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Author name: Zak E.

Employment, Tax Central

Tax Tips for Students Working Summer Jobs

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Summer jobs can be a great way for students to earn money and gain valuable work experience. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the income earned from these jobs is subject to taxes. Here are some tax tips for students working summer jobs: Keep track of your work hours – One of the most important things you can do is to keep track of your work hours. This will help you to accurately report your income when you file your taxes. You can use a time sheet, phone app or other tools to track your hours and make sure you have accurate records. Track your earnings and expenses – Along with tracking your work hours, it’s also important to keep track of your earnings and expenses. This will help you to accurately report your income and claim any deductions you’re entitled to. Make sure you’re getting paid for all the time you worked – Sometimes, employers may not pay you for all the time you worked. It’s important to ensure that you are being paid correctly, and if not, to speak with your employer to resolve the issue. Get a W-9 form from your employer to file with your taxes – A W-9 form is a tax form that your employer is required to give you if you are an independent contractor. This form will have your name, address, and taxpayer identification number, which you’ll need to file your taxes. File an extension if necessary – If you are unable to file your taxes by the deadline, you can file an extension. This will give you an additional six months to file your taxes, but it’s important to note that an extension to file is not an extension to pay. Consult with a tax professional – If you are unsure about any aspect of your taxes or have a complex tax situation, it’s a good idea to consult with a tax professional. They can provide guidance and ensure that your return is filed correctly. In conclusion, working a summer job can be a great way for students to earn money and gain valuable work experience. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the income earned from these jobs is subject to taxes. By keeping track of your work hours, tracking your earnings and expenses, making sure you’re getting paid for all the time you worked, getting a W-9 form from your employer, filing an extension if necessary, and consulting with a tax professional, you can ensure that your taxes are filed correctly and on time. Remember that taxes can be tricky and it’s important to have professional guidance when needed.

Employment, Personal Finance, Tax Central

Tax deductions for nurses

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As a nurse, you may be eligible for several tax deductions that can lower your tax bill. These deductions can include nursing school tuition, uniforms and work-related equipment, continuing education courses, mileage reimbursement for work-related travel, and medical expenses not covered by insurance. In this blog post, we’ll discuss these tax deductions in more detail. Nursing school tuition: If you are currently paying tuition for nursing school, you may be able to deduct some or all of the costs on your tax return. The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) and Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) are two tax credits that can help offset the cost of tuition, books, and other educational expenses. Uniforms and work-related equipment: As a nurse, you may be required to wear a uniform or purchase equipment for your job. These expenses are tax-deductible as long as they are necessary for your job and not suitable for everyday wear. Examples of tax-deductible expenses include scrubs, lab coats, and stethoscopes. Continuing education courses: Nurses are often required to take continuing education courses in order to maintain their license. These courses are tax-deductible as long as they are required for your job and not for personal development. Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel: If you are required to travel for your job, you may be able to deduct the cost of mileage on your tax return. This includes the cost of gas, oil, and repairs. To qualify, your travel must be primarily for business purposes and you must keep detailed records of your mileage. Medical expenses not covered by insurance: Nurses may have medical expenses not covered by insurance that can be tax-deductible. These expenses can include deductibles, copayments, and other out-of-pocket costs. It’s important to note that to claim these deductions, you must itemize your deductions on Schedule A of your tax return, and that some deductions may have limits or phase-out ranges, meaning that they may not be fully deductible if the taxpayer’s income exceeds a certain threshold.

Employment, Tax Central

What Is Taxable Income?

