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The Standard Deduction May Be Costing You – This technique could save you plenty
The Standard Deduction May Be Costing You – This technique could save you plenty Many taxpayers default to the standard deduction when filing their tax return because of its simplicity. Unfortunately, this often creates a higher tax bill. Here is a tip to ensure it does not happen to you. Only about a third of Americans file income tax returns using itemized deductions. Unfortunately many of those who don’t itemize are overpaying their taxes. Don’t wait until tax time to figure out if itemizing your deductions yields a lower tax bill. Start now to review your situation and plan for
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Research Your Preferred Charities
Often during an audit, what you thought was a qualified deduction to a charitable organization is ruled non-deductable. How can this happen? Here are some hints to make sure your charitable contributions are put to good use, both at the charity and on your tax return. November and December seem to be the months we are rained upon with charitable organization solicitations. Some of the groups, such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, United Way, and the American Cancer Society are household names. Others are less known. Here are some tips on how to research these organizations prior
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Take an IRA Deduction Now. Pay Later.
Want to reduce your taxable income using a tax deferred contribution to an IRA but don’t have the funds to do so? If you expect a tax refund, here is a technique that may help. Here is a tax planning tip for those who file their tax returns early and wish to contribute to a tax deductible IRA, but do not have the funds to do so. Say you want to pay into an IRA to get a tax break but you don’t have the money? Take heart, there are ways to get around this. The IRS allows you to
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Should you Reduce Your Charitable Giving? – New itemized deduction phase-out causing concern
With the re-introduction of itemized deduction phase-out, does it still make sense to contribute to charities? For most taxpayers, the answer is a resounding yes. Continue to make charitable contributions. Here is what you need to know. In 2013 federal tax legislation reintroduces the phase-out of itemized deductions for certain taxpayers. Because of this, many who are subject to itemized deduction phase-outs wonder if the benefit of charitable giving is reduced. Here is what you need to know. Most taxpayers are not impacted. The phase-out of itemized deductions for 2013 is based on Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) in excess of
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Does Your Mileage Log Travel the Distance?
What you need to know to ensure your allowable business, charitable and medical miles are not dismissed during an audit. The tax code allows deductions for qualified miles driven for business, medical, moving and charitable purposes. But to claim this deduction you must keep adequate records of actual miles driven. During an audit this is an often disallowed deduction, despite the fact that you actually drove the distance claimed. How to make sure this doesn’t happen to you? Here are some tips. Keep a log. The tax code is clear on this point. You may not estimate your miles driven.
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