Thinking back to my teenage days, all I was concerned about was finishing up work at my weekend job so I could drive around and hang out with my friends. I never thought about opening a Roth IRA for teens! The money I made while I worked part-time put gas in the car and provided […]
When you file your taxes, you are going to notice that there is a figure known as you adjusted gross income or AGI. Knowing what the adjusted gross income definition is, and how it impacts your taxes, is important toward filing an accurate return and getting all the money back that you are potentially entitled […]
Determine your tax filing status. Tax brackets and available credits and deductions (either the standard deduction or itemized deductions) depend on a taxpayer’s filing status. Each taxpayer must select his/her filing status at the top of each tax return. In most cases only one tax filing status will apply to you. If you qualify under […]
What is an 8917 Form? Form 8917 is used to claim a tuition & fees deduction and is filed with your 1040. The deduction can be up to $4,000 (depending on income and expense amounts) and is based on qualified education expenses paid to an eligible post secondary educational institution. Am I Eligible to Use […]
Have you filed a bankruptcy in the last tax year? In a bankruptcy, debt is discharged, cancelled, or forgiven, and this can have tax implications because it is viewed by the IRS as taxable income to you (Cancellation of Debt Income or CODI). Bankruptcy and Tax Common types of debt that are discharged include automobile […]
Form 1040EZ is one of three forms used to fill out federal income tax returns. You can either fill out form 1040, 1040A, or the easiest of the forms, 1040EZ. What is Form 1040EZ? This form is an alternative to the other forms and is a faster option. This form is most likely acceptable for […]
There are many reasons that you could need a copy or a transcript of a past tax return. Perhaps you are taking advantage of low mortgage rates and applying for a loan or mortgage and need to prove your income from past years. Or if you are applying for college, or refinancing your home you […]
It’s a new year, so that means most people will be making an annual list of resolutions. These typically range from paying off debt to saving more, losing weight and building better relationships. Pretty much anything you want to change can be included as a resolution for the new year. There is only one problem […]
At any given point in time, I’m juggling about a dozen new credit cards from various credit card application sprees each with their own spending requirement to earn the sign up bonus. Mix in the quarterly 5% Rotating Cash Rewards Credit Cards and it’s easy to stare at the cards and not know where to […]
A quick browse through many financial websites and you will be sure to find tips on improving your credit score. While it is important to have a good credit score so that you get the lowest interest possible, I question the obsessiveness that many place on their credit score. Photo Courtesy Andres Rueda Why Do […]