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Taxable income is the amount of income that is subject to income taxes. It is the amount of money that you earn during a year that is subject to federal, state, and local taxes. Taxable income is calculated by taking your gross income and subtracting any deductions, credits, and exemptions that you are eligible for. Gross income is the total amount of money that you earn from all sources, including wages, salaries, tips, bonuses, interest, dividends, and capital gains. However, not all of this money is considered taxable income. Deductions are expenses that are used to reduce your taxable income. These include things like charitable donations, mortgage interest, and state and local taxes. There are two types of deductions: the standard deduction and itemized deductions. The standard deduction is a fixed dollar amount that you can deduct from your income, while itemized deductions are specific expenses that you can deduct from your income. Credits are another way to reduce your taxable income. Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions of the tax that you owe. For example, the earned income credit is a credit that is available to low-income taxpayers. Tax credits can be either nonrefundable or refundable. Nonrefundable credits can only reduce your tax liability to zero, while refundable credits can result in a refund if the credit exceeds the tax owed. Exemptions are a way to exclude a certain amount of income from being taxed. An exemption is a specific dollar amount that can be claimed for each person who is supported by the taxpayer. In 2021, the personal exemption is suspended. Once you’ve calculated your taxable income, you can use it to determine your tax liability. Taxable income is used to determine the tax bracket that you fall into, and the tax rate that applies to your income. Tax rates are progressive, which means that the higher your income, the higher the tax rate that applies to it. It’s important to note that taxable income can vary depending on your filing status, which can include single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, or head of household. Each status has its own set of tax rates and deductions. In summary, taxable income is the amount of income that is subject to taxes. It is calculated by taking your gross income and subtracting any deductions, credits, and exemptions that you are eligible for. Deductions, credits, and exemptions are used to reduce your taxable income. Taxable income is used to determine your tax bracket and tax rate. The tax rate that applies to your income is based on your taxable income and filing status. Understanding your taxable income and how it is calculated is important for ensuring that you pay the correct amount of taxes. If you have any questions about taxable income, it’s always a good idea to consult with a tax professional.

Employment, For Business, Tax Central

Report ALL Earnings

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As a taxpayer, it’s important to understand the importance of reporting all of your income to the IRS. The IRS requires that all income, regardless of how it was earned, be reported on your tax return. This includes income from wages, salaries, tips, and self-employment, as well as income from investments, rental properties, and even gambling winnings. One of the most common sources of income that people forget to report is money earned from side hustles or gig economy jobs. With the rise of platforms like Uber, Lyft, and Airbnb, more and more people are earning money on the side, and it’s important to remember that this income is still subject to taxes. If you’re an Uber driver, for example, the income you earn from driving people around is considered self-employment income and must be reported on your tax return. Another source of income that is often overlooked is rental income. If you own a rental property, you must report the rent you collect on your tax return. Additionally, any expenses related to the property, such as mortgage interest, property taxes, and repairs, can be deducted as rental expenses. Investment income is also a common source of income that people forget to report. This includes income from stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, as well as income from rental properties. If you have investment income, it’s important to keep accurate records of all your transactions and report them on your tax return. Gambling winnings are also subject to taxes. If you win big at the casino or the racetrack, the IRS wants to know about it. You’ll need to report your winnings on your tax return and pay taxes on them. It’s also important to note that if you receive any type of income that is not typically subject to withholding, such as gambling winnings or rental income, you may need to make estimated tax payments throughout the year. This will help you avoid any penalties or interest charges that may be assessed for underpayment of taxes. In conclusion, reporting all of your income to the IRS is a legal requirement that should not be taken lightly. Failure to report all income can result in penalties, fines and even criminal charges. It’s important to keep accurate records and report all income, no matter how small, on your tax return. With the rise of gig economy jobs and the sharing economy, this is more important than ever before. So make sure you report all your income to the IRS and avoid any problems with the law.

Employment, Personal Finance, Tax Central

Do college students need to file taxes?

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As a college student, you may be wondering if you need to file taxes. The answer is that it depends on your income and filing status. If you’re single and earn over $12,000 in a year, it’s mandatory for you to file a tax return. This income can come from various sources such as wages from a part-time or full-time job, interest income from savings accounts, or even scholarships and grants. If your income is below $12,000, you’re not required to file a tax return, but you may still want to file one if you’re eligible for certain tax credits or deductions. If you’re a dependent of your parents, the rules are a bit different. If your parents claim you as a dependent on their tax return, they will claim your income on their return as well. However, if you’re earning more than $12,000 and are not being claimed as a dependent on your parents’ return, you’ll need to file your own return. Another important thing to consider is whether you have taxes withheld from your paycheck or not. Even if you’re not required to file a tax return, if you had taxes withheld from your paycheck, you may be eligible for a refund. In that case, you’ll need to file a tax return to claim the refund. As a college student, there are certain tax credits that you may be eligible for. The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) is a tax credit of up to $2,500 that’s available to students who are in the first four years of college. The Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) is another tax credit of up to $2,000 that’s available to students who are in any year of college, graduate school, or vocational school. Both of these credits can help you reduce your tax liability. In addition, if you’re paying for college expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and supplies, you may be able to claim a tuition and fees deduction. This deduction can reduce your taxable income by up to $4,000. In conclusion, whether or not college students need to file taxes depends on their income and filing status. If you’re single and earn over $12,000 in a year, it’s mandatory for you to file a tax return. As a college student, there are certain tax credits and deductions that you may be eligible for which can help reduce your tax liability. Even if you’re not required to file a tax return, it’s important to check if you have taxes withheld from your paycheck and if you’re eligible for a refund.

