Get Ready for Taxes: What to Do Before the Tax Year Ends Dec. 31

Posted by Kim Chen on December 19th, 2017

IR-2017-201, Dec. 12, 2017 WASHINGTON – As tax filing season approaches, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers there are things they should do now to get ready for filing season. For most taxpayers, Dec. 31 is the last day to take actions that will impact their 2017 tax returns. For example, charitable contributions are deductible […]

National Tax Security Awareness Week No. 3: Victims of Data Breaches Should Consider These Steps

Posted by Kim Chen on December 1st, 2017

IR-2017-196, Nov. 29, 2017 WASHINGTON ― The number of data breaches was already on a record pace for 2017 before the reported theft of nearly 145 million Americans’ names, addresses and Social Security numbers brought the issue to the forefront. Every day, data thefts large and small put people’s personal and financial information at risk. […]

National Tax Security Awareness Week No. 2: Don’t Take the Bait; Avoid Phishing Emails by Data Thieves

Posted by Kim Chen on November 30th, 2017

IR-2017-194, Nov. 28, 2017 WASHINGTON ― With the approach of the holidays and the 2018 filing season, the IRS, state tax agencies and the nation’s tax industry urge people to be on the lookout for new, sophisticated email phishing scams that could endanger their personal information and next year’s tax refund. The most common way […]

National Tax Security Awareness Week No. 1: Online Security – Seven Steps for Safety

Posted by Kim Chen on November 29th, 2017

IR-2017-193, Nov. 27, 2017 WASHINGTON ― During the online holiday shopping season, the IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry remind people to be vigilant with their personal information. While shopping for gifts, criminals are shopping for credit card numbers, financial account information, Social Security numbers and other sensitive data that could help them […]

Why you should boost your 401(k) contribution rate between now and year end

Posted by Kim Chen on November 15th, 2017

One important step to both reducing taxes and saving for retirement is to contribute to a tax-advantaged retirement plan. If your employer offers a 401(k) plan, contributing to that is likely your best first step. If you’re not already contributing the maximum allowed, consider increasing your contribution rate between now and year end. Because of […]