Like it or Not, Now Is the Time to Think About Taxes
There are still several days before we officially celebrate Christmas, which means people still have plenty to do, including finding those important last-minute gifts. However, if you are done with your shopping, maybe you can put Christmas aside for a moment and focus on taxes. Taxes are probably the last thing you want to think about right now, but if you wait too long the chance to save some money could melt away as fast as spring snow.
Even though you don’t have to turn your taxes in until April, the choices you make now can make a huge difference. With so many tax considerations still up in the air, along with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), there are lots of things to think about, and plan for.
For starters, you can get a better idea of how the ACA will affect you by using the Tax Policy Center ACA Calculator found here. This will give you a better idea of how the ACA and all its intricacies will affect your 2014 tax return. Another possible trouble spot for taxpayers is the continued uncertainty in Washington regarding several tax breaks that expired at the end of last year. Stay tuned.
Of course, there are some measures you can take no matter what lawmakers decide to do. For example, when you have stocks that do well it can help to sell other less-successful stocks. Doing so can help offset your capital gains. Another way to save is to contribute as much as possible to you retirement account. Using up flexible spending accounts before the year is over is also usually a smart move, as is making charitable donations. All of these steps can make for a happier tax return.
If you would like other tax saving tips to help you plan for your return, then contact us online today at GROCO, or call us at 1-877-CPA-2006.
Are You Practicing These Important Leadership Skills?
Are You Practicing These Important Leadership Skills? Imagine if you had the greatest tool in the world but you never used it. What good would that do you? Obviously, the tool would be useless. Now imagine you’re in a very important leadership position, with many significant responsibilities. You worked hard and learned several valuable leadership…
How to Invest for Your Grandkids
How to Invest for Your Grandkids Have you reached that pinnacle of life yet? Do you know the one where you’re a grandparent? Having grandkids is an amazing experience and opportunity. But with all of the fun, comes more responsibility. Now you have even more people to worry about. In fact, for some grandparents, taking…
How Has the Tax Reform Affected the Real Estate Market?
How Has the Tax Reform Affected the Real Estate Market? One of the doom and gloom theories regarding the federal tax reform, also known as the Tax Cut and Jobs Act, was that it would put a heavy burden on the real estate market. The theory was that because the reform placed a $10,000 cap…
How to Lower Your Tax Bill in Retirement
How to Lower Your Tax Bill in Retirement How far away are you from retirement? Are you getting closer to those so-called “golden years?” If you are then you hopefully you’ve already started preparing for your retirement with a sound plan. Retirement is supposed to be a glorious time in life. But unfortunately, for many,…