Taxes

Claiming an Elderly Parent or Relative as a Dependent

Are you taking care of an elderly parent or relative? Whether it’s driving to doctor appointments, paying for nursing home care or medical expenses, or handling their personal finances, dealing with an elderly parent or relative can be emotionally and financially draining, especially when you are taking care of your own family as well.

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Tips for Taxpayers Who Make Money From a Hobby

Many people enjoy hobbies that are also a source of income. From soap making to pottery and jewelry making to calligraphy, these activities can be sources of both fun and finances. Taxpayers who make money from a hobby must report that income on their tax return.

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Figuring out Your Correct Tax Filing Status | 5 Options

Your filing status determines which tax forms you need to file, the amount of your standard deduction, eligibility for certain tax credits, and how much tax you owe. In some cases, it may even impact whether you need to file a federal income tax return.

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ACA Reporting Requirements for Employers

The health care law contains tax provisions that affect employers and it is the size and structure of a workforce that determine which parts of the law apply to which employers. Calculating the number of employees is especially important for employers that have close to 50 employees or whose workforce fluctuates during the year.

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Student Loans: Cancellation of Debt Relief

Taxpayers who took out federal or private student loans to finance their attendance at a nonprofit or for-profit school now qualify for safe harbor with regard to cancellation of debt income for discharged student loans. Relief is also extended to any creditor that would otherwise be required to file information returns and furnish payee statements for the discharge of any indebtedness within the scope of this revenue procedure.

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itemizing deductions

Tax Breaks for Taxpayers Itemizing Deductions

Many taxpayers opt for the standard deduction because it is easier, but sometimes itemizing deductions is the better choice — often resulting in a lower tax bill. Whether you bought a house, refinanced your current home, or had extensive gambling losses, you may be able to take advantage of tax breaks for taxpayers who itemize. Here’s what to keep in mind:

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Updated Rules: Deductible Business & Other Expenses

Taxpayers using optional standard mileage rates in computing the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving expense purposes should be aware of an updated set of rules. The updated rules reflect changes to certain deductible expenses resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).

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