Breaking down the “Marriage Penalty”

Tax Tips are provided to you by H&R Block, for questions schedule an appointment with Michelle Bachtel at your local Knox H&R Block or reach them at 574-772-2316

MarriagePenaltyFor the majority of married couples, filing a joint tax return makes sense, as it usually means you’re in a lower tax bracket. However, things change as you and your spouse approach parity in income, especially if you are both high earners.

Unfortunately, though, if you find yourself subject to the “marriage penalty” assessed on high earners, you can’t just file as single. Instead, if you attempt to beat the marriage penalty, you could find yourself in a worse position with the status Married Filing Separately – which usually results in the highest tax rate. Continue reading

Tax Refund Delay: Separating Fact from Fiction

Tax Tips are provided to you by H&R Block, for questions schedule an appointment with Michelle Bachtel at your local Knox H&R Block or reach them at 574-772-2316

Did you hear that tax refunds were going to be delayed until October? Yeah, that’s false. An article on a satirical website last fall fueled controversy that taxpayers wouldn’t get their refunds until many, many months after filing. It isn’t true. However, the Commissioner of the IRS has made comments that may make it seem more plausible. Continue reading

File Your Fastest Tax Return Yet

Tax Tips are provided to you by H&R Block, for questions schedule an appointment with Michelle Bachtel at your local Knox H&R Block or reach them at 574-772-2316TaxesASAP-square

While e-file doesn’t open until January 20, that’s no reason to sit around and wait. Make it your New Year’s resolution to file your fastest tax return ever. It’ll be a great way to start off 2015. Here’s a step-by-step guide.  Continue reading

Wait A Minute. Do I even need to file a tax return?

Tax Tips are provided to you by H&R Block, for questions schedule an appointment with Michelle Bachtel at your local Knox H&R Block or call at 574-772-2316

Regular EmploymentDoINeedtoFile-Cartoon

Here’s where it is simple. If you have regular employment – meaning you work for another person or corporation and receive a W-2 – and no one else can claim you on a federal tax return, you can use this chart to determine whether you need to file a return. Here’s how: Continue reading

When Can I file my 2014 Taxes, and How Quickly Can I get my Refund?

Tax Tips are provided to you by H&R Block, for questions schedule an appointment with Michelle Bachtel at your local Knox H&R Block or call at 574-772-2316WhatAffectsRefund

What does IRS e-file opening mean?

The IRS accepts tax returns filed one of two ways: on paper sent through the mail and electronically through e-file. About 88% of individual tax returns were e-filed between April 19, 2013 and April 18, 2014. That amounts to nearly 116 million tax returns. Continue reading