tax

2012 vs 2011 Savers Tax Credit To Offset IRA and 401(k) Retirement Plan Contributions

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Despite tough economic times, you should not lose sight of your longer term retirement savings. This is where the savers credit can help you to keep contributing towards a retirement plans without undue financial stress. The saver’s credit, also known as the retirement savings contributions credit, helps offset part of the first $2,000 workers voluntarily [...]

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Get Your Tax Refund Money Now!

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A lot of people look forward to their tax refund at the end of the year. But I know that if I get a big refund, it usually means I haven’t kept up with my paycheck withholding. Why should I wait until next year to get my hands on money that is already mine? If [...]

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The 999 Tax Plan – How Hermain Cain’s Tax Reform Plan Would Affect Your Income Taxes

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There has been a lot of news lately on Republican presidential candidate Hermain Cain’s 999 plan. As the new darling and front runner for the parties presidential nomination, Cain’s tax plan has gone from a joke (e.g. the price of a pizza) to getting some serious, albeit critical, reviews. Here’s what some of the mainstream media [...]

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2012 401K, IRA and Roth IRA Contribution and Income Deduction Limits

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[Updated with 2012 details] 2012 tax advantaged retirement plan contribution limits have officially been released by the IRS, with slight increases over 2011 limits; due mainly to cost of living adjustments (COLA). Further with increases in income phase-out thresholds, more people can benefit from employer and self-managed retirement plans.  The table below summarizes key changes [...]

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Adjust or Change Your Paycheck Tax Withholding (W4) After These Personal and Financial Life Events

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During the year many people have personal and financial life changing events that can affect how much they pay in taxes. But they often forget to adjust their income or paycheck tax withholding to cater for these events. This means they ending up owing taxes and associated penalties when filing; or missing out on extra [...]

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Obama Jobs Act – 2012 Payroll Tax cuts, Unemployment Extension, Infrastructure Spending and Small Business Incentives

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[Update Sep 2011] – President Obama has revealed details on his new $447 billion Americans Jobs Act and it is pretty much in line with what I had referenced in my earlier update (see below) before his speech. Here are the main things he is proposing that now go to Congress for review and approval: [...]

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Obama’s 2012 Job Creation Stimulus and Tax Cuts – Can the New Economic Plan Really Boost The Economy and Lower Unemployment?

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[Update - American Jobs Act a.k.a 2012 Economic Stimulus] In what is essentially the 2012 stimulus package, President Obama has released details on the American Jobs Act which involves spending over $400 billion dollars to boost economic growth. The key provisions are: – Extension of employee payroll tax cuts into 2012, which were due to [...]

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2012 Payroll Tax Credit and Unemployment Insurance Benefits Extension (February-March Update)

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[Updated Feb 2012]  The ongoing Payroll Tax Credit and Unemployment Insurance Benefits Extension is set to resume in Congress following the lapse of the two month 2012 extension. The debate is expected to be fierce, but Congress will pass the full year extension after sufficient political theater. I will provide updates on key developments and [...]

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Tax Deadline Tips – Filing Late, Requesting an Extension, Installment Plans and Refund Status

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With yet another tax season coming to a close here are some frequently asked questions and answers that come up around this time of the year: I’ve filed, but where is my refund? You can go online to check the status of your tax refund 72 hours after IRS acknowledges receipt of your e-filed return, [...]

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IRS Errors and Economic Stimulus Refunds For Home Buyer Credit and Overpayment of $250 SSI and Making Work Pay Tax Credit

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The IRS has officially admitted that they are having issues with processing some of the most popular economic stimulus payments that the Obama administration has handed out over the last few years. In particular, the many versions of the first time home buyer credit, each with different eligibility and income rules, has made tax time [...]

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When Will I Get My Tax Refund?

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You’ve filed your tax return and are expecting a tax refund. Congratulations!  Now, you want to know when to expect your refund.  Generally, if you e-file and use direct deposit, the IRS estimates that you should receive your federal refund between 8 and 14 days after they accept your return (i.e. the IRS does not [...]

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2011 & 2012 Paycheck Changes: Payroll Tax Credit Extension

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[Updated Dec 2011] There is a fierce political debate going on in Congress to extend the payroll tax credit and unemployment benefits into 2012. The payroll tax credit which cuts 2% of an employees social security taxes for a saving of up to $1000, affects about 160 million Americans and is the biggest bone of [...]

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