When you win a prize, there are really two winners: you and the taxing authorities. Should you be fortunate enough to win that trip of a lifetime to the French Riviera in your new yacht, here is what you need to know. Prizes and taxes Prizes are taxable. Almost all prizes are taxable income. You [...]

When it comes to taking qualified deductions on your tax return, having proper documentation to prove your expenditure is a must. Here are some typical areas where taxpayers often fall short, costing them plenty during tax filing season and during IRS audits: Cash donations to charity. Donations of cash need to be supported by a [...]

There's usually an element of relief after your annual tax return has been filed. But what do you do if you find an error on your tax return? Should you always file an amended return? Here are some things to consider. Errors in the IRS's favor Errors discovered that lead to an additional tax [...]

While the maximum capital gain tax rate can be as high as 23.8 percent, most taxpayers pay 15 percent. But there is the possibility to have your capital gains go tax-free...yes, zero percent! In fact, this tax break has been around for more than a decade and comes into play more often than you [...]

Contribution limits for the ever-popular health savings account (HSA) are set for 2024. And inflation adjustments break through the historic trends of 1 to 2% increase each year. Next year the amount you can save to pay for health costs with pre-tax dollars jumps by more than 7%! HSA defined An HSA is a [...]

If you recently got married, plan to get married, or know someone taking the matrimonial plunge, here are some important tax tips every new bride and groom should know. Notify Social Security. Notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) of any name changes by filling out Form SS-5. The IRS matches names with the SSA and [...]

"Time is running out for more than a million people to get their tax refunds for 2019," said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. "Many people may have overlooked filing a 2019 tax return due to the pandemic. We don't want people to miss their window to receive their refund. We encourage people to check their [...]

With the recent interest rate increases made by the Federal Reserve, it is time once again to actively manage your savings to ensure you are getting the most for your money. Here are some tips to consider. Maximize the kiddie tax opportunity. Remember, the first $1,150 of your child’s unearned income such as interest and [...]

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: Thursday, June 15, 2023 You are required to withhold at least 90 percent of your 2023 tax obligation [...]

Getting audited is no one’s idea of a good time, yet you can minimize the stress if you take the right approach. Step 1: Understand why and when. While it's possible you were selected randomly, it’s more likely you were selected for a specific reason. One example might be if your deductions for charitable donations [...]