Taxes are what you pay to the federal, state and local governments where you live. Different types of taxes include income taxes, capital gains tax, sales tax, estate tax and real estate taxes such as property tax. Learn how to bequest property and do transactions in a way that will help you pay less taxes and follow the law.
Do I Need to Repay my First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit from 2008?
For those that took advantage of the first-time home buyer tax credit in 2008, you still need to repay the IRS back over time. Q: I bought a home in April, 2008 and took advantage of the $7,500 home buyer tax credit. My understanding is I will have to pay back the full amount to [...]
Documenting Your Charitable Tax Deductions
As we all know, it’s important to get the details right when you are filing taxes. When it comes to charitable contributions, it’s even more important. The Tax Code doesn’t just require the paperwork to show the amount donated, it requires you to get the receipts on time—and those receipts must clearly specify that you [...]
What the End of the Bush Tax Cuts Means for You—Part One
Disclaimer: This blog post was written before the election and is meant to summarize the possible effects of the end of the Bush-era tax cuts. I hope you enjoyed all the presidential debates last month—and I also hope that you are are happy with the election results. Perhaps now our elected officials can get back [...]
What the End of the Bush Tax Cuts Means for You—Part Two
Disclaimer: This blog post was written before the election and is meant to summarize the possible effects of the end of the Bush-era tax cuts. In part one of this series, I outlined the changes that could affect individuals on January 1, 2013, if the Bush tax cuts are allowed to expire. In part two, [...]
Tax Consequences of Dipping into Your Retirement Accounts
When you’re sitting there, unemployed (or underemployed), trying to hold on to your house and keep food on the table somehow, you probably don’t really care that the money in your 401(k) was intended for your retirement. In fact, it’s likely you’re feeling a little desperate and want to do anything you can, no matter [...]
Taxes Owed When Selling a Home That is Not Your Primary Residence
Taxes owed when selling a home that is not your primary residence. If you are selling a home that is not your primary residence, you will have to pay taxes if you made a profit. Q: I recently sold a townhouse and was concerned about how much tax I would be responsible for paying. Basically, [...]
Selling a Rental Home: What Are the Tax Implications?
When selling a rental home, understand the tax implications of selling the rental home and the 1031 exchange rules if you buy a new home. Q: I was wondering if you would be so kind and clarify something for me. I have a rental home that I have rented out for the past 18 months. [...]
Filing Taxes: Paperwork For Your Tax Professional
After 20 years of working with the same clients, it still astonishes me that every year the very same people forget to bring the very same documents to me when they are filing taxes. One of the nice things about working with a tax pro is the organization that he or she can offer you. [...]
Moving and Changing Your Tax Withholding
This article was written by guest blogger Eva Rosenberg. A couple of months ago, someone wrote to TaxMama®, utterly shocked when he got his W-2. Early in the year, his company had relocated him from his home state to a different state. Somehow, the payroll department never changed his state withholding to his new location. [...]
Using An LLC To Buy Rental Property
You may want to use an LLC to buy rental properties, it may be more cost effective to own in your own name with good insurance in your name. Q: I recently purchased a rental property in Illinois. The title is held jointly by my wife and me. We got an investment mortgage for 80 [...]