HOODS TAX
  • Home
  • The Hoods Family
  • Services
    • Tax Preparation >
      • 2020 Tax Prep Checklist
    • Bookkeeping / Payroll
    • Quickbooks Services
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Login
  • Home
  • The Hoods Family
  • Services
    • Tax Preparation >
      • 2020 Tax Prep Checklist
    • Bookkeeping / Payroll
    • Quickbooks Services
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Login


​Hoods Tax &
Accounting Blog


​​​THE INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE GENERALIZED INFORMATION DESIGNED FOR A BROAD SEGMENT OF THE PUBLIC; IT IS NOT PERSONALIZED TAX, INVESTMENT, LEGAL OR OTHER BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS SEEK THE ASSISTANCE OF A PROFESSIONAL WHO KNOWS YOUR PARTICULAR SITUATION FOR ADVICE ON YOUR TAXES, YOUR INVESTMENTS, THE LAW OR ANY OTHER BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL MATTERS THAT AFFECT YOU AND/OR YOUR BUSINESS. ​

How To Claim Unpaid Stimulus Money On Your 2020 Tax Return

2/17/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
hile many of us received both of our stimulus payments, for many Americans that was not the case. Today, we are going to be talking about how to claim your stimulus payments on your 2020 tax returns. 

Tax season will officially be here on Friday, February 12th, and while all Americans are preparing to get their taxes in by April 15th, many are still waiting for one or both of their stimulus payments to arrive. Great news, the two go hand in hand! You can claim your missing stimulus money on your 2020 tax return. Even if you are a nonfiler, you are still able to file a 2020 tax return and receive your stimulus funds. Today, we are going to be talking about how best to do that and why you will want to file your taxes as early as possible to help benefit future stimulus payments. 

How Do I Claim My Missing Stimulus Payments On My 2020 Tax Return? 
While tax season might bring on stress and worry, take comfort in the fact that if you've not received one or both of your stimulus payments or you feel like you were not given the correct amount by the IRS, filing your taxes can help you take action to get the money you're owed! 
  • Tax preparation companies, like Hoods, are already accepting returns. However, you can not begin filing until Friday, February 12th. The faster you prepare your taxes, the quicker you can file them. The quicker you file your taxes, the quicker your tax return and missing stimulus money will be returned to you! 
  • When filing, look for line 30, which will be labeled as Recovery Rebate Credit. It will appear on both 1040 and 1040-SR tax forms. 1040-SR tax forms are for those aged 65 years and older. Nowhere on your taxes will it mention stimulus checks or economic impact payments, it will only be referred to as your Recovery Rebate Credit. 
  • On line 30, you will need to list what you have been given in total from the IRS (even if that is $0) and what you are owed. It is as simple and as easy as that. This will then increase the amount of the refund you will receive or it will decrease the amount that you will owe the IRS. Do not include any other amounts, writeoffs, or tax credits on line 30. Only list the amount you are owed from missing stimulus money. 
  • Please remember that the first stimulus payment was worth up to $1,200 per adult earning $75,000 a year and below. If you made more, the amount provided decreased. The payment for couples was up to $2,400 for those who earned $150,000 a year and below. The amount also decreased depending on how much more filing couples made together over that amount. 
  • The second payment was up to $600 per individual and up to $1,200 per couple, depending on the same regulations and guidelines as the first stimulus. 
  • For the first stimulus, individuals could also receive an additional $500 per child under the age of 17 and $600 per qualifying child in the second round of stimulus payments. If you did not properly claim your children or guardians or did not receive these funds in either stimulus payment, these funds are still available for you to claim in your 2020 tax return as well. Please add this amount to what you write in on line 30 of your Recovery Rebate Credit. Please also make sure to adjust who you claim on your taxes to avoid any other issues like this in the future. 
  • You also might qualify for more money if your income or household size has changed. Stimulus payments were based on 2019 and 2018 income and household sizes. If this has changed for you and your family, it could mean you are owed more stimulus money. 
  • Even if you don't normally file your taxes, according to the IRS, you must file a 2020 tax return to claim the credit that you're owed.
  • By visiting the IRS website, you can see when and how you were issued both payments. However, as of January 29th of this year, the Get My Payment page on the IRS website will no longer be updated for the first and second economic impact payments. If you are not provided with a payment date for either stimulus payment or have not received one or both, then you can claim your payments on your 2020 tax return. 
  • Filing your tax return early might even help out with guaranteeing any future stimulus payments. While a third has not officially been set, the president has made moves to propose one and it is currently being discussed. Filing sooner might also guarantee that you receive all the money you're owed next time, meaning less hassle for your future tax filing and more money when you need it. 
  • The current bill being proposed by the government could lower the income amount for those who receive the full stimulus amounts. For example, single filers who make $50,000 and below instead of those who make $75,000 and below would receive the full amount. So, filing now will help make sure that you receive your full amount of economic relief according to the 1st and 2nd payment standards. 
  • If you do file sooner rather than later, the third proposed stimulus check could be paid properly and in full, and it will be based on your 2019 and 2020 tax return, whichever they have most recently on record. If you made less in 2020 or had a baby, and the IRS only has your 2019 taxes on file, your stimulus payments would reflect your status of 2019 and not 2020. 
  • Please remember that the fastest way to receive your return and your missing stimulus funds is to file online and to have an active direct deposit account on file with the IRS. The IRS is saying that 90% of filers will receive their refunds in 21 days or less! 
  • If you owe money to the IRS, the money you are owed from the Recover Rebate Credit will be applied to the debt. Even if you are still owed stimulus money, you might not receive all of it if you owe the IRS. 
  • Please remember that you will not have to pay any taxes on any of the stimulus money you have received or any that you will receive in the future. 

We know 2020 taxes and future stimulus payments might be difficult to navigate, but we are here to help in every way possible. If you are still concerned about filing your 2020 taxes or about receiving your stimulus payments, please don't hesitate to reach out! Please know that all of us at Hoods are here to help you, and we want to help you receive your tax return as quickly as possible! Please reach out to us if you'd like to begin working with us or have any questions or comments! Is there a topic about taxes that you would like to learn more about? Let us know and comment below! Remember, if you are looking for the best accounting services in Goose Creek, the best tax preparation in Goose Creek, business consulting in Goose Creek, bookkeeping in Goose Creek, or payroll services in Goose Creek, we are here for you! Our phone lines and inboxes are waiting for you. Don't hesitate! Please stay safe, everyone. We will see you soon!

0 Comments

Tax Preparation Tips for 2021 (Part two!)

2/3/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
We are here to finish up part two of this current blog series dedicated to tips, preparation, and planning for getting through your 2021 tax season! 

Hello readers, and welcome back to the blog. With the recent announcement that the very first tax day doesn't begin until February 12th, we've all had a little more time to prepare for doing this year's taxes. We've mentioned and hinted at the fact that this year could be a little more difficult than the last and possibly more difficult than ever before. We understand your worries, concerns, fears, trepidation's, and want to make sure you feel prepared and are prepared for filing your taxes by April 15th of this year. With that in mind, we wanted to offer a few more tips and ideas on how to prepare for doing your upcoming taxes. We also wanted to offer some more information to plan for this whole process as well. 

