The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) warns taxpayers of a new wave of phone scams involving threats to suspend or cancel their Social Security numbers (SSNs). These scams often include false claims of overdue taxes and demands for immediate payment using unconventional methods. Identifying IRS Phone Scams To avoid falling prey to IRS phone scams, taxpayers … Read more
The Child Tax Credit (CTC) is a tax credit that helps families with the cost of raising children. The amount of the credit varies depending on the age of the child and the taxpayer’s income. For 2023, the CTC is worth up to $2,000 per qualifying child. To be eligible for the CTC, the child … Read more
Roth IRAs are popular retirement savings accounts that offer tax-free withdrawals in retirement. However, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) imposes income limits on contributions to Roth IRAs. Exceeding these limits can result in penalties and affect your retirement savings strategy. Roth IRA Income Limits The Roth IRA income limits vary depending on your filing status … Read more
Annuities offer tax-deferred growth, meaning you don’t pay income taxes on earnings until you withdraw them. However, the tax treatment of annuities depends on several factors, including the type of annuity, the source of funds used to purchase it, and how you receive payments. Types of Annuities Qualified Annuities Purchased with pre-tax dollars (e.g., from … Read more
Day trading, the practice of buying and selling financial instruments within the same trading day, has gained popularity as a potential means of generating income. However, it’s crucial for day traders to be aware of the tax implications associated with their activities to avoid any surprises come tax season. This guide will delve into the … Read more
In the digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives. We share our thoughts, experiences, and even our financial information on these platforms. But what many people don’t realize is that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is also monitoring social media. IRS Monitoring of Social Media The IRS has the authority … Read more
Understanding Tax Obligations for Students Being a full-time student does not automatically exempt you from federal income tax obligations. The factors that determine whether you need to file a tax return include: Income: The amount of earned and unearned income you receive Dependency status: Whether you can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s … Read more
Understanding the Benefits and Drawbacks of Filing as a Dependent or Independent Student As a college student, understanding your tax filing options is crucial to maximize your financial benefits. The decision of whether to claim yourself as a dependent or file as an independent student has significant implications for your tax liability and potential refunds. … Read more
Understanding the Audit Process An audit is a systematic and independent examination of an organization’s financial records and operations to assess their accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established standards. The audit process typically involves four distinct phases: planning, fieldwork, reporting, and follow-up. Phase 1: Planning The planning phase lays the foundation for the entire audit … Read more
Yes, you need your closing statement for your taxes. The closing statement, also known as a settlement statement, is an essential document that outlines the financial details of your home purchase. It contains information that you will need when filing your taxes, including: The purchase price of your home The amount of your mortgage loan … Read more