Pay college bills: the stimulus has also improved the tax breaks to pay the bills in college. The new American Opportunity credit replaces the Hope credit for 2009 and 2010. It increases the size of the maximum credit from $ 1,800 to $ 2,500. The income limits for qualifying have increased, too - from $ 58,000 to 90,000 dollars if you are single and $ 116,000 to $ 180,000 if you are married filing jointly.
You can claim the American Opportunity credit, the first four years of college (and not just the first two years, as was the case of the Hope credit).
The money used to pay for college from a 529 savings account or Coverdell education-(two of which can be used for tax-free accounts of the college) do not count toward the American Opportunity credit. You need to pay at least $ 4,000 in tuition, fees and course materials such as textbooks, from a source other than a 529 or Coverdell to qualify for full credit.
Giving to charity: You can write off charitable contributions, if you list your deductions. But people often struggle at the end of December to decide which organizations support. Now is a good time to start thinking about who should benefit from his generosity.
When the timing of their charitable contributions for the year, do not forget to count gifts of money, and enjoy photos and noncash donations. You can also include out of pocket costs to help a charity, such as 14 cents per mile in transportation costs to do charity work or the cost of ingredients for a casserole for you to make a soup profit organization profit.
Tax Max out the self-employed: If you are self employed or have just a little freelance income, do not forget to take advantage of tax benefits.
You will be able to deduct the cost of the equipment you use in your business, such as a computer, printer, fax and copier, and a dedicated phone line, office supplies, business travel and advertising. You may even be able to deduct a portion of your rent or mortgage, property insurance and utilities if you have a home office personnel.
You can also make tax deductible contributions to a retirement plan for self-employed as a simplified employee pension, or a solo 401k, and may deduct their premiums for health insurance if you are not eligible for health insurance an employer or their spouse's employer. (You can not deduct more than the net profit of your business.)
Keep track of medical expenses: As you mentioned, incur large medical expenses can result in a bill to lower tax. But it can be difficult to get much of a break for medical expenses.
Do you qualify for the tax break only if you list your deductions, and you can recoup the cost only if it exceeds 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.
This means that if you are earning $ 50,000 a year, you can deduct out-of-pocket medical expenses, and $ 3750. If you have $ 5,000 of qualified costs, you're left with a deduction of only $ 1,250. But even if the partial deduction can make a difference. If you are in the range of 25%, a deduction of $ 1250 can reduce their tax bill of $ 313.
Keep receipts of money spent on medical expenses on your tax file throughout the year, because you might end up with a surprisingly large deduction if you have a medical emergency or a major expense that is not covered by insurance, such as fertility treatments, orthodontics, laser surgery eye or any other experimental medical procedures that your insurer will not cover.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
10 ways to cut your '09 taxes now [4-6]
Buy a car: The stimulus plan also provides for a tax break for buyers of new cars. If you buy a new car between February 17 and December 31, you can deduct state and local taxes and sales taxes paid up to $ 49,500 cost of the car. If you live in a state that has a sales tax, you still get a tax break if your state imposes a flat fee on the purchase of vehicles or a fee based on the price you pay.
The tax applies to new (not used) cars, light trucks, motor homes and motorcycles. To qualify, your adjusted gross income must be for less than $ 135,000 if you are single or $ 260,000 if married joint submission (the deduction begins to phase out if you earn over 125,000 dollars, if simple, or 250,000 dollars if married filing jointly).
Sale of investments to lose: the capital losses are first used to offset capital gains and then up to $ 3,000 of net loss may be offset against income like your salary. Any additional loss is carried forward to future years.
Maximize their tax deductions and credits: Tax credits can reduce your tax bill dollar for dollar. If you contribute to a 401k, IRA or other retirement savings plan, you may qualify for the savers credit reform "tax, which can cut your tax bill of up to $ 1,000 per person
The dependent care tax credit is also important - and often overlooked - if you pay someone to care for your child while you work. Keep in mind that same day summer camp to the child is under 13 and you or your spouse work.
