Category: Tax Returns
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Paperwork You Can Toss After Filing Your Tax Return
Once you file your 2022 tax return, you may wonder what personal tax papers you can throw away and how long you should retain certain records. You may have to produce those records if the IRS audits your return or seeks to assess tax. It’s a good idea to keep the actual returns indefinitely. But…
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IRS Audits May Be Increasing, So Be Prepared
The IRS recently released its audit statistics for the 2020 fiscal year and fewer taxpayers had their returns examined as compared with prior years. But even though a small percentage of returns are being chosen for audit these days, that will be little consolation if yours is one of them. Latest statistics Overall, just 0.5%…
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Buying and Selling Mutual Fund Shares: Avoid These Tax Pitfalls
If you invest in mutual funds, be aware of some potential pitfalls involved in buying and selling shares. Surprise sales You may already have made taxable “sales” of part of your mutual fund investment without knowing it. One way this can happen is if your mutual fund allows you to write checks against your fund…
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Still Have Questions After You File Your Tax Return?
Even after your 2020 tax return has been successfully filed with the IRS, you may still have some questions about the return. Here are brief answers to three questions that we’re frequently asked at this time of year. Are you wondering when you will receive your refund? The IRS has an online tool that can…
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Who Qualifies for “Head of Household” Tax Filing Status?
When you file your tax return, you must check one of the following filing statuses: Single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household or qualifying widow(er). Who qualifies to file a return as a head of household, which is more favorable than single? To qualify, you must maintain a household, which for more…
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Need a New Business Vehicle? Consider a Heavy SUV
Are you considering buying or replacing a vehicle that you’ll use in your business? If you choose a heavy sport utility vehicle (SUV), you may be able to benefit from lucrative tax rules for those vehicles. Bonus depreciation Under current law, 100% first-year bonus depreciation is available for qualified new and used property that’s acquired…
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Estimated Tax Payments: Deadline for First 2021 Installment Coming Up
April 15 is not only the deadline for filing your 2020 tax return; it’s also the deadline for the first quarterly estimated tax payment for 2021 if you’re required to make one. You may have to make estimated tax payments if you receive interest, dividends, alimony, self-employment income, capital gains, prize money or other income.…
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What Happens If an Individual Can’t Pay Taxes
You may wonder what happens in the event you or someone you know can’t pay taxes on time. Here’s a look at the options. Common penalties The “failure to file” penalty accrues at 5% per month or part of a month (to a maximum of 25%) on the amount of tax your return shows you…
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Are Scholarships Tax-Free or Taxable?
COVID-19 is changing the landscape for many schools this fall. But many children and young adults are going back, even if it’s just for online learning, and some parents will be facing tuition bills. If your child has been awarded a scholarship, that’s cause for celebration! But be aware that there may be tax implications.…
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Good Records Are the Key to Tax Deductions and Trouble-Free IRS Audits
If you operate a small business, or you’re starting a new one, you probably know you need to keep records of your income and expenses. In particular, you should carefully record your expenses in order to claim the full amount of the tax deductions to which you’re entitled. And you want to make sure you…