Preparing for your 2021 Tax Season, Continued
  • Remember that as you are preparing for your taxes, the stimulus money that you received is not being treated as taxable income. It is being treated like money the government would have given you as part of your refund, a sort of tax refund advance you might say. 
  • Many Americans received unemployment benefits throughout 2020 due to losing a job, being furloughed, being unable to work, and being unable to return to work. When you signed up and did your paperwork to begin your unemployment benefits, you had the option of choosing how much you wanted to be taken out of your payments for tax purposes. Depending on how much you allotted the government to take out of these payments will determine how much you'll owe in taxes on your employment benefits. Remember, any unemployment benefits you received last year will count on your tax returns as taxable income. 
  • Many Americans took up a side job or two throughout the pandemic, and are still working them to make up for other lost income. Even if you are self-employed or working for a stand-alone company, you will still be required to pay taxes. You'll receive a 1099 form from the companies you worked for or you'll need to pay a self-employment tax. Make sure to fill out and look out for your 1099 forms, and realize that this self-employment tax is a 15.3% tax that covers your social security and Medicaid taxes, according to Dave Ramsey. If you made more than $400 as a self-employed individual, you'll have to pay taxes on this income. Make sure to discuss this with your tax preparer, and make them aware of how much money you made during self-employment. You could potentially write off up to half of this on your tax return. 
  • Remember, if you're working from home but your employer is in another state you might be looking at paying taxes in more than one state. This can be difficult as each state has different tax laws, which is another great reason to work with a tax professional. We can make sure that no mistakes are made since we are up to date on tax codes and tax laws in each state. 
  • For all of our small business owners or those who work for a company who chose to defer payroll taxes, be advised. If this is something you chose to do, you could see smaller paychecks until these payroll taxes have been paid back. If your company chose to partake in this, you might have seen a little bump in your paychecks throughout last year. This wasn't free money, this was the action of payroll taxes being deferred, and now it's time to pay everything back. 
  • Make sure you choose if you are going to do standard or itemized deductions before filing. Knowing that going into the process can help you organize all of the paperwork you'll need to use for either option ahead of time. While taking the standard deduction is always the easier option, itemizing could allow you to save more money. Just make sure you can prove all of your deductions. 
  • Pick ahead of time if you and your spouse will file together or not. Do your research to see which option is best for you and your family. 
  • If you're planning to prepare your taxes with us or on your own, one of the best ways to get all of your necessary tax documents without having to call the IRS directly is to create an online tax account with the IRS. This will also let you check your payment balance, set up payment arrangements, and view your tax forms and returns from previous years. 
  • Remember that if you don't receive one or both of your stimulus payments, you can claim them on your 2020 tax return through the recovery rebate credit. This will either increase how much your tax refund will be or it will lower how much you owe to the IRS. 
  • The IRS eliminated the 1040EZ and 1040A forms in 2019 and introduced a new form in 2020, the 1040-SR, which is designed for seniors. It has larger print and increased attention to detail to the standard deduction for those 65 years and older. It also added a new question regarding your cryptocurrency. Do not skip this question, the IRS is very aware of cryptocurrency and has been very open about the fact that many tax payers are not being open about reporting their cryptocurrency transactions. 
  • As you're finalizing your paperwork, dotting your I's and crossing your T's, make sure to go back and double-check your work! Check your math, that all names and SSNs are correct, that you've chosen the proper filing status, and that everything is marked appropriately on all of your tax forms, and that you've signed everywhere you need to sign. 

Preparation to Planning 
Now that you have some excellent tips and suggestions on how to prepare your taxes, how about starting to plan for them? Thanks to both the CARES and SECURE Acts, there is a lot to plan for 2021! 
  • First of all, you'll need to keep your eyes sharp. Both the SECURE and CARES Act brought a good amount of changes into tax law. SECURE was passed in late December of 2019 and it expanded retirement saving options and provided the option for individuals to adjust their tax and estate plans. 
  • If you decide to take a CRD or a Corona Virus Related Disruption in 2020, you can recognize the income over three years or recognize it all this year for tax purposes. If you could potentially be in a higher tax bracket over the next few years, it might be best to recognize all of it this year. 
  • Married taxpayers that have taxable income below $80,000 and $40,000 and below for individuals are allowed to realize tax-free long term capital gains this year. If your income goes above this over the next few years, your long term gains could be subject to a 15% tax rate. 
  • A very beneficial advantage of gifting a 529 college savings plan right now is that five years' worth of gifts can be made in a single year. At one time, a taxpayer can gift up to $75,000 in one sitting to a 529 college savings plan, and if the gift comes from a couple it can be doubled! 
  • You do have the option to defer the current year's tax liability to another year, which will increase your availability for cash investments, personal needs, or business. This is something that can help right now for those still struggling with Covid related financial strain. 
  • Due to the changes of the SECURE Act, IRA and 401(k) accounts might have to be cleared out within ten years of the death of the owner. Exceptions include payouts over the beneficiary's lifetime for spouses, minor children until they're 18, and for the disabled or chronically ill. 
  • Be prepared and familiarize yourself with tax bracket changes that came in with 2020 and how your financial standings might have changed within this bracket due to the financial hit the pandemic caused. 
  • The standard deduction has gone up for all filing statuses. Single and married but filing separately filers deductions went up $200, those married and filing jointly will see an increase of $400, and filing as head of household will see an increase of $300. The standard deduction for single filers is $12,400 and $24,800 for married couples filing together. 
  • Please note that the income tax brackets have increased due to inflation. 
  • 2020 caused millions of Americans to spend time in the hospital, and if you've found yourself stuck with a pile of medical bills you might be in luck. You will be able to deduct any medical expenses that are 7.5% above your adjusted gross income or your AGI. 
  • Your children can help you when filing your taxes! Families can claim up to $2,000 per eligible child. Also, because this is considered a refundable credit, your family might be able to receive up to $1,400 per child as a refund! 
  • For businesses that received PPP loan money, according to the IRS, any expenses you paid with money from these loans can't be deducted from your taxable income. 
  • Please remember if you did take money out of your IRA or 401(k) during 2020, don't dread a huge tax bill coming your way. You have three years to return these funds and to get a refund on the taxes you might have paid on that money! 

2020 was a difficult year, and we imagine that we'll be feeling its effects for a long time to come. Our goal through these two blogs, and more to come, is to help with the potential shock or difficulties that could potentially come your way for this tax season. Please know that all of us at Hoods are here to help you, and we want to help you receive your tax return as quickly as possible! Please reach out to us if you'd like to begin working with us or have any questions or comments! Is there a topic about taxes that you would like to learn more about? Let us know and comment below! Remember, if you are looking for the best accounting services in Goose Creek, the best tax preparation in Goose Creek, business consulting in Goose Creek, bookkeeping in Goose Creek, or payroll services in Goose Creek, we are here for you! Our phone lines and inboxes are waiting for you. Don't hesitate! Please stay safe, everyone. We will see you soon!
0 Comments

Tax Preparation Tips for 2021 (Part One)

1/19/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
This might be one of the most unique tax seasons we will ever see in our lifetime, so we want to make sure you're prepared. Here are ten tips to help prepare you for your 2020 taxes! 

Hello to all of our readers here in Goose Creek and beyond! All of us here at Hoods hope that you had a wonderful holiday season and that you're ready for tax season to begin. The IRS has announced that the nation's tax season will start on Friday, February 12, 2021. They will begin accepting and processing your 2020 tax year returns. After the tumultuous year that 2020 was, and the difficulties that are still with us, one thing we want to make sure of is that you're prepared for this current tax season. This might be the most unique tax season any of us will experience in our lifetime, but we want to make sure it is as pain-free as possible.

