It’s Time to Start Preparing for Your 2017 Taxes
The tax season is officially over for most people, and by now many taxpayers have already put their refund to good use. However, while almost everyone would rather not think about taxes for the next 10 months, or so, the fact is, this is a good time to start looking at next year’s taxes. In fact, by taking a close look at this year’s return, you can learn some important things for next year.
So here are some things to pay attention to. First off, did you get a large refund, or did you end up owing the IRS money? Chances are, one way or the other you need to take a look at your W-4. If you get a big refund then you are probably having too much withheld. On the other hand, if you still owed the IRS money then you are not having enough withheld.
Your 401k is another thing to revisit. Are you maxing it out? If not, then you are missing out on some extra tax savings. Of course, if you need that money now then you can only set aside so much. However, if you can afford to put more away for later, then you should definitely take full advantage of it.
Another good thing to start planning for right now is your list of deductions. Start tracking your receipts and keeping an accurate record. This will help you when you try to figure out your itemized deductions next year.
Lastly, if you like to make charitable donations then you could use your IRA to make those contributions. You get to help a good cause and the contribution won’t hurt your adjusted gross income.
http://www.cnbc.com/2017/04/07/ignore-these-2016-tax-lessons-at-your-peril.html
India Gets Help From the IRS to Track Down So-Called “Black Money”
India Gets Help From the IRS to Track Down So-Called “Black Money” We’re all aware of the U.S. government’s efforts to bring home tax dollars from those who either hold or earn money in foreign countries. Whether a company or an individual taxpayer is open about their money or purposely trying to hide it, the…
Strategic Asset Management With a Revocable Living Trust
Strategic Asset Management With a Revocable Living Trust Developing a sound investment management strategy is more than allocating assets and diversifying among the various asset classes. It is also about attaining your financial goals in life. The long-term security of your family is likely to be a key goal. To reach it, you want to…
A Safer Way to Invest in Stocks
A Safer Way to Invest in Stocks Investing in stocks can be really risky—particularly when somebody invests a lot of money at once and expects quick results. But it’s also true that investing in stocks can be surprisingly safe for certain investors. The men and women who are putting regular amounts into stock funds through…
IRS Makes It Difficult to Use “Separate Share” Trusts
IRS Makes It Difficult to Use “Separate Share” Trusts By Mary Kay Foss California CPA, August 2003 The IRS has issued a series of private letter rulings (LTRs 200317041, 200317043, 200317044) this year that make it difficult to use “separate share” trusts. A separate share trust is a trust named as an IRA beneficiary that…