Some of these items may surprise you. Tip Category: Your Income There are a number of areas in the tax code that cause confusion as to the taxability of money received. Here are some of the most common areas of confusion. Unemployment compensation. Unemployment compensation is typically required to be reported as taxable income. So you …
Tag: Taxes
Elections. Elections. Elections.
Tax savings can be found in the elections you make! Tip Category: Deductions Every year is an election year when it comes to making decisions on your annual income tax return. Here are four common examples that can create tax savings opportunities if you elect the correct option. 1. Tax filing status. Typically, filing a joint …
Hike in Social Security Benefits Announced for 2025
2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) changes Tip Category: Retirement The Social Security Administration announced a 2.5% boost to monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for 2025, another rate drop versus last year's increase of 3.2%. The increase is based on the rise in the Consumer Price Index over the past 12 months ending …
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Understanding Tax Terms: Contemporaneous Records
Everyone needs to know what this means! If you have problems getting to sleep at night and you turn to the IRS tax code for help, you might find some vocabulary that is very foreign to you. One of the more uncommon words used by the IRS is the term "contemporaneous." So what does it mean and …
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Those Pesky Records!
What do I need to keep? Each of us needs to keep records that substantiate our tax return or other important life events for as long as they are needed. So what does this mean? The basic retention period. Federal tax return substantiation is generally three years from the later of the tax return filing due …
Estate Taxes: What EVERYONE Should Know
Tip Category: Planning Most taxpayers ignore the federal estate tax, thinking they will never be touched by it. Unfortunately, you do this at your own peril. Why? Because states often have this tax AND politicians have a habit of frequently changing the rules. The most recent change is scheduled to take place after 2025. The best …
Understanding Tax Terms: Head of Household
Tip Category: Deductions The tax term head of household is one of the more misunderstood tax phrases inside the U.S. tax code. However, if your situation warrants head of household status, there are two big tax benefits: First, a higher standard deduction. Second, lower effective tax rates for virtually every income level. This is great, but …
Understanding Tax Terms: Basis
Covering the bases on basis Tip Category: Miscellaneous Basis is a common IRS term, but probably does not enter into your everyday conversation. This IRS term is important because it impacts the taxes you pay when you sell, exchange or give away property. What basis is The IRS describes basis as: The amount of your …
Don’t Fall for These 5 Audit Myths
Tip Category: The Audit When it comes to the perception of IRS audits, conjecture reigns supreme. The combination of the complex tax code and a government agency with the full authority to enforce it leads to some pretty wild ideas. Here are five audit myths that, if believed, can cost you during an audit: Myth 1: Audits …
An Option to Deduct Summer Activity Expenses
Don't forget to save receipts Tip Category: Deductions The kids are out of school, which means now is a great time to review the rules to deduct eligible summer activities on your tax return. Tax deductible related daycare expenses through the use of the Child and Dependent Care Credit can be a great opportunity to …
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