Is Money Hiding Around You?

All over America, times are tough, and finances are tight. Of course, my family could cut back our expenses and save a little more. But before that, I am looking for easy savings and am finding some hidden money that will add to our bottom line.

Read more on Yahoo Finance: First Person: 6 Ways of Finding Hidden Money

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How I Save Thousands of Dollars in Income, Sales and Property Taxes

We give up to half of our income in taxes such as federal income tax, state income tax, local income tax, sales tax, and property tax. I don't pay more taxes than I have to by following 5 easy steps. These help me save thousands of dollars I would otherwise be paying in taxes. Read more HERE...

Goodbye Income Tax Refund Anticipation Loans?

2012 will be the last year that any bank will provide refund anticipation loans (RALs) on behalf of national income tax preparation chains like Jackson Hewitt and Liberty. Despite heightened efforts to stamp RALs out, products such as these might continue to exploit the most vulnerable section of our society.  More HERE...

Assessing My Income Tax Audit Risk

Every year, I wonder if my income tax return will be selected for an audit by the IRS. I investigated what the odds of an IRS audit were. According to the files from the 2010 Data Book (most recent available), the IRS audited about 1.7 million income tax returns, which was only 0.9% of the 187 million filed. It seems filing early versus in April, or refund versus tax owed did not have a bearing on audit risk. Two items clearly increased the risk of audit.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Assessing My Income Tax Audit Risk

I'm in No Rush to File My Taxes

Every year, some people try to file their income taxes ahead of everyone. They rush to their accountant or tax software as soon as they get their W-2 or 1099. They boast that they will get their tax refund check before any one else. Not me. I am a tortoise when it comes to taxes. Read more here or here...

I Hate Income Tax Refunds!

If I were one of the 109.3 million Americans getting a refund, instead of being happy I would be upset. I hate tax refunds. I would rather owe taxes. Read more here...

Pay a Hefty Tax for Miles Rewards? 'No, Thank You' Citibank

In late January 2012, Citibank customers who had responded to a 2011 promotion to receive 25,000 American Airlines frequent flier miles for opening a checking or savings account got a surprise in the mail. An IRS Form 1099-MISC showed a taxable income of $645 from Citibank. What can you do to offset these taxes? Read more here...

First Person: Even Middle Class Americans Can Get the 15% Federal Income Tax Rate

I was no Warren Buffett or Mitt Romney. Ten years ago, like many middle class Americans, I was in the 25% federal income tax bracket. However, my effective tax rate was slightly less than 15%. I believe even now middle class Americans can legally pay a low income tax rate without using any sophisticated tools known only to a tax professional (which I am not). I itemized my deductions and what helped me was owning my house, saving for retirement, investing in the stock market, and helping a family member. Read more here...