If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) rather than a Social Security number (SSN) you may need to take action or you'll be unable to file a tax return for 2017. What to know about ITINs ITINs are identification numbers issued by the U.S. government for individuals who do not qualify to receive an SSN. An ITIN [...]
It's hard enough to watch your child leave for college. Now you also have to say goodbye to the college tuition tax deduction for tuition and fees. Congress decided not to extend this $4,000 deduction for 2017, leaving many parents worried that college will now be more expensive. But it isn't as bad as it [...]
Imagine your college-aged son has an accident while away at school and ends up in the emergency room. When you call the hospital, you are medical denied information about his care because you do not have the proper forms signed. HIPAA not so hip Due to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), you [...]
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 word “audit” makes most of us uncomfortable. But by using auditing principles within your own business, you may quickly discover ways you can enhance your firm’s full-year performance. Here are some factors to consider. Prepare with a pre-audit. Perhaps the most obvious use of a self-audit comes to play as you prepare for a [...]
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. [...]
This past month at least 55 companies reported they had fallen victim to a new type of small business scam. The specialized phishing scheme involves a criminal masquerading as a real employee, often a key executive, and then duping unwitting employees to provide payment or secure files. The scam takes many forms. Here are a [...]
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 [...]
