This year has been devastating for many, with 33 states already impacted by federally declared disasters. Catastrophic events like Hurricanes Milton and Helene have resulted in billions of dollars in damages, leaving countless individuals without adequate insurance to cover their losses. If you’ve been affected, the federal disaster loss tax deduction may offer some much-needed […]
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Not every dollar you receive is considered taxable income by the IRS. Understanding the difference between taxable and nontaxable income is crucial for effective financial planning and can save you a significant amount of money during tax season. The taxability of your income depends on specific IRS rules and regulations. To help you identify what […]
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On July 18, 2024, the IRS finalized new rules that change how most beneficiaries inherit retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s. These regulations now require most non-spouse beneficiaries to withdraw all funds within 10 years of the original account holder’s death and, in many cases, take annual Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) during that period. This […]
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Thinking about taking an early distribution from your 401(k), IRA, or other retirement plan? Typically, you’d face a costly 10% additional tax. However, thanks to the SECURE 2.0 Act, there are new exceptions that can help you avoid this penalty in difficult situations. On June 20, 2024, the IRS released Notice 2024-55, providing crucial details […]
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Don’t Panic: A Rejected E-File Isn’t the End of the World Filing your taxes online offers speed and convenience, but receiving an e-file rejection notice can be stressful, especially when the April 15th deadline is looming. The good news is that if your return was submitted on time, the IRS provides a crucial window to […]
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Investing in foreign stocks can be a savvy move for diversifying your portfolio, especially with projections suggesting strong growth in international markets. However, a common mistake could be costing you money. If you hold these foreign investments within a tax-deferred account like an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), you might be forfeiting a valuable tax benefit: […]
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For high-income earners, direct contributions to a Roth IRA are often out of reach due to IRS income limitations. However, a powerful strategy known as the “Backdoor Roth IRA” provides a legitimate pathway to secure the benefits of tax-free growth in retirement. This guide will walk you through the process, explain who it’s for, and […]
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What is the Saver’s Credit? The Retirement Savings Contributions Credit, more commonly known as the Saver’s Credit, is a valuable tax credit designed to help low- and moderate-income taxpayers save for retirement. It essentially rewards you for contributing to an eligible retirement account. Unlike a deduction, which lowers your taxable income, a credit directly reduces […]
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The IRS imposes an underpayment penalty if you don’t pay enough tax throughout the year, either through withholding or by making timely estimated tax payments. This penalty has recently surged, reaching a significant 8% interest rate. This increase particularly impacts gig workers, consultants, freelancers, and other self-employed individuals who are responsible for their own tax […]
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Receiving a tax refund is often a welcome financial boost, but what happens when the expected windfall falls short? Many taxpayers have found themselves in the perplexing situation of not receiving their full tax refund from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Before delving into the reasons for an incomplete tax refund, it’s crucial to grasp […]
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