Trump Accounts

As the new Trump Accounts are coming online, more information is available. Before utilizing these financial tools, consider visiting the official website for more information.

Charitable Contributions for Non Itemizers

You are able to deduct $1,000 ($2,000 married filing jointly) from your income for contributions to qualified charities. Make sure you bring receipts (or cancelled checks, bank transfers, etc) to you preparer for proof. In order to qualify, these contributions must meet IRS Guidelines. Click Here for more information to see if a charity qualifies.

It is time to make sure you are withholding enough money.

In order to ensure no surprises in April. The IRS has tools available to make sure you are withholding enough funds. You should utilize a withholding tool every year along with every time you have a major life change such as marriage, childbirth, adoption, or a new job, promotion, or raise. Other life events that can seriously change your tax picture include unemployment, disability, retirement, taking funds from a retirement account, or winning a lottery (raffle, sweepstakes). To use the IRS tool, follow this link. To learn more about withholding, see publication 5360 (Spanish Version). If you have questions about withholding, speak with your HR manager, tax preparer, or contact us (970)599-1765.

We are closed until the Tax Season Begins in February

If you still need to file a return, you have until November 30th before the IRS closes e-filing for the remainder of the year. Our service will return the first week of February at the Fort Collins Senior Center, Old Town Library, CSU, Windsor Library and pop-up locations. Check back in January for updates of dates and times.

Homebound Service will not Return in 2027

Our volunteers who operated this service have retired after decades of dedication. Unfortunately, we have not been able to find new volunteers willing to manage this service. Those who have received help from us in the past may still visit our regular sites or consider obtaining a Power of Attorney to send an agent for help instead. If staffing returns, we will consider resuming this service. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us to begin the process.

Taxes do not go on vacation

It is not too late to file your return. If you are entitled to a refund, you can still file a return and claim your money until the statute of limitations ends which is generally 3 years from the due date. If you owe The IRS or state money, the amount is calculated from the due date. The sooner you file a return, the lower amount of interest and penalty you may owe. We can help when we reopen in February. If you need immediate help, consider utilizing a paid preparer.

IRS launches new online tool to help taxpayers resolve tax debt

IR-2026-53, April 16, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced a new online tool to help taxpayers understand and resolve tax debt.

The Tax Debt Help tool provides individuals and businesses with a simple, accessible way to explore payment options and identify next steps based on their situation. The tool is part of the IRS’s broader effort to expand digital services and make it easier for taxpayers to meet their obligations.

“This new Tax Debt Help tool reflects the agency’s commitment to making tax compliance clearer, more accessible, and less intimidating for taxpayers,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. “By guiding taxpayers through their options to pay with simple, interactive questions, we’re helping them understand the paths available and take confident next steps. The deployment of this new tool shows the transformation underway at the IRS and the progress the agency has already made to deliver more user-friendly, digital-first services to taxpayers.” READ MORE

Understanding your CP53E notice

What this notice is about

A recent Executive Order 14247 led to changes in the direct deposit options you now have available. The new direct deposit change will allow individual taxpayers to provide us with a new or updated bank account to receive their tax refund via direct deposit if certain conditions are met.

What you need to do

When you receive the CP53E notice you have 30 days to update or add a new bank account.

Steps to complete:

Access or establish your online account by visiting your account to add or update your bank account information.
Upon successfully completing the process, allow 2-5 days for your refund information to update online, use the Where’s My Refund tool to check your refund status.
If you encounter any systemic issues that prevent you from updating your bank account information, read the message carefully and try again later.

Note: When your refund is issued, it may be subject to offset if you have other outstanding liabilities. READ MORE

Where is my refund?

Typically, The IRS and Colorado issue refunds within 21 days of transmission. In some cases, it takes a bit longer to receive a refund. For example, if you are receiving Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit, The IRS does not start processing those returns until it matches wage documents to filer accounts. This process is usually complete the third week of February.

If you want to check the status of your refund follow the links below:

IRS: https://sa.www4.irs.gov/wmr/

Colorado: https://www.colorado.gov/revenueonline/_/#2

Do you need to get your IPPIN reissued?

If you were the victim of identity theft, were suspected of identity theft, or requested an Identity Protection Pin (IPPIN), you must include this number in order to e-file your return. The IRS mails IPPINs in January, but sometimes they get overlooked. First, double check your junk mail pile. If the letter is not there, follow this link to request a replacement letter. It takes up to 21 days for The IRS to process your request and mail a letter.

IRS launches new web page to streamline tax fraud and scam reporting

IR-2026-26, Feb. 26, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced the launch of a new web page that allows taxpayers to confidentially report suspected tax fraud, scams, evasion, or other tax-related illegal activities, as well as internal-facing improvements that will enhance how referrals are used to stop illegal activity. READ MORE

Look out for new tax scams

The IRS and CO are warning that fraudulent individuals are sending texts to get banking information due to a problem depositing refunds. No tax agency contacts taxpayers by text. Do not click on any links included in the texts or respond to the texts. If The IRS of CO are unable to deposit a refund, a paper check is generally issued to the confirmed address on file. If you recently moved, it is important to have mail forwarded. If you need to check the status of your refund, click on the following links:

IRS

For more information about common scams click here IRS or here CO.

