Category: Taxes and Retirement

Over the last few years, thanks to plenty of pandemic related support via stimulus payments and funding for expanded tax credits, the average refund payment ballooned to over $3,100. This is despite 20 million fewer Americans getting refunds. However with no further federal funding approved, several popular stimulus, family and dependent tax…

With the latest tax season upon us it is worth reviewing some of the key tax changes for New Jersey residents and tax filers. As a relatively high taxing state with higher than average incomes it is no surprise that taxes are a hot button topic in New Jersey. The…

With the latest tax season upon us it is worth reviewing some of the key tax changes for Californian residents and tax filers. As the most populous state in the union with high average incomes it is no surprise that Californian residents pay more taxes than those of any other…

Due to the significant backlog in processing of 2020 tax returns, filed in 2021, many are wondering if they can go ahead and file their 2021 return in the coming weeks or if they need to wait. As the IRS announced, the 2021-22 tax season will start from January 24th,…

Filing taxes can be a complex and stressful procedure for anyone and can be even more challenging if your finances are complicated or accounting is not your strong suit. Some people have said they would rather have a root canal then deal with a complicated tax return! This process is additionally…

The IRS has released the latest 401(k), IRA and Roth individual contribution limits including income qualification and phase-out thresholds. See the tables below for limits and changes over the last few years. 401(k) Limits IRA Limits Tax deductible IRA contributions are based on qualifying income ranges and spousal participation in…

[Updated with IRS Adjustments and Trump Tax Bill] Per the federal tax code the IRS is required to ad­just dozens of tax related items for in­fla­tion on an annual basis. Given the persistently high levels inflation as evidenced in the recent COLA increases, the IRS has again announced significant increases…

Millions of Americans have filed a tax return are now waiting for the IRS to finish processing and a refund payment (where applicable) to be made. The IRS guidelines state that 9 out of 10 returns should be processed within 21 days but as many tax payers have found, this…

The National Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) releases regular reports to Congress on the IRS and how they are performing on various issues. In particular the focus has been on tax return and refund processing delays, which have been ongoing causes of consternation for many filers. Key findings from recent reports…

Estimated taxes normally have to paid if you do not withhold taxes via your employer or if the amount of income tax being withheld from your salary, pension, vendor payments or other income is insufficient. Estimated taxes are generally paid by small business', self-employed or gig workers with variable sources…

With year-end around the corner most people are far more focused on holiday shopping rather than on reducing their tax liability. But the fact is that unless you make tax saving moves before year end, you may end up paying Uncle Sam (a.k.a the IRS) a lot more than you…

Despite paying out millions of stimulus payments (a.k.a. economic impact payments) in 2020, millions of people have missed out on one or both of their stimulus "check" payment and especially the $500 child stimulus payment. While there were some logistical challenges in the IRS getting these payments out and many…

Not only has the COVID-19 pandemic thrown a wrench into our everyday lives, but its impact will also be felt by many as they file their 2020 tax returns next year. Unemployment, freelancing/gig-workers and the many federal stimulus payments will present challenges to millions of Americans when it comes to…