Read on to learn about some financial woes you can avoid during this tax season.
Tax season is like that uninvited guest who shows up yearly, adding more stress to our already busy lives. Whether you’re a small business owner or just managing your finances, the complexities of tax laws and the fear of making mistakes can be overwhelming. This blog aims to alleviate some stress and provide practical and easy-to-understand tips to help navigate tax season efficiently and avoid common financial pitfalls. This way, you can breeze through the paperwork and return to a comfortable financial state. Read on to learn about some financial woes you can avoid during this tax season.
Understanding Your Tax Obligations
Before getting into anything, you must understand your tax obligations. Taxes are unique to each person – different income sources have tax obligations. The team at Baltimore-Washington Financial Advisors is here to help you better understand what you need to know for year-end tax planning. Understanding tax forms and their purposes is the bedrock of financial success during year-end tax season. Standard tax forms to get familiar with are:
- W-2 Form: this is your annual wage and tax statement if you are an employee. It shows how much you have earned and the taxes withheld from your paycheck.
- 1099 Forms: there are plenty of 1099 forms, but they are generally used to report income other than salaries, wages, and tips.
- Schedule C: If you’re running a business or are self-employed, this form reports income or loss from your business operations.
Organize All Your Financial Documents
We understand it can be hard to keep up with the slew of records and recipients accumulated over the year. However, well-organized financial documents are the cornerstone of efficient year-end tax planning. They make filing your taxes easier and defending your deductions in case of an audit. It is like having a well-organized toolbox where you know where each thing is located. Our entire team of financial advisors can help you keep each of your financial documents in order, so don’t hesitate to give us a call if you need assistance!
Keeping Track of Deductions and Credits
Understanding your tax deductions and credits is essential for minimizing your tax liability. Deductions reduce your taxable income, while credits will reduce your tax bill directly. The definitions of each are:
- Tax deductions are expenses you can subtract from your taxable income. Think of these as discounts on your income. For example, if you earn $50,000 a year and have $10,000 in deductions, you only get taxed on $40,000. Standard deductions include business expenses, charitable donations, and home office costs.
- Tax credits are like gift vouchers against your tax bill. They will directly reduce the amount of taxes you owe dollar-for-dollar. If you owe $1,000 in taxes for the year and have a $300 tax credit, your tax bill will drop to $700. Credits can be earned for education expenses and energy-efficient home improvements or repairs.
To learn how our team at Baltimore-Washington Financial Advisors can help you with any year-end tax planning questions, contact us today!
For All Types of Financial Services, Contact Baltimore-Washington Financial Advisors Today!
Baltimore-Washington Financial Advisors is a nationally recognized Fee-Only and Fiduciary wealth management firm, providing comprehensive wealth management since 1986. We integrate investment management, retirement and estate planning, and tax services so you can relax knowing your money is safe. We serve clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic, nationally, and specifically in Annapolis, Baltimore, Ellicott City, Hunt Valley, Catonsville, Pikesville, Bethesda, Columbia, Rockville, Gaithersburg, and more! We’re here to provide you with the best services and advice when you need it. For more information on how we can help, visit our website or call 410-461-3900!