Author: Paul Belfiore

What Happens If You Miss an Estimated Tax Payment?

Written by Paul Belfiore on July 16, 2021. Posted in Blog, Taxes.

Amherst, NH Residents Asks for Help

For each month that your estimated tax payment is due, but not paid, the IRS charges a 0.5% penalty. As the months go by, this penalty percentage will increase to a maximum of 25% of the taxes owed. Quarterly estimated tax payments are due April 15^th, June 15^th, September 15^th, and January 15^th of the following year. When the date falls on a weekend, the payment is due the following weekday. A missed payment is seen by the IRS as an underpayment and is treated as such.

How to Avoid Tax Penalties on a 529

Written by Paul Belfiore on June 11, 2021. Posted in Blog, Taxes.

Amherst, NH Parent Has Questions

A 529 is a great way to save for education expenses. Withdrawals are tax-free when used on qualified education expenses. However, if the money is withdrawn for non-qualified expenses or if there is money left over to be withdrawn after all expenses are paid this is considered taxable income. In addition to paying taxes on the leftover amount, you will also incur a 10% penalty for these withdrawals.

How to Track Your Tax Refund

Written by Paul Belfiore on May 28, 2021. Posted in Blog, Taxes.

Amherst, NH Resident Looks for Answers

The IRS typically issues a tax refund within 21 days of receiving electronically filed returns and 42 days after receiving paper returns. Mail delivery is taking longer to process so this may be delayed if you are mailing your tax return or are expecting a check by mail as your refund. The IRS’ web site allows you to track your refund status at Get Refund Status (irs.gov). You will need your social security and the anticipated refund amount that you are expecting.

What Are the Tax Benefits of Marriage?

Written by Paul Belfiore on May 14, 2021. Posted in Blog, Taxes.

Litchfield, NH Newlyweds Wonder About Their Taxes

Once married, you and your spouse can file taxes jointly, which has a number of tax benefits. If either one of you makes significantly less income, this can lower your tax bracket and reduce your tax rate. Combining incomes will bring the partner in the higher tax bracket to a lower level, reducing the couple’s overall tax bill. There are also more deductions available to married couples filing jointly, including a higher threshold for charitable contributions and residency gain.

What are the Changes to the Child Tax Credit?

Written by Paul Belfiore on May 7, 2021. Posted in Blog, Taxes.

Nashua, NH Resident Looks for Clarification

Currently taxpayers can claim a tax credit of $2,000 per child under age seventeen. The American Rescue Plan raises that amount to $3,600 for children under age six and $3,000 for those between six and seventeen. This change means additional tax credit per child, and it allows those that are seventeen to now qualify as well. While the majority of families with minor children will qualify for this additional tax credit, there are income limits that will restrict others.

How to File a Tax Amendment

Written by Paul Belfiore on April 23, 2021. Posted in Blog, Taxes.

Brookline, NH Residents Needs Help

To file a tax amendment, you will need to submit new forms for the sections of your taxes that are being amended. The IRS’ web site allows you to download these forms from previous tax years. You will need to submit the 1040X form, also available on the IRS web site. Using this form, you can write in the reason for filing the amendment.

A Brookline resident needed to make an amendment to a previous year’s tax return. Wanting to make sure this was done properly, he contacted Merrimack Tax Associates.

How Does Divorce Affect Your Tax Filing?

Written by Paul Belfiore on March 26, 2021. Posted in Taxes.

Hudson, NH Divorcee Seeks a Better Understanding

The IRS does not consider a separation when it comes to filing your taxes. Only if a legal divorce decree occurs during the calendar year will it affect your taxes. If the divorce is finalized by December 31^st, the IRS will consider you divorced for the entire calendar year for tax purposes. The biggest change is that you can no longer file your taxes jointly, but must file as single or head of household. Any children can only be deducted on the taxes of one parent, which is often the custodial parent.

Single vs. Head of Household

Written by Paul Belfiore on March 12, 2021. Posted in Blog, Taxes.

Amherst, NH Resident Has Questions

Unmarried individuals have the option of either single or head of household as their tax status. When filing as head of household, you have a much higher standard deduction than single filers, as well as a better overall tax rate. To qualify as head of household you must be unmarried, pay greater than half the costs of supporting a household and have at least one dependent that lives with you.

Are Home Improvement Projects Tax Deductible?

Written by Paul Belfiore on February 26, 2021. Posted in Blog, Taxes.

Bedford, NH Homeowner Has Questions

Homes that are used solely for personal use cannot have the cost of home improvement projects deducted. However, if down the road you sell your home for a profit the money paid for home deductions can be deducted from this profit. This ends up being less of a profit that will be taxed when the home is sold. If part of the home is used for business and this area is affected by the renovations, you can deduct 100% of this cost.