Individual Tax
Is It a Hobby or a Business?
In general, a hobby is an activity that a person pursues because they enjoy it and with no intention of making a profit. People operate a business with the intention of making a profit. Many people engage in hobby activities that turn into a source of income—it can be confusing to determine if that hobby…
Read MoreFiling the Final Tax Return
As a survivor, executor, or administrator of an estate, you are obligated to file an income tax return reporting all the deceased’s income up to his or her date of death. You will need to be aware of all the credits and deductions the deceased is allowed as if that person had been alive to…
Read MoreIncome Tax Credit for Residential Solar Devices
Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) is reminding homeowners who installed a solar energy device in their residential home during 2021 to submit Form 310, Credit for Solar Energy Devices with their individual income tax return and Form 301, Nonrefundable Individual Tax Credits and Recapture. ADOR defines a solar energy device as a system or series of mechanisms which…
Read MoreCryptocurrency Basics
Cryptocurrency has been in the news a lot lately as it continues to gain traction as an alternative currency. Many are considering whether this is the time to invest in or start using cryptocurrency. After all, the IRS has taken notice and has instituted measures to ensure income from cryptocurrency is accurately reported. Important terminology…
Read MoreShould I Itemize My Deductions?
When filing your individual income tax returns, you are allowed to deduct certain expenses from your taxable income, thus reducing the amount of income tax you must pay. There are two ways you can take deductions on your federal tax return: you can deduct a defined amount, the standard deduction, or you can list specific…
Read MoreCan You Claim the Credit for Other Dependents?
If you’re taking care of adult children, relatives or parents, you know that this can create an additional financial strain. To ease it, the IRS offers a credit for dependents who are too old to qualify for the child tax credit. You may qualify for a $500 credit for each dependent who meets these criteria:…
Read MoreCredits vs. Deductions: What’s the Difference?
Tax deductions and tax credits can both help you, but that doesn’t mean they’re the same thing. Knowing how they work can help you understand your tax situation. Tax credits are subtracted from your final tax liability, dollar for dollar, after it is calculated. A tax credit valued at $1,000, for example, lowers your tax…
Read MoreWhat to Know About Tax Prep
The IRS is offering some help to taxpayers in getting organized so the filing season can be as easy as possible for everyone. “Having all needed documents on hand before taxpayers prepare their return helps them file it completely and accurately,” says the IRS. This includes: Forms W-2. Each employer you worked for must send…
Read MoreWhat’s the Tax Deal on IRAs?
IRAs—individual retirement arrangements—are among the most popular retirement savings vehicles. They can be used to reduce taxes on retirement savings, but how do they work? If you create a traditional IRA, you may be able to deduct some or all of your contributions to the account from your income taxes. You also may be eligible…
Read MoreIRS Announces 2022 Limits for Retirement Plans
The IRS has announced the new retirement plan numbers for 2022. Retirement limits for 401(k) and similar plans are up. The contribution limit for employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan is increased to $20,500, up from $19,500. IRA limits have changed for certain savers. If…
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