Robert Flach

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About Robert Flach
Robert D Flach, a recent transplant from Jersey City NJ to rural Northeast PA, has been preparing 1040s for individuals in all walks of life since 1972. He is "winding down" his tax practice and no longer accepts new clients.
In 45 years of preparing individual income tax returns he has never used tax preparation software. One of the last of the dinosaurs, he prepares about 250 sets of returns each year manually.
He learned how to prepare 1040s by preparing 1040s. "On my first day at work for my uncle's tax preparer, having never prepared a tax return before, my boss led me to a desk. He gave me a copy of a client's prior year 1040 and a briefcase with the current year's 'stuff' and told me to 'jump in and swim!'"
Robert has been writing the popular tax blog THE WANDERING TAX PRO (since the summer of 2001. He is the creator and author of the tax websites FIND A TAX PROFESSIONAL, and A TAX PROFESSIONAL FOR TAX REFORM (http://www.taxprosfortaxreform.com), and the tax blog THE TAX PROFESSIONAL.
He has been a member of the National Association of Tax Professionals for over 30 years, and often write for the Association's TAXPRO JOURNAL as well as the newsletter of the New Jersey state chapter. He has created and compiled several packages of forms, schedules and worksheets and special reports and guides on tax planning and preparation for the average taxpayer.
Robert is available to write articles and columns for websites and portals and print or email newsletters, on general tax topics, or specifically for your individual audience. You can find samples of his writings at http://robertdflach.blogspot.com
In 45 years of preparing individual income tax returns he has never used tax preparation software. One of the last of the dinosaurs, he prepares about 250 sets of returns each year manually.
He learned how to prepare 1040s by preparing 1040s. "On my first day at work for my uncle's tax preparer, having never prepared a tax return before, my boss led me to a desk. He gave me a copy of a client's prior year 1040 and a briefcase with the current year's 'stuff' and told me to 'jump in and swim!'"
Robert has been writing the popular tax blog THE WANDERING TAX PRO (since the summer of 2001. He is the creator and author of the tax websites FIND A TAX PROFESSIONAL, and A TAX PROFESSIONAL FOR TAX REFORM (http://www.taxprosfortaxreform.com), and the tax blog THE TAX PROFESSIONAL.
He has been a member of the National Association of Tax Professionals for over 30 years, and often write for the Association's TAXPRO JOURNAL as well as the newsletter of the New Jersey state chapter. He has created and compiled several packages of forms, schedules and worksheets and special reports and guides on tax planning and preparation for the average taxpayer.
Robert is available to write articles and columns for websites and portals and print or email newsletters, on general tax topics, or specifically for your individual audience. You can find samples of his writings at http://robertdflach.blogspot.com
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Author Updates
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Blog postIf you received an advance premium tax credit (APTC) in 2020 to help pay for your monthly health insurance premiums for coverage purchased through the Obamacare Health Insurance Marketplace and the advance premium you received is more than you are entitled to based on your actual 2020 household income the IRS now tells us in IR-2021-84–
“ . . . taxpayers with excess APTC for 2020 are not required to file Form 8962, Premium Tax Credit, or report an excess advance Premium Tax Credit rep2 days ago Read more -
Blog postThe IRS has clarified the recent extension of the filing, and paying, deadline from April 15 to May 17.
In “IRS extends additional tax deadlines for individuals to May 17”, which explains IRS Notice 2021-21, we are told -
“In extending the deadline to file Form 1040 series returns to May 17, the IRS is automatically postponing to the same date the time for individuals to make 2020 contributions to their individual retirement arrangements (IRAs and Roth IRAs), health savings ac1 week ago Read more -
Blog postIRS Announcement 2021-7 (1) tells us that the cost of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the primary purpose of preventing the spread of COVID-19 is considered amounts paid for medical care under Internal Revenue Code Sec. 213(d).
So, the purchase of personal protective equipment such as face-masks, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes for COVID-19 protection are deductible as medical expenses on Schedule A.
And, for NJ residents, because these costs2 weeks ago Read more -
Blog postNJ.COM reports “N.J. extends tax deadline to May 17, matching federal change” –
“But there will not be an extension for first quarter 2021 individual estimated tax payments, the statement said. Those will still be due on April 15.”
I have not seen anything on the NJ Division of Taxation webpage yet.
As For New York, according to N-21-1 –
“The Commissioner of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance has extended the due date for personal income tax3 weeks ago Read more -
Blog postIt appears, according to IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig, that the IRS will automatically process refunds for taxpayers who have already filed their 2020 income tax returns and claimed the full amount of unemployment benefits received as taxable income.
As I explained in a previous post (click here) - “The American Rescue Plan . . . exempts from federal taxable income up to $10,200 in unemployment benefits received in 2020 if your “household” modified AGI i3 weeks ago Read more -
Blog postThe IRS, in IR-2021-59, has announced that “the federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year will be automatically extended from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021.” According to the notice - “Individual taxpayers can also postpone federal income tax payments for the 2020 tax year due on April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. . . . Penalties, interest and additions to tax will begin to accrue on any remai3 weeks ago Read more
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Blog postThe American Rescue Plan, signed into law last week, exempts from federal taxable income up to $10,200 in unemployment benefits received in 2020 if your “household” modified AGI is less than $150,000.
