It’s no secret that tax refunds are the best part about filing taxes each year. However, the wait times for receiving a tax refund can be unexpectedly long. This is especially true if the IRS has a backlog of unprocessed returns. Enter tax refund loans. You may have heard or read this term while filing this year. But what are they? How do they work? What are the pros and cons of opting for a tax refund loan? Here, we will break down these key questions to help you decide if they are worth considering.
What are tax refund loans?
Sometimes referred to as refund anticipation loans (RALs), tax refund loans are intended to provide borrowers with an advance on their anticipated tax refund amount. Borrowers can obtain a portion of their refund virtually immediately rather than waiting for the standard processing time. They usually become available at the beginning of the year through February. Luckily, these loans are easy to qualify for and usually do not require a credit check.
How do tax refund loans work?
Typically, a borrower can request a tax refund loan from their tax preparer if they offer this service. Some tax preparation companies do require a minimum refund amount, ranging from $250 to $500. If approved, your tax preparer will open a temporary bank account on your behalf. They will then inform the IRS to send your tax refund to this account. Then you will be issued a loan via paper check, prepaid card, or direct deposit into a personal bank account. Once your tax refund is processed by the IRS and deposited into your temporary account, your tax preparer will then deduct any fees associated with the loan and the tax preparation itself, plus loan interest. The remaining refund will be sent to you.
What are the pros of tax refund loans?
Tax refund loans provide you with instant access to a portion of your anticipated tax refund. This allows you to meet immediate needs for cash. Many tax refund loan companies do not charge any upfront fees or interest. This fact makes it a potentially cheaper alternative than other short-term loans. The application process for tax return loans is often simple and involves little documentation. So, it could be a practical choice for people in need of finances right away.
What are the cons of tax refund loans?
First, access to a tax refund loan means having to pay for tax preparation fees. This would be a con specifically for those who have simple tax situations that may be used to filing for free. Also, while some tax refund loan companies do not charge upfront costs, they may charge high interest rates or fees, which can considerably diminish the amount of your real tax refund. Taking out a loan against your tax refund presumes that you will receive a refund from the IRS. However, if your refund is less than expected or if you owe taxes, you may end up in a terrible financial situation of owing a lender.
Should I consider a tax refund loan?
The value of a tax refund loan is determined by your specific financial status and needs. If you need money right away for an emergency and don’t have any other options, a tax return loan could be a temporary answer. However, the related costs, such as high interest rates and fees, must be carefully considered, and whether the benefits outweigh the potential negatives. If you’re still unsure, you can always speak to a qualified tax professional about your specific situation. Optima Tax Relief is the nation’s leading tax resolution firm with over a decade of experience helping taxpayers with tough tax situations.
Saving for higher education tuition can be overwhelming. However, it can be a little easier with the help of a college savings account. By saving earlier and more efficiently, you can increase your savings for education, whether it is for your children, a family member, or even yourself. One of the most popular types of college savings accounts is a 529 plan because of its tax benefits. Here is an overview of 529 plans, including what they are, how they work and other important information.
What is a 529 plan?
A 529 savings plan is a tax-sheltered investment account created exclusively for qualified higher education expenses. These plans are named after Internal Revenue Code Section 529 and are offered by states or educational institutions. Like a Roth 401(k) or Roth IRA, 529 plans enable families to invest after-tax contributions that not only grow tax-free but can be withdrawn tax-free if the funds are used to pay for qualified expenses.
What is a qualified higher education expense?
Qualified higher education expenses include tuition, fees, books, computers, equipment, internet services, and room and board for students who are at least half-time. Any withdrawals made to pay for these expenses must happen in the same year the expense is incurred. The IRS has also recently allowed 529 plan funds to pay for up to $10,000 of K-12 tuition as well as up to $10,000 in student loan debt. Purchases made with 529 plan funds that are not qualified expenses will be subject to a 10% penalty, plus regular income taxes.
