When couples separate or divorce, the change in their relationship status affects their tax situation. The IRS considers a couple married for tax filing purposes until they get a final decree of divorce or separate maintenance. Update tax withholding When a taxpayer divorces or separates, they usually need to update their proper tax withholding by…
The summer months are a popular time to buy or sell a house. New homeowners should put reviewing the tax deductions, programs and housing allowances they may be eligible for on their move in to-do list. Deductible house-related expenses Most home buyers take out a mortgage loan to buy their home and then make monthly…
For many people, summertime means change. Whether it’s a life change like a marriage or a typical summer event – like sending the kids to camp – things people do in summer could affect their income taxes. Here are a few summertime activities and tips on how taxpayers should consider them during filing season. Getting…
Whether someone is entering the workforce for the first time or changing jobs, filling out new hire paperwork can feel overwhelming. One of the forms employees must complete is a W-4, Employee’s Withholding Certificate. This form tells employers how much money to withhold from the employee’s pay for federal income tax. It’s important for employees…
In recent years, the gig economy has changed how people do business and provide services. Taxpayers must report their gig economy earnings on a tax return – whether they earned that money through a part-time, temporary or side gig. The IRS Gig Economy Tax Center provides information and resources to help this group of entrepreneurs…
Tax credits are the hidden treasures of the tax world. They automatically reduce the amount of tax you owe, resulting in a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your tax liability. For instance, a $2,000 tax credit lowers your overall tax liability by $2,000, as opposed to tax deductions, which reduce the portion of your income that is…
Your tax situation changes when you get married, and your options for filing taxes for the entire year are based on your marital status as of December 31. How Does Marriage Affect Taxes? Taxes can have a wide range of effects on marriage. Although everyone’s circumstances are unique, there are some tax advantages to marriage…
When people get married their tax situation often changes. A taxpayer’s marital status as of December 31 determines their tax filing options for the entire year, but that’s not all newlyweds need to know. Here’s a tax checklist for newly married couples: Name and address changes Name – When a name changes through marriage, it’s…
Some taxpayers are eligible for more than one filing status. As they get ready for the upcoming filing season, taxpayers should carefully review their options to pick the filing status that makes the most sense for them. Those who are only eligible for one filing status should be sure to review their situation after a…
Excise tax is an indirect tax on specific goods, services and activities. Federal excise tax is usually imposed on the sale of things like fuel, airline tickets, heavy trucks and highway tractors, indoor tanning, tires, tobacco and other goods and services. Businesses that are subject to excise tax generally must file a Form 720, Quarterly Federal…