This exemption applies to all unemployment received in 2020, and notjust the special federal $600 per week extended benefit passed as part of the stimulus package. It includes “regular” unemployment benefits paid under a traditional state program.
The $10,200 exemptio4 weeks ago Read more -
Blog postDear Taxpayer –
When sending/giving your tax preparer your 2020 tax “stuff” be sure to include the amount of any Economic Impact Payments you received in May of 2020 and January of 2021 – the up to $1,200 per person and up to $600 per person payments. Or tell them that you did not receive one or both of the payments.
You do not have to give them the Notice 1444-A or 1444-B you received from the IRS identifying your payment – but do so if you have it.2 months ago Read more -
Blog postJOY TO THE WORLD,
TAX SEASON’S HERE!
I’LL SOON BE FLUSH WITH CASH.
And so, the 2021 “tax season” officially begins. This will be my 50th season.
And now – what you have been waiting a year for -
THE TWELVE DAYS OF TAX SEASON
On the first day of tax season my client gave to me a Closing Statement for the purchase of a home.
On the second day of tax season my client gave to me 2 Economic Impact Payment notices.2 months ago Read more -
Blog postAnyone who believes Trump knows his ass from a hole in the ground about anything is a moron.
Anyone who believes Trump cares about America or the American people or the Republican Party is a moron.
Anyone who believes Trump cares about conservative or Christian ideology and values is a moron.
Anyone who believes Trump cares about anything but himself is a moron.
Anyone who actually listens to, believes, supports, and follows Trump is2 months ago Read more -
Blog postThe last BUZZ until mid-April (after the 2021 tax season).
Be sure to return here to TWTP on Monday, February 1st for what you have been waiting a year for.
* There is a new “wrinkle” to the Earned Income Credit for 2020. Kelly Phillips Erb explains the EIC in detail in “Here’s What You Need To Know About The Earned Income Tax Credit In 2021”.
The post identified the new wrinkle – “as part of COVID-related tax relief, you can elect to use your 2019 earned income to figur2 months ago Read more -
Blog postFYI – I had hoped to be able to discuss what is new on the 2020 New York state income tax returns – Forms IT-201 and IT-203 – by now. But, according to the New York Department of Taxation and Finance website, “"2020 income tax forms will be available mid-February 2021." So, since I cannot actually review the 2020 forms I cannot post on the changes.
* Kay Bell, the yellow rose of taxes, reports “TIGTA finds problems with private tax collection levels, paym2 months ago Read more -
Blog postFree at last! Free at last! Thank God almighty, free at last! Free of the danger and damage of the Trump presidency and the Trump Administration. When Joe Biden is sworn in as President today our 4-year national nightmare will finally be over.
Donald J Trump has proven every single day of his presidency with every single word, tweet and deed that he is totally worthless, completely devoid of humanity, and does not possess a single redeeming positive human quali3 months ago Read more -
Blog post* A warning from Kay Bell at DON’T MESS WITH TAXES – “Undeliverable COVID-19 payments offer another scam route”.
* The NATP BLOG explains “ABLE accounts can provide value for clients with disabilities”.
* And NATP also discusses “Coronavirus-related distributions from an IRA or qualified plan”.
* Check out the latest “Theatre BUZZ” at my blog FRIENDS OF THEATRE AND ART
* And also check out the latest posts at THE3 months ago Read more -
Blog postThe income tax filing season begins on February 1st - at least it has for me each year for 49 years. The 2021 tax filing season begins on February 1st.
Bloggers and journalists are falsely indicating that the tax filing season begins on February 12th.
February 12th is the date that the IRS will begin accepting and processing paper and electronic tax returns. Period. This is later than usual due mostly to late enacted tax legislation.
Taxpay3 months ago Read more -
Blog postI am trying to understand the legitimacy of the new “NJ BAIT”. As explained on the “Business Alternative Income Tax” (BAIT) FAQ page of the NJ Division of Taxation website – “For New Jersey tax purposes, income and losses of a pass-through entity are passed through to its members. However, for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2020, pass-through entities may elect to pay a Pass-Through Business Alternative Income Tax due on the sum of each of the member’s share of distribu3 months ago Read more
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Blog postThere are very few changes to the 2020 NJ-1040. There are three (3) new lines, and other lines have been somewhat revised so that the 2020 return has a total of 78 lines instead of 76.
The three new lines are –
Line 36 – to enter the Organ/Bone Marrow Donation Deduction. NJ taxpayers who donated organs or bone marrow in 2020 can deduct up to $10,000 in unreimbursed “out-of-pocket” expenses for related travel, lodging, and lost wages.
Line 48 –3 months ago Read more -
Blog postA bit late – but here is the first BUZZ of 2021!
* I was truly surprised when I received my $600 economic stimulus payment in the mail on January 4th! .
