It is a daily ritual for millions of Australians, but if you have noticed the price of your morning flat white or soy latte increase, brace yourself — it is likely to get worse.
By the end of the year,...
It is a daily ritual for millions of Australians, but if you have noticed the price of your morning flat white or soy latte increase, brace yourself — it is likely to get worse.
By the end of the year,...
The 2017 tax cuts may not have been as beneficial for middle class Americans as advertised. Many provisions, including increased standard deductions and favorable tax brackets, are set to expire unless Congress extends them. Other hidden costs, such as increased property taxes and excise taxes, can offset some of the savings. Consider consulting a tax advisor for personalized advice on how to minimize tax exposure given these complexities.
The tax filing deadline for most Americans is April 15th. Those who haven't filed can still apply for an extension until October 15th, but taxes owed must be paid by April 15th. Many can file taxes for free through IRS Free File or Direct File. If someone owes a balance but doesn't file, they can expect penalties and interest. The IRS also suggests filing electronically for a faster refund.
Did you know you can contribute to an IRA up to April 15th and potentially get a tax deduction? The contribution limit for 2023 is $6,500 (plus $1,000 if you're 50 or older). The catch is that you may not qualify for the deduction if you have a workplace retirement plan and your income is too high. If you're eligible, weigh your goals and consider your immediate expenses before contributing.
The Powerball jackpot has reached an astounding $1 billion, with the next drawing scheduled for Monday night. The winner has two payout options: a lump sum of $483.8 million or an annuity worth $1 billion paid out over 29 years. While the lump sum may be tempting, experts warn that it could be difficult to manage without financial guidance. The annuity provides a guaranteed stream of income, which could be a wiser choice for some winners.
The IRS' Direct File program, which offers free tax filing, is now available in 12 pilot states. An estimated 19 million taxpayers are eligible this season, with filing limited to simple tax situations like W-2 income and standard deductions. While Direct File is only available in certain states, most taxpayers can use IRS Free File, which has even wider eligibility criteria and allows for both electronic filings and printable forms.
Soaring college tuition costs are leading to a surprising shift: parents are increasingly employed by universities to gain access to discounted or free tuition for their children. In some cases, parents can qualify after a few years of employment.
This trend is important because it highlights the rising cost of higher education and the creative ways parents are seeking to finance their children's education.
The IRS is bolstering its digital currency monitoring with former crypto experts, signaling increased scrutiny for tax professionals. The agency is pursuing investigations related to unreported crypto income and gathering data through tax return questions. Upcoming regulations aim to enhance reporting in 2025, while inconsistent reporting methods persist. Taxpayers should expect heightened examination of their crypto activities as the IRS intensifies its efforts to regulate the industry.
