Life changes and your taxes go hand in hand; believe it or not. That being said, it’s easy to forget about your tax return as a newlywed or when you’re welcoming a newborn into the family. Be aware that many of these changes also make you eligible for deductions and credits on your tax return. In some cases, you may need to update your W-4 form as well. PriorTax will keep you up to date on what to do when these life changes occur. You won’t be left in the dark.
Check back here for answers to your questions about how these changes affect your taxes.
The 2020 tax season starts on January 27, 2020. January kicks off the new year and with a new year, comes a new tax season. Get a fresh start by finding out the new tax changes for your 2019 tax return.
Additionally, check out some tax reminders below.
Tax dates to remember
It’s important to set a reminder whether it’s your phone or calendar.
Trying to understand anything tax related makes you feel like you’re back in grade school.
However, it doesn’t have to be difficult. Here’s some sure-fire information that may help you out if you’re a first time filer, or if you have some general questions about claiming tax deductions.
What’s the difference between claiming the standard deduction and itemizing deductions?
In general terms, a tax deduction is a certain amount you are allowed to exclude from your income. This means that you are taxed on a lower amount of income, and thus pay less in taxes.
While not as valuable as tax credits – which directly decrease your tax liability – deductions can still reduce your tax burden significantly.
There are two ways to claim deductions.
Itemize deductions. Add up all of your allowable expenses and subtract them from your income.
Claim the standard deduction. Deduct the basic amount available to everyone.
While preparing your taxes you need to figure out whether you get a bigger tax break from itemizing your deductions or claiming the standard deduction. Most people end up claiming the standard deduction, but some people have enough allowable expenses to make it worth their while to itemize deductions.
Life is never put on hold, even for tax season. Before you know it, the April and even October deadline fly right by. Then, you forget to file it next tax season and then the season after that.
However, although the deadlines go by, you should still file your prior year tax return. Here are some reasons why.
1. You’re getting a refund
One of the most important things to remember is that the IRS does not wait for anyone. According to the IRS, you have a three-year statute of limitations for refunds; meaning you can only claim tax refunds going back three tax years within the original April due date.
For example, if you want to claim a 2016 tax refund, your last chance to claim it is April 15, 2020. This means you must file by that date to get your refund. Therefore, any tax years going back from 2016 cannot be claimed.
Check out our helpful tax calculators to determine your refund for relevant tax years.
With the year ending soon, another tax season is on the way. If you’re stuck trying to figure out what the next steps are for the missed 2018 tax deadline, keep reading.
Can you still e-file your 2018 tax return?
Although April 15, 2019, was the original tax deadline, you can still e-file your tax return until October 15, 2019. After this date, you will be required to paper-file your tax return. This means that you must to print, sign, and mail your tax return to the IRS and your state department of revenue.
Believe it or not, the 2020 tax season begins January 27, 2020. The worst feeling is scrambling last-minute to find your tax documents. Why not put your mind at ease by going over information you need to know to file your 2019 taxes?
Here are the tax changes you need to be prepared for next year.
2019 Tax Brackets
You might wonder what tax bracket you’re in. The IRS announced the slightly higher brackets below: (more…)
With life, situations change and they come with certain tax implications.
One year makes a difference. From getting married, transitioning into a new job to having your own bundle of joy, your tax situation changes as well.
Here are some examples.
1. Tying the knot
Getting married is a big step in everyone’s lives. Along with getting married, you now are able to file jointly which should lower your tax rate. For the 2018 tax year, your standard deduction is now $24,000. With that in mind, don’t forget to update your allowances (Form W-4) at your job. (more…)
Set an alarm on your phone, write on your notepad or put an “x” on your calendar.
Like most taxpayers, you may be rushing to claim your prior year refunds. If you remember that you have a 2016 refund waiting for you, you’re not too late.
Read below to find out if you can still claim your refund.
Can I still claim my refund?
Luckily, because of the IRS Statute of Limitations for prior year refunds. You have three years from the original tax deadline of your return to claim your refund. Otherwise, your refund expires and goes straight to the IRS. That being said, the original tax deadline for 2016 taxes was April 18, 2017, due to April 15th falling on the weekend and Emancipation Day right after.
Tax season is a stressful time for some taxpayers. However, knowing each tax deadline will give you a heads up so you know how to stay on top of your game.
For all the 2019 tax deadlines that are left, take a look at the list of due dates below.
April 15, 2019
Individual Income Taxes deadline
Last day to file and pay if you owe taxes to the IRS without accumulating penalties
The new tax season brought in a lot of changes, and your job expenses are one of them.
If you’ve noticed on your tax returns that you can’t deduct your W-2 job expenses for 2018, you’re partially correct. Unfortunately, not everyone can claim their out-of-pocket job expenses.
Here’s the breakdown.
Eligibility
The new tax laws have narrowed down on who claims their W-2 job expenses, mainly by their occupation.
You can only deduct your job expenses if you’re one of the following: (more…)
Unfortunately, education isn’t free for some students.
If you’re a college student, parent, guardian or anyone paying out-of-pocket for tuition, fees, and required course materials needed for enrollment, you will receive a Form 1098-T. This tuition statement form reports all of your transactions, which means the payments you make to your school.
