Tag: tax

Make the Most of New Rules for Charitable Giving

Most people no longer get a tax deduction when they donate to charity. That shouldn’t keep you from making donations, but you may want to change your approach. Typically, only taxpayers who itemize deductions can write off charitable contributions. The vast majority of taxpayers instead take the standard deduction, which was nearly doubled by the…


Survivor Benefit Doesn’t Affect Social Security Work Benefit

By Elliot Raphaelson From Tribune Content Agency Question: I was divorced many years ago after more than a 10-year marriage. I have not re-married. My previous wife has passed away, and she worked under Social Security for many years. I am 63 now, and don’t plan on filing for my Social Security benefit until I…


Will Forgiven Student Loan Debt Be Taxable?

By Kelley R. Taylor From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Question: I’m hopeful that my student loan debt will be forgiven if President Biden’s plan makes it through court challenges. But if it does, am I going to be hit by a tax bill? Answer: That depends on where you live. Student loan debt that’s canceled under…


Credit Rating Agency Warns Recession Could Trigger Property Tax Hikes

Fitch Ratings said Friday that the outlook for state and local governments was “deteriorating” and an expected recession could put pressure on state and local governments to raise property taxes. “Local governments may face slowed growth or possibly contraction in tax revenues associated with real property valuations, which may trigger expenditure controls or revenue-raising measures…


Retiring? These States Won’t Tax Your Distributions

It can be difficult to afford retirement, especially when your retirement income is taxed. In addition to taxing Social Security benefits, the federal government taxes income from 401(k) retirement plans, traditional IRAs, and pensions. Additionally, most states tax retirement income to some extent. A dozen states, however, do not tax 401(k)s, IRAs, or pensions, which…


How to Maximize Your Tax Exemptions

Since tax time is rapidly approaching, you are probably thinking about how to reduce taxable income. Although you may have been thinking about it all year, there may still be time to lower your taxes even more before the year’s end. One of the best ways is to take advantage of tax exemptions and credits….


Can a Tax-Withholding Form Increase Your Paycheck?

Money has been tight for a lot of people this year. With inflation, you may be finding it difficult to make ends meet. Instead of wishing that you made more money than you do, there are ways to increase income without working harder or getting a second job. You may just need to change your…


Estate Tax Exemption Amount Goes Up in 2023

Every year, the IRS announces new limits on the estate tax exemption for the upcoming year. It is the amount of money people can give away without having to pay a federal estate tax. The number is primarily for rich people who have large amounts of money. The federal estate tax exemption has been raised…


All About the Standard Deduction in 2023

Most taxpayers know that deductions allow you to take out certain expenses from taxable income. This lowers the tax burden. There are two types of deductions: standard deductions and itemized deductions. You can only choose one and cannot itemize deductions and use the standard deduction in the same tax year. The standard deduction is about…


A Tax Credit to Reduce Health Care Premiums

By Joy Taylor From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Question: I’m purchasing health care coverage through my state’s exchange and wonder if I’ll be eligible for a tax credit that reduces my premium. Who qualifies for it? Answer: The premium tax credit is available to eligible individuals who buy health insurance through an exchange. More people qualify…