tax

How to Pay Zero Taxes on Mortgage Debt Forgiveness After Foreclosure or a Short Sale

Did you go through foreclosure, modify your mortgage, or do a short sale last year and sell your home for less than what was owed to your mortgage lender? If so, you probably got a 1099-C, a Cancellation of Debt, from your lender and you now need to know how to account for that transaction […]

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401 k

10 Facts About Early Distributions You Must Know

Amid the tough economy, lots of people tapped into their 401(k) retirement plans or Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) as a way to get cash to pay the bills. That money probably gave you a short-term cushion, but it also has long-term tax consequences, particularly for those who were under the age of 59 ½ at

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tax advice

Four Places for Free Tax Help and Free Tax Preparation: IRS Publication 910

Gathering all your tax records together and figuring out whether you owe money or will collect money at tax season is stressful enough. But chances are your blood pressure might rise a few points if you also have to think about paying a big bill to a tax specialist or your CPA. Fortunately, many Americans

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tax advice

Tax Tips About the Child and Dependent Care Credit: IRS Publication 503

All taxpayers want to lower their tax bills. One way to do it is by claiming tax credits to which you may be entitled. A tax credit is better than a tax deduction, because a tax credit gives you a dollar-for-dollar reduction in what you owe Uncle Sam. And one of the most lucrative tax

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chapter 7

5 Questions You Must Ask Before Filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

A number of celebrities have made headlines in recent months for having enormous debts and tax problems or because they’ve filed for bankruptcy protection. Actor Eddie Murphy’s ex-wife, Nicole, reportedly owes millions of dollars, including five IRS tax liens of just under $850,000. Singer Toni Braxton recently went bankrupt for the second time, with debts

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An entrepreneur wearing a pink checkered shirt is sitting at a desk with a laptop, smiling at the camera. The office background includes multiple computer monitors and paperwork. New Business

Can You Afford to Become An Entrepreneur?

Everyone has good ideas.  Some of them may even be million dollar ideas, but if you live from paycheck to paycheck or way beyond your means, you may never be able to quit your job and start a business. As the Smallbizlady, often I get emails, facebook messages and DM’s on Twitter from people asking

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A computer keyboard features a prominent green key labeled "Save Money," replacing the standard key for a smarter, budget-friendly experience.

8 Things Small Business Owners Can Do Now to Save Money!

Here are 8 tips from Melinda F. Emerson, SmallBizLady, that small business owners can implement now to save money. 1. Track Expenses Using a Budget. Budgets are about planning and tracking spending – you need financial information to make business decisions.  Track business expenses by month or by quarter.  Ideally, you should have a twelve month budget,

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Several US dollar bills, including denominations of $5 and $100, placed inside a metal drainpipe, suggesting a tax refund being wasted or discarded.

Will I Lose My Tax Refund If I Declare Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

Question: I owe $1400.00 to the IRS and am making payments. My 2010 tax return is expected to be $1800.00. I understand that taxes owed can be paid in Chapter 13 but if the tax return comes after the Chapter 13 is confirmed will they take just the $1400.00 owed or my whole return? Answer:

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tax help

Free Tax Help for Military Members and Their Families

The IRS wants military personnel and their families to know that they can get tax help free of charge. The no-cost tax help comes courtesy of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, program. Both the IRS and the U.S. Armed Forces participate in the VITA program, which offers everything from complimentary tax preparation service

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