What Are the Best Tax Credits for Education

Students who would like to get a bit of respite on the high cost of their education will find a new blog post on American Tax Service very resourceful. The post offers some insight into two of the best educational tax credits available to them in the upcoming tax year. And it seeks to help them make an informed decision on which of the educational tax breaks is best suited to their needs as they cannot use more than one in any given tax year.

The first of the tax credits explained by the American Tax Service is the American Opportunity Credit. To be eligible, the student must be enrolled at least half-time per academic period during the tax year in a school currently participating in the student aid program of the Federal government. Students who are already done with the first four years of schooling are excluded from the scheme as well as students with felony drug convictions. The American Opportunity Credit can be worth as much as $2500 and can be claimed on anything a student needs to attend school including tuition, books, and supplies. It is best suited for undergraduate college students

The other tax credit is the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit. To be eligible, a taxpayer needs to only take a course per year at a school that is enrolled in the Federal student aid program. The credit does not also consider whether it is the first four years of schooling or not. Regardless of how many years you have spent in school, you can qualify for this tax credit. The Lifetime Learning Credit can also be used for anything from tuition to supplies but all supplies must be purchased directly through your school. The Lifetime Learning Credit is worth $2,000. However, it is a nonrefundable tax credit. It is best suited for students in postgraduate programs.

To claim any of the education tax credit, taxpayers must fill in and file Form 8863 with their tax returns. The American Tax service recommends using the H&R Block online tax filing. It will provide the form and easily help calculate exactly how much you are entitled to.

For more information, please read the original blog post by the American Tax Service here, https://americantaxservice.org/best-education-tax-credits/

A Guide to the Education Tax Credits 2018, 2019

College is more expensive than ever, but the Education Tax Credit is available to help cut down on educational expenses. Taxpayers or dependents who would like to save more on their tax bills in 2018 will find a new post by the National Tax Report on the education tax credit insightful. The blog post reveals the two separate routes to obtaining the education tax credits and student tax deductions, their benefits and all they need to know about qualifying for them.

There are two types of education tax credits – the American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit.

The American Opportunity Credit can wipe as much as $2,500 off taxes in education expenses. The credit covers everything from tuition fees to textbooks and $1,000 of the credit is fully refundable. To qualify for the American Opportunity Tax Credit, the taxpayer must be;

– Enrolled at a school that is part of the Federal Student Aid Program

– Must at the very least be a part-time student.

– Cannot have any felony drug convictions.

The Lifetime Learning Tax Credit is the other education tax credit and it is more accessible. It is a non-refundable credit but anyone who attends at least one course per year at a school enrolled in the Federal Student Aid Program is eligible for it. The tax credit covers tuition and supplies (purchased from the school) and has a maximum value of $2,000.

Taxpayers can easily determine how much they are entitled to by checking out the education tax credit and deduction calculator. Just by answering some basic questions, they will get an accurate idea of how much can be wiped off their tax bill.

To claim the education tax credit, taxpayers will need to file IRS Form 8863. The form is available through software like TurboTax online, which will automatically fill them out and submit it along their tax return using the information that they provide. Also, by using TurboTax taxpayers can get an accurate estimation of how much is owed the IRS in taxes this year, or if they are lucky enough to be entitled to a tax refund.

For more information about the education Tax credit, please read the original post on National Tax Report here, https://nationaltaxreports.com/what-is-an-education-tax-credit/

7 Child Tax Credit Requirements Explained

child tax creditA tax credit to assist families with offsetting tax liabilities is the Child Tax Credit. The credit is capped at $1,000 per qualifying child. Determining eligibility is done automatically if you file your tax return electronically. There are seven pieces of criteria that you must meet before being able to claim the credit.

The steps to determine eligibility for the Child Tax Credit are:

  1. Age Test

Qualifying children must be age 16 or younger on December 31 of any given tax year.

