Montgomery Community Media

While not all mistakes on tax returns cause delays in refunds, some do. As the May 17 deadline approaches, it pays to steer clear of the 10 tax return errors listed below. 1. Not using electronic filing. While this isn’t necessarily a mistake per se, electronic filing is the best way to cut the chances for […]

When it comes to working on your taxes, earlier is better, but many people find preparing their tax return to be stressful and frustrating and wait until the last minute. Complicating matters this year is tax reform and the newly redesigned Form 1040. If you’ve been procrastinating on filing your tax return this year, here […]

Generally, taxpayers should file their tax return by the deadline even if they cannot pay the full amount due, but if you can’t there are several options. Let’s take a look at a few scenarios: 1. An individual taxpayer owes taxes, but can’t pay in full by the deadline. If this is the case, file a […]

The Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act made it easier to access savings in IRAs and workplace retirement plans for those affected by the coronavirus. This relief provided favorable tax treatment for certain withdrawals from retirement plans and IRAs, including expanded loan options. Distributions: Certain distributions made from Jan. 1, 2020, through Dec. 30, […]

The gig economy is also referred to as the on-demand, sharing, or access economy. People involved in the gig economy earn income as a freelancer, independent worker or employee. Typically, an online platform is used to connect people with potential or actual customers to provide goods or services. Examples include renting out a home or […]

Signed into law on March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) contains several tax provisions affecting individuals and families. Let’s take a look: Economic Impact Payments (EIP3). A third round of economic impact payments (EIP3) will be sent to qualifying taxpayers; individuals will receive $1,400 ($2,800 for married taxpayers filing jointly) plus $1,400 […]

The federal income tax filing due date for individual taxpayers, including individuals who pay self-employment tax, has been extended to Monday, May 17, 2021, for the 2020 tax year. There is no need to file any forms to qualify for this automatic federal tax filing and payment relief. Individual taxpayers will automatically avoid interest and […]

Apps like Robinhood make it easy for everyone to play the stock market. If you’re a retail investor who made money last year buying and selling stocks, you may owe capital gains tax when you file your tax return this year. If you lost money, you may be able to deduct that loss and reduce […]

Tax changes due to recent legislation such as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the CARES Act affect both individual taxpayers and small businesses. In 2020, the IRS issued several guidance documents and final rules and regulations that clarified several tax provisions affecting businesses. Here are five of them: PPP Expenses Now Deductible Deductions […]

If you have children, one or more of these tax credits and deductions could help your family reduce the amount of tax owed when you file your 2020 tax return. Let’s take a look: 1. Child Tax Credit Generally, taxpayers can claim the Child Tax Credit for each qualifying child under the age of 17. […]