Since we all know what the other certainty in life is (death), maybe we shouldn’t be all that upset about the onset of tax season, right?
taxes
Tax Tips for Investors
Some years, Congress changes the rules investors face. Other years, the economy necessitates rethinking the best-laid investment plans. In between, investors’ personal situations change, from the arrival of children to the loss of a job.
“Investors face a changing environment,” says Fred H. Thomas, branch manager of Raymond James Financial Associates in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. “They need to maximize their investment dollars.”
Taxpayers trying to build wealth can weather the ups and downs of the tax side of that volatile environment by following a few historically helpful steps. Continue reading
Top 10 Tax Scams
It starts with your phone ringing — the most prevalent tax scam making the rounds this year. The caller claims to be from the IRS and demands your money NOW. Don’t think you’re the only one singled out for this tactic; aggressive, threatening phone scams occur regularly across the country. But, scamming also happens via email, U.S. mail or in person.
Should My Spouse and I File Taxes Jointly or Separately?
Whether it’s something as simple as picking a restaurant or as complex as deciding whether to have children, marriage requires lots of mutual decision-making.
Couples who tie the knot will have another choice to add to that growing list next tax season, as they can either file joint or separate returns. This choice can affect the amount of taxes they owe or the size of their refunds.
Here’s a closer look at these two options and how to determine which filing status is best for you and your spouse.
Didn’t Receive a W-2? Here’s What to Do
A quick tip from Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach®
Before you fill out your federal income taxes — or have an accountant complete that chore for you — you’ll need to collect W-2 forms from your current or former employers. Companies are supposed to send out your W-2, also known as a Wage and Tax Statement, by Jan. 31 of each year. Unfortunately, not all businesses meet this deadline.
Keeping Yourself Safe from Tax Scams Today
Tax scams don’t all look the same, but they are all intended to steal your money. Most fall into one of several categories of illicit acts, including phone scams, phishing and tax provider scams. Help yourself avoid these scams by knowing what kinds are out there and taking steps to keep your money safe.
How to Save, Stretch or Spend Your Tax Refund
This content is provided courtesy of TurboTax.
Looking forward to a large refund? That might mean your withholding is too high.