Here’s who qualifies and how to claim it
Coroimage | Moment | Getty Images If you worked remotely in 2024, you may be eyeing the home office deduction. However, qualifying for the tax break may be harder than you expect, experts say. Only 7% of companies allowed fully remote work in 2024, down from 21% in 2023, according to a ZipRecruiter survey that […]
Here’s how to get a faster tax refund this season, experts say
Andreswd | E+ | Getty Images It’s official: Tax season is open for individual filers and the IRS has started to process 2024 tax returns. If you’re expecting a refund, there are key things to know, according to tax experts. “There are some very simple tips to get the fastest refund possible,” said Mark Steber, […]
There’s a big inherited IRA change in 2025. How to avoid a penalty
Greg Hinsdale | The Image Bank | Getty Images Inheriting an individual retirement account is a windfall for many investors. However, a lesser-known change for 2025 could trigger a costly surprise penalty, financial experts say. Starting in 2025, certain heirs with inherited IRAs must take yearly required withdrawals while emptying accounts over 10 years, known […]
Here’s how to maximize your 401(k) plan for 2025 with higher limits
Lordhenrivoton | E+ | Getty Images If you’re eager to save more for retirement, you could be overlooking ways to maximize your 401(k) plan, including key changes for 2025. Some 40% of Americans are behind on retirement planning and savings, according to a CNBC poll conducted by SurveyMonkey, which polled 6,657 U.S. adults in August. […]
Here’s how to retire a millionaire, according to finance pros
Goran Babic | E+ | Getty Images Building a $1 million nest egg may seem an impossible feat. However, amassing such retirement wealth is within reach for almost anyone — provided they take certain steps, financial advisors say. “You might think that, ‘Well, I have to become a Silicon Valley entrepreneur to become rich,’” said […]
Here’s how to pay for taxes on your Roth IRA conversion, advisors say
Srdjanpav | E+ | Getty Images More from FA Playbook: Here’s a look at other stories impacting the financial advisor business. When a Roth conversion is completed, you’ll owe regular income taxes on the converted balance, based on your current-year taxable income. Ideally, you’re “managing the tax bracket,” said CFP Jim Guarino, managing director at […]
Here’s how to maximize your tax breaks for charitable giving
Mixetto | E+ | Getty Images As year-end approaches, you may be eyeing a donation to charity — and certain gifting strategies can boost your tax break, experts say. In 2023, U.S. charitable giving hit $557.16 billion, up roughly 2% compared to 2022, according to Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s annual report released […]
How to leverage the 0% capital gains bracket as bitcoin surges
Hispanolistic | E+ | Getty Images Crypto investors could face higher taxes amid the surging price of bitcoin. But if you’re in the 0% capital gains bracket, you can reduce future taxes with a lesser-known strategy, experts say. The tactic, known as tax-gain harvesting, is selling profitable crypto in a lower-income year. You can leverage the […]
2025-26 FAFSA will open on Dec. 1 — Here’s how to prepare
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid for 2025-26 will be available for all students and contributors on or before Dec. 1, the Education Department says. Typically, students have access to the coming academic year’s form in October, but this year’s delayed release follows a “phased rollout” meant to address reported issues from the 2024-25 […]
How to leverage higher income limits for the 0% capital gains bracket
dowell | Moment | Getty Images The earnings limit for the 0% capital gains bracket will rise in 2025, which could offer tax planning opportunities, financial experts say. At sale, profitable assets owned for more than one year qualify for lower taxes — known as long-term capital gains. Those rates are 0%, 15% or 20%, […]