Deductions

Do You Typically Itemize Deductions?

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue If you do, the IRS recommends that you review your federal withholding.  This is due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed in 2017.  This new tax law significantly increased the standard deduction.  With this change in tax law, some individuals who have previously itemized their deductions may find it beneficial to claim the standard deduction. […]

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Kids as dependents

Cranendonck Your kids qualify as dependents (as a qualifying child dependent) on your tax return when ……. They are EITHER under 19 OR they are under 24 and a full time student for some part of 5 months during the tax year OR they are permanently & totally disabled AND They live with you over 6 […]

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Long Term Care Premiums

Thinking of getting a Long Term Care policy? There is a limit to the amount that can be deducted on your tax return. For Federal return purposes the limit is based on age and ranges from $410 to $5,110 per person for 2017. This amount gets added to the rest of your Qualified Medical Costs […]

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Mileage Logs

When compiling your tax documents remember that…….yes….the IRS wants you to keep track of the mileage for business, rental, etc use. Here’s what they want (in written form) for your records.  If you get audited they may ask to see it. Which vehicle and for each Date: the address and mileage from place to place […]

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Is Your Scholarship or Pell Grant Taxable?

      Typically, a scholarship or Pell Grant is tax-free if you are a degree candidate and the funds are used to pay for tuition, fees and books, supplies and equipment that are REQUIRED for enrollment or attendance at a qualified institution. However, there are instances where some or all of the scholarship or […]

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2018 Inflation Adjusted Amounts

Here are the updated amounts for some Hot Items for 2018 Health Savings Accounts Contributions For those with an Individual High Deductible Health Plan : $3,450 For those with a Family High Deductible Health Plan: $6,900 Extra $1,000 for those age 55 and older IRA Contribution Limits $5,500 plus $1,000 if over 50  

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Open Enrollment for Healthcare

Enrollment for healthcare for the 2018 year is between November 1 and December 15, 2017.  Go to HealthCare.gov to enroll or to specify if you want to Keep or Change your plan if you are already enrolled. You may be eligible for a Premium Tax Credit which means you don’t have to pay your entire […]

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Year-End Tax Tips

Now that 2017 is coming to an end, here are some things to consider: If you qualify to have a Health Savings Account you need to OPEN it by the end of the tax year. Make charitable contributions and have the necessary proof. If you bunch your itemized deductions every other year: Make sure you […]

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Divorce & Taxes

Here are some key issues that may affect you if dealing with divorce or separation: Alimony received must be included as taxable income Alimony paid is a deduction for the person paying it Child support is not a taxable event Let the IRS know about your address change on Form 8822 Report any name change When […]

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Start Saving Those College Receipts!

Now that school is back in session for the fall, it is a good time think about possible education credits.  It is important to compile receipts for qualified education expenses in order to potentially qualify for education credits. There are two education credits available: the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) and the Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC). These credits may […]

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