24 03, 2022

Homeowner Alert! Review Your Tax Forms

Home-related tax rules changing over the past few years have caught some taxpayers by surprise. When your mortgage company reports tax-related information to you and the IRS using Form 1098, it no longer means all the interest and points reported on these statements are tax deductible. Here's what you need to know. Mortgage interest

10 03, 2022

Yikes! It’s that Bad?

Any way you look at it, the federal government's spending habits are a big mess. As required by law, in every Form 1040 instruction booklet there's a section that shows where our federal government gets its money and where it is spent. As taxpayers, it makes sense to know this information. Here is the

3 03, 2022

Why is the IRS Sending Me This?!?

In a recent announcement, the IRS is telling taxpayers it's turning off some of its automated notices. Here is what you need to know. Background With the pandemic, incredibly late tax law changes from Congress, the congressional imposition on the IRS to send out three rounds of stimulus checks, and the requirement to create

18 02, 2022

Common Tax Increase Surprises Part 2

Picture this: For the past few years you've received your tax return and have had a small but nice refund. Now imagine your surprise, when this year, you are required to send in a fairly big check to settle your tax bill. Believe it or not, this message is almost as hard to deliver

10 02, 2022

I Owe Tax on That? 5 Surprising Taxable Items

Wages and self-employment earnings are taxable, but what about the random cash or financial benefits you receive through other means? If something of value changes hands, you can bet the IRS considers a way to tax it. Here are five taxable items that might surprise you: Scholarships and financial aid. Applying for scholarships and

27 01, 2022

What? This Form 1099 is Wrong!

It is late February and you realize the Form 1099 you received is in error. In fact, it overstates your income by several thousand dollars. What should you do? Gather your facts. Put yourself in the shoes of the vendor, bank or investment company representative. Gather evidence they will need to support your claim