Employment, Record Keeping Tips, Tax Central

Do you need to report income from your side hustle?

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With the rise of the gig economy, more and more people are turning to side hustles to supplement their income. Whether it’s driving for Uber, delivering food for DoorDash, or selling items on Etsy, side hustles can provide a significant source of income. However, it’s important to remember that any income earned from a side hustle is subject to taxes and must be reported on your tax return. One of the most common sources of income from side hustles is self-employment income. If you’re earning money from a side hustle, you’re considered self-employed and must report that income on Schedule C of your tax return. On Schedule C, you’ll list your income and expenses related to your side hustle, and any net profit is subject to self-employment taxes. Another common source of income from side hustles is rental income. If you’re renting out a room on Airbnb or renting out your car on Turo, you must report that income on your tax return. Rental income is reported on Schedule E of your tax return, along with any expenses related to the rental property. If you’re earning money from a side hustle that involves selling items, such as on Etsy, you’ll need to report that income on your tax return as well. Sales of goods are reported on Schedule C or Schedule C-EZ and any net profit is subject to self-employment taxes. It’s also important to keep in mind that if you’re earning money from a side hustle, you may be required to make estimated tax payments throughout the year. This is because most side hustles don’t have taxes withheld from the income, so you’ll need to make estimated tax payments to avoid penalties for underpayment of taxes. In conclusion, no matter what your side hustle is, you need to report any income earned from it on your taxes. It’s important to keep accurate records of all your income and expenses related to your side hustle and report them on the appropriate tax forms. Failure to report income from a side hustle can result in penalties and fines, so make sure you’re following the tax laws and regulations. If you’re unsure how to report your side hustle income, it’s always a good idea to consult with a tax professional.

Employment, Tax Central, Tips for Verticals & Niches

How to Reduce Your Taxable Income

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Reducing your taxable income is a great way to lower the amount of taxes you owe. By taking advantage of deductions, credits, and other tax strategies, you can lower your taxable income and keep more money in your pocket. Here are a few ways to reduce your taxable income: Take advantage of deductions: Deductions are a way to reduce your taxable income. Common deductions include the standard deduction, personal exemptions, and deductions for charitable contributions, mortgage interest, and state and local taxes. It’s important to note that some deductions are itemized, which means you need to provide documentation and keep records of the expenses, while others are standard deductions which you can take regardless of the amount. Take advantage of credits: Tax credits are another way to reduce your tax liability. Tax credits are different from deductions, they reduce your tax bill dollar for dollar. Some examples of tax credits include the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and the American Opportunity Tax Credit. Contribute to retirement accounts: Contributions to certain retirement accounts, such as Traditional IRA and 401(k)s are tax-deductible and the money in the account grows tax-free, which can help you reduce your tax liability. Take advantage of tax-free investments: Some investments, such as municipal bonds or certain types of annuities, are tax-free. Investing in these types of accounts can help you reduce your tax liability. Avoid tax traps: There are certain actions that can trigger taxes, such as selling assets that have appreciated in value or withdrawing money from a retirement account before age 59 1/2. By being aware of these tax traps and taking steps to avoid them, you can reduce your taxable income. Keep accurate records: Keeping accurate records of your expenses, income and deductions is important to reduce your taxable income. Accurate records will help you identify expenses that qualify for deductions, and credits, and will make it easier to file your taxes. Consult a tax professional: If you have any doubts or questions about reducing your taxable income, it’s best to consult with a tax professional. They can help you take advantage of deductions, credits, and other tax strategies, and ensure that your taxes are filed correctly. In conclusion, reducing your taxable income is a great way to lower the amount of taxes you owe. By taking advantage of deductions, credits, and other tax strategies, you can lower your taxable income and keep more money in your pocket. Remember to keep accurate records of your expenses, income and deductions, and consult a tax professional if you have any doubts or questions.

