Archive for the ‘taxes’ Category

Tax Returns Get User-Friendly This Year

Wednesday, January 14th, 2009

In light of the messy economic situation and the hardships our government is expecting Americans to endure in the coming months, the IRS has loosened its generally tight grip on the way it does business. Taxpayers should expect a little more leeway when it comes to paying their taxes, among ...

Tax Questions to Ask If You’re Unemployed

Monday, January 12th, 2009

Those who weren’t working in 2008 should check out CNN Money’s “Tax Tips for the Unemployed,” a brief FAQ intended to help the aforementioned as we head into tax season. The six-part write up does a lot to answer any questions and concerns you may have about your taxable finances. CNN ...

Bigger ’09 Paychecks Under Obama’s ‘Make Work Pay’ Tax Plan

Wednesday, December 31st, 2008

Americans making less than $75,000 annually should expect to see a slightly larger paycheck every two weeks when Barack Obama takes the presidential office on January 20. While he was once believed to be re-thinking the plan he touted during the election, the President-elect is in fact expected to implement ...

New York Enacts Digital Retail Tax - Is Your State Next?

Wednesday, December 17th, 2008

In New York this week, Governor David Patterson announced the state would begin charging a digital retail tax for online purchases. The tax will go into action along with similar plans from Paterson to raise taxes on movie tickets, soft drinks, sweets and snacks, and luxury clothing items among other ...

If Time Isn’t On Your Side

Thursday, April 10th, 2008

By my calendar, there are only 5 days left until the tax deadline.  If you are completing it yourself, you might still be able to make it.  If you are turning your information over to professionals, it's probably too late.  Not to worry.  Your situation isn't beyond repair!  You can ...

6 Strategies for Avoiding An IRS Audit

Tuesday, March 25th, 2008

Each year, at least $300 million owed to the IRS goes uncollected.  In order to reduce the gap between the taxes that are owed and the money the government actually sees, the IRS conducts audits (or examinations).  Proportionally, the number of individual tax returns audited each year is not that ...

Will This Be Separate Checks?

Monday, March 10th, 2008

If you are getting a tax refund, you need to do everything possible to use it wisely.  Believe it or not, how you receive the refund may be a key to where and when it will, ultimately, be spent.  One of the best ways to keep more of your refund is ...

Do I Have To File A Tax Return?

Monday, March 3rd, 2008

If you find yourself asking this question, you are not alone.  In strictly technical terms, U.S. income tax is "voluntary".  That does not, however, mean that it's NOT mandatory!  It allows taxpayers some flexibility in structuring their finances to limit tax liability.  Make no mistake, though.  Having options about how ...

Getting Professional Help: Answer These 9 Questions Before Choosing a Tax Preparer

Monday, February 18th, 2008

By all accounts, the U.S. Tax Code  is long, extremely detailed and confusing.  It's no wonder that millions of taxpayers employ professionals when "tax time" rolls around each year.   Even when professionals are used, individual taxpayers are held liable for any and all information contained in their personal returns.  Before ...

Tax Documentation: What are you waiting for?

Thursday, February 7th, 2008

It seems like 2 months is a long time but the tax deadline will be here before we are ready! By now, tax documentation from a variety of sources should be filling mailboxes across the country.  Some taxpayers may already have all the information they need to get busy filling out ...