Further, there is no stimulus or extra TABOR refunds. If you have already received your refund(s) for the year, disregard any notices promising additional funds. The only contact you may receive is notices in the mail asking for additional information. If you need assistance with understanding those notices, feel free to contact us (970)599-1765 or email us.

IRS to phase out paper tax refund checks starting with individual taxpayers

IR-2025-94, Sept. 23, 2025

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service, working with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, today announced that paper tax refund checks for individual taxpayers will be phased out beginning on Sept. 30, 2025, as required by Executive Order 14247, to the extent permitted by law. This marks the first step of the broader transition to electronic payments.

The IRS will publish detailed guidance for 2025 tax returns before the 2026 filing season begins. Until further notice, taxpayers should continue using existing forms and procedures, including those filing their 2024 returns on extension of a due date prior to Dec. 31, 2025. READ MORE

BEGINNING IN 2026, YOU WILL NEED TO PROVIDE DIRECT DEPOSIT INFORMATION IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A REFUND FROM THE IRS. THERE ARE LIMITED EXCEPTIONS THAT WILL DELAY RETURN PROCESSING. IF YOU DO NOT BRING DIRECT DEPOSIT INFORMATION, WE WILL SEND YOU HOME TO GET THE INFORMATION IN ORDER TO FINISH YOUR RETURN. The IRS is now requiring digital payments in most cases.

One Big Beautiful Bill Deductions Quick Facts

FS-2025-03, July 14, 2025

Below are descriptions of new provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025, as Public Law 119-21, that go into effect for 2025.

“No Tax on Tips”

New deduction: Effective for 2025 through 2028, employees and self-employed individuals may deduct qualified tips received in occupations that are listed by the IRS as customarily and regularly receiving tips on or before December 31, 2024, and that are reported on a Form W-2, Form 1099, or other specified statement furnished to the individual or reported directly by the individual on Form 4137.
- “Qualified tips” are voluntary cash or charged tips received from customers or through tip sharing.
- Maximum annual deduction is $25,000; for self-employed, deduction may not exceed individual’s net income (without regard to this deduction) from the trade or business in which the tips were earned.
- Deduction phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $150,000 ($300,000 for joint filers).
Taxpayer eligibility: Deduction is available for both itemizing and non-itemizing taxpayers.
- Self-employed individuals in a Specified Service Trade or Business (SSTB) under section 199A are not eligible. Employees whose employer is in an SSTB also are not eligible.
- Taxpayers must:
  - include their Social Security Number on the return and
  - file jointly if married, to claim the deduction.
Reporting: Employers and other payors must file information returns with the IRS (or SSA) and furnish statements to taxpayers showing certain cash tips received and the occupation of the tip recipient.
Guidance: By October 2, 2025, the IRS must publish a list of occupations that “customarily and regularly” received tips on or before December 31, 2024.
- The IRS will provide transition relief for tax year 2025 for taxpayers claiming the deduction and for employers and payors subject to the new reporting requirements.

“No Tax on Overtime”

New deduction: Effective for 2025 through 2028, individuals who receive qualified overtime compensation may deduct the pay that exceeds their regular rate of pay – such as the “half” portion of “time-and-a-half” compensation — that is required by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and that is reported on a Form W-2, Form 1099, or other specified statement furnished to the individual.
- Maximum annual deduction is $12,500 ($25,000 for joint filers).
- Deduction phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $150,000 ($300,000 for joint filers).
Taxpayer eligibility: Deduction is available for both itemizing and non-itemizing taxpayers.
- Taxpayers must:
  - include their Social Security Number on the return and
  - file jointly if married, to claim the deduction.
Reporting: Employers and other payors are required to file information returns with the IRS (or SSA) and furnish statements to taxpayers showing the total amount of qualified overtime compensation paid during the year.
Guidance: The IRS will provide transition relief for tax year 2025 for taxpayers claiming the deduction and for employers and other payors subject to the new reporting requirements.

“No Tax on Car Loan Interest”

New deduction: Effective for 2025 through 2028, individuals may deduct interest paid on a loan used to purchase a qualified vehicle, provided the vehicle is purchased for personal use and meets other eligibility criteria. (Lease payments do not qualify.)
- Maximum annual deduction is $10,000.
- Deduction phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $100,000 ($200,000 for joint filers).
Qualified interest: To qualify for the deduction, the interest must be paid on a loan that is:
- originated after December 31, 2024,
- used to purchase a vehicle, the original use of which starts with the taxpayer (used vehicles do not qualify),
- for a personal use vehicle (not for business or commercial use) and
- secured by a lien on the vehicle.

