tax planning
Election 2020: Joe Biden's Tax Plans
Election 2020: Joe Biden's Tax Plans
With the economy in trouble, tax policy takes on added importance in the 2020 presidential election. So, let's take a look at what Joe Biden has said …
September 18, 2020
Most-Overlooked Tax Breaks for the Newly Divorced
Most-Overlooked Tax Breaks for the Newly Divorced
Filing taxes after a divorce can add yet another problem to an already long list of challenges. But here are some tips to make your return to single l…
September 18, 2020
What Trump's Payroll Tax Cut Will Mean for You
What Trump's Payroll Tax Cut Will Mean for You
President Trump issued an executive order to suspend the collection of Social Security payroll taxes. How much could it save you?
September 17, 2020
When Are 2020 Estimated Tax Payments Due?
When Are 2020 Estimated Tax Payments Due?
If you're self-employed or don't have taxes withheld from other sources of taxable income, it's up to you to periodically pay the IRS by making estima…
September 11, 2020
11 Tips on How and When to File an Amended Tax Return
11 Tips on How and When to File an Amended Tax Return
What to do if you discover a mistake on a previous tax return (and other reasons for filing an amended return).
August 25, 2020
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Why You Need a Roth IRA
Why You Need a Roth IRA
With this indispensable savings tool, your money grows tax-free, you can invest in almost anything and you get several cool perks.
August 19, 2020
How a Second Stimulus Check Could Differ from Your First One
How a Second Stimulus Check Could Differ from Your First One
The HEROES Act, which the House passed in May, would authorize another round of stimulus checks. While the new payments would be similar to the first …
August 11, 2020
What a Payroll Tax Cut Would Mean for You
What a Payroll Tax Cut Would Mean for You
If Congress can't pass another stimulus bill, President Trump says he will initiate a payroll tax cut by executive order. How much would that save you…
August 8, 2020
Calculating Taxes on Social Security Benefits
Calculating Taxes on Social Security Benefits
Uncle Sam can tax up to 85% of your Social Security benefits if you have other sources of income, such as earnings from work or withdrawals from tax-d…
August 4, 2020
Understanding Tax Planning
Understanding Tax Planning
The importance of tax planning goes beyond keeping cash out of Uncle Sam’s hands. You’re also preparing yourself for a secure retirement. Here are a c…
August 3, 2020
5 Tips to Minimize Your Taxes in Retirement
5 Tips to Minimize Your Taxes in Retirement
Don’t pay more than you have to. It all starts with a thorough understanding of the basics of how retirement income is taxed.
August 2, 2020
8 Money-Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund
8 Money-Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund
Since this year's tax deadline was pushed back to July 15, many people just recently filed their tax return. That means there are a lot of tax refunds…
July 17, 2020
Miss the Tax Deadline? What to Do If You Forgot to File Your Taxes
Miss the Tax Deadline? What to Do If You Forgot to File Your Taxes
If you owe Uncle Sam money, filing your tax return late (or never) can come with costly complications.
July 16, 2020
Tax Tips for Last-Minute Filing
Tax Tips for Last-Minute Filing
As you scramble to beat the July 15 tax return filing deadline, here are some pointers to bring your stress level down.
July 14, 2020
Saver's Credit: A Retirement Tax Break for the Middle Class
Saver's Credit: A Retirement Tax Break for the Middle Class
Your retirement contributions could be the key to a lower tax bill.
July 9, 2020
8 Ways You Might Be Cheating on Your Taxes
8 Ways You Might Be Cheating on Your Taxes
Don't fall into these common traps that can get you in hot water with the IRS.
July 8, 2020
2020 Tax Deadline: When Are Tax Returns Due This Year?
2020 Tax Deadline: When Are Tax Returns Due This Year?
The April 15 deadline for filing your 2019 federal income tax return (and paying taxes) has been moved back...but the new due date is approaching fast…
July 8, 2020
How to Get an Extension for Filing Your Tax Return
How to Get an Extension for Filing Your Tax Return
If you can't wrap up your tax return by the July 15 deadline, it's easy to buy yourself more time.
July 7, 2020
20 IRS Audit Red Flags
20 IRS Audit Red Flags
There's no sure way to avoid an IRS audit, but these red flags could increase your chances of drawing unwanted attention from the IRS.
July 1, 2020
10 IRS Audit Red Flags for Retirees
10 IRS Audit Red Flags for Retirees
Watch out: These things can increase the chances that the IRS will give your tax return a closer look.
July 1, 2020
10 Tax Breaks for the Middle Class
10 Tax Breaks for the Middle Class
Tax breaks aren't just for the rich. There are plenty of them that are only available to middle- and low-income Americans.
June 30, 2020
What to Do If You Get a Stimulus Check for a Deceased Person
What to Do If You Get a Stimulus Check for a Deceased Person
The IRS sent more than 1 million stimulus checks to dead people. If you received one for a family member who passed away, there are certain steps you …
June 25, 2020
Retirees Get Another Break with Expansion of RMD Waiver
Retirees Get Another Break with Expansion of RMD Waiver
The CARES Act cancelled "required minimum distributions" for 2020...and the IRS just expanded that relief to help more seniors and give more time to u…
June 24, 2020
13 Tax Breaks for Homeowners and Home Buyers
13 Tax Breaks for Homeowners and Home Buyers
Owning (or buying) a home is expensive. But at least there are some tax deductions, credits, and exclusions that can help you recoup some of those cos…
June 22, 2020
Tax Changes and Key Amounts for the 2020 Tax Year
Tax Changes and Key Amounts for the 2020 Tax Year
Americans are facing a long list of tax changes for the 2020 tax year...and it's never too early to start thinking about next year's return.
June 22, 2020