If you have sold items online this year and/or received money through an Ap such as Venmo or Cash Ap, you may receive a 1099-K form. The federal threshold for these types of sales in tax year 2024 is $5000 and will reduce each year until it reaches $600 in 2026. The income that these forms represent may be from online clothing sales, tickets sales, or even gig jobs. The IRS is making an effort to collect taxes from workers or online businesses who do not traditionally report their income. This article stresses that personal payments between friends and reimbursements are not taxable. If you feel you’ve received a 1099-K in error, there is a place on your 2024 tax forms to report the money as not income. Read more here: Did You Sell Concert Tickets or Clothes? You May Owe Taxes.
Category: Personal Finances
Small Things Add Up
Are you aware of the offers your bank gives for certain types of accounts? Do you know how much interest your regular or high-yield accounts pay? Have you ever felt confused by the information you bank sent about interest or ways to save?
These questions and more are currently at the forefront of the banking industry and have brought to light certain practices that institutions may be using to mislead their clients. Capital One was sued by the consumer bureau over advertising meant to deceive customers.
The article advises consumers to be diligent and pay close attention to “deals” when they come from their banks. These could help your money earn more. Read Here: Why Banks May Be Hoping You’re Not Paying Attention
Preparing to File Your Taxes
What are your tax prep best practices?
With the start of a new year, many begin thinking about filing taxes. The IRS offers simple tips and best practices for getting all of your paperwork in order to make the process go smoothly. This article is especially helpful for those who worry they may not be paying enough and want to take advantage of available deductibles. Read more here: Be ready to file taxes next year
New Ways To Save
As we enter the season of gift giving, it’s time to watch budgets even closer. Explore these sites recommended by ThePennyHoarder.com, The Dumbest Things We Keep Spending Too Much Money On, to save on your monthly bills and other needed household items such as:
Car Insurance
Amazon
Credit Card Interest
High Speed Internet
Movies and More
Leave yourself more money for the fun things in life during the holidays.
$15/Hour Minimum Wage?
Living wage, minimum wage, fair wage… There are many views on what these phrases mean and how best to apply them in the United States. On Friday, 20 states and 32 cities and counties will raise their minimum wage. In 27 of these places, the pay floor will reach or exceed $15 an hour, according to a report released on Thursday by the National Employment Law Project, which supports minimum-wage increases. How will these increases affect small businesses and workers who may actually stand to lose their jobs because of the new rules? Read more here, Once a Fringe Idea, the $15 Minimum Wage Is Making Big Gains.
Employer-Paid Tuition Assistance
Does your employer offer tuition assistance? If so, you may also be entitled to a tax write-off from these loans as well. Eligible expenses often include, books, tuition and fees, as well as supplies and equipment. If you receive more than $5,250 in a year, you must include the excess amount in taxable income. Also, qualified expenses used to justify your employer tuition assistance may not be used toward any other federal education tax benefits. For more information about these benefits, read: Employer-Paid Tuition Assistance.
Best Practices Financial Q & A
Ever wonder about the best way to handle certain financial needs? Liz Weston for LA Times Business offers insight into these three situations: hospital bills, home ownership, and retirement savings. Read more for quick tips that can help you make the most of your money. For example, did you know that most hospitals offer financial assistance at low or no interest to patients who qualify?
Here’s why you shouldn’t put that huge hospital bill on a credit card
Living Off Your 401K?
Recently unemployed? Considering dipping into your 401K to stay afloat? Here are some options to consider. Fees are waived for withdrawals made from 401K accounts. Taxes must be paid but can be spread over three years. These are some of the most lenient restrictions ever imposed. Even if you decide not take money out of your account, you may want to consider moving your 401K into an IRA. Mark Miller for the New York Times in his article, Lost Your Job but Still Have a 401(k)? Here’s What to Do With It, offers advice and tips on best managing your retirement funds and money for daily living during this turbulent time.
Honesty in Spending
Financial Infidelity…
Have you ever been guilty of making a purchase and not telling your partner? What about buying something and then altering the actual cost when forced to admit your indiscretion?
Many couples fall prey to these kinds of buying practices says Jancee Dunn for the New York Times in her article, Your Cheatin’ Wallet. Read more to see how important it is to move towards total financial transparency with your partner and what pitfalls may arise if you don’t.
Make the Best of Black Friday
Want to get the best deals and save the most money on Black Friday? Elissa Sanci for Smarter Living, The New York Times offers tips and shopping best practices in her article: 5 Things to Avoid on Black Friday
Black Friday is a money- and time-sucking vortex. Here’s what not to do this year. She highlights her list with entertaining anecdotes of those who fell victim to the seemingly needed purchases and makes recommendations for how to avoid these pitfalls.