Category Archives: Income

Did you know that the IRS considers any forgiven debt as a source of income and that taxes must be paid on that “revenue.” And if you’ve ever settled a debt for less or had debt forgiven completely, you’ve likely received a surprise in the mail coming tax season the Form 1099-C. A 1099-C reports […]

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Alimony Payments and Recipients

The overhaul made a significant change to the alimony payments tax status. For divorce and separation agreements signed after 2018, payers will not be able to deduct alimony on their tax returns. At the same time, future recipients will no longer be required to report these payments as income, making their tax treatment similar to […]

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Investment Income Taxes

Investment Income Taxes

The tax law did not changed the favorable rates for long-term capital gains and many dividends, and there is still a popular zero rate for these types of investment income. For 2018, the zero rate applies to jointly filed married couples who have a taxable income of up to $77,200 ($38,600 for singles). A rate […]

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Sale of a Home

Sale of Home

The tax overhaul retained the existing benefit for home sellers. Jointly filing married couples can exclude $500,000 from taxes on the sale of a primary home. The exemption for single filers is $250,000 in profit. For inflation, these amounts are not indexed. For example, say Sam and Suzan bought a home for $150,000 many years […]

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Non-taxable income

Non-Taxable Income

If you try to determine the difference between taxable and non-taxable income, remember one basic fact: All income that is not specifically excluded by law is taxable. In essence, any money you receive in the form of wages or tips for work is taxable. In addition, any revenue you earn from property or services, whether […]

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Unemployment Benefits

Unemployment Benefits

It can be stressful to deal with the loss of a job, even if you have just been laid off. You’re struggling to find out how to meet the ends, and unemployment benefits can be the answer to the help you’re looking for. You must remember, though, that they are taxable. You must include any […]

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Form 1099-MISC

Form 1099-MISC

More people are required to submit 1099-MISC forms throughout the country, as the IRS is diligent in ensuring that you pay your taxes–even if you are an independent contractor. Your customer sends the IRS a 1099-MISC form, which the IRS compares with the form you submit. It’s a bad idea to ignore a 1099-MISC because […]

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The Form 1099 Explained

The Form 1099 Explained

There are a variety of Form 1099 one may receive when collecting their tax documents. If you’re a worker, you won’t fill out the form yourself, but will receive it from the party who paid you or holds your investment account. Its one of the few tax forms that simply report information and you aren’t […]

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How to Report Alimony and Child Support

Don’t forget that alimony and child support have an impact on your taxes. You have to report the amounts when you file. Here’s the breakdown. Alimony Alimony payments are deducted from your taxable income, which lowers the amount you are taxed on as long as you meet the following requirements: You pay by cash, check, […]

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Are Scholarships Taxable?

Are Scholarships Taxable?

The answer is possibly. Scholarships can be partially tax-free, while some of the funding is considered taxable. It depends on how the funds are allocated. If you are a full or part-time student working toward a degree at an eligible educational institution, including primary, secondary or post-secondary schools, then your scholarship is likely tax-free. There […]

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