First and foremost, if you are overwhelmed and would like to work with a professional tax company, we will be happy to work with you! However, make sure to sign up for our services as quickly as possible before we run out of time and space to help you file your taxes on time. Remember, the sooner you file, the faster your tax return will be in your pocket! For those who didn't receive their $1,200 or $600 stimulus checks, make sure to include this in your tax paperwork to receive these funds as quickly as possible. With so many individuals still struggling with financial issues, we want to help get all of your money to you as quickly as possible. With all of that being said, we wanted to create a checklist filled with important suggestions to prepare you for doing your taxes. Our goal is to eliminate any stress, worry, and fear with this list!  
  • While we ended 2020 with tips on how to financially wrap up your new year and ways to potentially save money come this current tax season, we are going to take you to the next step. We need to prep for what's coming, and this should not be a painful or stressful process. One way to prepare and help cut down on costs is to make a last-minute estimate tax payment. Paying the IRS before even filing? Yes, this is a thing! It is a possibility that throughout the year you didn't pay enough to the IRS, which could create a huge tax bill for you and you might also be owing penalties and interest already due to not paying enough. If you can pay a little to the IRS right now, you can cut down on the huge chunk payment coming your way in April, and you can budget to pay what you'll ultimately end up owing. Make sure not to overpay though, it is better to owe a few dollars than expect the IRS to send it back in a refund. According to the IRS, to avoid an underpayment penalty, you have to pay 100% of the previous year's tax liability or 90% of the current year's taxes. If you make an estimated payment by January 15th, you can erase the penalities you had for the 4th quarter of your taxable year. Making an early payment can help you in the future. 
  • Always make sure to have all of your paperwork printed out, organized, and accessible before you sit down to do your taxes or work with a tax professional. You will need last year's tax return, all of your W2's and 1099's for 2020, all the receipts you're planning on using for write-offs, and more. One of the best ways to organize and make sure you have all the correct paperwork that you need is to print off a checklist to help you gather everything you need.
  • Handle your mail very carefully this time of year. Tax documents have or will start to arrive very soon, and it is easy to mistake them for junk mail or a bill that you already paid online. Make sure to not throw away any tax-related documents! Contacting multiple companies to get another copy of your tax documents can take weeks this time of year, and can delay your tax preparation as you work to send your taxes off.
  • Make sure all of your tax paperwork is organized and grouped in similar piles for easy access and to go through your tax documents more efficiently. Make sure to spend a good amount of time organizing your yearly receipts for your write-offs. Utilizing paperclips and folders in this process can help you save time and frustration! 
  • While this tip might not be directly related to filing this year, attention still needs to be paid. As we saw and discussed last year, tax and stimulus scams and frauds are now at an all-time high. During tax season and with the release of the most recent stimulus check, scams and frauds are at their peak season right now, and you need to be on high alert with these delicate situations. You might begin receiving phone calls, texts, emails, and even letters in the mail from someone posing to be the IRS. Believe us, these scams and frauds are looking more believable by the day, so you need to be extra careful. The IRS nor the U.S Treasury department will ever call or text you. Don't respond to these emails or phone calls you're receiving. Remember, when it comes to money, these criminals know how to use fear tactics to their advantage. The mail is the only way the IRS is going to reach out to you, so please take caution. 
  • For all of our readers who are over 70, please begin to consider and think about your RMDs, or your required minimum distributions. While you might have been enjoying sitting back and watching your IRA or 401(k) grow as you contributed to it every year, now that you're 70, things are going to be a little different. The IRS wants its share once you turn 70 1/2. Make sure that you take out your required RMD amount every year before the 31st of December, or you'll be facing a tax penalty of 50% of what your RMD amount is! If you didn't do this by the cut-off date of December 31, 2020, you will more than likely see a penalty on your taxes this year. The more you know now about how to handle this, it will help make sure you don't make the same mistakes next year. 
  • We will put this tip on repeat because it is so very important. We all worked from home in 2020 more than ever, if not for the very first time. Do not skip out on writing off your home office tax deductions. However, you must be vigilant in this. You can't just write off anything and everything that you want to, the IRS is very smart and particular about this! Every space and everything you write off must have exclusively been used for business only and nothing else! Based on the square footage of your office to the total size of your home, you can write off a portion of the expense of your home like rent, insurance, utilities, and even housekeeping! 
  • Please do not put preparing, doing, and filing your taxes off until the last minute. Rushing through your taxes will result in stress, mistakes, and potentially leading to getting your taxes in late. Mistakes and getting your taxes in late will lead to penalty charges, which will lead to owing the IRS even more money. This will also lead to your tax return taking longer to get into your pocket. 
  • Please make the decision sooner rather than later if you need help with doing your taxes or not. There is no shame or harm in admitting this or working with a tax professional. Please do yourself the favor of filing and paying on time.
  • If you decide to not work with us at Hoods or with another tax professional, we do urge you to file electronically. This will help you file quicker, it is a much easier process, it will help guarantee that you don't make any mistakes or forget anything, and you might even have the option to pay electronically with a credit card or debit card so you don't have to worry about sending a check off to the IRS. 
  • The February 12th start date for individual tax return filers allows the IRS time to do additional programming and testing of IRS systems following the December 27 tax law changes that provided a second round of Economic Impact Payments and other benefits.
  • To speed refunds during the pandemic, the IRS urges taxpayers to file electronically with direct deposit as soon as they have the information they need. 
  • You can file your tax returns immediately with Hoods Tax and Accounting Service. We can prepare the returns now so you are in a queue for transmission to the IRS on February 12th. Contact us today. 843-797-5153

As we said, tax season takes preparation and that is no joke! It takes time and dedication, but it is well worth it. Over the next few months, our blogs are going to be dedicated to tax preparation and things you should know about doing your 2020 takes. Make sure you stick around and keep checking back in with us throughout tax season and beyond! Remember, if you are looking for the best accounting services in Goose Creek, the best tax preparation in Goose Creek, business consulting in Goose Creek, bookkeeping in Goose Creek, or payroll services in Goose Creek, we are here for you! Our phone lines and inboxes are waiting for you. Don't hesitate! Please stay safe, everyone. We will see you soon!


To help you prepare for this tax season to the fullest extent, we have also included a few helpful links for you to enjoy and use below! 
  • Corona Virus Tax Information: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments
  • Where to report a tax scam or fraud to the IRS: https://www.usa.gov/stop-scams-frauds#:~:text=Call%201%2D800%2D269%2D,%2D800%2D366%2D4484.

0 Comments

End of the Year Tax Preparation (Part Two!)

12/24/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
In part two of this blog, we are going to be finishing up our recommendations on how to prepare for your end of the year tax prep. Our gift to you is to suggest that you get it done now so that when tax season is here in a blink, you'll be ready for it no matter what! 

Hello Goose Creek and to all of our readers! As we are now sitting in the last few days of 2020, and we hope that this blog reaches each of you and helps you prepare for the coming tax season. We have always believed at Hoods that being prepared way ahead of time can not only save you huge amounts of stress and worry, but it can also potentially save you huge amounts of money. This year has been difficult, we've touched on it in almost every blog of 2020. This pandemic has been a devastating blow in more ways than one, and our finances have taken some of the biggest hits and blows. While there is still so much uncertainty about what is to come with the future of our finances, what is in our power now is to control what we do know and what we do have. 

Being prepared can help make any transition or event that may or may not come from the government easier to deal with and easier to move forward with. Who knows what financial help we might receive between now at April 15th or what might even happen between now and April 15th. What we do know is that there will still be tax day and that we have the power in our own hands to organize our tax documents from this current year and get ready to face 2021 head-on. This season might not be as jolly or bright as the years past, we understand. However, we are here to make it as holly and jolly as possible. If you have any questions, concerns, or need help finishing out this year or starting off strong in 2021, please never hesitate to reach out. We believe in our community and what to help and support each of you as best we can, let us do our job for you! 

