Tax Season Got You Down? Blame Obamacare
What do you hate the most about taxes? Is it the simple fact that you have to file them? Is it the fear of being chosen for an audit? Is it all the confusing changes on tax laws and policies that drive you nuts? There are a lot of reasons people hate dealing with taxes, but this year, there could be a new number one reason for aggravation. Obamacare!
Although it’s actually called the Affordable Care Act, Obamacare, as most people know it, is sure to bring a lot of confusion and frustration this tax season. It will affect just about everyone in some way, but some more than others. Three aspects of your return in particular could feel the effects of Obamacare.
First and foremost, there is the individual penalty if you don’t have insurance. Here’s how the penalty works. If you don’t have insurance then you will pay the greater of the these two amounts:
- 1 percent of your annual household income, or
- $95 per person in the household for the entire year ($47.50 for those under 18).
Obamacare will also affect the Net Investment Income Tax, because as part of the plan there is a new 3.8 percent tax that will be added on to the capital gain rate. This 3.8 percent is applied to either the amount by which your adjusted gross income exceeds a certain tax threshold or to your net investment income; whichever is less.
Lastly, the Premium tax credit will also see the effects of Obamacare. Anyone who had health insurance via a Health Care Exchange could see the government subsidize his or her premiums.
So there you have it. Like it or not, Obamacare is probably going to affect you this year no matter what tax boat you’re in. Of course, we can help you get through the murky waters of the Affordable Health Care Act and ensure that you get the most from your return. Just call us at 1-877-CPA-2006 or click here.
Budgeting For Your Business
Budgeting For Your Business “Your business opportunities improve with the use of a budget, a powerful tool which assists you in achieving your financial goals.” Introduction: A well-designed budget helps you: Predict income and expenses Control cash flow Communicate financial goals As an entrepreneur, you may not have the time or financial expertise to establish…
Deducting Start-Up Expenses: An Open Or Shut Case
Deducting Start-Up Expenses Starting a business typically takes more than a little know-how. More often than not, it requires cold, hard cash. However, there is some good news — you may qualify for a little help from Uncle Sam in the form of a tax deduction for some of your start- up costs. The costs,…
Putting Kids to the Test
Putting Kids to the Test by Elizabeth Bowden-David This past week, my father-in-law called up my husband to give him an earnest admonition. Referring to Cicero, he said: “Understand that is it your duty to give your children a better education than you had.” I’m not sure what prompted him to remind us of this…
Survive the Recession by Starting Your Own Business
Survive the Recession by Starting Your Own Business Are you an entrepreneur at heart? Many Americans idolize the American Dream; the “get rich quick” mentality. But, how many make it happen? Starting a business requires hard work, and even then it is not guaranteed that it will succeed. In fact, in the US, only 51%…