When tax season rolls around, most people’s first instinct is to pay for an accountant or online tax filing software. But did you know that many people can do their taxes for free? Here’s a closer look at free and low-cost methods to do your taxes online.Top free or cheap tax filing … [Read more...] about Free and cheap ways to file your taxes online
Taxes
Can you save money by doing your own taxes? Here’s how to know
I always used my family's accountant to do my taxes. He wasn’t cheap, but I thought the expense was justified — until I found some serious errors in my tax return that, had I not caught them, would have cost me as much as I was paying my accountant. At that point, I realized that I could do my taxes … [Read more...] about Can you save money by doing your own taxes? Here’s how to know
10 smart ways to spend your tax refund
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for some — the season in which your state and federal government pays its debt to you in the form of a big, fat tax refund. If you’re expecting Uncle Sam to be generous this year, it’s tempting to spend the money on luxury items or vacations as soon as it … [Read more...] about 10 smart ways to spend your tax refund
Where to find free help with your taxes
Even if you’re expecting a tax refund, this time of year can be, well, taxing on your wallet when it comes to paying for tax preparation services. The good news is that, if you qualify, you can get free help filing your return and not spend a dime. Here are some programs to … [Read more...] about Where to find free help with your taxes
6 last-minute tax tips for procrastinators
With just a few days to go until the tax-filing deadline, people who have not yet done their taxes may think they are doomed. But you still have time to save money on your taxes if you’re smart.If you’re looking for information, the IRS has reams of advice on its website, including copies of tax … [Read more...] about 6 last-minute tax tips for procrastinators
8 resolutions to make before next Tax Day
Phew.... That’s the collective exhale you hear as another Tax Day comes and goes. Maybe you filed early and already have that refund in hand. Perhaps you waited until the last minute to dig out those dog-eared receipts, credit card statements and 1099s, and your return is still winging its way … [Read more...] about 8 resolutions to make before next Tax Day
8 tax credits for parents with dependent children
The year our daughter Jane was born, my husband and I almost forgot to claim her on our taxes. She was a newborn, our accountant hadn't seen me pregnant and the topic never came up during our conversations. Luckily, we remembered, and Jane had a Social Security number, so we were able to claim the … [Read more...] about 8 tax credits for parents with dependent children
Health Savings Accounts: the triple tax advantage
Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are great way to save for future medical expenses and to reduce your current taxes.As we all face increased out-of-pocket medical expenses, one method to prepare is to open an HSA, which is like an IRA but offers a triple tax advantage. Your contribution is … [Read more...] about Health Savings Accounts: the triple tax advantage
Tips for donating your car to charity
Donating a car to charity requires almost as much research as buying one. These tips will ensure there’s a tax benefit for you and that you're donating to a legitimate group.Know what your car is worth. Your vehicle does not have the same value to a used car dealer and to a charity. Current … [Read more...] about Tips for donating your car to charity
How to check on your income tax refund
The income tax season has officially opened. Among the first to file will be those taxpayers who are due income tax refunds.And once you file, your burning question will be: Where’s my refund?The Internal Revenue Service has an app for that. The agency’s popular Where’s My Refund website … [Read more...] about How to check on your income tax refund
How to create a retirement plan when you’re self-employed
Whether permanently or temporarily, by choice or by circumstance, many of us are self-employed these days. We're in this gig economy, where so many of us are making our own livings with our own small businesses. That's great. Except for one thing: People who are self-employed have to provide their … [Read more...] about How to create a retirement plan when you’re self-employed
Free, cheap and high-value ways to do your taxes
If you're looking to make this tax season easier than last year's, or if your financial circumstances have changed, we have a list of resources for you to consider.Online: Filing your taxes online is easy, and it may be free if your income is low enough and your financial situation has few … [Read more...] about Free, cheap and high-value ways to do your taxes
