Money Management Articles
Taxes
Surviving an IRS audit: What to expect and do when Uncle Sam comes calling
- 5/14/2013
Statistics from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration
show last year that 1.48 million taxpayers were invited to spend a
little extra quality time with the IRS because they underwent an
individual audit.
Retaining personal financial records: What do you need to keep and for how long?
- 5/14/2013
Does looking at overflowing filing cabinets of bank statements and boxes
of old check stubs make you want to start a bonfire in your backyard?
Before you grab the lighter fluid and matches, make sure you know what
you can torch and what you need to keep.
Safeguarding your tax records
- 3/31/2013
There are many reasons to be sure that your tax and other financial
records are safe and available when you need them. At this time of year,
as you prepare and file your tax return, it’s important to have easy
access to receipts, the tax forms you receive from employers and other
tax-related documents.
Seven smart tips for last-minute filers
- 3/31/2013
In the wake of the Fiscal Cliff negotiations, the Internal Revenue
Service delayed the start of tax filing season until Jan. 30 this year.
Some taxpayers faced even further delays in filing, including those who
claimed residential energy credits or whose returns involved property
depreciation or general business credits.
New tax rules for your small business
- 3/14/2013
The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 resolved most of the tax issues included in last year’s Fiscal Cliff debate and answered many pending tax questions for small businesses. What impact did the Act have on businesses?
How did the Fiscal Cliff deal affect your taxes?
- 3/14/2013
The fiscal cliff problems invovled a list of expiring tax issues and congressionally mandated spending cuts.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: Its impact on small businesses
- 3/3/2013
When the Supreme Court upheld the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) in June 2012, it set in motion a timeline of events that may have seemed far off, but are now imminent for America’s small business owners. The Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants (MNCPA) advises that it’s now time for small-business owners to be sure they understand how the Affordable Care Act affects them and pay close attention to the timeline and deadlines ahead. The MNCPA provides this helpful information.
What to do when friends or family ask for money
- 2/14/2013
While it’s natural to want to help when someone needs financial assistance, it’s important to be careful. Money can drive a wedge into friendships and family relationships. And there are tax-related considerations. The Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants (MNCPA) offers these steps to take before you commit to lending money, not only to ensure everyone understands the details of the loan, but also to reduce the likelihood of breaking a tax law.
The American Taxpayer Relief Act: What it means to your wallet
- 2/14/2013
President Obama signed what is now the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA) into law on Jan. 2, 2013, preserving most of the George W. Bush-era tax cuts and extending many other lapsed provisions. According to the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants (MNCPA), the ATRA contains provisions that impact nearly every taxpayer, not just the high earners. Don’t miss out on some of these now-permanent deductions that could help lower your tax liability.
Getting organized for tax season
- 2/13/2013
Here are some simple steps you can take now to get your tax documents organized so you’re not in panic mode this April. Your income, deductions and expenses, and investment documents all have a home in this easy-to-use and easy-to-maintain filing system.
All about audits
- 1/16/2013
Few words in the English language set off alarm bells like the word “audit.” The good news is there are ways to reduce the likelihood the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will tag you for an audit. But if a letter from the IRS does appear in your mailbox, don’t panic says the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants (MNCPA).
Do you need a CPA?
- 1/16/2013
Most of the time, filing your taxes isn’t a complicated process, but there are times when you may want to call in the cavalry to ensure that you meet all of your federal, state and local tax obligations without giving away too much, according to the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants (MNCPA). A certified public accountant (CPA) can help.
Learn about the Earned Income Tax Credit
- 12/17/2012
The EITC is a tax credit to help you keep more of what you earn by giving you a tax refund, says the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants (MNCPA). Yes, there are requirements you need to meet, but you should take the time to see if you qualify. After all, who couldn’t use a little more money?
Taking a trip over the fiscal cliff: Expiring tax cuts and deficit-cutting compromise measures leave American taxpayers with lots of uncertainty
- 12/17/2012
The term “fiscal cliff” has become a popular phrase among politicians and pundits over the past several months, but what does it mean? If the United States goes over it, will you be affected? The so-called fiscal cliff actually refers to two separate sets of economic events that will take place starting Jan. 1, 2013. If politicians in Washington fail to come to an agreement, a popular set of tax cuts will expire. At the same time, a plan for severe government budget cuts will begin to be phased in. Over the long term, the combined effect would be significant.
Preparing for next year’s tax season
- 12/3/2012
Now is the time of year when people begin to think about peace, generosity — and taxes? While it may seem to be much too early to worry about filing your tax return, the end of the year is a great time to get your records in order and take other steps that will minimize the hassles when tax time does roll around. It’s also often your last chance to take advantage of deductions or other tax-saving opportunities for the year.
Understanding your taxes: What you pay and why
- 10/16/2012
For most people, taxes are a mysterious thing — a sum of money just disappears from every paycheck. And then every year, sometime before April 15, you have to prepare a tax return. Most people don’t give their taxes much thought beyond the fact that it’s money out of their pocket. It is important, however, to pay attention to tax and other paycheck withholdings. Time invested now in understanding these matters can greatly reduce tax-season uncertainty.
What you can learn from your tax return
- 5/1/2012
Tax time may be over, but before you store your return in the attic, take a moment to review it. You can discover a lot about your financial situation and identify changes that will improve your tax outlook before it’s time to file next year’s return.
Tax tips for those serving in the military
- 2/20/2012
Are you or a loved one serving in the military? If so, you should know that there are tax laws that make it easier to meet your tax obligations while serving your country.
Sandwich generation tax decisions: Who claims whom?
- 12/29/2011
Now is a good time to decide who claims whom on their 2011 federal and state tax returns. And, the discussion isn’t focused only on minor children.
Tax and other financial considerations after a natural disaster
- 12/29/2011
The year 2011 was a tough one for natural disasters. If you were affected by a natural disaster this year, you should be aware of Internal Revenue Service rules on casualty losses, as well as other financial considerations. The Minnesota Society of CPAs provides some perspective.
Five mistakes people make in choosing a tax preparer
- 12/29/2011
These are a few of the many reasons it’s so important to choose tax preparers who really know their stuff. The Minnesota Society of CPAs points out common mistakes people make in making this choice and offers helpful solutions
Smart tax-planning steps to take now
- 11/28/2011
There's just one month left in 2011. Have you done all that you need to do to simplify your tax situation and take advantage of the tax breaks available to you? The Minnesota Society of CPAs (MNCPA) offers this advice on actions you can take today that will make life easier—and perhaps save you money—next April and in the future.
Top tips for 2011 tax preparation
- 11/28/2011
You
may not be thinking of taxes at this time of year, but you can make some
decisions now that could keep some of your hard-earned money in your pocket
when April 2012 rolls around. Follow these 10 tips.
Can you claim your college student?
- 10/19/2011
Here’s some information from the IRS that may help clear up some of the confusion around claiming a child in college.
3 tips for outsourcing payroll
- 10/19/2011
Outsourcing payroll duties to third-party service providers can streamline business operations, but the IRS reminds employers that they are ultimately responsible for paying federal tax liabilities.
Does the IRS have money waiting for you?
- 10/19/2011
If you earned income in the last few years but you didn’t file a tax return because your wages were below the filing requirement, the IRS may have some money for you.
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