An Option to Deduct Summer Activity Expenses

An Option to Deduct Summer Activity Expenses

Don’t forget to save receipts The kids are out of school, which means now is a great time to review the rules to deduct eligible summer activities on your tax return. Tax deductible related daycare expenses through the use of the Child and Dependent Care Credit...
Reminder: Second Quarter Estimated Taxes Are Due

Reminder: Second Quarter Estimated Taxes Are Due

Now is the time to make your estimated tax payment If you have not already done so, now is the time to review your tax situation and make an estimated quarterly tax payment using Form 1040-ES. The second quarter due date is now here. Due date: Monday, June 17, 2024...
Roth versus Traditional IRA: Which is Better?

Roth versus Traditional IRA: Which is Better?

For most taxpayers, you have until April 15th of the following year to contribute up to $7,000 ($8,000 if age 50 or over) into a Traditional IRA or a Roth IRA. Is an IRA an option worth considering for you? If so, which is better? Traditional IRA A Traditional IRA is...
Great Tax Reduction Ideas

Great Tax Reduction Ideas

The tax code is about 75,000 pages long, so it’s not surprising there are many overlooked money-saving deductions hidden within it. And with the much higher standard deduction amounts, those who do not itemize think there are no longer ways to reduce your taxes. Since...
Take Advantage before Changes Occur

Take Advantage before Changes Occur

Plan now for tax changes coming at the end of 2025 Unless Congress takes action, a number of temporary tax laws are going to expire at the end of 2025. This means you have this year and next to take advantage of the current rules. That doesn’t mean Congress...
Understanding the Home Gain Exclusion

Understanding the Home Gain Exclusion

When is a tax planning session essential? One of the biggest tax benefits available today is the exclusion of gains when you sell your qualified home. Here is what you need to know. The tax benefit explained For those who qualify, a married couple can exclude up to...
Ideas for a Great Refund

Ideas for a Great Refund

Three of every four Americans got a refund check last year according to IRS statistics. With a little planning, you can maximize the benefit of your refund. Here are some ideas: Pay off debt. If you have debt, a great spending priority can be to reduce or eliminate...
Seeing Inside the Mind of the IRS

Seeing Inside the Mind of the IRS

Using the IRS Audit Technique Guidelines (ATGs) While most of us are never audited, when it happens we can often feel overwhelmed. Remember that the IRS auditor performs these audits every day. They know what to look for, and may ask leading questions that are easy to...
Tax Tips to Aid in Retiring Early

Tax Tips to Aid in Retiring Early

Wouldn’t it be nice to check out of the workforce early and not need to worry about having enough money for retirement? While good financial planning can help you get there, leveraging the tax code as part of your retirement plan is also a good idea. Here are some tax...