What is left of 2020 is still ticking down, so let's hop back into part two of this blog. We will be continuing and wrapping up with our tips, suggestions, and ideas on how to wrap up your finances and taxes this year, and get ready for the upcoming tax season! 

HELLO, 2021!
Now that you've read part one of this blog and you have a few ideas on how to prepare for the end of this current year, let's focus on how to prepare for the beginning of this new year. Remember, one of the first things we will always recommend in these situations is to work with a tax advisor or a tax preparation company. Of course, we would recommend working with us, but we understand if you work with another company currently. We've said it before, but please note that tax law does change every year. With how uniquely challenging this year has been, there are bound to be some very new and unique things we will be facing with our 2020 taxes. Working with a company like ours will help ensure that all of these new compliances are followed and that nothing is missed. This will help you avoid any tax penalties, avoid underpaying your taxes, will help avoid overpaying your taxes, and will help get your refund much faster! 
  • Don't begin your filing process until you've received all of your 1099s or W2s. Don't be quiet if a client or your employers are taking their time getting you your tax papers. Make sure to reach out and mention it to them once it's getting a little late in the year. If you haven't received anything by the end of February, it's time to start making phone calls! 
  • When you sit down to file your taxes, make sure you have all of your 2019 tax documents organized and ready to use. Make sure you have all of the documents that you will need and will be used to file for 2020 organized and within reach. This will help the process go faster and will be much less of a headache for you. 
  • Make sure to be prepared for and aware of tax scams and fraud that will begin to pop up starting January 1st!! We've already seen our fair share of scams this year involving our stimulus checks and promising to provide the vaccine early as long as you provide very personal and vital information about yourself, most of the time about your bank account. Please do your research about what scams and frauds are looking like right now, how to spot them, and how to protect yourself from them. Also, if you have loved ones who are unfamiliar with these scams, please make sure you help keep them aware of these possibilities and teach them about what scams are and what they can do. 
  • Decide who's going to prepare your taxes this year as quickly as possible. Decide if it is going to be a tax professional like us here at Hoods or an online option filled out by you. Make the choice now to save money and not miss out on working with a tax pro. The closer you get to tax season, the higher their rates will be. Also, take the time to familiarize yourself with the programs you're going to use and understand how much you will be paying to use them. 
  • Please do not ignore the IRS. If you owe late fees, back taxes, or penalties, please take care of them. Go one step farther and make sure to prepare your taxes on time, if not early, to avoid these issues again. 
  • Make sure your salary is correct, that all of your deductions from your paycheck are correct, and that you've been paid the proper amount throughout the year. This will determine a lot in your taxes. 
  • Consider turning your IRA into a Roth IRA, which will help you save money over time. With a ROTH IRA, withdraws are not looped into your income and you won't have to take out RMPs once you turn 70 and a half. 


Just to make sure that we didn't overwhelm you with either part of this blog, we listed only the top things and tasks you need to be thinking about and preparing for now for both your end of the year tax preparation and the tax prep you should be starting 2021 off with. Don't worry, there will be more to come over the next few months and as we inch closer and closer to tax day 2021. We hope that both of these checklists help prepare you to close this year out strongly and to start 2021 out focused and prepared. If you need help to make this upcoming tax season the most stress-free of them all, never hesitate to reach out! 

Remember, if you are looking for the best accounting services in Goose Creek, the best tax preparation in Goose Creek, business consulting in Goose Creek, bookkeeping in Goose Creek, or payroll services in Goose Creek, we are here for you! Our phone lines and inboxes are waiting for you. Don't hesitate! Please stay safe, everyone. As our last blog of 2020, we want to thank all of you for your support, your business, and for letting us be apart of this wonderful community. We will continue to work hard for the people of Goose Creek and our whole community. From our family to yours, we hope you had a wonderful holiday and have a fantastic New Year! We will see you soon! 

0 Comments

End of the Year Tax Preparation (Part One!)

12/18/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
While the holidays are on the minds of so many of us, the end of this fiscal year and getting ready for the upcoming tax season needs to be just as important right now. Don't lose your holiday joy, but add this awareness to your to-do list before and after we ring in the new year! 

Hello, Goose Creek! Can you believe that we're almost at the end of this fiscal and taxable year? 2020 has seemed to drag on and pass by in a very strange flash. It has been a difficult year for our financials with a cut-off tax date of July 15th, a stimulus check, working from home, being furloughed, losing jobs, and starting all over again. While you might not have checked all of those boxes, we're sure you checked some of them. While the holidays are already difficult for so many people and their fiances, 2020 might be even more difficult. We also need to keep in mind that tax season, regardless of where we all are right now, is still going to be a lot sooner than you might think. The end of the year might seem like it's a long way off, but only a few weeks between us and the New Year remain on our calendars. Once January arrives, we'll blink and April 15th will be here in no time. With the strain of the holidays, 2020's toll, and an ending fiscal year, and another one starting soon, we wanted to give you a like holiday cheer with this blog. In this two-part blog, we will be sharing some tips and suggestions on how to prepare for the end of the year and the beginning of the year when it comes to doing your taxes, properly and professionally getting them done, and how to save as much money as possible. 

Goodbye, 2020! 
  • Please remember that tax planning and making moves to reduce what you'll be paying next year is unique and different for everyone. You need to find what works for you. 
  • Right now, one of our biggest suggestions is to get all of your tax paperwork collected now. This year came with its own brand of unique things that have changed and affected our financial standings. You might have filed for unemployment, lost your job, gained a new job, didn't receive your tax returns until late summer since tax season ended on July 15th, and we've all been given a stimulus check. For a lot of us, all of these things were new. If not that, the entire timeline of getting your taxes completed and refunds received were way off. Even these small, or for some, huge changes can throw off your organization and preparedness for the upcoming tax season. Avoid any headaches when dealing with what's left of 2020, stay prepared, and stay organized. 
  • Right now is the perfect time to make choices and moves to help cut what you owe on your next tax return, and you have just enough time to tie up these last few decisions to make tax paying a little less painful next year. 
  • Look into ways to make those end of the year last-minute tax deductions. Lower your tax bill by giving a little more, all while giving back to your community, helping your company, and more. A great way to add to your deductions is by giving to charity. Make sure, no matter how much you donate, that you keep all of your paperwork and receipts when doing so. You can make your donation count even more when you donate property or stocks instead of cash. According to TurboTax, if you've owned what you're donating for a year or more, you can deduct what the property value is on the day you give the gifts, and you can "avoid paying capital gains tax on the built-up appreciation". 
  • Make donations now to your HSA account and your 401(K). You can contribute to your HSA up to tax day of next year, but you only have until December 31st of this year to contribute to your 401(K). These donations will decrease your taxable income. Plus it's a great investment into yourself. 
  • If you've had a very difficult year financially, and you need to dip into your retirement savings to help you get by and make it through, make sure to do so by the end of the year. Thanks to the CARES Act, according to US News, you can take up to $100,000 out of your retirement savings and not pay the penalties for doing so as long as you take it before Jan 1st. You will also have three years to pay off your withdraw. 
  • Make sure to plan and start saving if you haven't already for what you'll be owning and paying for your taxes in 2020. 
  • Save all documents for deductible items. 
  • Are you a small business owner or are you self employed? You can save a ton of money now by purchasing goods and services for your company. If you are working from home, please make sure to double and triple check all of the things you and are not allowed to write off. For example; some of you, you'll be able to claim your home office if you strictly use it for work. 
  • Make time to meet with us or your tax advisor and dig into your 2020 taxes early to see if they can find any deductions or to cut back this year or other ways to cut down your taxes in the upcoming year. Our advice? When they give you a suggestion, take it!! 

