Choosing a Retirement Destination

Picking a Retirement DestinationWith health care, housing, food, and transportation costs increasing every year, many retirees on fixed incomes wonder how they can stretch their dollars even further. One solution is to move to another state where income taxes are lower than the one they currently reside in.

But some retirees may be in for a surprise. While federal tax rates are the same in every state, retirees may find that even if they move to a state with no income tax, there may be additional taxes they’re liable for including sales taxes, excise taxes, inheritance and estate taxes, income taxes, intangible taxes, and property taxes. Continue reading Choosing a Retirement Destination

What Income is Taxable?

What is and is Not Taxable IncomeAre you wondering if there’s a hard and fast rule about what income is taxable and what income is not taxable? The quick answer is that all income is taxable unless the law specifically excludes it. But as you might have guessed, there’s more to it than that.

Taxable income includes any money you receive, such as wages and tips, but it can also include non-cash income from property or services. For example, both parties in a barter exchange must include the fair market value of goods or services received as income on their tax return.

Nontaxable Income Continue reading What Income is Taxable?

Late Filing & Payment Penalty Facts

Late Filing & Payment Penalty Facts

Late Filing & Payment Penalty Facts
Late Filing & Payment Penalty Facts

April 15 is the annual deadline for most people to file their federal income tax return and pay any taxes they owe. If, for whatever reason, you missed the deadline you may be assessed penalties for both failing to file a tax return and for failing to pay taxes they owe by the deadline. Here are eight important facts every taxpayer should know about penalties for filing or paying late: Continue reading Late Filing & Payment Penalty Facts

Facts on Filing an Amended Tax Return

Facts on Filing an Amended Tax Return

Facts on Filing an Amended Tax Return
Facts on Filing an Amended Tax Return

What should you do if you already filed your federal tax return and then discover a mistake?

First of all, don’t worry. In most cases all you have to do is file an amended tax return. But before you do that, here are 10 facts you should be aware of when filing an amended tax return. Continue reading Facts on Filing an Amended Tax Return