Claiming dependents on your tax return can significantly reduce your tax liability through exemptions, deductions, and credits. However, claiming an ineligible dependent—whether accidentally or intentionally—can lead to serious consequences, including IRS penalties, delayed refunds, and even audits. Understanding the rules and repercussions is essential for responsible tax filing. Who Qualifies as a Dependent? Before diving […]
Individual Tax
Take Great Care With Estimated Tax Payments and Tax Withholding
The tax law is pretty firm on the matter: You must pay taxes as you earn or receive income during the year. You can pay these taxes either through withholding or through quarterly estimated tax payments. You may have to make estimated tax payments if you receive income in the form of interest, dividends, alimony, […]
Is Your Favorite Pastime Turning Into a Small Business? The IRS Wants to Know.
If you’re making $400 or more on your hobby, it’s time to start declaring it on your income taxes. We take on hobbies because we enjoy them. But at some point, we sometimes get enough people wanting the woven towels or the birdhouses or the Christmas ornaments we make that it’s time to start charging […]
Tax Credit Opportunities
Tax deductions aren’t the only things to consider when looking for ways to reduce your tax bill. There are a number of tax credits that you may be able to claim. A tax credit reduces your tax liability dollar for dollar (and, in some instances, may be fully or partially “refundable” to the extent of […]
Help Your Working Teen Get a Jump-Start on Saving
You may have a teen in your family who holds down a part-time job or works full-time during the summer. You can help your child lay the groundwork for future retirement security early on by encouraging your child to open an individual retirement account (IRA). You may, or may not, get some resistance, especially if […]
Tips on Tax Planning
You may not think about taxes often, but they can prove to be a large expense. That’s why it’s important to make the most of any opportunities you may have to lower your tax liability. Here’s a look at some of the factors you may want to consider in your planning. Standard Deduction or Itemizing […]





