Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to make the most of the Child Tax Credit this year. Also in the news: 4 reasons to ditch your old debit card, getting to know your 401(k) plan, and how to choose the best tax software.

How to Make the Most of the Child Tax Credit This Year
The tax credit is doubling for 2018.

4 Reasons to Ditch Your Old Debit Card
New card, new perks.

Get to Know Your 401(k) Plan
Everything you need to know about your retirement savings.

How to Choose the Best Tax Software for You This Year
DIY vs finding a pro.

January tune-up: Your taxes

returnThe IRS started accepting tax returns today. Perhaps some of you already knew that, and were poised with your finger over the “submit” button on your already-completed return when the IRS opened its gate. For the rest of us, though, this is a timely reminder that “Oh, yeah, I’ve gotta get that done”–preferably well before April 15. (If you need motivation, read about how important it is to file early in my Bankrate column, “What you can do now to protect your tax return.”)

Here are a few ways to make tax time less painful now and next year:

Start a file. List your employer(s), your mortgage lender(s), your financial institutions and anyone else likely to send you a tax document this year. Check off the appropriate issuer when the document arrives and keep it in this file. Note: some issuers have moved to an all-electronic system, so you’ll need to log in to your account to download the W-2, 1098, 1099 or whatever. If you have a tax preparer who sends you an annual organizer, fill that out and keep it with your documents in this file.

Eat the frog. Is there one tax-related chore that always seems to take a long time, causing you to put off filing your return every year? Make this the year you tackle it early. We donate a lot of stuff to Goodwill every year, and every year I swear I’m going to assign values to the donations as I go…and every year I don’t, meaning I have to do it all at once. At least this year, I’m knocking it off the to-do list early. (Salvation Army’s donation value guide is pretty helpful.)

Make the appointment. If you use a tax preparer, call now to make your appointment. There’s nothing like a deadline for encouraging you to get your, er, tax stuff together. If you DIY, set a date with yourself on the calendar. Don’t expect to get much help from the IRS this year–the Taxpayer Advocate Service is predicting half of callers won’t be able to connect and average wait times will stretch past 30 minutes. If money is tight, avail yourself of one of the free help services.

Digitize it. I’m hoping you already understand the importance of filing electronically–it’s safer and a faster way to get your refund than using the U.S. mail. You’d also be smart to make scans of your completed tax return and supporting documentation. Knowing you have this electronic backup can help make it easier for you to let go of the paper copies. Once your tax return is done for this year, you can purge your files appropriately.

While cars no longer require traditional tune-ups, your finances still do. This month I’ll be reviewing some areas of your money that deserve some extra scrutiny and offering suggestions for the best moves now. Stay tuned for more posts–and to make sure you don’t miss any, you can sign up for my newsletter using the link on my home page.

Don’t call the IRS this tax season

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailNeed to call the IRS with a question? Good luck with that. The IRS ombudsman tells us about half of taxpayers who call the agency this tax season won’t get through, and the average hold times could be 30 minutes or more.

In a report to Congress, the Taxpayer Advocate Service blamed the widening gap between the IRS’ workload and its shrinking resources (read: budget cuts) for “unacceptably low levels” of customer service.

You have some free alternatives if you need help filing your returns:

In addition, TurboTax and TaxAct offer free preparation of the simplest federal returns, but you pay to file state and more complicated returns.

The software programs do a good job of guiding most people through the preparation and filing process. If your tax situation is at all complex–you own a business, are an active investor or experienced a major life change, for example–consider hiring a tax pro. Enrolled agents are a good, lower-cost choice for most people, while CPAs offer more high-end help.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: Finding the best tax software. Also in the news: The cost of the marriage tax penalty, how to convince your spouse to stop spending, and the hidden costs of buying a home.

Which Tax Software Is Best for You?
Which program best serves your tax needs?

How Much the Marriage Tax Penalty Will Cost You
Your spouse’s higher income could bump you into a new tax bracket.

How to Persuade Your Spouse to Stop Spending Money
Compromise could make all the difference.

The Hidden Costs of Buying a Home
Fees, fees, everywhere fees.

Should You Put Your Tax Refund On A Prepaid Card?
Faster access to your money could mean less of it.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: The long wait for credit card rewards. Also in the news: Simple money lessons to teach your kids, tips on switching your car insurance, and how to impress your loved one on Valentine’s Day without going broke.images (2)

Where the Heck Are My Credit Card Rewards?
Waiting is the hardest part.

5 Super Simple Money Lessons To Teach Kids Of All Ages
Starting off on the right foot.

7 Smart Steps to Switching Your Car Insurance
Don’t let your car become a financial liability.

7 Ways to Say ‘I Love You’ Without Breaking the Bank
You don’t have to go to Jared.

When Not to Use Tax Software: Should Man or Machine Be Your Accountant?
Complex finances should be left to the experts.