Check out this “IRS Statement about Second Economic Impact Payments”.
* I forgot to include the following “extender” extension in my December post on the 1040 components of the second economic stimulus package. The totally ridiculous IRS Section 163(h) deduction of qualified mortgage3 months ago Read more -
Blog postHere is what is new on the 2020 federal income tax return.
While the 2020 Form 1040 is still not a full 8½ x 11 page – I have absolutely no clue why it is not – it is a little bigger and has larger print.
A new question is included after entering name(s), Social Security number(s) and address – “At any time during 2020, did you receive, sell, send, exchange, or otherwise acquire any financial interest in any virtual currency?”. All my clients, and I3 months ago Read more -
Blog postHere are some "year-beginning" tax tips:
1) Resolve to become more informed on federal and state tax laws.
It is impossible to know the right moves to make in your daily financial life without a basic knowledge of the tax implications of your actions. Learn what items you can, and cannot, deduct on your tax return, including the special items that are unique to your trade or profession, and the rules governing any special situations that apply to you, a3 months ago Read more -
Blog postThis post, which I issue every year at this time, is for all the journalists and bloggers out there - although it contains information that is important for all taxpayers to know.
When writing about taxes this filing season DO NOT advise your clients to ask, consult, contact, or talk to your CPA or a CPA!
The correct advice is – ask, consult, contact, or talk to your or a tax professional.
The mere existence of the initials “CPA” after a person3 months ago Read more -
Blog post2020 was a year of devastation and despair. The COVID-19 pandemic affected the life of every single person on the globe. And Donald T Rump was still President. The actions of Trump and his Administration exacerbated not only the pandemic but every single problem and issue America faced. 2021 is a year of hope. Vaccines to combat the virus have been developed, tested and approved and will soon be available to all Americans. And a new President, the3 months ago Read more
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Blog post“The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021” was finally signed into law by Trump on Sunday night, December 27. In addition to the $600 per taxpayer and dependent child Economic Impact Payment (discussed here), the Act includes the following items that affect Form 1040 (and 1040-SR) filers -
FOR 2020 RETURNS
Taxpayers can use their 2019 income to determine eligibility for and calculate the 2020 Earned Income Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit if i3 months ago Read more -
Blog postThe last BUZZ of 2020!
* TAXGIRL Kelly Phillips Erb continued with her “12 days of Charitable Giving 2020” blog series. Click here to see all the days so far.
* The TURBOTAX BLOG gives us a “Capital Gains Tax Calculator” to “help you estimate your capital gains/losses, capital gains tax, and compare short term vs. long-term capital gain if you’ve already sold or are considering selling”.
* And another calculator.
Now that asshole Trump has f3 months ago Read more
Titles By Robert Flach
by
Robert Flach
$9.99
I have been preparing NJ-1040s for as long as there has been a NJ-1040, and federal income tax returns for even longer. In this book I share my knowledge and experience from 45 years as a professional tax preparer to help you to learn how to pay the absolute least amount of NJ Gross Income Tax possible. This is the only book I know of that deals exclusively with tax planning for and preparation of NJ state income taxes.
by
Robert Flach
$5.99
I have been preparing 1040s as a professional tax preparer since February of 1972. I love my profession, and share my advice and comments on the tax preparation business for those who are thinking about becoming a paid tax preparer. This book can also provide help to tax preparers who would like to expand their practice.
by
ROBERT FLACH
$8.99
I have been preparing taxes for individuals in all walks of life since 1972. Over the years I have often been asked by friends, family, clients, readers and cocktail party guests "What is your best tax advice?" I have given it serious thought and compiled a collection of my best tax advice in this book. I discuss universal tax planning and preparation concepts that remain constant year after year.
by
Robert Flach
$7.99
This is an extensive “must-have” guide for the newly self-employed sole proprietor who will be reporting business income and expenses on Schedule C, and also a good source of information and advice for the already existing business.
THE GOP TAX ACT AND THE NEW 1040: ADVICE AND INFORMATION FOR DEALING WITH THE NEW TAX LAWS
Jun 6, 2018
$6.99
“The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act”, aka the GOP Tax Act, has drastically changed the United State Tax Code. Beginning with the 2018 Form 1040 the Act will affect every income tax return filed. This book explains how the Act affects wage-earning 1040 filers and provides advice and strategies to help make sure you pay the absolute least amount of federal income tax possible under the new laws. It is a “must-read” for everyone who files a Form 1040.
BOBSERVATIONS
Dec 14, 2017
by
Robert Flach
$4.99
Observations on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, popular culture and personal finance, with a few rants, ramblings, and fine whine.
by
Robert Flach
$9.99
I have been preparing NJ-1040s for as long as there has been a NJ-1040, and federal income tax returns for even longer. I share my knowledge and experience from 45 years as a professional tax preparer to help you to learn how to pay the absolute least amount of NJ Gross Income Tax possible. It includes advice and information on planning for and preparing your NJ-1040. As far as I am aware, this is the only book in existence that deals exclusively with tax planning for and preparation of NJ state income taxes.
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