“Tax day” is just around the corner. This year, the deadline for filing 2020 individual tax returns is Monday, May 17, 2021. The IRS postponed the usual April 15 due date due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you still aren’t ready to file your return, you should request a tax-filing extension. Anyone can request one […]
Tax filing deadline is coming up: What to do if you need more time Read More »
The May 17 deadline for filing your 2020 individual tax return is coming up soon. It’s important to file and pay your tax return on time to avoid penalties imposed by the IRS. Here are the basic rules. Failure to pay. Separate penalties apply for failing to pay and failing to file. The failure-to-pay penalty
Why it’s important to meet the tax return filing and payment deadlines Read More »
If you’re like many Americans, letters from your favorite charities may be appearing in your mailbox acknowledging your 2020 donations. But what happens if you haven’t received such a letter — can you still claim a deduction for the gift on your 2020 income tax return? It depends. What is required. To support a charitable
Did you make donations in 2020? There’s still time to get substantiation Read More »
The IRS announced it is opening the 2020 individual income tax return filing season on February 12. (This is later than in past years because of a new law that was enacted late in December.) Even if you typically don’t file until much closer to the April 15 deadline (or you file for an extension),
One reason to file your 2020 tax return early Read More »
Contributing to a tax-advantaged retirement plan can help you reduce taxes and save for retirement. If your employer offers a 401(k) or Roth 401(k) plan, contributing to it is a smart way to build a substantial sum of money. If you’re not already contributing the maximum allowed, consider increasing your contribution rate. Because of tax-deferred
Maximize your 401(k) plan to save for retirement Read More »
October 15 is the deadline for individual taxpayers who extended their 2019 tax returns. (The original April 15 filing deadline was extended this year to July 15 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.) If you’re finally done filing last year’s return, you might wonder: Which tax records can you toss once you’re done? Now is a
What tax records can you throw away? Read More »
If you file a joint tax return with your spouse, you should be aware of your individual liability. And if you’re getting divorced, you should know that there may be relief available if the IRS comes after you for certain past-due taxes. What’s “joint and several” liability? When a married couple files a joint tax
There may be relief from tax liability for “innocent spouses” Read More »
IRS audit rates are historically low, according to the latest data, but that’s little consolation if your return is among those selected to be examined. But with proper preparation and planning, you should fare well. In the fiscal year 2019, the IRS audited approximately 0.4% of individuals. Businesses, large corporations, and high-income individuals are more
The easiest way to survive an IRS audit is to get ready in advance Read More »
As a result of the current estate tax exemption amount ($11.58 million in 2020), many estates no longer need to be concerned with federal estate tax. Before 2011, a much smaller amount resulted in estate plans attempting to avoid it. Now, because many estates won’t be subject to estate tax, more planning can be devoted
Why it’s important to plan for income taxes as part of your estate plan Read More »
While you probably don’t have any problems paying your tax bills, you may wonder: What happens in the event you (or someone you know) can’t pay taxes on time? Here’s a look at the options. Most importantly, don’t let the inability to pay your tax liability in full keep you from filing a tax return
What happens if an individual can’t pay taxes Read More »