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Tax Filing Tips Every Parent Should Know

If parenthood could be summed up in one word, that word would be responsibility. Being a parent means not only are you responsible for yourself, but also another human being.

With new responsibilities comes new pressures. However, RapidTax wants to help take that pressure off your shoulders, at least when it comes to the responsibility of filing your taxes.  That’s why we have created this list of top tax tips for parents filing taxes. These tips will not only save you money, but also save you time when filing your taxes.

How to Increase your Tax Refund when Claiming Your Child:

The credits below apply to you if you are claiming a child on your taxes. Be sure to read through the entire list or you might mix some extra tax dollars!

1. Each child is a dependent exemption: When filing, each child you claim is counted as a tax exemption of $3900.

2. Claim the Child Tax Credit: For each child you claim (under the age of 17), there is a non-refundable tax credit of $1000. This credit is phased out if your modified adjusted gross income is over $75,000 if your single or over $110,000 if married filing jointly.

3. Child Care is a Tax Credit:  The Child and Dependent Care Credit allows filers to claim up to $1,050 of child care related expenses paid for one qualifying dependent, as long as the child is under 13 years old. Did you spend money on child care expenses for two or more children? You can claim up to $2,100 for two or more dependents with this credit. Continue reading “Tax Filing Tips Every Parent Should Know”

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How to Find E-File PIN From Last Year

Did you forget your E-File Personal Identification Number (PIN)? We’re here to help.

When it’s time to file taxes, most of us can’t seem to remember our e-file personal identification number (PIN). This leaves us all screaming “Help-How can I Find my E-File Pin?”.

RapidTax is here to help you find that e-file PIN. That way, filing your 2014 taxes on RapidTax can be a completely smooth, painless task!

How To Obtain Your E-File PIN

  1. Look at a copy of your 2013 Tax Return: Contact whoever prepared your tax return last year for a copy of your tax return. If you filed on Rapid, simply Sign-In to your 2013 account to download it.
  2. Your e-file PIN will be listed on the return (probably towards the bottom of the last page). This is the PIN you’ll need to e-file a 2014 tax return.
  3. Your 2013 AGI (adjusted gross income) will also be listed on the 2013 tax return. You can use this number on your 2014 taxes in place of a PIN. If you paper filed your 2013 return, you’ll need to use your 2013 AGI.

OR 

  • Go to the IRS PIN Website: You can use the IRS PIN Website to obtain your PIN.
  • Call the IRS: Rather than using the IRS website, you can call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 to obtain your PIN.

How To Use a E-File PIN If You Never Filed Taxes Before:

The IRS gives the option to either enter your PIN or AGI listed on your 2013 return, however, if you never filed before, you don’t have either. If this is the case, we recommend Paper Filing rather than e-filing your 2014 Tax Return. You can still prepare your 2014 return on RapidTax, the only difference is that you will have to mail your return to the IRS rather than e-filing it.

E-File Your 2014 Tax Return Today 

Once you’ve tracked down your e-file pin you can start your 2014 Tax Return. To get started,  create an account. If you have any questions along the way, the RapidTax team is available via phone, chat and email support.

Keep in mind, if you create a new 5-digit PIN while filing your 2014 taxes this year, be sure to write it down. You’ll need it when e-filing next year.

Photo via opensource.com on Flickr

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How To File Taxes for the First Time

If you’re filing your taxes for the first time, you’re most likely a college student, have your first job and probably not overly excited about it.

In fact, your parents might have been nagging you since January to file by April 15th. But let’s be honest, you don’t exactly know where to start.

All that aside, RapidTax understands and we’re here to help you through the process. If you need help filing taxes for the first time, here’s what to do.

Before Filing:

  • Get Organized: Gather your W-2s, 1099s, 1098-E (this shows the interest you paid on student loans), 1098-T (tuition payments and qualified expenses), etc.
  • Know Your Filing Status: There are many filing statuses; Single, Head of Household, Married Filing Jointly, or Married Filing Separately. Most likely, if your filing status may just be Single.
  • The Standard Deduction vs Itemizing: Everyone who files has the option to take one of two tax deductions; itemized deductions or the standard deduction. Itemizing deductions means you will list all your eligible deductions, and the combined total is deducted from your taxable income. Most are only eligible for the standard deduction. This amount depends on your filing status. Continue reading “How To File Taxes for the First Time”