There is a lot to do before the end of the year, and we hope these tips and suggestions have gotten you geared up and ready to get started. While it is so easy to just sit back and relax this time of year, we encourage you to get ahead of the game and end this year out strong. We hope you enjoyed the first part of this blog, and we look forward to bringing the second half to you soon. Until now and then, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us! Remember, if you are looking for the best accounting services in Goose Creek, the best tax preparation in Goose Creek, business consulting in Goose Creek, bookkeeping in Goose Creek, or payroll services in Goose Creek, we are here for you! Our phone lines and inboxes are waiting for you. Don't hesitate! Please stay safe, everyone. We will see you soon!

0 Comments

Saving a Penny, Sharing a Turkey

11/25/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
​While we all want to open our arms and our wallets to our loved ones and a big turkey dinner, 2020 might not be the best time to do that. While this might be a hard holiday pill to swallow, it's all going to be okay.

Thanksgiving is in the air, and we know that many of our Goose Creek friends and customers are getting excited to gather with their loved ones to celebrate. While everything is still very up in the air and uncertain, we hope that when choosing to gather with your loved ones this year that you choose to do so safely and with your loved ones in mind. 2020 is the year of smaller Thanksgivings, outdoor gatherings, gatherings with bigger smiles and fewer hugs, and sharing a meal over zoom and FaceTime. This might be a different holiday season for so many reasons, and we are here to support and offer our comfort and condolences. It will look much different in our homes this year too, so we sympathize and understand how many of you are feeling right now.

While the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays might be different when it comes to how far we can and cannot travel and how many of our loved ones we will be seeing, many of us might be tempted to make it look and feel the same. This is a quick route towards spending way more than is needed right now or ultimately what you actually want to do. Remember, Christmas is just a few short weeks after Thanksgiving, so make sure to spread out all of your holiday budgets wisely. With all of these ideas in mind, we were inspired to write this week's blog. We wanted to share a few tips and suggestions on how to save money through the 2020 holiday season, and what that can mean for you and your loved ones.

TRAVEL BILLS
Many of us won't be traveling for the holidays this year. Instead, we will be staying put and creating new traditions with our bubbles, our close friends, the relatives we live closest to, or just with our nuclear family members. While this is still an incredible way to celebrate the holidays, it can be difficult not to see the whole family or all of your friends during this time of year. The silver lining of all of this? You can save hundreds of dollars by not spending it on plane tickets, hotel rooms, and other travel expenses. You can save money not driving those long distances, save money not having to put a lot of work into your car to make those long drives, and you can also save a little peace of mind not having to worry about driving in the snow or ice when many of us haven't done that in years. Instead, make time to plan Zoom Calls, Facetime Calls, and group phone calls. Save this unused travel money to help pay for the shipping on all of the Christmas presents you have your eyes on for your loved ones, save it for when you can travel to see your family again, or save it to help out with those surprise extra bills that might appear at the end of the year. Don't forget, once we hit January 1, 2021, tax day will be here faster than you might think. Maybe saving a few dollars here and there can help with paying your taxes as well.

TO BLACK FRIDAY OR NO?
Black Friday has already started for a lot of our favorite big box stores with in-store deals, discounts, and online deals. While the big Black Friday shopping might not happen as it has in the past, that doesn't mean that it's going to stop or slow down online Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales. We've mentioned this in previous blogs, but as we all reach for our credit cards to buy everything we come across in our Black Friday shopping sprees and going with our "treat yourself" mentality to make these difficult holidays feel a little bit better, maybe step on the brakes. Trying to avoid these big shopping sprees right now can be a huge benefit to you and your bank account. If you're still planning on shopping, set a spending limit and a budget for yourself. This includes if you are planning to do your holiday shopping on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Pick who you are shopping for, how much you're going to spend on each person, and stick with it. We know a big Christmas for your loved ones can be a knee jerk reaction to a difficult year, but be financially smart about it. Outside of budgeting your cash flow, make sure that these plans include putting a spending limit on your credit cards. You can come up with every excuse to use your credit cards when your Christmas budget has been depleted, but try and go easy with the plastic. Can you imagine the gift it would be to start 2021 financially stable with little to no outstanding balance on your credit cards? We also recommend that if you are planning to shop big on thanksgiving, try and shop small. Invest in local small businesses, local artists, or creators on websites like Etsy or Redbubble for all of your shopping needs. These are the people that need your Black Friday money more than Walmart or Target. If you're investing in local artists and small businesses, this is an investment in your local community and local economy.

TURKEY TIME
We know that Thanksgiving comes with this beautiful picture of a giant turkey with as many sides and desserts surrounding it that can fit on the table. When having a smaller 2020 Thanksgiving, why put that pressure on your family, yourself, your refrigerator, or your wallet? There is nothing in the rule book that says you have to get a huge 20-pound turkey for the holiday. There are smaller birds available, and the option of only getting half a turkey or just a fantastic cut of a turkey breast is out there too and at a much lower price than your standard turkey. This can help save a ton of money on your initial Thanksgiving grocery bill, and it can also help with your leftover situation. Not everyone is on board with eating Thanksgiving leftovers for days on end. So why buy a ton of food that's just going to go to waste? Also, there is no rule saying that you have to eat turkey for Thanksgiving. If you want to try a different protein, go totally vegetarian or vegan, or just have your favorite fast food to celebrate the day, that's okay too. However, if you end up with a big turkey and a large number of leftovers, it can help save you money on the following week's grocery bill following Turkey day. As you plan your turkey day menu, plan a menu for the week to follow that can reuse as many leftovers as possible. The key is to pick a wide variety of recipes that doesn't make you feel like you're just eating turkey for a week straight.

Also, save on the drinks. Many people who enjoy adult beverages during the holidays might go get some wine or beer for the day. Instead of buying multiple bottles of wine or cases of beer, choose a cocktail or punch to share. If you're going to be preparing a traditional meal, use Costco or Sam's Club to help save money. Also, keep an eye on online deals and coups. Don't forget, if you are hosting a small gathering, a potluck Thanksgiving is a perfect way for everyone invited to save money!

SIMPLE AND CHIC
While the Griswald's would disagree with us, keeping your decorations for Thanksgiving and Christmas on the simpler side can help you save money too. It's tempting because right now every store you walk into is already bursting with Christmas decorations. They might be calling out to you to redo all of your decorations this year, but stick with what you already have. Believe us, this will be a huge money saver and can help reduce your stress and anxiety about decorating the perfect house and home for your in-laws to see this year. Take that pressure off, you're staying safe and saving money by decorating with what you already have!

A LITTLE MORE, A LITTLE LESS
While many of us are still having a hard time adjusting to the fact that Thanksgiving will look different this year, and dealing with being away from our loved ones, we will still have food on our tables. Regardless of it being a big turkey dinner or a pizza, there will be something there. Take some of the extra money you're going to be saving by following these tips and donate to those in need.

PLANNING FOR WHATS NEXT
We know that Turkey Day and Christmas might be what has your full attention is focused on right now. What about the day AFTER Thanksgiving? Just like the day after Halloween and Valentine's day, a lot of Thanksgiving food items will be significantly marked down. Buy the non-perishable items that are on sale and save them for Christmas dinner or help lighten the load in your grocery bills over the next couple of weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. While everyone is participating in this year's unique and socially distanced black Friday events, head to the grocery store instead and save big for the next few weeks and beyond.

