As a gentleman was leaving my class recently, he wanted me to clarify something I had said. He was making sure that he should take his four or five thousand dollar tax refund and pay off debt.
I was stunned. This money represented $400-$500 that could have been in his pocket every month. A survey of my friends this week revealed one who was getting back $2800 and one getting $3300 back this year.
Getting a large tax refund (over $500) means you are having too much money withheld from your check every pay period.
Many people use this as a forced saving plan and it does not make any sense. You are loaning the government YOUR money, interest free. Every $1200 in refund is an extra $100 per month you could have used to eliminate debt or invest for your future.
I 'd venture to say that most people who do get large refunds could use this money every month to ease their debt burden. This burden frequently leads to late charges and higher interest rates. Instead, they like the feeling of getting that big check in the mail and figuring out how to spend that chunk of money.
The ideal situation is to either owe or get back $100.
If you get a big tax refund then you should adjust your allowances. The more allowances you claim, the less money is withheld from your check for taxes. It generally does not matter how many allowances you claim. If the government gets it's money they really don't care how many allowances you claim.
Here is how to get it right. Take the time to complete the appropriate worksheets included on Form W-4. The worksheets will help you determine your withholding allowances based on your income, adjustments, deductions, exemptions and tax credits. The worksheets can help you figure the right amount so you don't have too little withheld.
The IRS now has a calculator on their website which you can now access anytime at: http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96196,00.html
If you need help ask your payroll administrator at work or an accountant.
Keep your money working for YOU!
Leo J. Quinn, Jr. owner of http://www.leoquinn.com is a financial educator from the Albany, NY area. For over eight years he has been helping thousands of people get control of their finances and get out of debt in a fraction of the normal time. He has a special offer for readers of this newsletter at http://www.leoquinn.com
professional maid services Deerfield ..Most people look forward to getting their tax return, but... Read More
The electronic transaction ordinance defines the certificated copies in which... Read More
Practically every small business has receivables that it cannot obtain... Read More
Are you in the middle of a disagreement with the... Read More
Does your incorporated business pay alternative minimum tax ["AMT]? If... Read More
As your business grows, you are going to need help.... Read More
Taxpayers have two easy and convenient options for getting copies... Read More
"Depreciation." For business owners, this word is the one most... Read More
OverviewIn the Pre-Budget Report of December 2003 the Chancellor Gordon... Read More
Each year, the IRS lists various scams taxpayers get caught... Read More
If you are a Small Business Owner or Self-Employed Person,... Read More
Marketing is a necessary expense in running practically any business... Read More
Over 50% of marriages end in divorce in the United... Read More
Managing a business small, medium or big requires you to... Read More
How Home-Based Businesses Can Avoid Giving Uncle Sam... Read More
When buying a business, how the "purchase price" is made... Read More
Employers often ask employees to designate the amount of tax... Read More
Should I take wages or dividends from my privately owned... Read More
In elementary school, kids come up with creative excuses why... Read More
If you have recently started an Internet or home business,... Read More
According to the IRS, taxpayers underpay their taxes by some... Read More
Assume a buyer in Pakistan downloads software from the Internet... Read More
April 15th looms in front of most people every year... Read More
Adding Your First Additional Stream of IncomeMost new wealth builders... Read More
It's that time again, the April 15 tax deadline is... Read More
quick home cleaning Lake Forest ..QUESTION: I have been contacted by my local city... Read More
Haven't done your taxes yet? No problem. Now there is... Read More
If you are environmentally conscious and purchase a 2005 Ford... Read More
When buying a business, how the "purchase price" is made... Read More
Tilting the Tax Laws in Your Favor.In order to accelerate... Read More
Misconceptions, misinterpretations and just plain "untruths" are floating about income... Read More
Do you realize that some tax forms ask you to... Read More
Employers often ask employees to designate the amount of tax... Read More
Does your incorporated business pay alternative minimum tax ["AMT]? If... Read More
Many Americans believe that an IRS debt is a debt... Read More
One way to maximize your business profits is by reducing... Read More
It may not be high on the list of wedding... Read More
NOTE: This is the first in a series of 5... Read More
"Settle for Pennies on the Dollar! IRS debts settled for... Read More
Assume a buyer in Pakistan downloads software from the Internet... Read More
The powers of Congress, and the limitations set upon those... Read More
In elementary school, kids come up with creative excuses why... Read More
We all love to criticize the IRS, don't we? And... Read More
Choosing the right tax preparer for your business is a... Read More
One can never underestimate the enthusiasm that politicians have for... Read More
Anyone who is closely related to an accountant knows that... Read More
It's a moment every person dreads. You pick up the... Read More
"What we've got here is a failure to communicate." ... Read More
We need real tax reform and we need it now.... Read More
Ever wish that, as a business owner, you knew exactly... Read More
Tax |