Phew.... That’s the collective exhale you hear as another Tax Day comes and goes. Maybe you file early and already have that refund in hand. Perhaps you wait until the last minute to dig out those dog-eared receipts, credit card statements, and 1099s and your return wings it’s way electronically to … [Read more...] about 8 resolutions to make before next Tax Day
Taxes
7 last-minute tax tips for procrastinators
With just a few days to go until the April 18 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 … [Read more...] about 7 last-minute tax tips for procrastinators
Save money on tax prep by doing your own taxes. It’s easier than you think.
From the time I got my first job at sixteen years old, I used my family's accountant to do my taxes. I would send him all of my 1099s, W-2s, and any other tax forms, and he would send me a tax return to sign and a bill. As my taxes became more complex over time, so did the bill. But four years ago … [Read more...] about Save money on tax prep by doing your own taxes. It’s easier than you think.
Free and low-cost ways to file your taxes online
If you’ve never taken advantage of the many free tax-filing options out there, you could be missing out. There are several free – or low cost – options available that will not only save you a few bucks, but will help simplify the process as well. Here is a look at some tax filing services that … [Read more...] about Free and low-cost ways to file your taxes online
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. According to a National Society of Accountants survey, hiring a tax return preparer cost an average of $273 for an itemized Form 1040 with Schedule A and … [Read more...] about Where to find free help with your taxes
It’s not too late to add to 2016 IRA and save on taxes
With 2016 over, taxpayers may think it's too late to stash earnings in a retirement account and get a tax deduction for the year. But 2016 contributions for many kinds of retirement accounts can be made up until April 18, or whenever you file your taxes, and some can be made even later by those … [Read more...] about It’s not too late to add to 2016 IRA and save on taxes
Got clutter? Donate and save on taxes
Most people will agree that clutter is bad. It takes up valuable space in your home, is difficult to clean around, and makes it hard for you to keep organized and find things. Cleaning out your household and clothing clutter can earn you money if you choose to sell it, but that can take time and … [Read more...] about Got clutter? Donate and save on taxes
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
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
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
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