And tax deductions are important, too, which lowers your taxable income and in turn reduce your tax bill.
The tax applies to new (not used) cars, light trucks, motor homes and motorcycles. To qualify, your adjusted gross income must be for less than $ 135,000 if you are single or $ 260,000 if married joint submission (the deduction begins to phase out if you earn over 125,000 dollars, if simple, or 250,000 dollars if married filing jointly).
Sale of investments to lose: the capital losses are first used to offset capital gains and then up to $ 3,000 of net loss may be offset against income like your salary. Any additional loss is carried forward to future years.
Maximize their tax deductions and credits: Tax credits can reduce your tax bill dollar for dollar. If you contribute to a 401k, IRA or other retirement savings plan, you may qualify for the savers credit reform "tax, which can cut your tax bill of up to $ 1,000 per person
The dependent care tax credit is also important - and often overlooked - if you pay someone to care for your child while you work. Keep in mind that same day summer camp to the child is under 13 and you or your spouse work.
And tax deductions are important, too, which lowers your taxable income and in turn reduce your tax bill.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
10 ways to cut your '09 taxes now [1-3]
Putting more in your 401k, buying a house or car or giving to charity are among the moves that, if made by Dec. 31, will help shrink your tax bill next spring.
A reader wrote me recently: "I discovered just three ways to cut my taxes: reduce the rent, give more to charity and incur large medical expenses. Is there anything I can do?"
The reader has the right idea: Anything that reduces your income or maximize your credits and deductions will reduce your tax bill.
And now is the perfect time of year to make some moves that can help lower your tax liability for 2009 - and make important decisions about the benefits of its employee, it can cut your taxes for 2010. Here are 10 ways to reduce their taxes:
Boost your 401k contributions: Any money you contribute to a 401k reduces your taxable income. You can contribute up to $ 16,500 to a 401k in 2009 (plus an extra $ 5,500 if you are 50 or more). You still have several months to increase their regular contributions, or you can add any of salary you receive help max out their contributions before 2009 ends.
Make the most of your Flexible Spending Account: Contributions to a flexible spending account to avoid income tax and social security tax, you can save 35% or more compared with spending after tax dollars. Most employers require you to use your FSA money by December 31 or before 15 March next year to make sure that we are on track to spend money in your account before the deadline (otherwise, it disappears).
You will be taking important decisions on behalf of the FSA next year over the next few months, and you may want to increase your contribution if your employer is increasing your out-of-pocket costs of health care for next year - as many of them are.
The maximum employer contribution varies, but many allow you to set aside $ 3,000 per year in cash pre-tax health care flexible spending account and up to $ 5,000 in a dependent care FSA.
Buying a house: The economic stimulus plan provides a tax credit of up to $ 8,000 for buying a first home between January 1 and November 30.
Two important notes: If you have not signed a contract to buy a home, you may be out of luck because of the time it takes to close the purchase. But - and this is important - Congress may extend this tax in 2010. A decision is expected soon.
You are considered a first time homebuyer if you (and your spouse if you are married) did not have a home in the last three years. The credit begins to phase out if your modified adjusted gross income tops $ 75,000 (or $ 150,000 if married filing jointly), and it disappears, if your income exceeds $ 95,000 if you are single (or $ 170,000 if filing married together).
A special rule allows you to receive the money quickly: After closing the home, you can claim credit for the purchase of 2009 on an amended tax return for 2008. But unlike the 2008 version of tax cuts, you need not pay back the credit, as long as you live in your home for at least three years.
A reader wrote me recently: "I discovered just three ways to cut my taxes: reduce the rent, give more to charity and incur large medical expenses. Is there anything I can do?"
The reader has the right idea: Anything that reduces your income or maximize your credits and deductions will reduce your tax bill.
