Home
>
Tax
>
SFR Substitute for Returns: IRS Action on Non-Filers

SFR Substitute for Returns: IRS Action on Non-Filers

In the latest Star Wars episode, the evil empire executes a brutal revenge on the Jedi. While the IRS is not an evil empire (and due to the Revenue Reform Act of 1998 not very brutal anymore); it too is executing revenge on those who do not comply with filing their tax returns.

The IRS is agressively using the "Substitute for Return" (SFR) program to file tax returns on behalf of those who fail to file. The SFR program has been around a long time. However, due to better computers at IRS, it is being used now more than ever to get people into filing compliance. Basically, if you do not file on time, the IRS sends you letters and may call you on the phone requesting that you file. If one ignores the letters, IRS takes the information reported to them by third parties and files a Form 1040 for you. In most cases, the tax owed on this IRS prepared return is far more than one would owe if they filed an original return.

Why is the tax so high on an SFR? Well, IRS does not know who lived with you so they usually file the return single or Married Filing Separate (the worst tax table). A person might have had 3 or 4 dependents, but they won't be on the SFR. Also, if you worked contract labor and got a 1099, it is very likely you had deductable business expenses. Again, IRS does not know what your expenses were and will tax you on the total of 1099s. In addition, if you sold stock, IRS will tax you on 100% of the sales price because they do not know your basis in the stock. In this circumstance, you could have lost money on the stock and had a deduction, but will owe tax on it due to the SFR.

For business owners who do not file 941 payroll tax or 940 unemployment tax, IRS uses code section 6020(b) to file payroll returns for non-filers. These returns can also be for more than one would have owed if they filed the originals.

Once IRS files an SFR 1040 or a 6020(b) 941, they can collect on them just as if they were filed by the taxpayer. I had one client who had a Federal Tax Lien filed on him for over $100K due to an SFR on 1996. We went ahead and filed a correct tax return in 2004 and his true debt was only about $10K. The reason was because IRS taxed all his stock sales as 100% profits when he had many losses.

There is good news for someone caught in SFR trap. You can always file an original return! The tax laws are valid and IRS is a legitimate government agency. Don't be fooled by bogus websites or folks who tell you that there is no law requiring one to file a tax return. If you get SFR'd, hire a tax professional to prepare a correct return and work with IRS to overturn the SFR. You may be audited, but if you are right then you will owe much less than the amount on an SFR.

A good CPA, Enrolled Agent, or Tax Attorney can help you with IRS collection issues. DON'T IGNORE IRS LETTERS. GET HELP. Here are some websites that can help you get info:

www.irs.gov
www.naea.org
www.nsacct.org
www.exirsman.com
www.etaxes.com
www.ifixirs.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

Wood Dale Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare

In The News:

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents

Internet browsers are useful, but they can be dangerous. Clicking on malicious links can direct you to dangerous websites that steal information or infect your device.

Apple's latest iOS update introduces advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, which may be capturing and analyzing sensitive information.

Breach site confirmed 56,904,909 Hot Topic users' data leaked online. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says the company's silence makes matters even worse.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how an innovative Easy-Way kit turns standard strollers electric, simplifying navigation for parents.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson talks about T-Mobile being hacked in broad cyberattack on global phone and internet companies.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson shows you how to add, customize and manage widgets for quick access to apps and info from your iPhone home screen.

Wrong Google searches can not only compromise your device and personal data. They can also bring law enforcement to your doorstep. Hackers are targeting Google searches.

China's Shanghai Kepler Robotics has developed a new humanoid robot that can carry up to 35 pounds per hand for commercial applications across various industries

Checking your hearing has gotten easier with the new hearing test feature in AirPods Pro 2. You can take reliable hearing tests using your iPhone or iPad.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how a VPN — virtual private network — works and how running it can slow down the operation of your device.

The WalkON Suit F1, an exoskeleton developed to help people with disabilities, can actually walk over to a person in a wheelchair, solving a major problem.

ClickFix, a new scam targeting computer users, is on the rise in the U.S. The scam prompts its targets to click on a link to fix a problem.

Skydweller is the world's largest unmanned solar-powered aircraft that can stay airborne for weeks, and even months, without refueling.

The U.S. government said it is investigating after People's Republic of China hackers targeted commercial telecommunications service providers in the U.S.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated ways to lure unsuspecting victims, and some are impersonating an email help desk or support team.

You can unsend or edit your iMessages with the latest iOS updates. Kurt the CyberGuy explains how you can save yourself some potential embarrassment.

Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says there’s been a rise in cybercriminal services using hacked police and government emails to send subpoenas and data requests to U.S. companies.

Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how Axiom Space and luxury designer Prada are collaborating on NASA's Artemis III spacesuit design.

Voice assistants may cause confusion across devices. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson offers some solutions to fix it.

Shameless scammers trick veterans into giving personal info or cash. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson explores five common scams.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson helps you honor our heroes with these powerful podcasts, audiobooks and documentaries this Veterans Day.