Every year, it’s a sure bet that there will be changes to current tax law, and this year is no different. From standard deductions to health savings accounts and tax rate schedules, here’s a checklist of tax changes to help you plan the year ahead.
Archived Posts: Earned Income Tax Credit
Individual Taxpayers: The Year in Review
As we close out the year and get ready for tax season, here’s what individuals and families need to know about tax provisions for 2021.
Key Tax Changes Could Affect Your Tax Situation in 2021
Key tax provisions in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 could affect your tax situation.
Highlights of the American Rescue Plan Act
Signed into law on March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) contains several tax provisions affecting individuals and families. Let's take a look: Economic Impact Payments (EIP3). A third round of economic impact payments (EIP3) will be sent to qualifying taxpayers; individuals will receive $1,400 ($2,800 for married taxpayers filing jointly) plus $1,400 for each dependent, which includes college students and relatives who can be claimed as dependents. These payments are sent out as...
Tax Breaks for Families With Children
If you have children, one or more of these tax credits and deductions could help your family reduce the amount of tax owed when you file your 2020 tax return. Let's take a look: 1. Child Tax Credit Generally, taxpayers can claim the Child Tax Credit for each qualifying child under the age of 17. The maximum credit is $2,000 per child. Taxpayers who get less than the full amount of the credit may qualify for the Additional Child Tax Credit (see below). The refundable portion of the credit is...
What’s New for 2020 Tax Returns
What to be Aware of for your Tax Returns As always, taxpayers should be aware of several key items involving credits, deductions, and refunds when filing their tax returns. Let's take a look: 1. Recovery Rebate Credit/Economic Impact Payment. In January, the Treasury Department and the IRS began sending the second round of Economic Impact Payments (EIP2) to millions of Americans as part of the implementation of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. As with the...
Tax Filing Season Starts February 12
Although tax season usually starts in late January, this year, the tax filing season is delayed until February 12, 2021. The delayed start date for individual tax return filers allowed the IRS time to do additional programming and testing of IRS systems following the December 27, 2020, tax law changes that provided a second round of Economic Impact Payments and other benefits to many taxpayers. This programming work is critical to ensuring IRS systems run smoothly to minimize refund delays and...
The COVID-related Tax Relief Act of 2020
What You Need to Know About the COVID Tax Relief Act of 2020 The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, H.R. 133 included funding for the government, extensions for expiring tax extenders, tax relief under the COVID-related Tax Relief Act of 2020, and many more items. Passed by both the House and Senate, it was signed into law by President Trump on December 27, 2020. Let's take a look at a few of the highlights related to pandemic taxpayer relief under the COVID-Related Tax Relief Act of 2020:...
Important Tax Changes for Individuals and Businesses
What You Need to Know About Changes to Your Taxes in 2021 Every year, it's a sure bet that there will be changes to current tax law and this year is no different. From standard deductions to health savings accounts and tax rate schedules, here's a checklist of tax changes to help you plan the year ahead. Individuals In 2021, a number of tax provisions are affected by inflation adjustments, including Health Savings Accounts, retirement contribution limits, and the foreign earned income...
Individual Taxpayers: Recap for 2020
Tax Provisions for 2020 As we close out the year and get ready for tax season, here's what individuals and families need to know about tax provisions for 2020. Personal Exemptions Personal exemptions are eliminated for tax years 2018 through 2025. Standard Deductions The standard deduction for married couples filing a joint return in 2020 is $24,800. For singles and married individuals filing separately, it is $12,400, and for heads of household, the deduction is $18,650. The additional...