Claiming dependents on your tax return can significantly reduce your tax liability through exemptions, deductions, and credits. However, claiming an ineligible dependent—whether accidentally or intentionally—can lead to serious consequences, including IRS penalties, delayed refunds, and even audits. Understanding the rules and repercussions is essential for responsible tax filing. Who Qualifies as a Dependent? Before diving […]
Individual Tax
Can I Still File Taxes Without My W-2 or 1099?
Filing taxes can be stressful, and it’s even more challenging if you’re missing key documents like your W-2 or 1099. These forms report your income and are essential for filing your taxes correctly. But what happens if you don’t have them by tax time? Can you still file your taxes without them? The good news […]
Help Your Working Teen Get a Jump-Start on Saving
You may have a teen in your family who holds down a part-time job or works full-time during the summer. You can help your child lay the groundwork for future retirement security early on by encouraging your child to open an individual retirement account (IRA). You may, or may not, get some resistance, especially if […]
What Your Last Tax Return Can Tell You About Your Finances
Just as coaches look back at their prior season to identify their team’s strengths and weaknesses, it can be helpful for taxpayers to review their most recent tax return to assess what they did right and what they did wrong when it came to their taxes and overall finances. Your federal income tax return might […]