Month: February 2020

Claiming an Elderly Parent or Relative as a Dependent

Are you taking care of an elderly parent or relative? Whether it’s driving to doctor appointments, paying for nursing home care or medical expenses, or handling their personal finances, dealing with an elderly parent or relative can be emotionally and financially draining, especially when you are taking care of your own family as well.

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Tips for Taxpayers Who Make Money From a Hobby

Many people enjoy hobbies that are also a source of income. From soap making to pottery and jewelry making to calligraphy, these activities can be sources of both fun and finances. Taxpayers who make money from a hobby must report that income on their tax return.

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Figuring out Your Correct Tax Filing Status | 5 Options

Your filing status determines which tax forms you need to file, the amount of your standard deduction, eligibility for certain tax credits, and how much tax you owe. In some cases, it may even impact whether you need to file a federal income tax return.

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ACA Reporting Requirements for Employers

The health care law contains tax provisions that affect employers and it is the size and structure of a workforce that determine which parts of the law apply to which employers. Calculating the number of employees is especially important for employers that have close to 50 employees or whose workforce fluctuates during the year.

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2020 Tax Withholding: the new Form W-4

Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Certificate has been redesigned for 2020. Previously, income tax withholding was based on an employee’s marital status and withholding allowances or tied to the value of the personal exemption. With the revised Form W-4, however, income tax withholding is generally based on the worker’s expected filing status and standard deduction for the year. Furthermore, workers can also choose to have itemized deductions, the Child Tax Credit and other tax benefits reflected in their withholding for the year.

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Student Loans: Cancellation of Debt Relief

Taxpayers who took out federal or private student loans to finance their attendance at a nonprofit or for-profit school now qualify for safe harbor with regard to cancellation of debt income for discharged student loans. Relief is also extended to any creditor that would otherwise be required to file information returns and furnish payee statements for the discharge of any indebtedness within the scope of this revenue procedure.

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