">

How to Spot a Tax Scammer

By Dave Horwedel, EA I routinely get called by worried taxpayers who have been called by tax scammers. If you are worried that you might be getting called by a tax scammer, you are welcome to call me at 1-877-758-7797.  I will be glad to help you. There is a basic point that makes you vulnerable […]

">

Tax Tips: Things You Need to Know Before You File

By Dave Horwedel,EA There are things you need to know before you file your tax return. When people do not understand tax basics, or they do not keep up with changes in tax law and regulations, they can get into a lot of unnecessary trouble. The purpose of this article is to save you time […]

">

2022 Taxes Are Done: Now What???

By Dave Horwedel, EA Most people have now filed their 2022 taxes, and if not, they are officially late. There may be a few exceptions to being late.  For example: If you are in a federally declared disaster area or If you are on a non-calendar year basis If you filed your taxes and were […]

">

Our Complete ERC Process

At Torchlight Tax, the steps in ERC application and delivery are seven-fold.

">

How Does the ERC “Partial Shutdown” Test Work?

If you do not qualify for the ERC by the Gross Receipts Test, there is a second independent test that you take.

">

The Biggest Misconception about the ERC

There is a common misunderstanding among taxpayers and inadequately trained tax professionals. They think the IRS gives…

">

Should I Get a Reverse Mortgage???

by Dave Horwedel, EA A Story I knew a lady in her late 60s who was in good health and frustrated she could not do what she wanted to do in her “golden years.” She had worked hard all her life, mainly as a salesperson, and was still working in her own business, selling at […]

">

How to Minimize the Tax Hit on a Home Sale

by Dave Horwedel, EA Minimizing Tax on Sale of a Home If you’re looking to sell your home, you should take a close look at the exclusion rules and cost basis of your home to reduce your taxable gain on the sale. You are welcome to contact Torchlight Tax if you would like our assistance […]

">

Torchlight Tax is Hiring Now and for 2024

This is Dave Horwedel, EA and Founder of Torchlight Tax. We are now hiring EAs and CPAs who can crank out tax returns and/or do IRS Representation. Remote positions are available in addition to in-house positions. If you have your own tax practice but would like some part-time tax work to keep you busy, we […]

">

Employee Retention Credit for Plumbing and HVAC Firms – Do you Qualify or Not?

Getting an ERC, if you truly  qualify, can be a huge boon for you and your business. There can be a lot of money involved.

">

Employee Retention Credit for Construction and Real Estate Development Firms-Do you Qualify or Not???

Getting an ERC, if you truly qualify, can be a huge boon for you and your business. There can be a lot of money involved here.

">

How to Minimize Audit Risk!!!

Taxpayers are terrified of audits. This is understandable. They can be a lot of hassle. However, if your tax

">

Taxpayer Bill of Rights 4: Your Right to Challenge the IRS’s Position and Be Heard

You have a right to disagree with the IRS. Sometimes, the IRS makes mistakes, and you can take a different..

">

The Taxpayer Bill of Rights 3: Your Right to Pay the Correct Amount of Tax

You have a fundamental right with the Internal Revenue Service, The Right to Pay No More than the Correct Amount of Tax.

">

Taxpayer Bill of Rights 2: The Right to Quality Service

Have you experienced the frustration and disappointment of encountering bad service when dealing with the IRS?

">

Taxpayer Bill of Rights 10: Ensuring a Fair and Just Tax System

Taxpayers have a RIGHT to be treated fairly by the IRS. This can be useful in asking for managerial assistance, an appeal to..

">

Taxpayer Bill of Rights 9: Your Right to Retain Representation

You have the right to choose an authorized representative of your choice to act on your behalf in your dealings with the IRS.

">

Taxpayer Bill of Rights 8: Your Right to Confidentiality

Taxpayers are sometimes worried that the IRS may use their confidential tax data improperly to their detriment.

