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tax returns

This week’s money news

February 20, 2023 By Liz Weston

This week’s top story: Smart Money podcast on investing for your family’s future. In other news: Family budgeting tips that actually work, billions spent on tax returns that could be filed for free, and 3 ways to maximize points and loyalty programs on your work trips.

Smart Money Podcast: ‘The Color of Wealth’: Investing for Your Family’s Future
This week’s episode is dedicated to a conversation about strategies Black women can use to invest for their family’s future.

Family Budgeting Tips That Actually Work
Following a family budget is challenging, especially when unexpected costs pop up, but staying flexible will help.

Billions Spent on Tax Returns That Could Be Filed for Free
About 101 million eligible filers missed out on using the Free File program, a NerdWallet data analysis shows.

3 Ways to Maximize Points and Loyalty Programs on Your Work Trips
Make sure travel reservations are linked to your loyalty accounts, especially if you weren’t the one who booked.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: family budgeting, free file program 2023, loyalty programs, Smart Money podcast, tax returns, work trips

Q&A: How to get tax return copies

June 6, 2022 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: Isn’t it the duty of an accountant to send their client the final tax forms that they filed with the IRS and the state? My accountant keeps “forgetting” to do so, and I’ve called him twice to do this. I’m not sure if his constant “forgetfulness” is due to laziness or a health issue such as dementia. I suspect it might be the latter, as he never used to be this way in past years.

Is there another way to get a copy of my returns? I will obviously be looking for a new accountant.

Answer: Yes, you can request copies or transcripts of your returns from the IRS and your state tax agency.

Transcripts are free, and are available for the previous three years. Personally identifiable information such as your name, address and Social Security number will be hidden, but you’ll be able to see all the financial entries, such as your adjusted gross income, taxes paid and so on. You can request transcripts online at irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript, by phone at (800) 908-9946 or by mail using either Form 4506-T or Form 4506-T-EZ and using the IRS address listed on the form.

Copies of your actual tax returns will cost you $43 each. You can request those by filling out and mailing Form 4506.

Your state will have similar procedures, which you can find by searching for your state’s name and the phrase “How do I get a copy of my state tax return?”

Filed Under: Q&A, Taxes Tagged With: q&a, tax returns

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

February 11, 2021 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: What gig workers need to know about taxes. Also in the news: 5 credit card red flags to avoid, why financial advisors of color matter, and how to prevent stolen tax returns.

What Gig Workers Need to Know About Taxes
Protect yourself from tax surprises.

5 Credit Card Red Flags to Avoid
Being aware of these credit card warning signs can help you weed out the bad options and potentially save you money.

Why Financial Advisors of Color Matter
Financial advisors of color can help diverse clients gain trust in the financial industry, and ultimately help shrink the wealth gap.

Prevent Stolen Tax Returns With This IRS Tool
Protect your information.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: credit card red flags, financial advisors of color, gig workers, IRS, tax returns, Taxes

Monday’s need-to-know money news

June 15, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: These are probably your best options for travel this summer. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on how the pandemic is changing our financial lives, how your state may let you deduct the costs of working from home during the pandemic, and 10 steps to avoiding tax-return identity theft.

These are probably your best options for travel this summer
It’s going to be weird.

SmartMoney Podcast: The Pandemic Is Changing Our Financial Lives, and What to Know About Refinancing Now
Things have changed dramatically.

Your State May Let You Deduct The Costs of Working From Home During the Pandemic
Covering the costs of your upgrades.

10 Steps to Avoiding Tax-Return Identity Theft
Protecting your Social Security number.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Identity Theft, pandemic, SmartMoney podcast, summer travel, tax deductions, tax returns, working from home

Friday’s need-to-know money news

May 29, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Why good credit matters even if you don’t plan to borrow. Also in the news: An expert weighs in on how to travel safely, 4 options if you’re undecided about college this fall, and how to amend a tax return online.

Why Good Credit Matters — Even if You Don’t Plan to Borrow
Good credit provides a safety net in a crisis, and it can reduce bills and make you look better on applications.

Ask an Expert: Is Any Travel Safe?
Can we safely beat our cabin fever?

Still Undecided About College This Fall? Know These 4 Options
Things will look a bit different.

How to Amend a Tax Return Online
You no longer need to mail in corrections.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: 1040X, college, Credit Score, tax returns, tips, travel

Friday’s need-to-know money news

February 14, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Haven’t filed a tax return lately? You can still get a refund. Also in the news: The ultimate travel tip for couples, a new tax form that may help simplify filing for seniors, and what Trump’s budget plan would mean for you student loan debt.

Haven’t Filed a Tax Return Lately? You Can Still Get a Refund
You’re owed what you’re owed.

Ask a Points Nerd: Our Ultimate Travel Tip for Couples
Companion tickets make it easier.

This New Tax Form May Help Simplify Filing for Seniors
The 1040-SR.

What Trump’s Budget Plan Would Mean for Your Student Loan Debt
Looking at the key cuts.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: refunds, Student Loans, tax returns, taxes and seniors, travel tips for couples, Trump budget

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