Employment, Personal Finance, Tax Central

How the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Affects Your Taxes

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The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was passed in December 2017 and made significant changes to the federal tax code. Here are some of the ways that the TCJA may affect your taxes: Changes to tax brackets: The TCJA made changes to the tax brackets and tax rates. For example, the top tax rate was lowered from 39.6% to 37%. Increase in standard deduction: The standard deduction was nearly doubled under the TCJA, meaning that fewer taxpayers will itemize their deductions. For the 2022 tax year, the standard deduction for single filers is $12,950, and for married filing jointly, it’s $25,900. Elimination of personal exemptions: The TCJA eliminated personal exemptions, which were previously $4,300 per person. This means that taxpayers can no longer claim an exemption for themselves, their spouse, or their dependents. Changes to itemized deductions: The TCJA made changes to several itemized deductions, such as limiting the deduction for state and local taxes to $10,000 and eliminating the deduction for unreimbursed employee expenses. Increase in child tax credit: The child tax credit was increased from $1,000 to $2,000 per child under the TCJA. Additionally, the income threshold for the credit was increased, meaning that more taxpayers may be eligible for the credit. Changes to business taxes: The TCJA made significant changes to business taxes, including a reduction in the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, a 20% deduction for qualified business income for certain pass-through entities, and changes to the depreciation rules for certain assets. It’s important to note that not all taxpayers will be affected by the TCJA in the same way. The impact of the TCJA on your taxes will depend on your individual circumstances, such as your income level, filing status, and deductions. Consult with a tax professional to determine how the TCJA may affect your taxes and to develop a tax planning strategy.

Employment, For Business, Looking to Invest, Personal Finance, Retirement Planning, Tax Central

The Tax Benefits of Contributing to a Retirement Account

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Contributing to a retirement account is not only important for saving for retirement, but it also provides several tax benefits. Here are some of the tax benefits of contributing to a retirement account: Tax-deferred growth: Most retirement accounts, such as traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, and 403(b)s, offer tax-deferred growth. This means that any investment gains, such as dividends and capital gains, are not taxed until you withdraw the money. Tax-deductible contributions: Contributions to traditional IRAs and certain employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s, are typically tax-deductible. This means that you can reduce your taxable income by contributing to a retirement account. Tax-free withdrawals: Some retirement accounts, such as Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s, offer tax-free withdrawals in retirement. This means that any investment gains, such as dividends and capital gains, are not taxed when you withdraw the money. Lower tax rates in retirement: Since retirement account withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income, retirees may be in a lower tax bracket in retirement than they were during their working years. This can result in lower tax rates on retirement account withdrawals. Catch-up contributions: If you’re age 50 or older, you may be eligible to make catch-up contributions to certain retirement accounts. Catch-up contributions allow you to contribute more to your retirement account and potentially reduce your taxable income. Employer contributions: Many employer-sponsored retirement plans offer employer contributions, such as matching contributions or profit-sharing contributions. These contributions can help boost your retirement savings and potentially reduce your taxable income. Contributing to a retirement account is a smart way to save for retirement and also provides several tax benefits. Make sure to research the different types of retirement accounts available and consult with a tax professional to determine which type of account and contribution strategy is right for you. By taking advantage of the tax benefits of contributing to a retirement account, you can maximize your savings and minimize your tax liability.

Business Life Events, For Business, Record Keeping Tips, Tax Central, Tips for Verticals & Niches

Tax Considerations for Freelancers and Self-Employed Professionals

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If you’re a freelancer or self-employed professional, your tax situation may be more complex than that of a traditional employee. Here are some tax considerations for freelancers and self-employed professionals: Self-employment tax: As a self-employed individual, you’re responsible for paying both the employer and employee portions of Social Security and Medicare taxes, known as the self-employment tax. This tax is calculated as 15.3% of your net self-employment income. Estimated tax payments: Since self-employed individuals don’t have taxes withheld from their paychecks, they may need to make quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid underpayment penalties. Estimated tax payments are due in April, June, September, and January of the following year. Business expenses: Self-employed individuals may be eligible for a variety of tax deductions related to their business, such as home office expenses, equipment and supplies, and travel expenses. Make sure to keep accurate records and consult with a tax professional to determine which deductions you’re eligible for. Retirement plans: Self-employed individuals may also be eligible for special retirement plans, such as a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan or a Solo 401(k) plan. These plans allow you to save for retirement while reducing your taxable income. Tax professional: Consider using tax professional who can help you keep track of income and expenses, calculate estimated taxes, and maximize deductions. Self-employment income limits: If you’re self-employed, you may be subject to additional income limits and phaseouts for certain tax benefits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and IRA contributions. Make sure to research these limits and consult with a tax professional if you have questions. Navigating taxes as a freelancer or self-employed professional can be complex, but by staying organized and informed, you can minimize your tax liability and maximize deductions. Consider consulting with a tax professional who specializes in working with self-employed individuals to develop a tax planning strategy that works for you.