Today’s top story: How to know if you qualify for free file and use it. Also in the news: 5 things to know about guaranteed universal life insurance, the worst that will happen if you file your taxes late, and if gas is really cheaper at Costco. Analysis: Taxpayers Waste Billions on Filing Federal Returns Each […]
Recent Blog Posts
How buy now, pay later loans could alter credit
Expanding access to credit is a worthy goal. Too many people can’t get a mortgage or an emergency loan at a reasonable rate because they can’t show a solid credit history. They may pay more for insurance or make large security deposits to get utilities or rent an apartment. Recently, the three major credit bureaus […]
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Combating inflation, and saving for retirement amid climate change. Also in the news: 3 ways to lessen the impact of inflation on your small business, 3 ways small-business owners will feel a fed rate increase, and how to get on top of planned expenses with sinking funds. Smart Money Podcast: Combating Inflation, and […]
Q&A: Reporting caregivers’ pay to the IRS
Dear Liz: We have a gardener, pool man and caregivers. We pay the gardener, pool man and some of the caregivers directly, while we pay an agency for the other caregivers. Do we have an obligation to report payments to the IRS? Answer: As an individual taxpayer, you typically don’t have to report payments to businesses. Your […]
Q&A: Taxes on trust’s income
Dear Liz: My father passed away last year leaving an estate that will make us comfortable through the foreseeable future. His holdings are mostly securities that are traded either on the NYSE or the Nasdaq. From our investments, we currently have non-earned income of between $75,000 and $100,000 annually without any other income. After estate taxes […]
Q&A: How to protect your identity beyond a credit freeze
Dear Liz: I volunteer for an organization that does background checks every two years. A recent check found my name and Social Security number was used in Texas from 2019 to 2021. I have never been to Texas. What can I do to find out how this happened, and how to protect my Social Security number? […]