Posts Tagged ‘taxplanning’
Five Things You Did Last Week for Your Finances: Small, intentional choices can steadily build a more secure financial future
Recently, federal government employees received an email asking them to reflect on their work by listing five things they accomplished in the past week. The idea behind this exercise was to encourage employees to recognize their contributions, stay focused on their goals, and maintain accountability. This got me thinking: What if we applied the same…
Read MoreRaiding Your Retirement Funds? Here’s How to Avoid Hidden Tax Traps
By Laura Saunders from WSJ Sometimes in an emergency you just have to break the glass. While tapping a retirement plan for an early withdrawal should always be a last resort, it can be unavoidable. The cause could be a job loss, a natural disaster like a wildfire, or even an opportunity like a coveted…
Read More2024 Taxes: 8 Things to Know Now
Here are eight things to keep in mind as you prepare to file your 2024 taxes. 1. Income tax brackets shifted a bit There are still seven tax rates, but the income ranges (tax brackets) for each rate have shifted slightly to account for inflation. For 2024, the following rates and income ranges apply: 2. The…
Read MoreWhat’s New This Tax Season That Can Save You Money: Key changes to consider before filing your tax return
By Ashlea Ebeling Even though Congress didn’t make major changes for this year, there are some new wrinkles to be aware of, especially for those who sell things online, bought an electric vehicle, or prefer to get their refund as a savings bond. Taxes might also be slightly less aggravating now. The Internal Revenue Service…
Read MoreImportant Considerations When Building Your Retirement Plan in Your 40’s, 50’s and Beyond
As individuals enter their 40’s, 50’s and beyond, retirement planning takes on added significance. With retirement looming closer, it becomes increasingly important to reassess financial goals, adjust savings strategies, and ensure a secure financial future. Here are some important considerations for continuing to build your retirement plan in your 50s and beyond: Evaluate Retirement Goals:…
Read MoreStrategies for De-Stressing During the Last-Minute Tax Filing Deadlines
As tax season rolls around each year, it often brings with it a wave of stress and anxiety for many individuals. The thought of gathering receipts, organizing documents, and navigating complex tax forms can be daunting. However, amidst the chaos, it’s essential to prioritize your well-being and find ways to de-stress. Here are some strategies…
Read MoreA Last-Minute Tax Guide for Procrastinators
This last-minute tax guide will provide you with the essential steps to navigate the process, even if you’re running against the clock. Gather Your Documents Before you begin the filing process, gather all the necessary documents. These may include: W-2 forms from your employers 1099 forms for any contract work, interest, or dividends 1098 forms…
Read MoreWhat To Do If You Miss the Tax-Filing Deadline: Five steps to take to minimize any penalties and consequences
Here are five steps you can take if you missed the tax filing deadline: File your taxes as soon as possible: Even if you missed the deadline, it’s important to file your taxes as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more penalties and interest charges you will incur. Pay any taxes owed: If…
Read MoreHow to Lower Your Tax Bill With the Charitable-Donation Deduction: Getting a tax break for contributions to charity often requires careful planning
Are fewer taxpayers deducting charitable contributions than in the past? Yes. The 2017 tax overhaul dramatically reduced the number of filers deducting charitable donations. While it didn’t limit them outright, it expanded the standard deduction so that far fewer taxpayers itemize these deductions on Schedule A. The number of taxpayers itemizing charitable donations dropped to…
Read More22 Popular Tax Deductions and Tax Breaks for 2023-2024
Tax benefits are generally broken into two major categories: tax deductions and tax credits. As you examine programs that could potentially apply to you, it’s a good idea to know the differences in how tax savings can work. In short, a credit gives you a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of tax you owe. A…
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