50 tax credits & tax deductions you can take in 2020
It’s tax season! While few people want to pay anything at all, there are ways to pay less. Tax deductions and tax credits can help you save money in tax season 2020. Deductions lower your taxable income (and reduces your tax burden), while tax credits are a dollar-for-dollar reduction to…
State Tax Departments
Need information about the taxes in your state? The links below will take you to your state's tax department Web site. The date next to each link is the state's individual income tax filing deadline so you don't overlook this tax responsibility. Alabama, April 15 Alaska, no state income tax Arizona, April…
January 2021 tax moves
Happy New Year! Oh, sorry. Was I typing too loud? I'm glad you were able to festively, and I hope safely, ring in 2021. Now that it's here, it also brings a new tax filing season. The Internal Revenue Service's delivery of the second round of COVID-19 relief money shouldn't hamper its handling of…
10 tax moves in December 2020
It's December. 2020 and its craziness is almost over! Are you ready? Specifically, are you ready for the holidays? For those of us still committed to pandemic precautions, it's going to be a different, and yes, a bit less jolly, season. But one thing is the same as in previous…
Stop tax ID theft and apply for a special IRS ID number
Most of us agree that technology has enhanced our lives. It's simplified myriad daily tasks with just a voice command, touch of a device screen or stroke of a keyboard. It's also made things easier for crooks. Identity theft is a snap when criminals can electronically snag your personal and…
Standard Tax Deduction: 2020-2021 and When to Take It
The standard deduction is a specific dollar amount that reduces your taxable income. In 2020 the standard deduction is $12,400 for single filers and married filing separately, $24,800 for married filing jointly and $18,650 for head of household. In 2021 the standard deduction is $12,550 for singles filers and married filing…
Use Form 8915-E to report, repay COVID-related retirement account distributions
With the holidays here and no additional immediate COVID-19 economic relief payment in sight, some folks likely have or are considering tapping their retirement accounts. That option was made easier as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act enacted on March 27. It provides more favorable tax…
Tax Penalties in 2021 by inflation
The NFL is pressing ahead this coronavirus-affected football season. There's been COVID-19 positive personnel and postponed games, but one thing remains the same in 2020. On-field officials are still "throwing flags. The Internal Revenue Service has its own version of referees who penalize taxpayers and tax professionals for violating rules. They don't…
Watch out for continuing COVID-19 tax (scams)
It's no surprise that bad people take advantage of bad situations. That's why as we continue to cope with COVID-19, pandemic-related scams — tax and otherwise — proliferate. The latest coronavirus tax scam arrives via a text message. COVID-19 text scam warning: It was created by thieves who are trying to…
Working from home is an advantage that should be taxed, says report
Remote work has been among the many COVID-related challenges of 2020. Many employees have appreciated the added flexibility and no commute. Those who aren't that social say they've been more productive since they haven't had to spend time schmoozing with coworkers and bosses. The experience has many workers and companies…