And now is the perfect time of year to make some moves that can help lower your tax liability for 2009 - and make important decisions about the benefits of its employee, it can cut your taxes for 2010. Here are 10 ways to reduce their taxes:
Boost your 401k contributions: Any money you contribute to a 401k reduces your taxable income. You can contribute up to $ 16,500 to a 401k in 2009 (plus an extra $ 5,500 if you are 50 or more). You still have several months to increase their regular contributions, or you can add any of salary you receive help max out their contributions before 2009 ends.
Make the most of your Flexible Spending Account: Contributions to a flexible spending account to avoid income tax and social security tax, you can save 35% or more compared with spending after tax dollars. Most employers require you to use your FSA money by December 31 or before 15 March next year to make sure that we are on track to spend money in your account before the deadline (otherwise, it disappears).
You will be taking important decisions on behalf of the FSA next year over the next few months, and you may want to increase your contribution if your employer is increasing your out-of-pocket costs of health care for next year - as many of them are.
The maximum employer contribution varies, but many allow you to set aside $ 3,000 per year in cash pre-tax health care flexible spending account and up to $ 5,000 in a dependent care FSA.
Buying a house: The economic stimulus plan provides a tax credit of up to $ 8,000 for buying a first home between January 1 and November 30.
Two important notes: If you have not signed a contract to buy a home, you may be out of luck because of the time it takes to close the purchase. But - and this is important - Congress may extend this tax in 2010. A decision is expected soon.
You are considered a first time homebuyer if you (and your spouse if you are married) did not have a home in the last three years. The credit begins to phase out if your modified adjusted gross income tops $ 75,000 (or $ 150,000 if married filing jointly), and it disappears, if your income exceeds $ 95,000 if you are single (or $ 170,000 if filing married together).
A special rule allows you to receive the money quickly: After closing the home, you can claim credit for the purchase of 2009 on an amended tax return for 2008. But unlike the 2008 version of tax cuts, you need not pay back the credit, as long as you live in your home for at least three years.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Top 10 Great Jobs for summer
1. Amusement park worker
Summer sizzle: Amusement parks are a prime summer-job hub, mainly because your options are endless in terms of jobs. Just a few of the positions that need to be filled include performers, ride operators, customer service, mascots, game workers and food staff. (Did I mention the discounts on entry and funnel cakes?)
Salary: $21,758
2. Bartender
Summer sizzle: Summer seems to trigger a hidden thirst gland that's been hibernating all winter. The first nice day rolls around and windows open, music plays and bars fill up. Bartenders make great money and keep busy serving up many a cold beverage to college students and workers taking a load off.
Salary: $21,876
3. Catering helper
Summer sizzle: Find a job helping a catering company part time during the summer and you're in business. The scheduling for a gig like this is ideal: You're able to work a certain amount of events per week, for a few hours at a time and at a great hourly rate.
Salary: $16,469
4. Construction worker
Summer sizzle: There are more than a few upsides to performing physically demanding work all summer long. The first few that come to mind are killer muscles, rewarding work and a great tan.
Salary: $31,781
5. Day-camp counselor
Summer sizzle: Rise and shine! It's true that your days of sleeping in will be short-lived as a camp counselor, but working with kids is never short of pure entertainment and you'll enjoy organizing group activities, like crafts or outings to the pool. Plus, you'll get evenings and weekends off.
Salary: $20,493
6. Executive assistant
Summer sizzle: Although you'll have to trade your bikini for office attire, the chances of finding administrative work are in your favor during the summer. As employees take summer vacation, many companies bring on extra staff to cover their projects. Plus, getting your foot in the door by helping companies tackle projects will do only good things for your résumé.
Salary: $49,270
7. Lifeguard
Summer sizzle: If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. That is, if you can't afford to spend your days poolside for the fun of it, soak up some rays and get paid for it by keeping tabs on swimmers from your guard chair.
Salary: $16,782
8. Resort desk clerk
Summer sizzle: Every resort vacationer is looking for a little R and R, so you'll work to ensure guest's needs are met. On your downtime, you can spend your time enjoying some of the luxuries of the resort yourself.