  1. Relationship Test

In terms of relationship, the child to adult relationship must be one of the following:

  • A biological child
  • A stepchild
  • An adopted child (or in the process of adoption with proper paperwork)
  • A foster child placed by a court or proper authority agency.
  • Step-siblings that you care for
  • Nieces and nephews in your care
  • Grandchildren in your care
  1. Support Test

Parents and legal guardians must provide more than half of a child’s financial needs for an entire tax year to qualify.

  1. Dependent Test

To be able to qualify as a dependent, the relationship test must first be passed. The child cannot be over age 18, unless the child is still in school. If your child is still in school, they may qualify as a dependent until their 23rd birthday and must be a student, full-time, at least five months of the year. The child also qualifies if he or she has a permanent disability and age does not apply with permanent disability cases.

The child must also reside with you for more than half of the year and not have paid half or more of their own financial needs.

  1. Citizenship Test

Qualifying children must be U.S. citizens. They also qualify if they are a documented U.S. resident alien or U.S. national. U.S. national status is in regards to a person born in American Samoa or Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

  1. Residence Test

A child must live with you for more than half of a tax year. If a child was born in or passed away in a tax year, they qualify as a living with you for the whole tax year.

Some special circumstances, such as military deployment/service, juvenile incarceration, and medical reasons count as time living with you. Also qualifying are business-related absences, school exceptions and vacation-related exceptions.

For separated parents with custody agreements, additional exceptions apply. These exceptions are addressed on lines 6c and 51 of your 1040. If you file a 1040A form, it is lines 6c and 33 to pay attention to.

  1. Family Income Test

If your adjusted gross income exceeds income thresholds, the amount of your Child Tax Credit is reduced.

The income thresholds are:

  • $55,000 for married filing separately
  • $75,000 for single, head of household, widow/widowers
  • $110,000 for married filing jointly

Reductions of $500 per $1,000 over the income threshold are in place.

Additional child tax credits are also available.

How to Get a Your W-2 Form Online

Income tax time is here once more therefore taxpayers are collecting their financial records with expectations that they can receive a good tax refund in exchange.

Attaching form W-2

When your income tax return is being prepared, you can use the w2 finder online. When you submit with TurboTax or H&R Block they can add it

Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement

Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement

for you instantly when they e-file your tax return. On the other hand, should you submit by the post you will be accountable for supplying a copy of your W-2.

Did You Relocate Or Have Documents Missing?

Many taxpayers deal with missing income tax paperwork simply because they relocated in the course of the past year and their tax paper work was delivered to their previous home address. When you learn how to get w2 online, you prevent having your documents delivered to the incorrect address.

In addition, whenever you get your forms on the internet you tend to be able to gain access to them before they might show up in the post. By doing this you will be ahead of others once tax time arrives, therefore you can speed up your tax refund schedule date.

If acquiring your W-2 form on the internet you will get an email message when they are ready. Finally, once you access your forms on the internet you can download and print out your forms any time you require them. In this way there is no need to concern yourself with holding them in a secure location and then forgetting exactly where the secure location was.

Generally, if you get your W2 form on the web it will be the identical form which you would typically get in the past. You will discover that it possesses the identical details and the sole distinction is that it is an electronic copy. Even so, before you print it out and use it to submit your income taxes, be sure that all the info is correct. Make sure you verify your name as well as social security number.

Correcting W-2 Info

If you discover details on your W 2 to be incorrect, you must contact your workplace to have it fixed. They have forwarded these details to the IRS therefore the details you give them needs to match that info or you will need to answer the IRS about the reason the info did not match.

Additionally, when you are missing an anticipated W-2 you should not ignore it even though it is just for a little bit of money. The IRS will possess a version from your company and will need to know the reason why you failed to submit the form.

Tax Data Imported Into Tax Form

Once you choose to how to get w2 online, it will be among the simplest ways of tracking your income tax details. This is why it is an aspect that you will certainly want to think about. Not every employer will have this feature for their workers therefore it is vital to ensure you check to begin with to confirm you qualify to get your W-2 form on the internet.

