It’s Time to Start Preparing for Your 2017 Taxes

Shot,Of,An,Attractive,Mature,Businesswoman,Working,On,Laptop,In

 

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

Posted in

Ready to Start Investing? Here’s How

Ready to Start Investing? Here’s Howv Are you still sitting on the sidelines when it cones to investing? Of course, not everyone is in a position to start investing. But if you are, and you haven’t started, then what are you waiting for? Investing is one of the smartest things you can do in terms…

The 1031 Exchange: A Powerful Tool for Deferring Taxes

The 1031 Exchange: A Powerful Tool for Deferring Taxes

The 1031 Exchange: A Powerful Tool for Deferring Taxes Sec. 1031 exchange activity has picked up considerably in recent years, as real estate sellers facing significant capital gains look for opportunities to soften the tax blow. By exchanging real property for other real property of “like kind,” owners can defer capital gains taxes until the…

Self-Directed IRAs: Handle With Care

Self-Directed IRAs: Handle With Care

Self-Directed IRAs: Handle With Care IRAs – both traditional and Roth – are powerful tools for financial, retirement, and estate planning. But what if you’re not satisfied with your IRA’s performance? One way to “turbocharge” its benefits is to use a “self-directed” IRA, which is permitted to hold alternative investments that offer higher potential returns.…

Obtaining Financing

Obtaining Financing

Obtaining Financing Whether you are a small or medium size business, the process of obtaining a loan is similar. Commercial lenders are interested in: The purpose of the loan. With a seasonal loan, for example, the borrower is able to pay the loan back when inventories and receivables decline after a seasonal surge in business,…