Procrastination of tax returns is not a unique phenomenon. In fact, a lot of tax payers file their tax returns in the last two weeks before the deadline. Filing tax returns earlier than the deadlines is better as you are not rushed and chances of making mistakes is also lower. However, if you are racing against the deadline clock for your returns, here are some tips to help you get through.
Organize Read More
A few of us received an intimation letter from the IRS stating that we owe them some money in the form of taxes. Sure enough, nobody likes to receive such emails. However, if you do here are some ways you can handle the situation without losing your sleep.
Do Not Delay
If you receive that envelope from IRS, do not be a skeptic and not open it at all. I have seen quite a few friends who just do not wish to open the envelope. There are chances that your tax filing might have a minor error that you need to fix. Whatever the reasons could be, do not forget to open and read the letter as soon as you receive it. Read More
Filing taxes for the first time? Don’t let all the experts and jargons overwhelm you. At the end of the day, if you understand some very basic points clearly, you shall pass this test as well. If you are out of the college or just took your first job, it is eminent that you take this step with a lot of seriousness. But not to a level that it becomes a mental block for you. We have outlined some simple tips for you to get through this.
Should You File? Read More
Tax credit systems are in place to let tax payers deduct a certain amount from their tax liability to the state or federal government based on different programs. One such initiative is the American Opportunity Tax Credit, or commonly known as AOTC. This tax credit system is designed specifically for college going students, allowing them to settle their college costs via tax credits. AOTC is much more beneficial when compared to tuition deduction since it allows for an actual reduction in taxes that you owe to the government. But there are certain eligibility criteria that one must meet to be able to benefit from this system. Read More
Mortgage insurance in the simplest of terms is the backup plan for a lender. In the unfortunate event that the borrower is unable to repay the loan, the lender can cash in the mortgage premium and recover the losses. However, there is more to it than what meets the eye. Here are some more details of this rather intriguing insurance and why you should opt for it.
What Is It?
Statistics reveal that most home buyers pay less than 20% of the entire property cost as up front or commonly known as down payment. Read More
Well, it would be a bit of a stretch to say that most of us don’t want to pay taxes. However, who wouldn’t take a tax deduction if it is available? For all those individuals who are looking out for different ways by which they can reduce their tax liability, here is one effective method of doing so. You can include your Medicare premiums and even dental expenses in tax filing for better deductions. Sure, there are some prerequisites and details that one must consider and they are below.
Deducting Medicare Premiums Read More
A lot of us fancy having our own business. The idea of being your own boss is quite a strong motivating factor. But there is no denying the fact that you have to take care of most of the factors in self-employment. Here are the top 10 tax related question for self-employed individuals along with their answers.
Self-employed individuals usually skip out this part with the fear of increasing their chances of being audited. However, more than 50% of businesses run from an office at home. So, you need your bother yourself with any probabilities of audit as long as you are following the ground rules. The space that you use exclusively for your business requirements is only eligible for any write offs.
Being a contractual or project based employee has quite a few benefits when it comes to taxes. For an instance, you are eligible for a few tax deductions without even having to itemize the same. The following are some great ways of saving money on tax dollars if you a contract and/or project based employee.
Include Business Expenses
A lot of contract employees either shy away or are too skeptical when it comes to deducting business expenses from their returns.As a project based or contract employee, it is imperative that you keep a track of all your earnings throughout a year. If you can manage, having separate cards and accounts for business and personal usage would be ideal. Read More
Filing your taxes long before the April 15 deadline might not be your top priority, but there are many benefits to completing your return early. By filing early:
1. The Earlier You File, The Earlier You Get Your Refund
A large number of companies provide their employees with holiday bonus or end of the year bonus. In fact, a study states that about 80% of the companies do this. It always feels good when you are at the receiving end of such gifts and bonus, doesn’t it? But do not forget the tax liability that might arise out of these bonuses.
Cash
A check or cash bonus paid by your employer is one of the most common forms of holiday bonuses. If you are part of an organization where you are entitled to such benefits, you need to list it out. Read More
It is not unknown for people to suffer a loss in the form of theft and casualty for their personal properties. If you are one of them, you can claim the same as itemized deduction for your tax returns. To do so, you need to fill up the Form 4684 to understand how much of yours loses you can report and then mention the same in the Schedule A of the Form 1040.
It is important to note that you can claim only for those losses that are not covered or reimbursed by any insurance company. Also, in order to qualify for the deductions, your loss should amount to more than 10% of your adjusted gross income. You cannot claim a deduction otherwise. Read More
A donation in any form can give you immense pleasure and harmony of sharing stuff with others who do not have access to such things. More people are interested in such noble causes than ever before. Apart from helping some people in need, you can help yourself as well. A donation is one of the known ways of reducing your tax liability. Unfortunately, a lot of people started to misuse same and in turn forced the government to push for stricter regulations. The following are some important points that you need to consider when it comes to tax on donations or charity. Read More
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