It's a tough time to buy a house. With high prices and low supply, homebuyers have to tackle the buying process differently than they would in a flat or down market. Here are some suggestions to landing your dream home in a seller's market. Be nimble, be flexible. Try to investigate new listings quickly – within hours [...]
The last thing you want to be bothered with when you are grieving is sorting out the finances of your departed loved one. Here are some suggestions to make the process a little easier. Prioritize. Focus on the most pressing tasks you face. Make sure you have access to the right accounts in order to [...]
Your chances of being audited are probably lower than you think. A look at the latest IRS statistics for 2016 reveals some interesting and reassuring facts about the risk of an IRS audit. Audits are becoming less common. The number of individual tax returns the IRS audited fell to a 12-year low last year, to [...]
When setting your family budget, often the first thing that gets slashed is the summer vacation. However, if you plan ahead, you can find simple ways to save and keep your vacation on the calendar. Here are a few ideas. Flexible location. Sometimes you just want to get away to recharge and the location isn’t [...]
Many people choose to work into their retirement years. If this is something you’re considering, here are some tips to make sure you get the greatest benefit from your efforts. Consider delaying Social Security. You can start receiving Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62, but if you continue to work, it may [...]
This year’s April 18 tax deadline has come and gone, but not everyone has filed a 2016 tax return. Many taxpayers who should file simply do not. Common culprits are older, retired parents, and young adults who are new to tax filing requirements. Here are just a few reasons these taxpayers should consider filing a [...]
For handwritten taxpayers, preparing their tax return isn't the problem. It's the fear of an audit. Audits are fairly uncommon, but the IRS may notice your tax return if certain red flags are present. Here are some of the common audit red flags to help you prepare for the possibility of your return being reviewed. [...]
You've spent years saving for retirement, but now it's time to plan the best way to manage your retirement savings withdrawals. Here is a potential method to help maximize your funds using a tax-advantaged strategy. First, look at Social Security and pensions. You can use these funds for daily living much the same as you [...]
A couple of years ago, the U.S. Treasury released a report highlighting a disturbing level of non-compliance in alimony reporting on tax returns. Since the report was released, the IRS has increased the scrutiny they place on tax returns with these claims. If you file a tax return involving alimony, make sure you know the facts [...]
One of the biggest delays in filing your tax return is missing information. Make sure you don't miss some of these commonly overlooked items. Missing your e-file approval. Without your signature, your tax return cannot be filed. Proof of health insurance. You must provide a Form 1095 or other proof that you and your dependents [...]
