If you purchase a new hybrid car after January 1, 2006, you can get a major tax credit for doing so. Alas, the tax credits applicable for Toyota hybrids are about to be cut in half. Tax Credits for Toyota Hybrids To Be Cut In Half The government uses all types of methodology to modify our behavior. While many look for nefarious conspiracies and such, the government usually does it right before our eyes. The most obvious area of behavior modification is with taxes. In this case, the government has made an effort to boost energy conservation by giving us […]

Tax reform is a lot like the weather-everyone talks about it but no one seems to do anything about it. Incoming Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson could change that by focusing on the need for corporate tax reform. Congress should not ignore the tax rules governing individuals, but modernizing America’s business tax system is critical to promoting growth, creating jobs and narrowing the budget deficit. In deciding how best to proceed, Secretary Paulson and Congress must recognize four things. First, America’s Tax System Must Be Competitive. Every day we make choices based on cost: If gasoline is selling for 10 cents […]

The tax advantages of incorporating a business is one of the main reasons that owners choose to incorporate their businesses, no matter what market they work in. Other types of businesses, such as sole proprietorships, are not afforded nearly as many tax advantages as an incorporation. A move called income shifting is one that helps the business, and its owners, immensely. This is a method in which the total income of your corporation is divided among its members. How does this help, you might wonder? By shifting the income to a number of individuals, the overall tax that is required […]

In recent years, the IRS has made a concerted effort to get people back into good status by reaching deals on overdue taxes. The rules affecting this program have just changed dramatically. Changes to IRS Tax Settlement Rules The IRS used to be the terror in most peoples nightmares. Specifically, people who got behind on their taxes lived in dread of having the IRS catch up with them and freeze their bank account, sell off their home and so on. To promote voluntary resolutions, the IRS instituted a program known as the offer in compromise. The offer in compromise program […]

To satisfy the IRS and remain a happy law abiding citizen, you’ll need to assume the role of employer and pay employment taxes (Social Security, Medicare, etc.), report payroll withholdings (taxes, insurance benefits and the like) and of course, make sure that she is legally able to work in the United States. Here are a list of quick steps to get started: Obtain state and federal EIN (Employer Identification Numbers)You can obtain a federal EIN instantly on-line or you can download the SS-4 form and mail it, or call the IRS. To obtain your state EIN, you’ll need to contact […]

The first attempt to impose an income tax on America occurred during the War of 1812. After more than two years of war, the federal government owed an unbelievable $100 million of debt. To pay for this, the government doubled the rates of its major source of revenue, customs duties on imports, which obstructed trade and ended up yielding less revenue than the previous lower rates. And to think that the Revolution was started because of Tea Taxes in Boston? Excise taxes were imposed on goods and commodities, and housing, slaves and land were taxed during the war. After the […]

Few people realize that starting a side-business on eBay is actually a great way to save money on your taxes. The trick is to make sure you’re putting all the additional expenses you incur against your additional income. Running an eBiz allows you to take numerous deductions that can add up to a lot of savings. Deduct Your Home Office By definition, if you’re an eBay seller, you have a home office. You have to have a space that’s used exclusively for business, whether it’s in your spare room or your basement. But having this allows you to take a […]

Are you paying too much in income taxes? Are you getting all the credits and deductions you are entitled to? Here are 7 tips to help you minimize taxes and keep more in your pocket: The most important thing is to be aware of the tax deductions and credits that apply to you and to plan for taxable events. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. The benefits from consulting an experienced tax professional far outweigh the cost to hire that professional.

You may have a less taxing time this April if you let computer software do much of the hard work filing with the IRS. You won’t be alone. According to IRS data, more than 68 million tax returns were filed electronically last year, with more than 17 million taxpayers filing their own returns online. “There are a number of benefits that online tax prep and e-filing offer but you should do a little bit of homework first to get the greatest value for your dollar,” said Debra Gray, tax software manager for CCH. According to Gray, some of the questions […]

Social Security retirement benefits are taxable, although it depends on your total income and civil status. Federal law states that an individual must pay taxes if he/she has annual Social Security retirement income of more than $25,000. If he/she has a married status, they must pay such taxes if the income is more than $32,000. However, if the Social Security retirement benefit is the recipient’s only source of income, then it is rendered to be non-taxable and there is no need to file a federal income tax return. Just like Social Security benefit payments, other pension payments are taxable, although […]