The great thing about Thanksgiving can be the goals you set for yourself financially, and being able to reach them without stress. This can be your reason for the season and your reason to celebrate without breaking the bank. Enjoy the little things this year, and be ready to financially step into 2021. Remember, if you are looking for the best accounting services in Goose Creek, the best tax preparation in Goose Creek, business consulting in Goose Creek, bookkeeping in Goose Creek, or payroll services in Goose Creek, we are here for you! Our phone lines and inboxes are waiting for you. Don't hesitate! Please stay safe, everyone. We will see you soon!

0 Comments

How to Start Saving for College; Even When The Sky Is Falling (Part Two)

11/18/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
In part two of this blog series, we will be finishing up our list of tips on how to start saving for college, even while we are all dealing with a very difficult year personally and financially! 

Welcome back Goose Creek readers, friends, supporters, and those new to the blog! We are so thrilled that you came back to read the second installment of this blog about how to save for college even when it feels like the sky is falling. We know that this hasn't been an easy year personally or financially for our Goose Creek community, and we know that saving money might be the last thing on your list of priorities right now. We do urge you to continue saving for important things like retirement, college, and for a rainy day as much as you can for the rest of this year if you are able. We know that treating yourself on the holidays and throughout random days throughout this year has made you feel better. Please take it from us that while this can be a temporary salve, this can be a hemorrhage to your finances and your bank account. This year might put us through many challenges, but defeating your bank account does not have to be one of them. You can stay strong both financially and personally, while still being able to find joy in the last few weeks of 2020. We know this has been a very difficult year for our parents, both with first-time students and students heading off to college. We've seen your struggles, we understand them, and we are here for you. With that in mind, let's finish up our list of some of the best tips to save for college even when it feels like the sky is falling. 

TIP FOUR: Keep On Trucking! 
While you want to have as much money saved for when you or your child goes off to school, you don't have to have every penny saved before the first day of class. Having four years of college tuition ready to go on day one of Freshman year? Sure, that's a dream come true, but it's not the reality. You can pay year by year or even semester by semester. There is no one way that you have to pay for college, you have to move with the ebb and flow of what works best for you and your financial journey. We also urge you to continue saving for college and other college related things even after your child has started school. Even if you've saved up enough to pay off tuition and loans, these extra savings can help contribute to continued education for your child, it can help them start off financially after they graduate, or you can add these funds back into a 529 account for a different child. This option of continued savings can help when you're looking at or planning to pay for multiple tuition's for multiple children. 

TIP FIVE: Calling In The Big Guns: Loans and Financial Aid 
One of the very first things your student or you will need to do to get the paperwork rolling to go to school is filling out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FASFA. Based on a number of questions and information about your investments, income, and savings, this will allow you to know how much aid you are eligible for from the federal government. This will also give you options for grants, and both subsidies and unsubsidized loans. This is a yearly process for every year that you or your child is in school, so please keep up with it. FASFA can be a lifesaver in more ways than one. Then, of course, you can apply for student loans, but please do your research. Some student loans come with an extreme interest rate while others can come with a very high monetary price tag. You'll need to keep up with these loans, or you can damage your child's or your personal credit for years. There are three different types of loans you can look into: 
  • Private loans. These you can get from banks, credit unions, and third-party lenders. These have very high interest rates and the individual whose name is on on the loan is fully responsible for it. 
  • Unsubsidized loans. These are federal loans available to anyone that needs them, no matter how much you need to borrow. You are responsible for all interest accrued by this loan. 
  • Subsidized Loans. These are loans from the government for those in need. The U.S Department of Education will pay your interest if your loan goes into deferment six months after you graduate. 

TIP SIX: Where You Least Expect It! 
Sometimes looking for college funds feels like digging for quarters in your overstuffed couch. Everyone has done it, but sometimes these funds might be found in some of the most surprising places! 
  • Work: We briefly mentioned this in part one of this blog, but according to Student Loan Hero, many people don't spend the time searching out loans or support for college from their workplace. This money might not be something that you negotiate in your contract, but something that is already established within your company. All you need to do is approach your company and ask if they have scholarships for your dependents. According to WorldatWork, almost 85% of employers do offer benefits like tuition reimbursement. 
  • Churches: Not everyone is involved or connected to a religious organization, which we understand. For those who are, your Church can be a great place to look for educational support and funds. For example, according to Student Loan Hero, both the Episcopal Church and the United Church of Christ offers many different kinds of grants and scholarships to families in their congregations. The United Methodist Church offers more than 40 different kinds of scholarship opportunities. 
  • Unions: Many of our towns and companies still have strong operating labor unions and other professional associations. For family members of retired and active members of multiple unions, there are scholarship funds and money waiting to be claimed. The railroad, which has one of the oldest operating unions in the United States, offers scholarships to member's children and grandchildren. 
  • The Military: This might not be an unknown source of college funds, but the amount of scholarships and the opportunities available to prospective students is incredibly substantial. If you are apart or have been apart of ROTC, are a veteran, or are related to a veteran, there are so many different assistance programs, service organizations, and scholarships waiting to be claimed for your service or in thanks to the service of your loved one. 

There you have it! Six of the top tips and tricks on how to start saving for college or receiving college funds. Remember, with any savings situation, you have to find what works best for you and your family. While you're saving, you still have to find a plan that allows you to still lead a successful and happy life. There are also so many ways to start saving and preparing for school, these are just some of the many options available to you. We encourage you to go out there and do your research. If you have any questions or need help, we are just a phone call or click away! Remember, if you are looking for the best accounting services in Goose Creek, the best tax preparation in Goose Creek, business consulting in Goose Creek, bookkeeping in Goose Creek, or payroll services in Goose Creek, we are here for you! Our phone lines and inboxes are waiting for you. Don't hesitate! Please stay safe, everyone. We will see you soon!


0 Comments

How to Start Saving for College; Even When The Sky Is Falling (Part One)

10/28/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Even though the school year has started, it's never too early to start saving for college! With how strange this year has been, give yourself and your fiances something to look forward to!

Hello, Goose Creek! We hope you're doing well. From our family to yours, we continue to be so thankful for your love and support during this crazy year, after tax time, and while the world is still a little strange. We are always here to help you and your family prepare financially for whatever goals or challenges you might be wanting to reach or overcome. 2020 has taught us to prepare for the unexpected, and we are here to continue facing this year head-on with you. It's not over yet, so who knows what it could bring!

In our last two blogs, we talked about saving money when it comes to buying school supplies and other necessary things for the school year. Saving as much as you can right now, we understand, is very important to all of our Goose Creek friends and families. While finances might be a little more secure than they were six or seven months ago, we are all aware that this could change in an instant. We hope our last two blogs helped calm you a little and prepare you for this current school year, or even the next. In this two-part blog, we are going to go a step beyond. For many parents and students, our last blog might have been outdated because many of them are planning on heading to college next year. Some of our adult readers might be thinking about going back to college or have the time time to finally go to college, too. While everything is so unknown, education is still an important expense and one that shouldn't be taken lightly. So, we wanted to dedicate this blog to all of our readers and their family members who are thinking about college or are finally taking the steps to go back to college! These are some of the top tips and suggestions on how to save money to pay for your college tuition.