Another thing to keep in mind when making withdrawals from your 529 plan is that you’ll want to avoid “double-dipping.” In other words, you are not allowed to use more than one tax benefit for the same expense. For example, if you used $3,000 from your 529 plan to pay for your child’s tuition, you may not also use this same expense to qualify for an education tax credit, like the American Opportunity Tax Credit. This is also the case if someone else paid for your child’s tuition with their own 529 plan. Another example is if your child receives a tax-free scholarship of $10,000 to put towards their $15,000 tuition bill. Because $10,000 was received, you may only withdraw up to $5,000 for this expense. Withdrawing more will result in a penalty.
What are the tax advantages of 529 plans?
Contributions to 529 plans are made with after-tax dollars, which means they are not federally tax-deductible. Some states allow you to deduct contributions. 529 plans, however, do grow tax-free, which means any earnings generated are not taxed, as long as the funds are ultimately used for qualified education expenses. This means your investments can grow faster with less effort on your part. Investing in a tax-deferred account, like a 529 plan, can yield thousands of dollars more than a taxable account.
529 plans can also be great for estate planning. For tax purposes, contributions to a 529 savings plan are considered completed gifts. Individuals can reduce their taxable estate and perhaps reduce estate taxes by contributing to a 529 plan. This is especially advantageous for those with significant assets who want to pass wealth down to future generations while minimizing the impact of taxes on their estates. These contributions are not taxed unless they exceed the annual gift tax exemption amount of $17,000 (in 2023).
What else should I know about 529 plans?
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. If the funds are no longer necessary for higher education, but you still have leftover money, you have a few options. You can change the beneficiary on the account to another family member. You can also make yourself the beneficiary if completing higher education is a goal for you. Your 529 college plan can also be converted to a 529 ABLE plan, a savings account for people with disabilities. Finally, beginning in 2024, you will be able to roll over up to $35,000 of 529 funds into a Roth IRA, as long as the account has been open for at least 15 years.
Like Roth accounts, 529 plans have a lot of tax advantages. However, it’s crucial to follow all tax laws when making withdrawals and reporting education expenses during tax time. Keeping good records of qualified expenses and the amount of tax-free money received can help ensure that you stay compliant. As you can imagine, improper usage of this tax-deferred account can result in penalties that can cause financial hardship. Optima Tax Relief is the nation’s leading tax resolution firm with over a decade of experience helping taxpayers with tough tax situations.
Before 2021, college athletes had a few ways to earn money. These were typically from scholarships, grants, part-time jobs, or possibly even help from their parents. Since then, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has allowed these athletes, including high school level athletes, to engage in NIL, or Name, Image, and Likeness, activities. This has created many financial opportunities for college athletes. However, it has also created more responsibilities for these first-time tax filers. Here, we will break down NIL income, including what types exist and how to report it during tax time.
What is NIL Income?
NIL income is the revenue earned by high school and collegiate athletes through the use of their name, image, and likeness. How much these athletes can earn typically depends on their social media presence, the sport they play and other factors. Currently, basketball and football players earn the most NIL income compared to other sports. The top NIL earner in 2023 is none other than 18-year-old basketball star Bronny James, son of superstar LeBron James. His NIL valuation is between $6.8 million and $7.6 million. Both his NIL valuation and social media following of nearly 13 million are comparable to many professional athletes who have been in the game much longer. While all this sounds fantastic for the emerging superstar, NIL income is taxable, meaning he and his fellow NIL earners will have financial responsibilities during tax time.
How is NIL Income Earned?
NIL income can be earned through various ways, including:
Guest appearances
Autograph signings
Sponsorships
Endorsements
Content creation
NFTs
Gifts
Vacations
Apparel and athletic equipment
How is NIL Income Taxed?
