Blog Archives - Page 12 of 14 - Merrimack Tax Associates

What is the Difference Between Earned Income and Adjusted Gross Income?

Written by Paul Belfiore on March 20, 2020. Posted in Blog, Taxes.

Brookline, NH Resident Has Questions

Earned income refers to all of the ways that you get paid throughout the year. This includes your paycheck, commissions, bonuses and income less expenses for self-employed individuals. It also includes money earned from investments, interest, dividends, alimony and Social Security. Adjusted gross income refers to this money less any standard deductions that are available to you. These deductions, referred to as ‘above the line deductions’, are those that are standard to everyone regardless of whether they are itemizing.

Are Child Care Expenses Tax-Deductible?

Written by Paul Belfiore on February 28, 2020. Posted in Blog, Taxes.

If your annual income is $15,000 or higher, you can take advantage of the childcare expenses tax credit. This tax break allows you to deduct up to $3,000 in childcare expenses. This can include daycare, babysitter fees and even summer camp. For two or more dependents this deduction totals $6,000.

What is the Difference Between a Tax Rate and a Tax Bracket?

Written by Paul Belfiore on February 14, 2020. Posted in Blog, Taxes.

Your tax rate refers to the percentage of your income, when all deductions have been taken, that will go to pay taxes. The tax bracket takes into consideration your filing status, tax rate and income range. The bracket will indicate how your income is taxed based on varying levels as it increases.

What is the Most Tax Advantageous Way to Pay for Private School?

Written by Paul Belfiore on January 31, 2020. Posted in Blog, Taxes.

Hollis, NH Resident Seeks Advice

There are many tax benefits to a 529 plan to save for a child’s college. Money in this account can now be used to pay for private elementary and high school education expenses as well. This plan can save parents plenty as the money invested and withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified education expenses. Up to $10,000 can be withdrawn from the 529 annually to pay for private elementary or secondary school.

What Changes are in the New W-4 Form for 2020?

Written by Paul Belfiore on January 17, 2020. Posted in Blog, Taxes.

Amherst, NH Taxpayer Has Questions

The biggest change to the new W-4 Form, debuting in 2020, is that there are no longer withholding allowances. Previously, more allowances claimed would mean that less of your paycheck would be taken for taxes. Instead, questions such as filing status, family income, dependents and the tax deductions that you plan to claim will be asked to determine your withholdings.

What are Some Tax Deductions for Self-Employed Individuals?

Written by Paul Belfiore on January 3, 2020. Posted in Blog, Taxes.

Tyngsboro Resident Looks for Help

For small business owners and other self-employed individuals or contractors, there are many tax deductions available. These include things such as a home office, internet, phone, office supplies used and even business travel expenses. By itemizing these items on your tax return, you can see a substantial savings.

How to Track Mileage Easily for Tax Deductions

Written by Paul Belfiore on December 20, 2019. Posted in Blog, Taxes.

Nashua Resident Seeks Suggestions

The mileage that you drive each year for business purposes can really add up, making this a significant deduction on your taxes. Whether a company vehicle, or your own car for business purposes, the 2019 deduction is 58 cents per mile. It is important to keep excellent track of this mileage as a record in the event of an IRS audit.

How the Gift Tax Works

Written by Paul Belfiore on November 29, 2019. Posted in Blog, Taxes.

Amherst Resident Seeks Advice

Giving more than $15,000 in cash or assets to one person may mean that you have to a file a gift tax return at the end of the year. What qualifies as a gift by the IRS may surprise you, including paying for a child’s wedding, adding cash to an elderly family member’s bank account and even gifting a car. While all of these may not require you to pay a gift tax, you will need to file IRS Form 709 to fully disclose the information.

What is a Tax Lien?

Written by Paul Belfiore on November 15, 2019. Posted in Blog, Taxes.

Nashua Resident Looks for Help

When an individual or business has failed to pay taxes that are owed, the federal or state government can place a lien on their property and other assets. This lien can be removed if the parties are able to come to a payment agreement to settle the back taxes. If no agreement is made and there is no repayment, the property can be seized with the option to sell it at auction to pay the back taxes.

Save Money On Taxes During Retirement

Written by Paul Belfiore on October 25, 2019. Posted in Blog, Taxes.

Nashua, NH Couple Looks For Suggestions

One of the easiest ways to keep your tax bill down in retirement is with a Roth IRA. With this account, contribution withdrawals and money earned are tax-free. A health savings account or HSA is a good way of setting aside money for medical expenses, tax-free.