Deadline to File Tax Returns is Monday — Can't File on Time? Request an Extension

The Internal Revenue Service says taxpayers who need more time to file don't need to panic.

Can't file your tax returns by the Monday, April 15 deadline? Extensions are available.  Those who haven't finished completing their returns can get an automatic six-month extension. The fastest and easiest way to get the extra time, the IRS says, is through this Free File link — use the free service to electronically request an automatic tax-filing extension on Form 4868. Filing this form gives taxpayers until Oct. 15 to file a return and allows individuals to avoid a late-filing penalty. To get the extension, you must estimate your tax liability and also pay any amount due. Can't pay the full amount you owe the government? Click here to find out about setting up payments.  What Should You Read Next? Cumming Post Office Open Until 6 p.m. …

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Sen. Johnny Isakson Speaks to Forsyth Rotarians

During his recent visit to Cumming, Sen. Isakson shared his thoughts on a number of issues including Social Security, Medicare and reforming tax laws.

Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA) was in Cumming recently as the guest speaker of the North Forsyth Rotary Club's weekly meeting. During his March 26 visit, Sen. Isakson shared his thoughts on a number of issues including Social Security, Medicare and reforming tax laws. See our video of Sen. Isakson and hear what he had to say about those issues. In January 2013, Sen. Isakson was named to the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, which has jurisdiction over taxes, trade, Medicare and Social Security that plays a critical role in the debate over cutting spending and reducing our nation’s debt, according to his website. What Should You Read Next? Sen. Murphy Named One of the Most Influential Senators Don’t miss any Cumming news. Subscribe to Cumming …

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Facebook Paid No Income Tax in 2012 Despite More than a Billion in Profits

The company is one of many companies that managed to pay no income tax thanks to loopholes in the tax law.

As we head into the heart of the tax season and try to figure out just how to avoid having to pay in when we file our income tax, we should all be grateful we don’t have a bill the size of a company like, say Facebook, right? Not so, reports the Huffington Post. In fact, despite making pre-tax profits of $1.1 billion, Facebook paid no income tax at all in 2012. And on top of that, it received $429 million in net tax refunds for the year. Is it time for the whole tax code to be overhauled to ensure that everyone does indeed get to pay their fair share? This is as a result of those loopholes that the president talked about getting rid of in his State of the Union speech on Tuesday. Facebook is just one of the corporate giants that is able to…

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Forsyth Property Taxes Due Thursday

If you haven't paid your property taxes yet, you may want to get to it, they are due Thursday.

Forsyth Property Taxes Due Nov. 15

Property tax bills are due soon.

Have you paid your 2012 property taxes yet? If not, you have until Thursday, Nov. 15, to do so in person or online. Property taxes can be paid in person through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at either of the Forsyth County Tax Commissioner’s locations, the Main Office, 1092 Tribble Gap Road or Sharon Springs Park Branch Office, 1950 Sharon Road.   For convenience, curbside payments (checks only) will be accepted at both office locations on Nov. 13, 14, and 15. If you're paying your taxes at the main office, that location now offers residents the convenience of drive-through service featuring two windows. The county's accepted forms of payment for property taxes are cash, check, money order and debit card. Taxes may also be paid online …

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Is It a Good Idea to Axe Tax Breaks for Parents?

If Congress can't reach an agreement, a number of tax breaks for parents could be on the chopping block.

CNN Money reports that four tax breaks for low-income parents could cease to exist soon. That means thousands of dollars that used to go back into your pocket after filing taxes, won't. For the Earned Income Credit, "low-income" is defined as a married couple with three kids making a little over $50,000 a year. If Congress fails to extend tax cuts before the end of the year, the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Credit, Child and Dependent Care Credit and American Opportunity Credit would be reduced or chopped, according to CNN Money. This isn't a done deal, but a definite possibility. What do you think about those tax breaks potentially ending? We have a significant amount of national debt -- should we try to plug the hole with more tax …

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Property Tax Notices to Arrive in Mailboxes Soon

It's not a bill, but rather an informational notice regardless of whether or not your property was reassessed.

Some things will never change, death and taxes. Forsyth County property owners will soon be receiving state-required annual assessment notices from the county tax assessors office. Those notices will start going out on Friday. Here's the good news, it's not a bill, and property owners should not send in payments upon receipt of the tax notices. The document is an informational notice regardless of whether or not your property was reassessed, according to Chief Appraiser Mary Kirkpatrick. “The dollar amount included on this informational notice is purely an estimate, and will be based on the previous year’s millage rate," said Kirkpatrick in a news release. The rate is subject to change before the actual tax bill goes out later in the year…

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Suntrust Offers Live Webinar Series Thursday

SunTrust sponsors live Facebook chats to provide consumer financial education.

Consumers have questions about a variety of financial issues but often don’t know who to ask or have enough time to meet with an expert. In response, SunTrust has created a unique live webinar series, offering experts to address questions from consumers. The “How Can We Help You Live Solid?” webinar series launches Thursday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m. on the Live Solid Facebook page. The first installment of the series features John Rhett, Chairman of SunTrust Investment Services. As tax season reaches its peak, most consumers have considered the state of their financial outlook. Rhett will share tips about how to use your tax return to get started with investing for your future. In the coming weeks, SunTrust will hold two more live chats …

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From The Editor's Desk

Letter to the Editor: Forsyth County Resident Speaks Out on TSPLOST

A Forsyth County resident writes, "Stop Voting to Tax Yourself!"

Certainly there are some taxes that we have no control over…things like property taxes, income taxes and many others, but what WE DO have control over is a SPLOST TAX. SPLOST stands for Special Purpose Local Option Sales TAX. The name of the SPLOST on this year’s ballot is T-SPLOST and the “T” stands for TRANSPORTATION. The media and government will have you believe that by voting for this 1% (PERCENT) additional sales tax, you will see some benefit. I challenge anyone to show me how voting for this TAX will improve my life in any way. Below is misleading information taken directly from: www.connectgeorgia2012.com “A $1 billion package of transportation projects for Northwest Georgia was finalized Thursday by representatives of the 15-…

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Free Tax Help Available in Cumming

For those people who earned no more than $57,000 in 2011, free tax help is available through VITA.

Need help with your personal taxes? Stop by The Place of Forsyth County for free tax-preparation service to local individuals and families that earned $57,000 or less in 2011 on a first come, first serve basis. IRS certified and trained volunteers will be available to provide assistance in completing and filing federal and state taxes through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). The volunteers will also help families and individuals determine whether they qualify for special tax credits such as Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Credit for the Elderly. Bring the following documents: Last year, the program helped return almost $2 billion in total tax refunds to individuals and families, who often used those …

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