tax planning
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
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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
What Are the Income Tax Brackets for 2020 vs. 2019?
What Are the Income Tax Brackets for 2020 vs. 2019?
The IRS unveiled the 2020 tax brackets, and it's never too early to start planning to minimize your future tax bill.
June 20, 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).
June 18, 2020
Amending Your Tax Return Will Get Easier Soon
Amending Your Tax Return Will Get Easier Soon
Starting this summer, there will be a better way to file an amended tax return.
June 17, 2020
When Are 2020 Estimated Tax Payments Due?
When Are 2020 Estimated Tax Payments Due?
In a normal year, two estimated tax payment deadlines would have passed by now. But, of course, nothing is normal right now.
June 17, 2020
12 Tax Deductions and Credits That Help You Pay for College
12 Tax Deductions and Credits That Help You Pay for College
Whether you're saving for college, currently paying tuition, or dealing with student loan debt, there's probably a tax break that can help your bottom…
June 12, 2020
RMD Waiver + Stimulus Check = Tax Credit
RMD Waiver + Stimulus Check = Tax Credit
For seniors who got a stimulus check of less than $1,200, not having to take a required minimum distribution from their retirement accounts this year …
June 6, 2020
The 10 Least Tax-Friendly States for Military Retirees
The 10 Least Tax-Friendly States for Military Retirees
The brave veterans who stormed the beaches of Normandy, landed at Inchon, and fought in the jungles of Vietnam are senior citizens now.
June 5, 2020
Thinking of Selling Your Business? 2 Steps to Get the Best Price
Thinking of Selling Your Business? 2 Steps to Get the Best Price
Here's what could be the difference between a lucrative outcome and disappointment for business owners now.
June 5, 2020
The Stock-Bond Shuffle of Asset Location
The Stock-Bond Shuffle of Asset Location
It's a well-used strategy to help minimize taxes. Take a look at how it works.
June 4, 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 haven't filed their tax return yet. That also means there are a lot of tax refu…
June 2, 2020
FAQs on Stimulus Payments by Prepaid Debit Card (It's Not a Scam or Junk Mail!)
FAQs on Stimulus Payments by Prepaid Debit Card (It's Not a Scam or Junk Mail!)
The IRS is sending stimulus check payments on prepaid debit cards. We've got answers to important questions about the new EIP Cards.
May 28, 2020
Election 2020: Joe Biden's Tax Plans
Election 2020: Joe Biden's Tax Plans
With 24/7 COVID-19 coverage, it's sometimes hard to remember that this is an election year.
May 22, 2020
5 Strategies to Help You Hold on to More of Your Money in Retirement
5 Strategies to Help You Hold on to More of Your Money in Retirement
Preparing for retirement requires a lot of adapting — not just emotionally, but financially.
May 21, 2020
The Employee Retention Tax Credit Helps Keep Workers Working
The Employee Retention Tax Credit Helps Keep Workers Working
The credit is worth up to $5,000 per paid employee for businesses financially harmed by the coronavirus pandemic that continue to keep employees on th…
May 19, 2020
The IRS is Now Taking Phone Calls About Stimulus Checks (But Service is Limited)
The IRS is Now Taking Phone Calls About Stimulus Checks (But Service is Limited)
You can finally talk to an IRS representative on the phone if you have stimulus check questions.
May 18, 2020
Is a Second Round of Stimulus Checks for $2,000 Each Month in Our Future?
Is a Second Round of Stimulus Checks for $2,000 Each Month in Our Future?
Nancy Pelosi and other House Democrats are putting together the next stimulus package right now. They might include a proposal that has already been c…
May 18, 2020
How a Second Stimulus Check Could Differ from Your First One
How a Second Stimulus Check Could Differ from Your First One
If enacted, the HEROES Act that passed in the House would authorize a second round of stimulus checks. While the new payments would be similar to the …
May 15, 2020
Wealthy Families Have a Rare Opportunity to Avoid Estate Taxes
Wealthy Families Have a Rare Opportunity to Avoid Estate Taxes
The unique financial climate ushered in by the coronavirus offers well-off investors the chance to implement a little-known estate-planning strategy c…
May 12, 2020
10 Things Social Security Recipients Need to Know About Their Stimulus Check
10 Things Social Security Recipients Need to Know About Their Stimulus Check
It's especially difficult for Social Security recipients to learn the ins and outs of stimulus checks, since there are several special rules that only…
May 9, 2020