For anyone who submits their tax returns with TurboTax you will be happy to know that they are able to import the data from your W-2 form to make submitting tax forms simpler. By doing this you can be confident that your tax return is correct, and assured to get the biggest income tax refund or pay the bare minimum sum of taxes possible.

Five of the Most Common Tax Questions for 2017

Tax season will be here before we know it. Therefore, tax questions will be being asked left and right. There will be questions about claiming parents as dependents, deducting books for college and more. Therefore, we decided to put together a list of five of the most common tax questions.

What documents are needed to do my taxes?

The two common forms that taxpayers need to do their taxes are a W-2 form that comes from employers and a 1099-INT form that comes from the bank. Other important information you want to have with you everyone’s social security numbers and receipts if you have made charitable contributions throughout the year.

Do I need to file taxes if I didn’t make a lot of money?

tax filing questionsIf your income is below the IRS filing requirement ($10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for married couples under 65), it is still recommended that you file taxes. The only way you can get a refund is if you file a tax return.

Therefore, you should file taxes so you can take advantage of refundable tax credits. The average unclaimed tax refund is worth more than $600, and the IRS puts a three-year window on claiming past refunds.

Who can I claim as a dependent?

Many people know they can claim their children as dependents. However, you can also claim elderly parents, significant others and other relatives in some cases. They will have to meet certain requirements, but each dependent can allow you to deduct $3,900, which reduces your tax liability.

What tax deductions and credits are available for parents?

If you have a child, you can take advantage of the dependent exemption, which is worth $3,900 and the additional credits below:

  • Child and dependent care tax credit: For parents who have to pay for childcare. This credit is worth up to $1,050 per child.
  • Earned income tax credit: For low to middle income working Americans. This credit can be as much as $6,044.
  • Child tax credit: For those with big families. This credit can get you up to $1,000 per child under the age of 17.

What tax benefits are available for college students?

Going to college is expensive, which is why the IRS provides some relief options in the form of education tax credits and deductions. This can help you save money on college expenses and some of these include:

  • The American Opportunity Tax Credit: It helps parents and students pay for college with a credit that is worth up to $2,500 per student. It helps with tuition, fees, books, supplies and equipment.
  • Lifetime Learning Credit: You can get up to $2,000 per tax return for college tuition, fees, and supplies paid directly to the institution.
  • Tuition and fees deduction: This allows you to deduct up to $4,000 from your taxable income for your college expenses.

Discover The Benefits of Filing Your Taxes Online

Keep in mind, if you file online with H&R Block or TurboTax they will ask you the correct questions to let you know which deductions you qualify for and guarantee you will receive the largest refund ever.

Their online filing services have the ability to import your W2 information into your tax return so you can avoid worrying about your forms being delivered via snail mail. You can also use their free tax refund calculator to see how much of a refund you can expect.

 

IRS Tax Refund Status and Schedule for 2016

Many people think of the IRS return as a savings account or bonus that they are able to dip into each April. The IRS tax refund schedule also claims to provide refunds within 21 days after returns have been received.

Usually, 21 days is short when you have bills coming in like clockwork, however, when you are waiting on thousands of dollars it can feel like an eternity. Furthermore, Business News Daily revealed that the average tax refund is $2,700, which is more than what 2/3’s of taxpayers bring home each month.

Tracking Your Return & Refund

UPS approximates that their customers track packages an average of 2.42 times per shipment. This means that consumers want to know what is going on with their orders. Like UPS orders, taxpayers also have the ability to track their refunds. The IRS even has a Where’s My Refund” tool to help make doing so easier.

Things You’ll Need

Unlike the UPS, you need more than a tracking number to obtain the details of your tax refund. They want you to provide them with your social security number or EIN, filing status and the refund amount expected.

