Choosing the Right Filing Status

The benefits available to you at tax time, as well as tax rates and deduction amounts are dependent upon the filing status you choose. Your filing status is determined by your marital situation on the final day of the year, and whether or not you have any dependents.

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Getting an Education in Tax Credits

For those paying for their education, there are a few tax credits that can help decrease the amount owed. The American Opportunity Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit are available to those responsible for education expenses, such as tuition, fees, textbooks, supplies, and equipment. Some incurred expenses, like insurance, transportation, and personal fees aren’t eligible […]

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Depending on Claiming Dependents?

To get a little extra cash back this tax season, consider the benefits you may be eligible for by claiming children or adult relatives as dependents. For each dependent you claim that qualifies, you get a personal exemption, and depending on the age and relationship of the dependent, you may be eligible for additional tax […]

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Child and Dependent Care Credit

Hiring a professional to care for a disabled adult, or having to pay for childcare services for children under 13 can be costly.  Luckily, the government has a tax credit which can help reduce these costs and put more money back into your pocket. The Child and Dependent Care Credit can put up to 35% […]

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Sale of a Home

The housing market in the US is finally starting to kick back in high gear, after a few years stalled on the wayside. With this recent shift in the real estate market, a review of the taxes (and appropriate tax breaks) associated with home sales is in order. The application of taxes can be tricky, […]

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Do You Qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit? For low to moderate income families, the Earned Income Tax Credit is available to help reduce the amount of federal income taxes that you owe. The refundable credit is available to families who earn the majority of their income through working (opposed to investing) and can […]

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If your girlfriend or boyfriend has unofficially moved their toothbrush into your bathroom, and are constantly crashing at your place, there’s a chance you may be able to consider him or her a dependent on your upcoming income tax. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just children or relatives who can be claimed as dependents.  […]

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Child Tax Credit

Raising children can be expensive for working families. That’s why in 1997 the federal government enacted the Child Tax Credit (CTC) in which eligible families can receive a credit of up to $1,000 per child under the age of 17. The Child Tax Credit has received bipartisan support, and was expanded in 2001. A qualifying […]

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Child Care Tax Credit

Child care can be expensive, and many parents have to arrange care around their work schedule or school breaks. When children are out of school during the summer, child care expenses can begin to add up. The federal government is stepping in to help by offering a tax credit for child care expenses for any […]

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With the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, Americans who chose to opt out of health coverage will end up paying a rather high penalty. For a five person family with a high income, the penalty can max out at over $12,000 in 2014. This penalty is expected to rise significantly in 2015 and continue […]

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