To avoid surprises during tax season, it’s critical to understand the tax implications of NIL income. NIL income earners are technically considered independent contractors, which means they would receive Form 1099-NEC at the beginning of each year if they earned at least $600 in NIL income the previous year. This includes crypto payments. If they were paid through a third-party payment network, like Venmo or PayPal, they will instead receive Form 1099-K. Gifts or free items with values of $600 or more will be reported on Form 1099-MISC. If they also worked a job that gives Form W-2, this income should also be reported. Remember, the IRS receives all 1099s and W-2s from employers, so all income should be reported on your tax return if you are an NIL income earner.
If an NIL earner has net income of $400 or more, they must file a tax return. Since they are considered self-employed, they will also need to pay estimated quarterly tax payments if they expect to owe $1,000 or more in taxes. In addition, they will be responsible for paying self-employment taxes, which equals 15.3% of their income.
Tax Help for NIL Earners
Earning money for your name, image, and likeness is an amazing opportunity for high school and college athletes. However, paying taxes on this income may not always be a first instinct which can lead to financial troubles. A good way for these earners to save money during tax time is to take advantage of tax-deductible expenses available, including plane fare, hotel bills, vehicle expenses, marketing and agency fees, and more.
Meanwhile, there are also education tax credits and the student loan interest deduction for those who qualify. Also, keep in mind that each state has their own set of tax rules and regulations. It is critical to become acquainted with your state’s specific rules in order to understand how NIL income is taxed and what deductions or credits may be available to you. Keeping good records, planning ahead, staying informed, and consulting with a knowledgeable tax professional can make the biggest difference in this complex process.
If You Need Tax Help, Contact Optima Tax Relief Today for a Free Consultation
Purchasing a home is an exciting milestone in life as it represents a significant investment. However, beyond the joy of becoming a homeowner, it’s crucial to understand the tax implications that come with this major financial commitment. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various tax considerations related to buying a home, providing you with valuable insights to help you navigate this aspect of homeownership confidently.
Itemizing Deductions
Purchasing a home may be the first opportunity you receive to start itemizing your deductions during tax time. While itemizing can require much more work, it could result in a larger refund. If you want to claim any expenses related to your home, you must itemize your deductions. This might include expenses such as mortgage interest or real estate taxes. Consulting with a knowledgeable tax professional can give you a better understanding of your best option is.
Mortgage Interest Deduction
If you have a home loan that originated after December 16, 2017, you can deduct mortgage interest, up to $750,000. Any loan with an origination date before this qualifies for a mortgage interest deduction of up to $1 million. To qualify for this deduction, you must itemize your deductions on your tax return and meet certain eligibility criteria. Every January, your home lender should send you Form 1098, Mortgage Interest Statement. This reports mortgage interest of $600 or more you paid during the year. If you paid less than $600 in mortgage interest, you can still deduct it during tax time.
In addition to mortgage interest, your 1098 will also show much you paid in mortgage points during the year. Mortgage points are a form of payment made to obtain your mortgage. They are generally defined as a percentage of your loan amount. For instance, let’s assume you paid three points, or 3%, on your $500,000 mortgage, for a total of $15,000 (3% of $500,000). The IRS will typically allow you to deduct the entire amount of your points in the year they were paid. You should note that the deductible amount should be shown on your 1098 form.
Real Estate Tax Deduction
As a homeowner, one of your expenses will be real estate taxes. The IRS allows you to deduct only the actual real estate tax amounts paid during the year. However, you can also deduct local property taxes as well. If you pay these taxes through your lender, this amount should be shown on Form 1098. If you just purchased a home, you may have reimbursed the seller for their real estate tax payments. In this case, you will be able to deduct this amount through the real estate tax deduction too. Remember to keep records of any payments you made. Beginning in 2018, the total amount of state and local taxes you can deduct, including property taxes, is capped at $10,000 per year.
Home Energy Credits
Homeowners can also claim tax credits by making some energy efficient upgrades to their home. Specifically, the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit and the Residential Clean Energy Credit are great tax credits for those who recently made home improvements that help conserve energy. Some examples include energy-efficient windows, exterior doors, furnaces, air conditioners, solar panels, and more.
