You likely already know that it’s a smart idea to check your credit reports annually. In fact, by law, you’re entitled each year to one free copy of your credit reports from each of the country’s largest credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
10 Surprising Things That Are and Are Not In Your Credit Report Read More »
Owing back taxes to the IRS can be a scary and stressful situation. You may have a tax levy or tax lien due to overdue taxes – and it’s tough to manage a budget when your wages or assets get garnished. It’s also no fun to worry constantly about what the IRS can do to
What To Do If You Owe Back Taxes or Have an IRS Tax Levy Read More »
The IRS has just announced a nationwide crackdown on identity thieves who steal other people’s tax refund checks or misuse the Social Security numbers of unsuspecting taxpayers. The effort spanned 32 states, as well as Puerto Rico, and was part of a year-long initiative to crack down on tax refund fraud and identity theft.
IRS Launches 2013 Crack Down on Identity Theft, Tax Fraud in U.S. Read More »
Credit monitoring is an electronic, subscription-based service for consumers who want to track their credit activity at the “Big 3” U.S. credit reporting agencies — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Credit bureaus, credit scoring firms and other companies typically sell credit monitoring services for a fee ranging from about $10 to $20 a month. But some
Credit Monitoring Explained Read More »
The Adoption Credit is one of the biggest refundable tax credits offered in the U.S. tax code, and it can provide those who have adopted children with refund checks of many thousands of dollars.
What is the Adoption Tax Credit? Read More »
The number of fraudulent tax returns filed by U.S. prisoners has exploded in recent years, representing a growing financial problem and a headache for IRS officials and American taxpayers alike. According to a recent report from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), back in 2010, prisoners filed 77,563 bogus tax returns in a
3 Ways Tax Fraud By Prisoners Impacts You Read More »
I can still remember when I got my first credit card. It was the 1986-1987 school year and I was a freshman at the University of California, Irvine.
The 3 Best Credit Cards for Students Read More »
Identity theft is a crime that occurs whenever one or more individuals steal someone else’s personal information for financial gain. The stolen information could be a Social Security number, driver’s license, a credit card, bank account, or any other private data. If you are the victim of identity theft, a crook could do any or
Identity Theft Explained Read More »
If you’re in the market for one or more credit cards, don’t just consider the annual fees, the interest rates, or the perks you’ll get from having certain credit cards. It’s also smart to consider your lifestyle, spending habits and how you actually use credit cards.
5 Tips to Pick the Best Credit Cards For Your Wallet Read More »
The Child and Dependent Care Credit became permanent starting with the 2012 tax year – giving working individuals with kids and other dependents a major way to offset their childcare and dependent care expenses. The Dependent Care Credit allows you to deduct up to 35% of your childcare bills, up to a maximum of $6,000.
The Child and Dependent Care Credit Explained Read More »
You may qualify for a mortgage interest credit if a state agency or a local government issued you a mortgage credit certificate for low-income housing. Typically, a mortgage credit certificate is only issued when you purchase a home and take out a new mortgage – as opposed to doing a refinancing.
Do You Qualify for the Mortgage Interest Credit? Read More »
Claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit on your 2012 taxes is a great way to lower your federal income tax bill – or even get a tax refund check worth thousands of dollars from the government. The Earned Income Tax Credit, commonly called the EITC, is a refundable tax credit provided to low-to-moderate income individuals
The Earned Income Tax Credit Explained Read More »
If you are missing or have not received your W-2, you’ll need to try to get it as soon as possible, or take other steps required by law, in order to file your income taxes. By law, all employers are required by January 31 to report employee income and employment taxes withheld from employees on
Missing a W-2 Form? Here’s What to Do If Your Employer Has Not Sent Your W-2 Read More »
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has developed a Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) to ensure that taxpayers are treated fairly and have a clear understanding about their rights. Many people are confused about issues related to paying taxes and have questions about filing and paying taxes. The role of the Taxpayer Advocate Services is to help
What is the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service Read More »
We often hear so much bad news about Baby Boomers and others who aren’t properly prepared to retire comfortably in the U.S. But what about those who have adequately prepared, or who successfully transitioned into retirement?
5 Things That Will Help You Retire Comfortably Read More »
