How to File Your 2018 Taxes & Important Tax Changes

taxes 2018

Are you starting on your 2018 tax return right now?

Your tax return may seem a bit off when you’re filing. The reason for this is the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) changes.

For on the go taxpayers and those who just need a break.

If you have a hectic schedule or just want to relax at home after a long day, filing your taxes online could be the best option for you. No need for standing in long lines for a tax accountant.

All you need to do is follow these few steps:

  1. Create an account
  2. Enter your tax information (which is conveniently available by clicking user-friendly tabs for your personal information, income, deductions, and credits)
  3. Submit your account for a PDF of your return to paper file to the IRS and/or state!

We’ll prepare your tax return as soon as possible. Keep in mind, taxpayers who have a refund for the 2018 tax year are not subject to any penalties at any point they decide to file. Just make sure you file within three years of the due date of your return to claim your refund. In this case, claim your refund by April 15, 2022.

However, taxpayers with a tax due to the IRS should have filed by the 2018 tax year deadline; April 17, 2019 to avoid tax penalties.

Check out the breakdown of the tax changes this year.

The following are no longer available for the 2018 tax year: Continue reading “How to File Your 2018 Taxes & Important Tax Changes”

Am I Still Required to File A Past State Tax Return?

states with no income tax

Don’t worry about filing a past state tax return if you belong to one of these as your resident state.

The U.S. states that do not have income taxes are Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. However, just because you don’t need to pay income tax, doesn’t mean a state is any cheaper to live in. In order to maintain state revenue, states with no income tax rely on other uses of taxes such as estate, property, sales, excise, gift taxes and more.

For example, here are a few ways each state maintains their state revenue:

  • Alaska depends on estate, excise, gift and severance taxes
  • Florida depends on property, sales, and corporate income taxes
  • Nevada; being a tourist attraction, depends on fees, gambling taxes, and high sales taxes
  • South Dakota taxes property, alcoholic beverages and cigarettes
  • Texas depends on high use, sales and property taxes
  • Washington depends on business, occupation and sales taxes
  • Wyoming depends on taxing property and businesses

Unlike the seven states above, New Hampshire and Tennessee do not have personal income taxes but still taxes specific types of income. New Hampshire doesn’t have sales tax, or inheritance tax but it does tax interest and dividends. Tennessee does not have estate and inheritance tax but taxes dividends and interest due to its Hall Tax.

Have you forgotten to file a state return or two?

Continue reading “Am I Still Required to File A Past State Tax Return?”

What is the Tax Refund Schedule for 2018?

tax refund schedule 2018

Do you feel like you’re playing the waiting game?

You might be wondering how long it takes for you to receive your refund. Typically, the IRS issues tax refunds in less than 21 days as long as there are no discrepancies.

If you are due a refund, it may take longer depending on the situation or time your financial institution takes to direct deposit or mail it to you.

Here are some situations that may prevent you from receiving your refund:

Continue reading “What is the Tax Refund Schedule for 2018?”