Taxes

The Congresswoman and her staff are happy to assist constituents with questions about how to find the correct tax forms, filing taxes and resolving tax issues with the IRS.  If you would like our office to assist you in working with the IRS please fill out a request for assistance form and return it, along with copies of any relevant paperwork, to one of the following district offices.

Summit and Medina Counties:

The Honorable Betty Sutton
Attn: Casework

39 E Market Street, LL #1
Akron, OH 44308

Phone: (330) 865-8450
Fax: (330) 865-8470

Lorian and Cuyahoga Counties:

The Honorable Betty Sutton

Attn: Casework

205 West 20th Street, Room M230
Lorain, OH 44052
Phone: (440) 245-5350
Fax: (440) 245-5355

Internal Revenue Service Links Online:

• Internal Revenue Service
• Tax Information for Individuals
• USA.gov

Frequently asks Questions:

• Who do I contact if I need tax forms and publications?

IRS maintains a hotline for such requests. Contact the Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-829-3675 or download publications from the IRS website.

• How do I obtain information regarding my tax account?

You may contact an IRS service representative at 1-800-829-1040 to request individual-specific account information or use the new online function to check your refund status.

• If a private charitable or similar organization (ex. a volunteer fire department) receives a grant and wises to pursue 501(c)(3) status (tax exempt status), who should they contact?

You may contact the IRS Tax Exempt and Government Entities division at 1-877-829-5500 for direction.

• What resources are available for individuals who have had a difficult time working out a tax account issue with the IRS?

The federal government has created a division responsible for assisting taxpayers who are not receiving relief through the normal channels. This division is referred to the Taxpayers Advocate Service. Their national contact number is 1-877-777-4778. 

Tax credits to note:

People who weatherize their homes or purchase alternative energy equipment may qualify for either of two expanded home energy tax credits: the non-business energy property credit and the residential energy efficient property credit.

• Non-business Energy Property Credit: This credit equals 30 percent spent on eligible energy saving improvements, up to a maximum credit of $1,500 for the combined 2009 and 2010 tax years. The improvements must be made to an existing principal residence - not new construction. The cost of certain high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems, water heaters and stoves qualify, along with labor costs for installing them. In addition, the cost of energy efficient windows, skylights and doors, qualifying insulation, and certain roofs qualify, though the cost of installing them do not.

• Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit: This credit equals 30 percent spent on qualifying property such as solar electric systems, solar hot water heaters, geothermal heat pumps, wind turbines, and fuel cell property. Qualifying property purchased for new construction or an existing home is eligible. And labor costs are generally included. Also, no cap exists on the amount of credit available except in the case of fuel cell property.

Not all energy efficient improvements qualify, so check the manufacturer’s tax credit certification statement carefully. The statement can usually be found on the manufacturer’s Web site or the product packaging. The IRS cautions that the manufacturer’s certification is different from the Department of Energy’s Energy Star label, and not all Energy Star labeled products qualify for the tax credits.

Tax Credits Increased for Low and Moderate Income Workers. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is now available for those with three or more qualifying children and married couples. The EITC helps taxpayers whose incomes are below certain income thresholds. The EITC, which, unlike most tax breaks, is refundable, meaning that individuals can get it even if they owe no tax and even if no tax is withheld from their paychecks.

Standard Deduction Increases for Most Tax-payers. Nearly two out of three taxpayers choose to take the standard deduction rather than itemizing deductions such as mortgage interest and charitable contributions. Eligible taxpayers can further increase their standard deduction by state or local real estate taxes paid in 2009, a net disaster loss reported, and state or local sales or excise taxes on the purchase of a qualifying new motor vehicle.

Making Work Pay Credit. Many taxpayers will qualify for the maximum credit of $800 for joint return filers ($400 for others). The credit equals 6.2 percent of earned income up to the maximum amount. For most, the credit is based on the taxable wages reported on Forms W-2. Self-employed individuals figure the credit using net profit or loss. Additional calculations apply to some taxpayers, including those with net business losses or foreign earned income. Not everyone is eligible, such as those whose income is above certain thresholds, those without valid Social Security numbers, and nonresident aliens. A reduced credit applies to those who received a $250 economic recovery payment made in 2009, and who claim the government retiree credit.

Although all eligible taxpayers must file Schedule M to claim the credit, most got the benefit of this credit through larger paychecks, reflecting reduced federal income tax with-holding during 2009. However, since the adjustments to the withholding tables may have caused millions of taxpayers to be under withheld, IRS will waive the penalty for an under payment of personal income tax caused by adjustments made to the income tax withholding tables after enactment of the Making Work Pay Credit.

Government Retiree Credit. This credit is designed to provide a benefit equivalent to the economic recovery payment to those government retirees who did not qualify for these payments. Retired federal, state or local government employees who receive pensions in 2009, based on work not covered by Social Security, are eligible to claim this credit. The credit is $250. The credit can’t be claimed by anyone who received the $250 economic recovery payment during 2009.