks from the date we receive it. 2012 irs 1040a instructions It can take up to 3 weeks from the date you mailed it to show up in our system. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Call 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676) to order current-year forms, instructions, publications, and prior-year forms and instructions (limited to 5 years). 2012 irs 1040a instructions You should receive your order within 10 business days. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Call TeleTax, 1-800-829-4477, to listen to pre-recorded messages covering general and business tax information. 2012 irs 1040a instructions If, between January and April 15, you still have questions about the Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ (like filing requirements, dependents, credits, Schedule D, pensions and IRAs or self-employment taxes), call 1-800-829-1040. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Call using TTY/TDD equipment, 1-800-829-4059 to ask tax questions or order forms and publications. 2012 irs 1040a instructions The TTY/TDD telephone number is for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability. 2012 irs 1040a instructions These individuals can also contact the IRS through relay services such as the Federal Relay Service. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    Walk-in. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You can find a selection of forms, publications and services — in-person. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Products. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You can walk in to some post offices, libraries, and IRS offices to pick up certain forms, instructions, and publications. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Some IRS offices, libraries, and city and county government offices have a collection of products available to photocopy from reproducible proofs. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Services. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You can walk in to your local TAC for face-to-face tax help. 2012 irs 1040a instructions An employee can answer questions about your tax account or help you set up a payment plan. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Before visiting, use the Office Locator tool on IRS. 2012 irs 1040a instructions gov, or choose the Contact Us option on the IRS2Go app and search Local Offices for days and hours of operation, and services provided. 2012 irs 1040a instructions    Mail. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You can send your order for forms, instructions, and publications to the address below. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You should receive a response within 10 business days after your request is received. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Internal Revenue Service 1201 N. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Mitsubishi Motorway Bloomington, IL 61705-6613   The Taxpayer Advocate Service Is Here to Help You. 2012 irs 1040a instructions The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is your voice at the IRS. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Our job is to ensure that every taxpayer is treated fairly and that you know and understand your rights. 2012 irs 1040a instructions   What can TAS do for you? We can offer you free help with IRS problems that you can't resolve on your own. 2012 irs 1040a instructions We know this process can be confusing, but the worst thing you can do is nothing at all! TAS can help if you can't resolve your tax problem and: Your problem is causing financial difficulties for you, your family, or your business. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You face (or your business is facing) an immediate threat of adverse action. 2012 irs 1040a instructions You've tried repeatedly to contact the IRS but no one has responded, or the IRS hasn't responded by the date promised. 2012 irs 1040a instructions   If you qualify for our help, you'll be assigned to one advocate who'll be with you at every turn and will do everything possible to resolve your problem. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Here's why we can help: TAS is an independent organization within the IRS. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Our advocates know how to work with the IRS. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Our services are free and tailored to meet your needs. 2012 irs 1040a instructions We have offices in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. 2012 irs 1040a instructions   How can you reach us? If you think TAS can help you, call your local advocate, whose number is in your local directory and at www. 2012 irs 1040a instructions irs. 2012 irs 1040a instructions gov/advocate, or call us toll-free at 1-877-777-4778. 2012 irs 1040a instructions   How else does TAS help taxpayers?  TAS also works to resolve large-scale, systemic problems that affect many taxpayers. 2012 irs 1040a instructions If you know of one of these broad issues, please report it to us through our Systemic Advocacy Management System at www. 2012 irs 1040a instructions irs. 2012 irs 1040a instructions gov/sams. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Low Income Taxpayer Clinics Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) serve individuals whose income is below a certain level and need to resolve tax problems such as audits, appeals and tax collection disputes. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Some clinics can provide information about taxpayer rights and responsibilities in different languages for individuals who speak English as a second language. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Visit www. 2012 irs 1040a instructions irs. 2012 irs 1040a instructions gov/litc or see IRS Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List. 2012 irs 1040a instructions Prev  Up  Next   Home   More Online Publications