Mortgage Interest Credit
The IRS allows lower-income and moderate-income taxpayers to claim the Mortgage Interest Credit if they received a mortgage credit certificate (MCC) from their state or local government. An MCC is usually given to first-time homeowners, and it allows you to claim the credit of up to $2,000 of the mortgage interest paid per year. Taxpayers should note that this credit is completely separate from the mortgage interest deduction that uses Form 1098. The Mortgage Interest Credit can be claimed using Form 8396.
Tax Help for Homeowners
The tax benefits of homeownership can provide notable savings and financial advantages. By familiarizing yourself with the tax deductions and credits available, making informed decisions about how to file your taxes can be a little easier. However, navigating complex tax rules and regulations can be overwhelming. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to consult with a qualified tax professional who can provide specific guidance tailored to your individual situation. Optima Tax Relief is the nation’s leading tax resolution firm with over a decade of experience helping taxpayers with tough tax situations.
We are told that filing for bankruptcy should be the very last resort when dealing with extreme financial hardship. This is because it has long-term effects. For example, it will leave a negative impact on your credit score for up to 10 years. It will result in decreased access to credit, loss of assets, and sometimes forfeiture of tax refunds. In addition, bankruptcies are public information, so employers, customers, family, and just about anyone can access this information. Filing for bankruptcy must be a calculated decision and one that takes all factors into consideration, including the tax implications. In this blog article, we’ll look at the tax consequences of Chapter 13 bankruptcy and provide useful information to help individuals and companies make informed decisions.
What is Chapter 13 bankruptcy?
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is often known as the wage earner’s bankruptcy, including self-employed individuals and sole proprietors. This is because it is for those who have income but have fallen behind on payments for items purchased on credit. In Chapter 13 bankruptcy, your debts are reorganized, and a payment plan is established. A court-appointed trustee will supervise you and collect and distribute your payments. As long as you satisfy the terms of the repayment plan issued by the bankruptcy court, you should be allowed to keep your house after Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Under Chapter 13, you have 3-5 years to pay off your obligations while devoting all of your disposable income to debt repayment. That implies simple living. However, the Chapter 13 option allows you to erase unsecured debt, such as credit card bills, while catching up on home payments.
What happens to tax debt after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy?
Tax debts cannot usually be discharged (wiped away) in Chapter 13 bankruptcy. You instead repay your tax debts over the course of your Chapter 13 repayment plan. This could take three or five years. Typically, during bankruptcy, debts will be classified as priority or nonpriority. These tax debts need to be paid in full during the repayment period. This can include income taxes, FICA, some employment taxes, penalties, and others. On the other hand, nonpriority debts are usually combined with unsecured debts you have, such as credit card debt. These are the debts that are likely to be settled with creditors for less than what you owe. However, if you still have remaining taxes due when your repayment period ends, you must pay them in full. Any outstanding tax debts will not be discharged, and you will be obligated to pay them.
Filing Tax Returns After Bankruptcy
Like the other two chapters, it is imperative that you still pay your taxes while in Chapter 13. It is critical to keep up with your tax duties during your bankruptcy process, including timely filing of tax returns and payment of any taxes owed by the due date. While in bankruptcy, you can technically still receive tax refunds. However, they might be delayed or utilized to pay off tax debts.
Tax Help for Bankruptcy Filers
It can be difficult to pay taxes while in Chapter 13 bankruptcy. You may confront a variety of difficulties. Some examples are managing all payments, paying down interest and penalties on your tax debt, changing your repayment plan to incorporate tax liabilities if it hasn’t been done already. Taking care of both tax payments and overdue tax bills during Chapter 13 can be overwhelming, but it really is crucial to not only understand your tax obligations but also figure out how to manage your debt during your repayment plan. Rest assured, working with experienced bankruptcy lawyers and tax professionals can help mitigate the situation and help you successfully navigate the bankruptcy process. If you need tax help, Optima Tax Relief is here.
