News
Are Scholarships Tax-Free or Taxable?
COVID-19 is changing the landscape for many schools this fall. But many children and young adults are going back, even if it's just for online learning, and some parents will be facing tuition bills. If your child has been awarded a scholarship, that's cause for celebration! But be aware that there may be tax implications.
Conduct A "Paycheck Checkup" To Make Sure Your Withholding Is Adequate
Did you recently file your federal tax return and were surprised to find you owed money? You might want to change your withholding so that this doesn’t happen next year. You might even want to do that if you got a big refund. Receiving a tax refund essentially means you’re giving the government an interest-free loan.
What Qualifies As A "Coronavirus-related Distribution" From A Retirement Plan?
As you may have heard, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act allows "qualified" people to take certain "coronavirus-related distributions" from their retirement plans without paying tax.
So how do you qualify? In other words, what's a coronavirus-related distribution?
A Nonworking Spouse Can Still Have An IRA
It’s often difficult for married couples to save as much as they need for retirement when one spouse doesn’t work outside the home — perhaps so that spouse can take care of children or elderly parents. In general, an IRA contribution is allowed only if a taxpayer has compensation. However, an exception involves a “spousal” IRA. It allows a contribution to be made for a nonworking spouse.
Student Loan Interest: Can You Deduct It On Your Tax Return?
The economic impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is unprecedented and many taxpayers with student loans have been hard hit.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act contains some assistance to borrowers with federal student loans. Notably, federal loans were automatically placed in an administrative forbearance, which allows borrowers to temporarily stop making monthly payments. This payment suspension is scheduled to last until September 30, 2020.
Do You Have Tax Questions Related to COVID-19? Here are Some Answers
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected many Americans’ finances. Here are some answers to questions you may have right now.
There’s Still Time to Make a Deductible IRA Contribution for 2019
Do you want to save more for retirement on a tax-favored basis? If so, and if you qualify, you can make a deductible traditional IRA contribution for the 2019 tax year between now and the extended tax filing deadline and claim the write-off on your 2019 return. Or you can contribute to a Roth IRA and avoid paying taxes on future withdrawals.
Answers to Questions You May Have About Economic Impact Payments
Millions of eligible Americans have already received their Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) via direct deposit or paper checks, according to the IRS. Others are still waiting. The payments are part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Here are some answers to questions you may have about EIPs.