Taxation of Forgiven Debt: The 1099C & You

Often people fall on hard times and stop paying on credit cards. After a while the account may go to an outside debt collector who might offer a settlement of the debt for 30-40% of theoriginal sum. Once this is paid, the debtor often thinks the matter is closed, but it is not! It is very likely that the creditor will issue a 1099-C. This is a notice to IRS of the forgiven debt. If the debtor does not address this on his return he may get an IRS bill a year or two later with penalties and interest.

A foreclosure on a home may also result in a 1099-C from the mortgage lender if the property is sold for less than the amount of the loan. In this instance, a person loses their home and may also face a tax bill. Usually, the bill comes many months after the tax return was filed as a result of an IRS document matching program. This "under-reporter" notice brings grief to the taxpayer.

The key issue is whether or not the debtor was insolvent. If they were insolvent, it may not be taxable depending on the circumstances. There is an "Insolvency exclusion." You are insolvent when, and to the extent, your liabilities exceed the fair market value of your assets. So it is possible none of your forgiven debt is taxable or it is possible that all or only a portion of it is includable in income.

If you get a 1099-C, don't ignore it. Have a tax professional do your return and they can help you determine how much of the 1099-C is taxable. If you get a letter from IRS on a 1099-C you left off your return, get help ASAP. Otherwise, IRS might file a Federal Tax Lien and take action.

Look for a CPA, Enrolled Agent, Accredited Tax Advisor, Accredited Tax Preparer, or Tax Attorney to help you with serious tax issue. You may call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 for help as well. Websites you can check out include: www.irs.gov; www.naea.org; www.nsacct.org; and www.exirsman.com.

James Robert Coleman, E.A., A.T.A.
Enrolled Agent & Accredited Tax Advisor
Member: National Association of Enrolled Agents
Former IRS Revenue Officer, GS-11
http://www.exirsman.com

Mercedes Benz s500 rentals Salem ..
In The News:

The International Olympic Committee on Friday announced plans to use AI in various Olympic aspects, including athlete identification, training and judging.
Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains an easy trick to avoid squinting while working or surfing the web by zooming in on your personal computer.
Streaming giant Roku has recently been targeted by a pair of cyberattacks, and the company confirmed over a half million Roku accounts were compromised.
The Land Aircraft Carrier combines an all-terrain, six-wheeled vehicle with a two-seat aircraft, which features electric vertical takeoff and landing.
The European Union has sent TikTok a "request for information" on the video sharing platform's newest app, TikTok Lite, under the Digital Services Act, with the aim to clean up social media.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
The FBI is warning the public about a recent phishing scam via text that claims its targets owe money in Pennsylvania for unpaid road toll charges.
Your Apple Music settings may be revealing to your contacts what you're listening to. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains the process to change those settings.
Learn how to secure social media accounts, implement legacy contacts, and create a digital estate plan to protect your online assets from 'ghost hackers' after your death.
A ported phone number scam is leading to more people having their identities stolen by sophisticated scammers. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson tells you what you need to know.
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a vast marine debris vortex, is being tackled by The Ocean Cleanup’s innovative technologies. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson explains.
Discover easy solutions to tame autocorrect frustration on iOS and Android devices. Turn off, customize and add personal touches to your typing experience.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals the six top things to do right now before it’s too late: Tech and life choices that can keep your safer on and offline.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson shows you some simple steps to discreetly hide apps or an entire app page on your iPhone for decluttering or confidentiality.
The ambient light sensors on smartphones may be turned into cameras, according to researches at MIT. This could pose a threat to people's privacy.
The Autonomous Road Repair System from tech firm Robotiz3d uses artificial intelligence technology to locate potholes and promptly seal them.
Scammers have stooped to using artificial intelligence to scan obituary websites to create fake obituary websites to target the grieving.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
A Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing factory in Hungary is using humanoid robots to help with human staffing shortages on the factory floor.
Some video games act like unregulated banks, according to CFPB, which has begun monitoring the situation. The agency says children may be most at risk.
Ascender the robot is capable of climbing stairs with heights up to 8.7 inches, and it can give every corner of your home a deep cleaning.
Tax-return scams are on the rise, and one tax expert from a cybersecurity firm says filing your taxes on time is one way to avoid tax scams.
The innovative XPENG Robot Unicorn is inspired by the mythical unicorn, and you may forget the robot is not actually a living creature.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
The Federal Trade Commission, the federal agency to report scams to, is being impersonated as part of a new sophisticated phone scam.

Access to E-records by Taxing Authorities: A Case for Pakistan (Part I)

Background issues of access to recordsTo assess the records at... Read More

What the Tax Software Companies Dont Want You to Know

Haven't done your taxes yet? No problem. Now there is... Read More

Military Reservists, Enlistees May Get Deferral of Back Taxes

Reservists called to active duty and enlistees in the armed... Read More

Tax Tips for Home-Based Business Owners

As tax time approaches, many home-based business owners begin completing... Read More

Tax Trap #3 -- IRS Penalties, Interest and Love Letters

As a small business owner or self-employed person, one of... Read More

IRS Obtains More Than 100 Injunctions Against Tax Scheme Promoters

The IRS has obtained civil injunctions against more than 100... Read More

Tax Jokes and Quotes

Do you realize that some tax forms ask you to... Read More

Tax Deduction for Alimony Payments? - Yes!

Over 50% of marriages end in divorce in the United... Read More

Early Distributions From Retirement Plans

An early distribution from an Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) or... Read More

Tax Reduction Tips

In the rush to get tax returns prepared and filed... Read More

Correspondence From The IRS ? Yikes!

It's a moment every person dreads. You pick up the... Read More

Where to Find Tax Breaks for Your Home Based Business

April 15th looms in front of most people every year... Read More

Euro Tax Haven Threat

Media reporting of a new EU savings tax directive has... Read More

How to Check the Status of Your Tax Refund Online

So, you were pleasantly surprised to learn that you are... Read More

Employment Taxes ? What Are They?

If you have employees, you are responsible for paying a... Read More

Donating Cars To Charity - New Tax Rules

On June 3, 2005, the IRS released guidance on charitable... Read More

Take Control of Your Taxes

As everyone in the U.S. knows, we have just passed... Read More

Tax Help Secret: Avoiding the Entreprenuers Curse

Your days as an entrepreneur and businessperson are consumed with... Read More

Fraudulent Tax Shelters ? KMPG Goes Down Hard

In the largest criminal tax case ever filed, KMPG has... Read More

Some Folks Pay A Lot Less Tax Than Others On Very Same Income?Did You Pay Too Much Tax In 2004?

Someone once remarked, "Next to being shot at and missed,... Read More

Rearrange Your Affairs For Maximum Tax Savings

One way to maximize your business profits is by reducing... Read More

Are You An Innocent Victim of These Popular Myths?

Misconceptions, misinterpretations and just plain "untruths" are floating about income... Read More

Get Uncle Sam To Pay $36,000 For Your Childs Education!

Let's assume that you would like to begin saving for... Read More

To Tax or Not to Tax - This is the Question

To tax or not to tax - this question could... Read More

Fiscal Deity: Tax Consultant

Strategic planning throughout the year results in a minimal tax... Read More

Dowagiac cheap limo service ..