If you owe taxes this year and cannot afford to pay the full amount, there are options that you can take to ensure that you will not incur late filing penalties. The best option is to pay as much as you can by the deadline. While you will still incur late payment fees, you will not be penalized for filing late. For more information about this option and to learn more about the possibility of an Installment Agreement, read this C.P.A Insight.
If your thoughts of spring include a tax refund check, you may opt to use your windfall to benefit your future, rather than spend it now. Some uses you may consider include adding your refund to your retirement savings or investing in continuing education. For more ideas on how to make your refund work for you, read this C.P.A. Insight.
If you take a distribution from a retirement account before you reach the age of 59 1/2, generally, you will have to pay a 10% early distribution penalty. However, if you take an early distribution to pay for unreimbursed medical expenses or qualified higher education expenses, you may be able to avoid the early withdrawal penalty. For other common exceptions in which you may not be subject to the 10% penalty, read this C.P.A. Insight.
If you are receiving a tax refund, consider directing your refund into your retirement account. This option is available to all individual filers no matter which 1040 form they file. For more information on the direct deposit of your refund, read this C.P.A. Insight.
Investors who are seeking income producing investments during a time when interest rates are low may turn to master limited partnerships. It is important to remember master limited partnerships are businesses first, and they expose the investor to more than investment or market risk. For a detailed explanation of master limited partnerships, read this Investment Whys.
When discussing the initial mandatory IRA withdrawal, one can easily become confused by the rules and regulations on when the withdrawal should occur. Assets such as qualified retirement plans, 403(b) Plans, IRAs, SEPs, SIMPLE IRAs and section 457 Plans are all included in calculating a mandatory withdrawal. For more information about your first mandatory IRA withdrawal and to learn how your withdrawal is calculated, read this Financial Strategy.
IRS notices are common; however, most taxpayers dread receiving one. A notice usually covers very specific issues and contains instructions on how to deal with it or a number to call if you have any questions. For more information about IRS notices and what to do if you receive one, read this C.P.A. Insight.
Taxpayers who took energy saving steps in 2009 or this year may be eligible for greater tax savings. The Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit, a tax credit for making energy efficient improvements to homes, has been increased as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
If you find yourself waiting on a 1099 form before you attempt to calculate your income tax return, you may be able to proceed without the missing form. In many cases, it is possible to find the necessary information using other sources. For more information on the different types of 1099 forms and where you might find accurate information if your form is missing, read this C.P.A. Insight.
When gathering your previous year’s tax information or planning for the current year’s taxes, it is important to consider how you keep your personal records. Some basic records that everyone should keep include: W-2 Forms, bank statements, invoices, insurance records and various investment information. For more information on which records are vital to keep and organize for the tax season, read this C.P.A. Insight.
