| Description: | Consider saving more for retirement: If you have a 401(k) or traditional IRA, you may get a tax break by contributing more money to your retirement account. That's because contributions you make to these accounts are typically deductible on your tax return. Keep in mind, though, there are income restrictions and contribution limits that determine how much you can put in an IRA, and deferral limits on how much you can put into your 401(k). Be sure you understand what those limits are, and how much you're able to contribute for the year.
State sales taxes: This write-off makes sense primarily for those who live in states that do not impose an income tax. You must choose between deducting state and local income taxes, or state and local sales taxes. For most citizens of income-tax-states, the income tax deduction usually is a better deal. IRS has tables for residents of states with sales taxes showing how much they can deduct. But the tables aren't the last word. If you purchased a vehicle, boat or airplane, you get to add the state sales tax you paid to the amount shown in IRS tables for your state, to the extent the sales tax rate you paid doesn't exceed the state's general sales tax rate. The same goes for home building materials you purchased. These items are easy to overlook. The IRS even has a calculator to help you figure out the deduction, which varies by your state and income level. Beginning in 2018, your itemized deduction for state and local taxes is limited to $10,000 per year. You still will only be allowed to deduct either state and local sales tax or state and local income taxes, but not both.
Invest in Qualified Opportunity Funds: Taxpayers can defer paying capital gains by reinvesting their money into Qualified Opportunity Funds. The funds, which were created by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, are intended to spur economic development and job creation in distressed communities. If money is held in a Qualified Opportunity Fund for seven years, 15% of the capital gains tax on the investment is eliminated. "It's a wonderful tax incentive," Zollars says. However, like other provisions of the tax reform law, the funds and their tax-savings benefits are scheduled to end in 2026. That means to have your money held in a fund for seven years, you'll need to make an investment before Dec. 31, 2019. Read even more information at Tax Preparation Companies Houston.
File Early: There are three good reasons to complete your filing as early as possible: Information Is Readily Available. Employers, vendors, and financial institutions are legally obligated to mail the required W-2s and 1099-Rs by Jan. 31. Complete your taxes as soon as you have all the necessary information to prevent confusion, tension, and misplacing documents. Filing Is Inevitable. Filing your taxes is something you must do every year, so why procrastinate? Getting it behind you gives you time to focus on other things. You Can Invest Your Refund as Soon as Possible. Your money won't earn interest in the government's till. File your return now and invest the refund to get the most out of your money. The one reason to delay filing until April 15 is because you owe taxes. If you have tax liabilities, the best approach is to complete the calculations and fill out all of the required forms but delay the actual filing until April 15. You won't be charged any penalty or interest if you file and remit any unpaid balance at that time.
Employers are typically notified of a wage garnishment via a court order or IRS levy. They must comply with the garnishment request, and typically start withholding and remitting payment as soon as the order is received. IRS wage garnishment and levy paperwork will walk you through the steps of completing the wage garnishment. Paperwork should also include any relevant contact information, which you should not hesitate to use if you have any questions. This is certainly one scenario where it's in your best interest to contact many people rather than attempt to guess and create possible errors.
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