Answers to your Tax Season Questions

I am waiting for my W-2's from a former employer.  How long should I wait before I contact them?   K.M., question via e-mail   

Employers are required to mail W-2 forms by January 31, so you should wait 7-10 days into February before you start hounding your former employer.

Last year I neglected to file my taxes and did not file an extension.  While doing the calculations for 1999's taxes I found out that I owe the IRS money. Is there a way that I could file both 1999's and 2000's taxes together and deduct what I owe from my 2000 refund. K.M. Question via e-mail   

No, you must file two separate tax returns, one for 1999 and one for 2000. And don't bother trying to file the 2000 return and get the refund before you file the 1999, it will only confuse things more. The IRS won't issue your 2000 refund as long as you have 1999 taxes outstanding.  

You should go ahead and file both returns. I would recommend filing the 1999 return first, just to get that matter cleared up, then file the 2000 return.  

P.S. Don't forget to take care of your state return too, if you haven't already done so.  

We donated 2 computers to the Make-A-Wish Foundation this past year.  How do we determine the amount of the contribution?  Do we need a separate form for this or is this included with our other donations to charity? G.C., Question via e-mail
 

The amount of your contribution, which is allowed as a deduction on Schedule A if you itemize your deductions, is the fair market value of the computers. To determine the fair market value of used computer equipment, you can call a second-hand computer store and ask what the equipment is selling for.  

The Salvation Army estimates that the value of used computers is in the range of $150 to $500. The Salvation Army valuation table, which is a guideline for valuing donated goods, can be viewed on the Internet at www.funwithtaxes.com/ValuationTable.htm.  

If the donation is valued at $250 or more you are required to get a receipt from the organization to which you made the donation. If the total of your non-cash charitable donations for 2000 exceeds $500, you will need to attach form 8283, Non-cash Charitable Contributions, to your tax return.

Can someone be single but file Married Filing Jointly on their tax return? Also if someone was married in September 2000 but filed as single, can they still file married for the 2000 tax year? J.J., Question via e-mail

To a great extent, your marital status determines your filing status on your tax return. If you were single as of 12/31/00, you would be required to file your tax return using the Single status. If you support a child, you may qualify for the Head of Household status, but a single person would never qualify for Married Filing Jointly.  

If you got married in September, 2000, you are required to file your 2000 tax return as either Married Filing Jointly or Married Filing Separately. If you already filed your 2000 tax return showing the Single status, you should amend the return and change the filing status to Married. Use Form 1040-X to amend the return. If you filed your state return as single, you will need to amend that return as well.