Salary: $17,585
9. Tour guide
Summer sizzle: While living near a tourist trap or in a vacation town can be annoying at times, it can also work to your advantage. Options are endless when it comes to the things people want to see. You can find a job leading boat tours, bus tours, architecture tours, haunted mansion tours, museum tours ... the list goes on. This summer gig is a great way to learn more about the city in which you live and get paid doing it.
Salary: $22,545
10. Valet parking attendant
Summer sizzle: Valets essentially exist almost anywhere. From hotels to restaurants to concert venues to weddings, you can earn some serious cash in tips from generous patrons at any given place. And depending on the venue, chances are you'll probably get to see some pretty cool stuff -- and drive some pretty sweet cars -- in the meantime.
Salary: $16,737
Summer sizzle: Amusement parks are a prime summer-job hub, mainly because your options are endless in terms of jobs. Just a few of the positions that need to be filled include performers, ride operators, customer service, mascots, game workers and food staff. (Did I mention the discounts on entry and funnel cakes?)
Salary: $21,758
2. Bartender
Summer sizzle: Summer seems to trigger a hidden thirst gland that's been hibernating all winter. The first nice day rolls around and windows open, music plays and bars fill up. Bartenders make great money and keep busy serving up many a cold beverage to college students and workers taking a load off.
Salary: $21,876
3. Catering helper
Summer sizzle: Find a job helping a catering company part time during the summer and you're in business. The scheduling for a gig like this is ideal: You're able to work a certain amount of events per week, for a few hours at a time and at a great hourly rate.
Salary: $16,469
4. Construction worker
Summer sizzle: There are more than a few upsides to performing physically demanding work all summer long. The first few that come to mind are killer muscles, rewarding work and a great tan.
Salary: $31,781
5. Day-camp counselor
Summer sizzle: Rise and shine! It's true that your days of sleeping in will be short-lived as a camp counselor, but working with kids is never short of pure entertainment and you'll enjoy organizing group activities, like crafts or outings to the pool. Plus, you'll get evenings and weekends off.
Salary: $20,493
6. Executive assistant
Summer sizzle: Although you'll have to trade your bikini for office attire, the chances of finding administrative work are in your favor during the summer. As employees take summer vacation, many companies bring on extra staff to cover their projects. Plus, getting your foot in the door by helping companies tackle projects will do only good things for your résumé.
Salary: $49,270
7. Lifeguard
Summer sizzle: If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. That is, if you can't afford to spend your days poolside for the fun of it, soak up some rays and get paid for it by keeping tabs on swimmers from your guard chair.
Salary: $16,782
8. Resort desk clerk
Summer sizzle: Every resort vacationer is looking for a little R and R, so you'll work to ensure guest's needs are met. On your downtime, you can spend your time enjoying some of the luxuries of the resort yourself.
Salary: $17,585
9. Tour guide
Summer sizzle: While living near a tourist trap or in a vacation town can be annoying at times, it can also work to your advantage. Options are endless when it comes to the things people want to see. You can find a job leading boat tours, bus tours, architecture tours, haunted mansion tours, museum tours ... the list goes on. This summer gig is a great way to learn more about the city in which you live and get paid doing it.
Salary: $22,545
10. Valet parking attendant
Summer sizzle: Valets essentially exist almost anywhere. From hotels to restaurants to concert venues to weddings, you can earn some serious cash in tips from generous patrons at any given place. And depending on the venue, chances are you'll probably get to see some pretty cool stuff -- and drive some pretty sweet cars -- in the meantime.
Salary: $16,737
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Get out of debt on $26,000 a year [chapter2]
Staying current
Hunihan's former spending habits have damaged her credit history, but she can repair it in several ways:
Pay her current bills on time.
Knock out a large loan, such as the one for a new car she took out in 2007. Her poor credit netted her a 36-month loan that requires weekly payments. The $10,000 loan will cost her an additional $4,000 in interest by the time she's through, but successfully paying it off will indicate to future lenders that she's a better credit risk now.