There is so much that goes into applying and getting into college that can make the process very overwhelming and daunting. We don't want money to be one of them. We at least want to take that heavy burden off of you as best we can. You or your children have worked hard to get to the day where you submit your applications, and you deserve the best ways to make your dreams possible, not be prevented due to financial burden. Think about it, according to Forbes, the average cost per year for tuition ranges between $10,000 to $22,000 for public state schools, while private universities can range between $36,000 to $55,000 and more every year. Add on all of your textbooks, living expenses, and possible travel expenses, and this can become quite a hefty bill. For our parents, you need to make sure that your financial standings and responsibilities are in place before turning your attention to a college savings fund. This can help you get the loans you need and be financially prepared while still being able to care for and provide for your family. If you are paying for school on your own, this all still rings true.

TIP ONE: Start Saving!
You can begin saving for your child's higher education from the moment they're born or from the moment you decide it's time to go back to college. According to the New York Times, one of the best savings accounts to use is a 529. It's a simple plan to use and to understand. You take the simple steps of opening one up and then you decide how your money is going to be invested. You can contribute as much taxed income as you'd like to this account over as many years as you'd like. What is really appealing is that your investment will grow tax-free and can be withdrawn without capital gain, as long as the money is used to pay for higher education. Also, a 529 can give you a state tax benefit on all the contributions you make to the plan in 34 states, according to the New York Times. You can begin automated payments to the account once it's open, you can ask friends and family members to contribute, you can ask your employers to match your contributions as part of your contract, and you can even earn cash for your plan by spending money. Certain credit card companies will pay into your 529 when you spend certain amounts on their card or reward you with cashback options into your 529! Starting to save is always a great starting place, and there are many ways to do so. You just have to find the plan that works best for you.

TIP TWO: Scholarships & Grants
The burden of saving for college doesn't have to be on your shoulders alone as a part or as an individual. You support and push your child to succeed in school, have them participate in after school activities, and have them give back to the community. All of these attributes can pay them back in the form of scholarships and grants. Also, have them take AP or International Baccalaureate classes to help them get larger scholarships and grants based on their GPAs, college credits so you have less time at school to pay for, and the opportunity to go to a better school more affordably. You can also do the research together and see what scholarships and grants are available to your child. There might be more out there than you think. You can even go outside the box of the internet and talk to your child's guidance counselor. They are more than happy to add their help to the mix. If you're an adult heading back to school or going to college for the first time, don't think you are excluded from these options. Do your research, you will be surprised at the number of potential scholarships and grants that are just out there waiting to give you money. You just have to put the effort into looking for them.

According to Capital One Bank, more than 80% of students who go to college receive some kind of grant, aid, or scholarship. This can help the money you've saved stretch even further. Plus, leaving your child with as little debt or loans to pay back after they graduate allows them to have a healthy and successful opportunity to grow and build their finances as an adult.

TIP THREE: Reasonable Challenge
No matter when you start saving for college, you honestly don't know how much you'll end up owing until you have to sign on the dotted line. When sitting down with your budget and savings plan, make an honest and reasonable goal for how much you and your family can save and how much you want to save by the time you or your child is ready to go to school. You will still need to pay for everything in between now and then, and it's important to make the most of your life before, during, and after you or your child goes to college. Don't beat yourself up if you need to slow down your contributions for an emergency or two. You can pick up from where you left off. Just don't give up on saving once you've hit a bump or challenge.

How is your saving process going so far? Have you started to consider saving or having you already been saving? Are these new ideas to you or are they going to help the road you're already on? We'd love to hear from you about that in the comments below. If you have any questions or comments about saving for college between now and the second part of this blog, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are here to help you and your family be as financially prepared as possible. Remember, if you are looking for the best accounting services in Goose Creek, the best tax preparation in Goose Creek, business consulting in Goose Creek, bookkeeping in Goose Creek, or payroll services in Goose Creek, we are here for you! Our phone lines and inboxes are waiting for you. Don't hesitate! Please stay safe, everyone. We will see you soon!

0 Comments

Smart Budgeting For The School Year ( Part 2)

10/19/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
We are back with our second installment of how best to budget for your school year. If you're still paying for 2020 or wanting to better prepared for 2021, we have more tips and suggestions to make the school year's expenses a little easier on your wallet. 

Hello everyone! Welcome back to the blog. We are going to be continuing with part two of our tips and suggestions series on how to budget and save money when shopping for the school year. We know that many of these suggestions might be better suited for the second semester of the year of 2021, but we hope that if we share them with you now, that you can plan more efficiently for the years to come. Have you used any of our suggestions from the first part of this blog? Have you come across even more money-saving tips that you want to share? Please don't hesitate to comment and share them with us after reading this blog, we would love to hear from you! 

3. Plan It (Part 2)
​
When you're planning on heading out to the store or committing to some serious online shopping, don't forget to research your apps! There are tons of money-saving apps that you can use to get cashback on your purchases. Some apps can alert you if you're getting a good deal or if the item is priced better somewhere else. You can also get alerts when your favorite stores are having good deals and sales too. The school year can also be an exciting task for you, our coupon superheroes! Put your skills to work. You've found incredible deals for your family by using your coupons, use them for the school year too. Don't forget to visit your local dollar stores and clearance stores. They will surprise you with what products they offer. Don't exclude thrift stores or thrifting apps like Poshmark or ThreadUp. While these might not be ideal for electronics, you'll be able to find some incredible deals on school clothes, supplies, and more. For students who are going back to school in person and who wear uniforms, use Facebook Marketplace to good use! Buy gently used uniform items that other students have grown out of and fit your children perfectly! 

Also, don't forget to buy clothes off-season. While you might be needing some new fall clothing to make it through the cooler months, there is nothing wrong with picking up a new outfits at the end of summertime or wintertime for the following season. You can get some incredible deals and a good amount of clothes for your children, including school uniforms, when the seasons are changing. When you're shopping at your favorite stores, don't forget to spend some time on the sales rack. They might be a little terrifying to dive into, but it can help your purse strings. Also, remember to buy a size or two up for children still going through puberty so these clothes will fit them once the appropriate season comes around again! 

4. Inventory
 
Make sure to take a look around the house before you go shopping. Due to the changes this school year has brought, you might already have to reorganize some of your living areas to accommodate room for e-learning, why not take this as an opportunity to do a little fall cleaning? Does everyone in your home think they need new school supplies? Gather up all the pens, pencils, crayons, markers, glue sticks, scissors, and rulers in the house to see what you already have. Go through them and throw out what can't be used, and keep the good supplies. Have 10 bottles of open glue? Pour them into one another to have full bottles and get rid of the empty ones. Have a bunch of worn down crayons? Melt them down and create new ones! This can be a fun family project and can be a huge money saver. They may not be brand new, but you might already have all the school supplies you need in your home, waiting to be used. 

This can also be applied to electronics. Do you have old computers, laptops, or tables that can be refurbished and passed down? How about old pairs of headphones? Can you turn an unused room in your home into a home classroom with pieces of furniture you or your family members already have? Also, there is nothing wrong with sharing. Yes, we know this can be a huge challenge with multiple children. This will have to be a planned effort by the whole family, but you can do it! 

5. Make The Most Of It 
As we've mentioned in previous blogs, going out to eat can add up very quickly, as can getting delivery. The same goes for school lunches. If your child is going back to school in person, do packed lunches and snacks, and eat breakfast at home. These meals can be added to your monthly budget and can help you cut down on outside expenses. Also, look into buying in bulk. Costco and Sams Club do have excellent deals on electronics, but their initial fame came from their bulk-sized products. Buy in bulk, meal prep, and freeze! Getting a membership to these big stores might seem expensive, but you can get cash back and other perks to make it worth your while and benefit your budget. 

Needing extra child care? Ask your tribe first. Can a family member or friend help out? Can you join a nanny pool with your friends and their children who you've already spent time with during quarantine? How about hiring a tutor or personal teacher for your safe bubble of friends and their children? This can cut down costs, give your children personalized attention in their lessons, and help them continue to socialize like they would in class! 