It has been said that taxpayers who opt to get their refunds deposited in their bank accounts receive their funds faster than waiting on a check. In addition, to speed up the process you want to make sure that your tax return is accurate. If you have questions about the IRS tax refund schedule make sure you consult with a tax professional such as the pros at TurboTax 2017 so there are no delays when you are expecting your tax refund this year.

Two Websites That Can Get Your W-2 Forms Online

Towards the end of January every year, numerous envelopes overwhelm post offices throughout the country as companies mail out W-2’s to their staff by the January 31st due date set by the IRS. The W-2 forms typically get to their impatiently waiting receivers by mid-February.

The W-2 form is an account, looked after by employers, and of the wages made and taxes paid out by the worker. This record consists of income, commissions and tips, along with the overall sums held back for state, federal and social security taxes throughout the prior year’s employment.

The W-2 includes the financial data required to complete the individual income tax paper work needed by the IRS and every state department of revenue that establish the yearly quantity of taxes that have to be paid to the federal and state governments by every person.

The majority of businesses, and also the military services, now provide W-2’s online. The forms are accessible for download via a number of outsourcing firms that administer and automate the W-2 delivery procedure. Your company will often let you know when do w2s come out.

Supplying W-2’s on the internet means that workers no longer need to wait around for paper versions in the post allowing them to submit their income taxes sooner and also removes most of the huge paper waste connected with this enormous, countrywide mailing.

Getting Your W-2 Form Online

Despite the fact that your company may fail to point out that your W-2 can be obtained on the internet, it is possible to use two popular websites to find out if your data is accessible.

TurboTax and H&R Block are web based tax preparation sites which have a search and import function enabling you to find your W2 online. On the other hand, if you happen to know your employers Employee Identification Number it is possible to sign into the website making use of this number, also some of your personal details as well as the gross pay from your previous paycheck.

After you have found your details, you are able to download and print your W-2 to put in with your income tax return forms. It is possible to print out a number of copies by signing back into the website and doing it again. You should keep in mind that when you elect to access your W-2 on the internet, you do not get a paper copy via mail.

5 Ways to Increase Your Tax Refund for 2016

Setting up the foundation for a good tax refund takes some basic tax planning, some research and a bit of forethought. Going over your tax situation, talking to your partner when completing your W-4s and capitalizing on many tax credits will help you maximize your tax refund. H&R Block Online will help figure out which credits will get you the largest refund.

Once you begin employment, your employer requests you fill out form W-4. This conveys to your employer the amount of federal income tax to withhold from your salary. The more allowances you apply for on the form, the less income tax is going to be kept back. Then you will have larger paychecks, but a smaller tax refund (or even possibly zero tax refund or a tax charge at year’s end). Things to think about when selecting the amount of allowances you claim include things like:

  • Claiming allowances for you alone, your partner and your eligible children and dependents
  • Taking an allowance for submitting head of household
  • Claiming over $1,500 for child and dependent care charges
  • Working multiple jobs
  • Having a husband or wife who is employed

Claiming fewer allowances on the W-4 means reduced paychecks, given that more tax is going to be withheld. This raises your odds of over-withholding, which results in a larger tax refund. That’s exactly why it’s known as a “refund:” you are actually being paid back what you overpaid to the IRS in the course of the year.

Caroline Thompson, President of Thompson Accounting and Tax, stated that you should be careful because claiming fewer allowances gives the federal government a year of your money tax free.

Make use of a W-4 Withholding Calculator to help calculate which allowances to claim.

Take a look at your filing status

Selecting the filing status that is best suited for your requirements will impact the chance of a rebate. Your filing status establishes:

  • Your usual deduction
  • Your filing needs
  • The credits you will be qualified to be given
  • The amount of tax you have to pay or the tax refund you get

You will find 5 statuses to pick from, however the 3 most popular are: married submitting together, married submitting individually, single, and head of household. TurboTax will help you figure out which option is best for your circumstances.

