Most people file a tax return because they have to, but even if you don’t, you might be eligible for a tax refund and not know it. The tax tips below should help determine whether you must file a tax return this year.
What Is the Saver’s Credit?
The Retirement Savings Contributions Credit, also known as the Saver’s Credit, is a special tax credit for low-and moderate-income workers. In tax year 2020, the most recent year for which complete figures are available, Saver’s Credits totaling more than $1.7 billion were claimed on about 9.4 million individual income tax returns. That’s an average of about $186 per eligible return.
Taxable vs. Nontaxable Income
Are you wondering if there’s a hard and fast rule about what income is taxable and what income is not? The quick answer is that all income is taxable unless the law specifically excludes it. But as you might have guessed, there’s more to it than that.
Taxable income includes any money you receive, such as wages, tips, and unemployment compensation. It can also include noncash income from property or services. For example, both parties in a barter exchange must include the fair market value of goods or services received as income on their tax return.
Unemployment Tax Break Refunds Issued for 2020
Final corrections for taxpayers who overpaid their taxes on unemployment compensation received in 2020 have been completed by the IRS. Approximately 14 million returns were corrected, resulting in nearly 12 million refunds totaling $14.8 billion.
Tax Breaks for Older Adults and Retirees
Everyone wants to save money on their taxes, and retirees and older adults are no exception. If you’re 50 or older, here are six tax tips that could help you do just that.
Standard vs. Itemized Deductions
When completing a tax return, taxpayers have two options: take the standard deduction or itemize their deductions. Most taxpayers use the option that gives them the lowest overall tax. Due to all the tax law changes in recent years, including increases to the standard deduction, that means taking the standard deduction – but not always. Let’s look at a few details about these two options.
What Is a Designated Roth Account?
Many 401(k) plans allow taxpayers to make Roth contributions as long as the plan has a designated Roth account. Your plan may also allow you to transfer amounts to the designated Roth account in the plan or borrow money.
What Businesses Need To Know About the Excise Tax
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.
Small Business: Deducting Startup Costs
If you’ve recently started a business – or are thinking about starting a business – you should know that as an owner, all eligible costs incurred before you began operating the business are treated as capital expenditures. As such, they are part of the cost basis for the business.
How Filing Status Affects Your Tax Return
A taxpayer’s filing status defines the type of tax return form they should use when filing their taxes. Filing status can affect the amount of tax they owe, and it may even determine whether they need to file a tax return at all. As taxpayers get ready for the upcoming filing season, let’s take a closer look at how filing status affects a tax return.