Donating to a non-profit organization supports a cause that is meaningful to the contributor, but to those who are 70 1⁄2 or older, it also offers significant tax advantages. One such method is through Charitable Gift Annuities (CGAs). This financial tool allows donors to make substantial charitable contributions while also securing a steady income stream for themselves. If you're eligible, here's how you can leverage CGAs to save on your taxes while contributing to a non-profit you care about.
As tax season begins to wind down, you're likely breathing a sigh of relief, with your financial documents and receipts soon to be stowed away until next year. Before you tuck those files away, consider this: the very best time to craft your tax savings plan is actually right now.
Though it’s common knowledge that taxes are one of life's few certainties, taxes can certainly feel complicated and confusing at times. For some filers, tax season is a stressful scramble for receipts, forms, and information. For others, the season brings the welcome news of a tax refund - a nice chunk of change heading back into your pocket when the process concludes for the year. Still, the path your tax refund takes from the time you file to when you actually receive your money can feel like it's shrouded in mystery. What factors affect how long it takes to arrive? And, once it does, what are some of the wisest ways to put your windfall to use?
While many routines in life remain consistent, the tax code isn't one of them. Every year brings adjustments, and 2023 is no exception to that rule. Several vital changes, driven by inflation, have impacted everything from tax brackets to retirement contributions, but don’t fret - some of the changes might even be beneficial. Read through to get a clear breakdown of what's new, and the ways in which it will (or will not) affect your tax status this year. If you need expert tax advice or clarification on any of these adjustments, arrange a meeting with your CPA or other professional tax preparer.
It’s no secret that marriage is a life-changing event, often in ways you never expected. One of those oft-overlooked changes is the impact that getting married can have on your taxes. Learn more about the eligibility criteria and explore the best strategies to maximize your savings. Whether you’re newlyweds or are celebrating a milestone anniversary, a better understanding can help you and your spouse make more informed financial decisions. There are a relatively broad range of tax breaks for married couples. Discover the advantages and benefits, all of which have the potential to lead to significant savings.
Tax credits are powerful tools that directly reduce your tax liability, dollar for dollar. Unlike deductions designed to reduce your taxable income, tax credits directly reduce the amount of tax you owe. Tax credits are a great way to save money on your taxes because they can help to reduce your overall tax burden or even entitle you to a tax refund. Read on to learn more about the tax credits you don’t want to miss - and how to determine your eligibility.
Three kinds of taxpayers are doing their taxes incorrectly: those who are waiting for a refund, those who are dreading doing their taxes, afraid of owing as much as they did in the prior year, and those who have actually haven't got a clue as to what their taxes will look like once the dust settles. What they all have in common is insufficient planning, and each of them should take time to sit down with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and start planning for next year - because good tax planning never leaves money on the table.
“Preparedness is the ultimate confidence builder” – Vince Lombardi
The time for reporting income taxes is here once again. For many, it’s a time of high anxiety, but it doesn’t have to be. As with most daunting tasks, a little preparation can go a long way toward alleviating stress and assuring smooth progress. Time spent organizing and uploading your documents prior to your virtual appointment with your CPA will serve you and your tax preparer well on multiple levels.
For example, as you are putting your files in order, it will likely refresh your memory of events throughout the year, which may affect the amount of taxes owed. Better yet, being prepared will inevitably cut down on the time needed to complete tax filings, since there will be less back-and-forth between you and your CPA. Here are some of the best ways for individuals and families to prepare for tax season.
The end of the year has always been one of the most hectic times for business owners. Moving forward into the new year, it's always a good exercise to thoroughly assess your financials and your tax options, enabling you to get a realistic picture of how the business performed - and what changes you might want to implement for future growth - in other words, preparing your business for 2023.
Three kinds of people are doing their taxes incorrectly: those waiting for a refund, those dreading owing as much as the year prior, and those who have no clue what their taxes will look like once the dust settles. If your taxes are anything other than zero, it is time to sit down with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and start tax planning for next year.