Get a secured credit card. Hunihan could open a secured card with a small amount, say $200. The lender would give her a credit card with a matching $200 limit. The lender would have Hunihan's bank deposit for collateral, and, as long as she made timely payments, Hunihan could prove she's become more responsible.
Set up a regular repayment schedule with the bank where the checks were overdrawn. The account is closed, but sending money consistently will exhibit her financial discipline.
Avoiding future disasters
Hunihan shouldn't devote all her earnings to paying current bills and ridding herself of her debts, though. She still needs to prepare for surprises.
She should set aside a small amount each week -- even $10 a month -- to a savings account she can access in emergencies.
And Hunihan should get health insurance. She's living without it because her employer doesn't provide it. But the risk is too large. If she developed an unexpected illness or had an accident, her financial plan would be ruined, and she'd be buried under medical bills.
Hunihan should check whether she's eligible for any discounted health policies through alumni or industry groups, such as the National Cosmetology Association, which offers discounted insurance policies to its members. Or, if she looks for part-time work to bring in extra cash, she could seek an employer that offers insurance to part-timers. These are hard to find, but some larger chain companies do offer health benefits.
She should also check Families USA's state-by-state guide to see whether she qualifies for any state health insurance programs.
Having the right attitude
Despite all her troubles, Hunihan has the right attitude. She considers herself lucky. She says she easily could have been one of those people with $23,000 in credit card debt rather than the total debt of $3,000 she has.
She also has a goal that motivates her to stick to frugality: She wants a zero balance and a shot at someday opening her own hair salon or doing hair and makeup for videos or film.
"I don't usually fail," she says. "I'm trying to fight for the good and make my dreams come true, and thereafter I hope to do good for other people. You'll see me someday, I promise."
Hunihan's former spending habits have damaged her credit history, but she can repair it in several ways:
Pay her current bills on time.
Knock out a large loan, such as the one for a new car she took out in 2007. Her poor credit netted her a 36-month loan that requires weekly payments. The $10,000 loan will cost her an additional $4,000 in interest by the time she's through, but successfully paying it off will indicate to future lenders that she's a better credit risk now.
Get a secured credit card. Hunihan could open a secured card with a small amount, say $200. The lender would give her a credit card with a matching $200 limit. The lender would have Hunihan's bank deposit for collateral, and, as long as she made timely payments, Hunihan could prove she's become more responsible.
Set up a regular repayment schedule with the bank where the checks were overdrawn. The account is closed, but sending money consistently will exhibit her financial discipline.
Avoiding future disasters
Hunihan shouldn't devote all her earnings to paying current bills and ridding herself of her debts, though. She still needs to prepare for surprises.
She should set aside a small amount each week -- even $10 a month -- to a savings account she can access in emergencies.
And Hunihan should get health insurance. She's living without it because her employer doesn't provide it. But the risk is too large. If she developed an unexpected illness or had an accident, her financial plan would be ruined, and she'd be buried under medical bills.
Hunihan should check whether she's eligible for any discounted health policies through alumni or industry groups, such as the National Cosmetology Association, which offers discounted insurance policies to its members. Or, if she looks for part-time work to bring in extra cash, she could seek an employer that offers insurance to part-timers. These are hard to find, but some larger chain companies do offer health benefits.
She should also check Families USA's state-by-state guide to see whether she qualifies for any state health insurance programs.
Having the right attitude
Despite all her troubles, Hunihan has the right attitude. She considers herself lucky. She says she easily could have been one of those people with $23,000 in credit card debt rather than the total debt of $3,000 she has.
She also has a goal that motivates her to stick to frugality: She wants a zero balance and a shot at someday opening her own hair salon or doing hair and makeup for videos or film.
"I don't usually fail," she says. "I'm trying to fight for the good and make my dreams come true, and thereafter I hope to do good for other people. You'll see me someday, I promise."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)