New Rules for 2014 Taxes

While taxes are certain in life, there is no guarantee that the rules that apply to these taxes will remain the same each year. In fact, 2013 saw a number of IRS changes that will affect many taxpayers, especially those in the upper tax brackets.

Here’s what you need to know this tax season, which opens January 31st:

If your income is above $200,000 (or $250,000 as a married couple filing jointly)…

* All or part of your net investment income may be subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax.

* If your income is a combination of salary and self-employment income, you will be responsible for an additional 0.9%    Medicare tax (on top of the original 2.9%).

If your income is above $250,000 (or $300,000 as a married couple filing jointly or $275,000 for head of household)…

* Some personal and dependent exemptions might be cut down or eliminated.

* … Read More

Social Security Resources

Surprisingly enough, you can now get information about your Social Security account online.
Just go to www.socialsecurity.gov.  Here, you can handle much of your Social Security business quickly and securely from your home or office computer, or your tablet.
At the Social Security website you can:
• create a “my Social Security” account for quick access to your information;
• get an instant, personalized estimate of your future Social Security benefits;
• apply for retirement, disability, spouse’s, and Medicare benefits;
• check the status of your benefit application;
• change your address and phone number, if you receive monthly Social Security benefits
• sign up for direct deposit of Social Security benefits;
• use the benefit planners to help you better understand your Social Security option;
• find additional social security resources
• request a replacement Medicare card; and
• apply for Extra Help with your Medicare prescription drug costs.… Read More

IRS NEWS RELEASE – January 31, 2014 will begin the 2013 tax filing season.

IR-2013-100, Dec. 18, 2013

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced plans to open the 2014 filing season on Jan. 31 and encouraged taxpayers to use e-file or Free File as the fastest way to receive refunds.

The new opening date for individuals to file their 2013 tax returns will allow the IRS adequate time to program and test its tax processing systems. The annual process for updating IRS systems saw significant delays in October following the 16-day federal government closure.

“Our teams have been working hard throughout the fall to prepare for the upcoming tax season,” IRS Acting Commissioner Danny Werfel said. “The late January opening gives us enough time to get things right with our programming, testing and systems validation. It’s a complex process, and our bottom-line goal is to provide a smooth filing and refund process for the nation’s taxpayers.”

The government closure meant the IRS had … Read More