Because of a weekend and a Washington, D.C., holiday, the 2016 tax return filing deadline for individual taxpayers is Tuesday, April 18. The IRS considers a paper return that’s due April 18 to be timely filed if it’s postmarked by midnight. But dropping your return or...
Individuals
Your Weekly ReadDeciding about purchasing a vacation home
Whether you live in the thawing North or in the always mild South, the onset of spring leads to thoughts of summer vacations. After all, next month will be May. And Memorial Day is often considered the unofficial beginning of summer getaways. At this time, you might...
Who can take the American Opportunity Tax Credit?
If you have a child in college, you may be eligible to claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit on your 2016 income tax return. If, however, your income is too high, you won’t qualify for the credit — but your child might. There’s one potential downside: If your...
Are You More Vulnerable Than Others to Be Audited?
IRS data indicate that fewer than 1% of all individual income tax returns are audited each year. That’s true, but some taxpayers are more vulnerable than others to an IRS audit. For starters, the IRS is more likely to audit taxpayers who report high incomes because...
2016 IRA contributions — it’s not too late!
Yes, there’s still time to make 2016 contributions to your IRA. The deadline for such contributions is April 18, 2017. If the contribution is deductible, it will lower your 2016 tax bill. But even if it isn’t, making a 2016 contribution is likely a good idea. Benefits...
When an elderly parent might qualify as your dependent
It’s not uncommon for adult children to help support a elderly parent. If you’re in this position, you might qualify for the adult-dependent exemption. It allows eligible taxpayers to deduct up to $4,050 for each adult dependent claimed on their 2016 tax return. Basic...
All charitable donations are not created equally
As you file your 2016 income tax return and plan your charitable donations for 2017, it’s important to keep in mind the available deduction. It can vary significantly depending on a variety of factors. What you give Other than the actual amount you donate, one of the...
Are you familiar with the rules for deducting mileage on your return?
Rather than keeping track of the actual cost of operating a vehicle, employees and self-employed taxpayers can use a standard mileage rate to compute their deduction related to using a vehicle for business. But you might also be able to deduct miles driven for other...
Do you need to file a gift tax return for gifts made in 2016?
Last year you may have made significant gifts to your children, grandchildren or other heirs as part of your estate planning strategy. Or perhaps you just wanted to provide loved ones with some helpful financial support. Regardless of the reason for making a gift,...
What you need to know about incentive stock options and taxes
Incentive stock options allow you to buy company stock in the future at a fixed price equal to or greater than the stock’s fair market value on the grant date. If the stock appreciates, you can buy shares at a price below what they’re then trading for. However,...
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