">

Taxpayer Bill of Rights 5: Your Right to Appeal an IRS Decision in an Independent Forum

This right entitles you to a fair and impartial administrative appeal of most…

">

The Taxpayer Bill of Rights 7: Your Right to Privacy

You as a taxpayer have the Right to Privacy in dealing with the IRS. The article below, quoted directly…

">

Taxpayer Bill of Rights 1: The Right to Be Informed

It is good reading for all taxpayers. Knowing what the IRS must inform you of, and letting them know when…

">

Knowing Your Taxpayer Rights Can Save Your @#$%&!

What many taxpayers do not know is they have rights. These rights keep the power of IRS Goliath in check–if they are…

">

Payroll Taxes Can Save Tax Dollars/Create Refunds

The world changes.  For many years, employers saved dollars by employing contractors. This is still a good….

">

Can You Deduct a Hobby?

You cannot deduct hobby expenses. But you can deduct business expenses. Many businesses started as hobbies. Many hobbyists, who turned their…

">

9 Current Tax Tips from the Carnivore’s Mouth

The fact is the IRS has sent out a bunch of tax tips that they consider worthwhile, and they are pretty good.

">

Tax Exempt Organizations Filing Deadline: May 15th

Tax-exempt organizations have certain returns they have to file in order to maintain their Tax-Exempt status.

">

401Ks – Roth versus Traditional

Below is an overview of both types and their tax implications, so you can make an informed decision. A traditional 401(k) allows you to set..

">

What to do if you missed the tax deadline

If you missed the deadline but filed an extension you’re probably in pretty good shape, as you avoided..

">

If you missed the tax deadline, these tips can help

The tax filing deadline has come and gone. If you didn’t file a tax return or an extension…

">

7 Tax Tips to Lower Stress & Save Money

Tax season can be a stressful time for many Americans, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips to simplify the..

">

The Definitive Guide to the Employee Retention Credit

This article shows the employer how he can ensure his employee retention credit submission is correctly done.

">

Get Ready for Your COVID-19 IRS Audit

Just like in the castles of old, you wanted your castle ready before the enemy …

">

IRS Warning on the Employee Retention Credit

The IRS has issued a warning about improper Employee Retention Credit…

">

IRS Audit Defense

Your worst fear has occurred. The IRS is auditing you. Whether it is…

">

How to Deal With Unfiled Tax Returns

One of the most common tax problems is unfiled tax returns….

">

Unconfrontable Tax Debt

This is a common situation. For whatever reason, your IRS…

">

What If the IRS Is Threatening A Wage Or Bank Levy?

This requires a fast handling before your wage check shrinks…

">

Save Tax Dollars and Hassle by Acting NOW Before 2023 Tax Season

For many people, especially small business people, taxes…

">

What to Do if You get a Letter from the IRS

Yes, it can be upsetting to receive a notice from the IRS. But the….

">

How to File an Amended Tax Return

Of course we all want the original return to be perfect. But sometimes…

">

Start Planning Now for Next Year’s Taxes

You may be tempted to forget about your taxes once you’ve filed your…

">

How to File Overdue Returns Without Raising a Red Flag

I have heard many taxpayers or potential taxpayers say something like…

">

What Is IRS Representation?

Hi. I’m Bruce Roth and my guest today is Dave Horwedel….

">

Best Business Structure for Taxes

Hi, my name is Bruce Roth, and my guest today is Dave Horwedel….

">

Torchlight Tax is Hiring

Torchlight Tax is expanding and we are hiring now and for the…

">

Employee Retention Credit: Benefits versus Risk.

There is a lot of false data out there about the Employee Retention Credit…

">

Get a Free Video

I want to create a free promotional video interview to promote you…

">

The Hidden Costs of Payroll and Bookkeeping

The visible costs of Payroll and Bookkeeping can be truly …

">

What is an Enrolled Agent & Do I need one?

An enrolled agent (or EA) is a federally authorized tax practitioner…

">

How to File an Amended Tax Return

Of course we all want the original return to be perfect. But…

">

What is The Self-Employment Tax?

An enrolled agent (or EA) is a federally authorized tax …

">

Is the Obamacare Tax Penalty Dead?

As a practical matter the Affordable Care Tax Penalty…

Do You Want To Pay Less Tax?