Claim the earned income tax credit

Working families, individuals, those who are business owners as well as others who have a modest to low-level earnings might be eligible for the earned income tax credit. The EITC reduces the amount of income taxes you owe and you might qualify for a tax rebate. To be eligible, you need to:

Have a legitimate Social Security number

  • Be a U.S. resident, a year-long resident alien or a non-resident alien married to a US citizen or resident alien submitting together
  • Have earnings from self-employment, from an employer or from providing farm labor
  • Not be a claimed dependent or child of someone else
  • Have an eligible child and be between the ages of 25 and 65, residing in the U.S. for a minimum of 6 months

To get the EITC you have to file a tax return, even though you owe no taxes.

Include the dependent care credit

The child and dependent care credit is dependent on a percentage of the sum you paid out for the care of an eligible child or dependent. The overall expenses you possibly can claim are capped at $3,000 for 1 qualified person and $6,000 for 2 or more. If your company provides dependent care benefits, you have to deduct this value. An eligible person is:

  • Your son or daughter is under 13 years of old
  • A dependent that is physically or psychologically not capable of self-care and who resides with you for over 6 months, or
  • Your wife or husband who may be not capable of self-care and resides with you for over 6 months

Additional criteria must be met in order to claim the credit:

  • If you’re married, you have to submit a joint return.
  • You can’t use a caregiver that is your partner or mother or father of the child, your son or daughter under 19 years old or additional dependents.
  • All eligible dependents and children need to have a Social Security number included with your return.
  • You have to provide the name, home address and Social Security number of the caregiver.

The Benefits of Filing Your Taxes with H&R Block Online

We recommend that you file your taxes with H&R Block as it will make the tax season so much easier. When filing they will ask you questions regarding your tax situation and will fill out all the correct tax forms for you. Here is link you can visit to find a discount coupon.

They will let you know which tax deductions and credits are applicable to you so you can keep the maximum amount of your money. You can even use their free tax refund calculator to see how much money you can expect to get back.

Tax Refund Calculator for 2017

It’s almost that time again – time to do your taxes. While some people put it off until the last minute, many want to at least try to gauge what they’ll owe or what their refund might be. Fortunately, you can get an idea of that data by using a tax refund calculator for 2017.

How it works is that it’s online and you simply enter your estimated data. Now while it can’t be entirely accurate down to the penny, you can get an idea of what is going on with your taxes so you don’t get surprised by an amount owed or if you are getting a refund, you can plan for the future.

If you’re like me, you’re impatient and want to know right away – regardless of the outcome. This is the perfect tool for those kind of people or simply those who may have an idea of what they might be expecting but simply want to be sure.

Best of all, it’s free to use so you can go ahead and get an idea of your tax refund or what you might owe, without having to pay.

TurboTax – The Best Tax Software

Let’s be honest – tax filing is boring, time-consuming and demanding task. Of course, not all of us have to file the same amount of data, but it would be nice if we had some help with the whole process. This is exactly where TurboTax comes into play.

There are many different tax software solutions, but rarely any other piece of software can be compared to TurboTax. This online tax software has been present on the market for years and this fact alone should be enough for you and encourage you to try TurboTax Online this year.  Of course, this is not the only reason why you should invest a small amount of money and ease your life by buying this product.

TurboTax has an excellent user-friendly design with intuitive buttons and tabs, specially designed tools and resources that can help you learn more about the taxes. From the moment you start working with this online tax software you will notice that this program was designed to be efficient and simple. Each of the actions that you can complete with this software is logically connected.

Even people who don’t have any knowledge in this field will find using this software very easy. At the same time, thanks to the great learning resources, TurboTax is also a great option for experienced tax payers. You can find many different features that will make the whole process easier and faster. On top of that, you can also use the help of TurboTax Community in order to get answers on some of your questions.