- Energy Costs Rise as Tax Incentives Fade
- With energy costs skyrocketing, you would think that the federal government would come up with some tax incentives aimed at curbing the consumption of energy. However, on the consumer end of taxes, the incentives are actually fading away. Apparently, federal lawmakers and administrators believe the high cost of energy itself is incentive enough to reduce consumption.
- A Reminder - If You Did A Roth Conversion in 2010
- This is just a reminder that if you did a Roth Conversion in 2010 and elected to defer the tax on that conversion to 2011 and 2012, don't forget to include one-half of the conversion taxable income on your 2012 return.
- Home Affordable Modification Program
- To help financially distressed homeowners lower their monthly mortgage payments, the Dept. of the Treasury and the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) established HAMP. In appropriate cases, HAMP has been offering the Principal Reduction Alternative (PRA) as part of a HAMP loan modification since the last quarter of 2010. Current plans call for HAMP to continue accepting new borrowers through the end of 2013.
- IRS Introduces New Safe Harbor Home Office Deduction
- Effective for tax years beginning in 2013, taxpayers can elect a simplified deduction for the business use of their home. The deduction is $5 per square foot with a maximum square footage of 300. Thus, the maximum deduction is $1,500 per year. Here are the details of this simplified method:
- What to Do If You Are Missing a W-2
- Have you received all of your W-2s? These documents are essential for completing individual tax returns. You should receive a Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, from all of your employers each year. Employers have until January 31st to provide or send you a 2012 W-2 earnings statement, either electronically or in paper form. If you have not received your W-2, follow these steps:
  |
|  |