Answers to Frequently Asked Tax Filing Questions (FAQs)

How do I get my rebate check?

The IRS will determine individual eligibility and the amount of your rebate check based on your tax return. Your payment will be sent to you by the IRS either by US mail, or by direct deposit into a bank account of your choosing.

How much does it cost to have my taxes prepared?

The cost of tax preparation is based upon the complexity of your tax return. Fees are set locally at each Tax Block Online office. Please contact your local Tax Block Online office.

How quickly can I get my tax refund?

When you file electronically and choose one of the free IRS Direct options, you can receive your refund directly from the IRS by direct deposit in approximately 8 to 15 days. You can also choose to have the IRS mail you a check via USPS in approximately 21 to 28 days. IRS Direct is free with paid tax preparation. We also have a variety of financial products available to qualified customers through our lending partners if you choose to receive money faster. Fees, terms and conditions apply. Ask your Tax Block Online tax preparer for details.

How do I get a copy of prior tax return and W2 form?

If you filed your tax return through Tax Block Online® tax services, then you can get a copy of your records at any Tax Block Online service office across the country. Otherwise, as long as you filed your tax return with the IRS, you can request a photocopy or a computer transcript (a line-by-line listing) of the information on your filed tax return. Photocopies and transcripts are free from the IRS. If you need an actual copy (not a photocopy), then you must complete Form 4506 and pay a $57 fee for each year requested, for your filed tax return and all related tax information, such as your Form W-2.

What information should I bring Tax Block Online?

Bring the following items as they apply:

Wage statements/W-2s
Self-employment business income and expenses/1099-MISC
Commissions received/paid
Pension, retirement income/1099-R
Unemployment income/1099-G
Canceled Debt Amount/1099-C
Social Security income/SSA-1099
IRA contributions
Statements on the sales of stocks or bonds/1099-B
Interest and dividend income/1099-INT/1099-DIV
Lottery or gambling winnings/losses
Stock market investiments gains/losses
State refund amount/1099-G
Income and expenses from rentals
Alimony paid or received
Record of purchase or sale of residence
Medical and dental expenses
Real estate and personal property taxes
State or local taxes paid
Estimated taxes or foreign taxes paid
Cash and non-cash charitable donations
Mortgage or home equity loan interest paid/1098
Unreimbursed employment-related expenses
Job-related educational expenses
Educator expenses
Tuition and Education Fees/1098-T
Student loan interest/1098-E
Casualty or theft losses
Child care expenses and provider information
Social Security card(s)
Driver's license(s)
Dependents' Social Security numbers and dates of birth
Information concerning Stimulus payment check
Last year's Federal and State tax return

How do I get my W-2 Form?

Your employer should mail your Form W-2 to you by January 31. However, you may be able to download your W-2 even before it arrives in the mail. If ADP, TALX or CIC Plus issue W-2s for your employer, then ask your Tax Block Online tax preparer if you can use the free W-2 download program.

My status changed. How do I change my withholding?

Use Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate. If you get married or divorced, if a child is born, or if you no longer can claim a child as your dependent, you will need to complete a new Form W-4. When you begin to work at a new company, your employer must give you a Form W-4 to complete. You can also request a Form W-4 from your employer at any time to reflect a change in your tax situation.

What is the Refer-A-Friend program?

At Tax Block Online, you will receive several Refer-A-Friend certificates from your tax preparer. Fill them out and pass them on to a friend who did not go to Jackson Hewitt Tax Service last year. When your friend redeems the Refer-A-Friend certificate at Tax Block Online, we'll send you a cash reward! There's no limit to the number of customers you can refer.

What is the Earned Income Credit(EIC)? Do I qualify

The Earned Income Credit (EIC) is applicable to low-income workers who may or may not have a qualifying child, or children, living with them. If you can take the EIC, then it is subtracted from the tax owed. The credit can be refunded even if you don’t owe any tax. If you have one qualifying child and your earned income and adjusted gross income (AGI) are each less than $35,463 ($40,463 if filing Married Filing Jointly), then you could be eligible for a maximum credit of $3,043. The maximum credit is $5,028 if you have two qualifying children and your earned income and your AGI are both less than $40,295 ($45,295 if Married Filing Jointly). New this year, if you have three or more qualifying children and your earned income and AGI are each less than $43,279 ($48,279 if Married Filing Jointly) the maximum credit is $5,657. You may still qualify for a maximum credit of $457 if you do not have children and your income is less than $13,440 ($18,440 if Married Filing Jointly). Ask your Tax Block tax preparer for more information.

What is the age limit on claiming my child as a dependent?

Age is a factor in the qualifying child test, but a qualifying relative can be any age. As long as the following dependency exemption tests are met, you may claim him or her:

Qualifying child or qualifying relative test
Dependent taxpayer test
Citizenship or resident test
Joint return test

What is the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009?

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. The bill is intended to provide a stimulus to the U.S. economy in the wake of the economic downturn. The bill includes federal tax cuts, expansion of unemployment benefits and other social provisions, including domestic spending in education, health care, and infrastructure, including the energy sector.

What are the standard deductions for 2009?

For 2009 the standard deductions are:

If your filing status is:	Then your standard deduction is:
Single	$5,450
Married Filing Joint	$10,900
Qualifying Widower	$10,900
Married Filing Separately	$5,450
Head of Household	$8,000

I received unemployment checks in 2009. Is this taxable?

Yes, however, for 2009 the first $2,400 is not taxable.

I cannot itemize my deductions. How do I deduct real estate tax paid on my home?

If you paid real estate taxes on your residence located within the U.S. and you cannot claim itemized deductions you can add the amount paid up to $500.00 ($1,000 Married Filing Jointly) to your standard deduction

What type of educational expenses are deductable?

Any amounts spent to improve your earning power, for example on tuition, books, supplies, laboratory fees and similar items are deductable. These include the cost of correspondence courses, as well as formal training and research you do as part of an educational program. Transportation and travel expenses to attend qualified educational activities may also be deductible

What is the Lifetime Learning credit?

The Lifetime Learning Credit is a nonrefundable tax credit with a dollar limit per family that is available for qualified tuition and related expenses of higher education whether the student is at the undergraduate or graduate level.

The Lifetime Learning Credit is calculated by taking a percentage of the qualified educational expenses paid.

Can I claim the HOPE credit?

Generally, you can claim the Hope Credit if all three of the following requirements are met:

You pay qualified tuition and related expenses for the first 2 years of postsecondary education.
You pay the tuition and related expenses for an eligible student.
The eligible student is either you, your spouse, or a dependent for whom you claim an exemption on your tax return.