April 18 is the deadline for filing your 2022 tax return. But a couple other tax deadlines are coming up and they’re important for certain taxpayers: 1) April 1 is the last day to begin receiving required minimum distributions (RMDs) from IRAs, 401(k)s and similar workplace plans for taxpayers who turned 72 during 2022. 2) […]
Author Archive | James B. Reynolds
The 2022 gift tax return deadline is coming up soon
Did you make large gifts to your children, grandchildren or other heirs last year? If so, it’s important to determine whether you’re required to file a gift tax return by April 18 (Oct. 16 if you file for an extension). The annual gift tax exclusion has increased in 2023 to $17,000 but was $16,000 for […]
Claiming losses on depreciated or worthless stock
Have you bought stock that later became worthless? At least you can claim a deduction on your tax return. You can claim a capital loss equal to your basis in the stock, which is generally what you paid for it. The stock is treated as if it was sold on the last day of the […]
Awarded money in a lawsuit or settlement? It’s only tax-free in certain circumstances
You generally must pay federal tax on all income you receive but there are some exceptions. For example, compensatory awards and judgments for “personal physical injuries or physical sickness” are free from federal income tax under the tax code. This includes amounts received in a lawsuit or a settlement and in a lump sum or […]
There still may be time to make an IRA contribution for last year
If you’re getting ready to file your 2022 tax return, and your tax bill is higher than you’d like, there might still be an opportunity to lower it. If you qualify, you can make a deductible contribution to a traditional IRA right up until this year’s April 18 filing deadline and benefit from the tax […]
Child Tax Credit The rules keep changing but it’s still valuable
Over the years, the Child Tax Credit (CTC) rules have changed significantly. For 2022 and 2023, the CTC applies to taxpayers with children under the age of 17 (who meet certain other requirements). The CTC is currently $2,000 for each qualifying child. A $500 credit for other dependents is available for dependents other than qualifying […]
Answers to your questions about 2023 limits on individual taxes
Many people are more concerned about their 2022 tax bills than they are about their 2023 tax situations. That’s because 2022 individual tax returns are due to be filed in 10 weeks. However, it’s a good time to acquaint yourself with tax amounts for this year, many of which have increased substantially due to inflation. […]
Retirement plan early withdrawals: Make sure you meet the requirements to avoid a penalty
Many people are more concerned about their 2022 tax bills than they are about their 2023 tax situations. That’s because 2022 individual tax returns are due to be filed in 10 weeks. However, it’s a good time to acquaint yourself with tax amounts for this year, many of which have increased substantially due to inflation. […]
Why you might want to file early and answers to other tax season questions
The IRS opened the 2023 individual income tax return filing season on Jan. 23. Even if you usually don’t file until closer to the mid-April deadline (or you file an extension), you may want to file early. It can potentially protect you from tax identity theft. In these scams, a thief uses another person’s personal […]
Tax-saving ways to help pay for college — once your child starts attending
If you have a child or grandchild in college, there are tax breaks you may be able to claim after the child begins attending. For example, you can take the American Opportunity Tax Credit of up to $2,500 per student for the first four years of college, a 100% credit for the first $2,000 in […]
