by Elyssa Carlos | Dec 28, 2022 | Tax Returns
The 2023 tax filing season will be different than the past few years and getting prepared early can help make the process much easier. Some of the changes expected in 2023 could affect tax bills, which in turn could affect tax refunds. Here are some tax tips for 2023.
Wait for Form 1099-K Before Filing
Perhaps the most notable change for tax year 2022 is the reporting rule change for Form 1099-K. The form reports all funds received through third-party payment networks like Venmo and PayPal. With the rise of small businesses and gig work, a large number of taxpayers are expected to receive this form, especially since the reporting threshold has changed. Prior to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Form 1099-K was not sent out unless a taxpayer collected more than 200 transactions valued at an aggregate above $20,000. Now, that threshold has dramatically decreased to just $600. 1099-Ks must be sent out by January 31, 2023, which would make filing at the end of February or early March ideal for taxpayers. The IRS is urging everyone to wait until they receive these forms before filing. Failing to include this income can have serious, negative consequences.
Consider Changes to Tax Credits
Another major change for tax year 2022 is the end of expanded tax credits that were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of these credits, including the Child Tax Credit (CTC), Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child and Dependent Care Credit will return to pre-COVID levels. For example, the expanded CTC which previously granted $3,600 per dependent in 2021 will be reduced to $2,000 for the 2022 tax year. In 2021, eligible taxpayers without children received about $1,500 for the EITC but that amount will drop to about $500 for 2022. The Child and Dependent Care Credit is returning to a maximum of $2,100, down from 2021’s maximum of $8,000. These changes can drastically affect tax refunds so taxpayers should plan accordingly.
Check Eligibility for a Clean Vehicle Credit
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 amended the Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit, also known as the Clean Vehicle Credit. If you purchased a new electric vehicle after August 16, 2022, you may be eligible for a tax credit. To qualify, your purchased vehicle must have finished assembly in North America. You can check the Department of Energy’s list of approved vehicles. If you purchased an electric vehicle before August 16, 2022 but did not take possession of the vehicle until on or after August 16, 2022, you may still claim the credit. In this scenario, the final assembly of your vehicle does not need to be in North America. The credit is worth up to $7,500.
Tax Relief for Taxpayers
The changes for the 2022 tax year can leave many taxpayers with surprise tax bills, especially if they have not prepared for these changes throughout the year. Still, steps can and should be taken to prepare for 2023 tax filing season. These new changes can result in a more stressful tax season. Working with a qualified and dedicated tax professional can help ease the process. If you need tax help, call us at 800-536-0734 for a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable tax professionals.
by Elyssa Carlos | Oct 21, 2022 | Tax News
Sometimes the idea of taking out a second mortgage can be a viable solution to eliminating debt, funding home renovations, or paying off unexpected medical bills. Before taking out a home equity loan, you should know the tax implications that come with it.
What is a home equity loan?
Also known as a second mortgage, a home equity loan is a type of consumer debt that allows homeowners to borrow against the equity in their residence. The equity that you have accumulated through mortgage payments is used as collateral. The loan is paid out to you in a lump sum and is repaid with interest at a fixed rate each month for a set number of years.
How much can I borrow with a home equity loan?
Typically, the max you may borrow is around 80% to 85% of your home’s appraised value less the remaining balance on your mortgage. For example, let’s say your home is valued at $500,000, your mortgage balance is $200,000, and your lender will allow you to borrow up to 80% of your home’s value.
$500,000 x 80% = $400,000
$400,000 – $200,000 = $200,000 maximum loan amount
In this scenario, you may borrow up to $200,000. The principal would be repaid at a fixed rate each month for a set number of years in addition to your regular mortgage payment, hence the term “second mortgage.”
How Do Home Equity Loans Affect My Taxes?
Like many other loans, the interest on a home equity loan can be tax deductible, but there are some limitations. If you used funds from the loan to “buy, build, or substantially improve” the home that was used to secure the loan, the interest is tax deductible. Since the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, you may no longer deduct the interest of the loan if it was used for any other purpose. The amount of interest that may be deducted will also depend on your filing status.
Tax Relief for Homeowners
Deducting home equity loan interest only makes sense if your itemized deductible expenses are more than the amount of the standard deduction. If you choose to itemize your deductions and would like to deduct home equity loan interest paid, you will need to supply your tax preparer with IRS Form 1098, Mortgage Interest Statement. Tax planning can be incredibly stressful and intimidating, especially when taking new actions such as deducting loan interest. It is always best to check with a trusted tax professional to ensure you remain compliant with the most updated tax laws. If you need tax help, give us a call at 800-536-0734 for a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable tax professionals.
by Elyssa Carlos | Oct 13, 2022 | Tax News
As the cost of living continues to rise, it is becoming increasingly difficult for single individuals to live comfortably. Without the safety net of a second income, the need to manage finances as a single individual is more important than ever. The process comes with unique benefits and challenges, both throughout the year and during tax time.
Budget Tips for Single Individuals
There are countless budget strategies you can use as a single individual. Some of the most popular ones are the 50/30/20 budget and the zero-based budget.
50/30/20 Budget
One of the most popular methods is the 50/30/20 budget, in which you spend about half of your after-tax income on necessities. This includes bills, groceries, housing, and all the other items that are necessary to live. Thirty percent of your income should then go to your “wants”, like dinners, entertainment, and travel. The final 20% should be designated for savings and debt repayment. These percentages can be altered to fit your own specific needs.
Zero-Based Budget
In the zero-based budget strategy, every dollar you earn is allocated to a specific expense. A certain dollar amount goes to housing, another goes to utilities, another goes to debt, and so on until every dollar in your paycheck is assigned to one expense. At the end of the pay period, whatever is left over is sent to your savings. This strategy is especially helpful in preventing impulse spending.
Retirement Tips for Single Individuals
The key to retirement savings is understanding that the earlier you start, the better. Let’s say two people begin saving $100 per month. One begins at age 25 and the other begins at age 35. The one who begins saving earlier will have nearly twice as much savings by age 65. Prioritizing any portion of your income for retirement can really maximize your savings, especially if you take advantage of employer contributions.
Automate and Maximize Your Saving
Having an emergency fund that can cover three to six months of expenses is crucial if you don’t have a second income to rely on if you lose your job or cannot work. Automating your savings can help you reach your goals faster. You can create automatic bank account transfers or even use mobile apps that schedule money transfers from your checking account to your savings account or online account. While you’re at it, you can maximize your savings by opening a high-yield savings account that will accrue interest at a higher rate than a typical savings account.
Tax Relief for Single Individuals
During tax season, it’s important to know which tax bracket you’ll fall into as a single filer. The federal income tax bracket for 2022 is as follows:
- 10%: $0 – $10,275
- 12%: $10,276 – $41,775
- 22%: 41,776 – $89,075
- 24%: 89,076 – $170,050
- 32%: $170,051 – $215,950
- 35%: $215,951 – $539,900
- 37%: $539,901+
Single filers do not qualify for deductions that many families take advantage of, so it’s also important to learn which ones you are eligible for in order to reduce your taxable income, and even your tax bracket. Remember, the tax bracket ranges above are based on taxable income, and not the actual amount of earned income you receive. In other words, the tax bracket is based on your income after deductions and credits are taken. Doing taxes on your own can be intimidating and stressful. Give us a call at 800-536-0734 for a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable tax professionals.