If a qualifying vehicle loan is later refinanced, interest paid on the refinanced amount is generally eligible for the deduction.

Qualified vehicle: A qualified vehicle is a car, minivan, van, SUV, pick-up truck or motorcycle, with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 14,000 pounds, and that has undergone final assembly in the United States.
Taxpayer eligibility: Deduction is available for both itemizing and non-itemizing taxpayers.
- The taxpayer must include the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the qualified vehicle on the tax return for any year in which the deduction is claimed.
Reporting: Lenders or other recipients of qualified interest must file information returns with the IRS and furnish statements to taxpayers showing the total amount of interest received during the taxable year.
Guidance: The IRS will provide transition relief for tax year 2025 for interest recipients subject to the new reporting requirements.

Deduction for Seniors

New deduction: Effective for 2025 through 2028, individuals who are age 65 and older may claim an additional deduction of $6,000. This new deduction is in addition to the current additional standard deduction for seniors under existing law.
- The $6,000 senior deduction is per eligible individual (i.e., $12,000 total for a married couple where both spouses qualify).
- Deduction phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $75,000 ($150,000 for joint filers).
Qualifying taxpayers: To qualify for the additional deduction, a taxpayer must attain age 65 on or before the last day of the taxable year.
Taxpayer eligibility: Deduction is available for both itemizing and non-itemizing taxpayers.
- Taxpayers must:
  - include the Social Security Number of the qualifying individual(s) on the return, and
  - file jointly if married, to claim the deduction.

All of the mentioned deductions are NON REFUNDABLE CREDITS. They will reduce your tax burden, but ARE NOT refundable.

For more information click here to redirected to the IRS website.

Understanding Communications from the Internal Revenue Services (IRS)

*** The IRS will never initiate contact with you by email. ***

For more information visit: IRS privacy guidance about email contact | Internal Revenue Service.

What taxpayers should do if they receive mail from the IRS

IRS sends notices and letters when it needs to ask a question about a taxpayer’s federal tax return, let them know about a change to their account or request a payment. Do not panic if something comes in the mail from the IRS – they are here to help.

When a taxpayer receives mail from the IRS, they should:

Read the letter carefully. Most IRS letters and notices are about federal tax returns or tax accounts. Each notice deals with a specific issue and includes any steps the taxpayer needs to take. A notice may reference changes to a taxpayer’s account, taxes owed, a payment request or a specific issue on a tax return. Taking prompt action could minimize additional interest and penalty charges.

Review the information. If a letter is about a changed or corrected tax return, the taxpayer should review the information and compare it with the original return. If the taxpayer agrees, they should make notes about the corrections on their personal copy of the tax return and keep it for their records. Typically, a taxpayer will need to act only if they do not agree with the information, if the IRS asked for more information or if they have a balance due.

Take any requested action, including making a payment. The IRS and authorized private debt collection agencies do send letters by mail. Taxpayers can also view digital copies of select IRS notices by logging into their IRS Online Account. The IRS offers several options to help taxpayers struggling to pay a tax bill.

Reply only if instructed to do so. Taxpayers do not need to reply to a notice unless specifically told to do so. There is usually no need to call the IRS. If a taxpayer does need to call the IRS, they should use the number in the upper right-hand corner of the notice and have a copy of their tax return and letter.

Let the IRS know of a disputed notice. If a taxpayer does not agree with the IRS, they should follow the instructions in the notice to dispute what the notice says. The taxpayer should include information and documents for the IRS to review when considering the dispute.

Keep the letter or notice for their records. Taxpayers should keep notices or letters they receive from the IRS. These include adjustment notices when the IRS takes an action on a taxpayer’s account. Taxpayers should keep records for three years from the date they filed the tax return.

For more information on IRS notices or letters you can search for it by number or topic (find the CP or LTR number on the right corner of the letter) go to website: Understanding your IRS notice or letter | Internal Revenue Service

IRS Resources

Identity Theft Link: Identity Theft Central | Internal Revenue Service

Scam Link: Recognize tax scams and fraud | Internal Revenue Service

For your Return Transcript: Get your tax records and transcripts | Internal Revenue Service

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance locator: Get Free Tax Prep Help

Taxpayer Assistance Center Locator: IRS Local Office Locator | Internal Revenue Service

Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAC): Taxpayer Advocate | Internal Revenue Service

Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITC): Low Income Taxpayer Clinics | Internal Revenue Service

If you still need help, please contact us (970)599-1765. Do not leave personal tax information on the message. A volunteer will call you back and either assist you on the phone or schedule an appointment beginning in June.

Don’t wait on hold; use IRS online tools for faster help

IR-2025-22, Feb. 12, 2025

WASHINGTON — With the 2025 filing season underway and the anticipated high demand for IRS phone lines around the Presidents Day holiday, the Internal Revenue Service today encouraged taxpayers to visit IRS.gov and use online tools to get immediate answers. READ MORE