When it comes to school activities, we know that you want your child to be involved with as much as possible. You want them to experience new things, spend time with friends and make new friends, add potential skills and experiences for their college applications, and find things that could help them in their future careers. With the pandemic of 2020, the opportunity to participate has been drastically reduced due to safety measures. Many artistic activities like theater, band, and choir have been canceled along with many indoor sports. Remember, when things get back to normal, your children don't have to do them all. Sports, dance, theater, and any after school program and activity can seriously begin to add up. Pay to play, costumes, equipment, private teachers and coaches, can all add to those expenses. Limit your child's activities to one or two, and let them truly invest their time and abilities to those chosen activities. This will also be a big money and time-saver for you and your whole family. 

Always remember that even while you're making a budget for the school year, continue to make a budget for the whole year. Once the school year is over, that doesn't mean you shouldn't keep it as part of your year-round budget. This can help you save more money for the upcoming school year, and not feel pinched once you have to readjust to those expenses come September. It can help you keep on a consistent and steady track with your budget and your finances without giving you a heart attack at the end of every quarter or change of season. After all, that's a pretty fantastic goal to keep, right? 

We hope that this blog series has helped you plan out your future or current school spending, and how you might look at the 2021 school year's spending as well. With the uncertainty that 2020 is still giving us, it doesn't look like 2021 will be much different. So, while you might have already purchased everything you need this year, or you're still currently in the middle of the process, you will have more time to choose how you plan out your budget from today forward. Remember, if you are looking for the best accounting services in Goose Creek, the best tax preparation in Goose Creek, business consulting in Goose Creek, bookkeeping in Goose Creek, or payroll services in Goose Creek, we are here for you! Our phone lines and inboxes are waiting for you. Don't hesitate! Please stay safe, everyone. We will see you soon

0 Comments

Smart Budgeting For The School Year (Part 1)

9/30/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Staying within your budget for 2020 has new meaning and power over your finances. With the school year in full bloom, it's time to stay smart when learning your p's and q's! 

The school year is back, and even though it might look very different than last fall, we know this time of year still has the potential to be exciting and fun. There is nothing like the fresh smell of school supplies on the first day of September! Even with e-learning and distanced learning, and all the different kinds of learning that we are seeing here in Goose Creek, we hope all of our parents and students have a very special school year! While there are already so many things to be worried about this year, your finances might be the heaviest burden of them all. While your children are back to hitting the books, we wanted to offer some tips and suggestions on how to save as many nickles and dimes as possible this school year. There is no one fix it all solution for everyone when it comes to adjusting to this school year or how to make the most out of your finances as you do so. In this two-part blog, we are going to be offering you some suggestions and options that might make your budget work for you and how to remove some worry and stress from the rest of 2020! 

1. Hitting the Harddrive
This year's school spending looks very different than your 2019 school budget. When you went shopping last year new clothes, pens, backpacks, and books might have been on the list. This year, things are looking a little more technical. With so many distance and e-learning classes on your child's schedule, you might be looking into buying new computers, tablets, and software. You might also be looking into paying for more childcare or private tutors to help make your professional schedule work around your family's schedule. In all honesty, it looks like your back to school budget might have to be a tad bigger than last year's. This might be a hard pill to swallow since due to shortened hours or continued furloughs, your family's income might be taking quite a hit.

According to Dave Ramsey, parents are spending an average of $70 more than they did last year on electronics. Add on headphones, traditional school supplies, hand sanitizer, masks, and new furniture, Ramsey goes on to explain that parents could be spending up to $790 for all necessary school supplies this year. With every challenge you and your family have already gone through this year, how is this even possible? What makes it even more difficult is that your children need these items now, and the best time to buy it all is as quickly as you can. Your children will need all of these resources to get the most out of their education, to stay on top of their lessons and homework, and to stay connected with their friends and teachers. Take a deep breath, and don't worry. We are here to help! 

2. Plan It (Part 1) 
​
Be reasonable about your budget and what your family is currently making. What are the bills you have to take care of, and how much does this leave you for school supplies? Sit down and make a plan. How much can you spend on each child? Figure out this number and stick to it while you're shopping. Remember, a lot of the electronic devices that you could be in the market for can be purchased refurbished or secondhand. They do not have to be brand new and straight out of the box. Many companies from Apple to Best Buy all offer some excellent refurbished and refinancing options. Also, remember to check out stores that you might not exactly expect to have great deals on electronics. Costco and Sams Club are already known for excellent deals on their products, and this does include electronics. 

When you do plan your budget and start your research on where to shop, spend time on it. Do not rush. Also, it might be best to stick to the school list and what you absolutely have to buy and not to what your kids are asking for. We might also suggest that they stay at home when you make your school supplies shopping trip. It's easy to say yes to fun add ons that they slip into your cart while you're out and about. A lot of the time these fun items go unused and add up your bill very quickly! While during your research, make sure to learn what all of your needed products are worth. This will come in handy when sales do start to pop up, you'll be able to recognize what is actually a good deal and what just looks to be a good deal. 

We know this has been a stressful time for all of our parents, teachers, and families. This is why we are here with this blog to offer you some tips and suggestions to make this year and maybe even some of the next a little less painful. Try and enjoy the school year, getting back into a schedule, and watching your children blossom in their studies. In our next blog, we will be continuing with more tips and suggestions, and we hope to calm your stress about staying within your means. Remember, if you are looking for the best accounting services in Goose Creek, the best tax preparation in Goose Creek, business consulting in Goose Creek, bookkeeping in Goose Creek, or payroll services in Goose Creek, we are here for you! Our phone lines and inboxes are waiting for you. Don't hesitate! Please stay safe, everyone. We will see you soon!
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Author

    Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.

    Archives

    February 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    January 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    May 2017

    Categories

    All
    2019 Taxes
    2020 Taxes
    401(k)
    529
    529 College Account
    529 Saving Plan
    Accounting Goose Creek
    Accounting Services Goose Creek
    Agoraplaus
    April 15 2021
    Asama
    ATM
    Back To School
    Basecamp
    Black Shopping Alternatives
    Bookkeeping Goose Creek
    Bookkeeping Goose Creek Sc
    Buffer
    Building A Business
    Business
    Business Consulting Goose Creek
    CARES Act
    CARES Act 2020
    College Loans
    College Planning
    College Saving
    Common Tax Mistakes
    Consulting Goose Creek
    Contact Hoods Tax And Accounting Goose Creek Sc
    Contact Hoods Tax Goose Creek Sc
    Coronavirus
    COVID 19
    COVID-19
    Cutting Costs
    Cutting Costs At Thanksgiving
    Documenting Your Taxes
    Donations To Your 401(K)
    Economic Impact Payment
    Evernote
    Facebook Creator Studio
    FASFA
    Filing Taxes
    Financial Aid
    Financial Preparedness
    First Time Tax Payer
    Getting Ready For Tax Season
    GoDaddy
    Google
    Goose Creek
    Grants
    Home Owner
    Home Ownership
    HootSuite
    How To Save Money At Thanksgiving
    How To Spend Your Tax Return
    How To Stay Safe At Thanksgiving 2020
    How To Stay Safe This Thanksgiving
    Hurricane
    Hurricane Fund
    Hurricane Plan
    Important Documents
    Jumpstart Your Day
    Last Minute Tax Deductions
    Last Will And Testament
    Lowcountry
    Lowering Your Tax Bill
    MailChimp
    Make Donations To Your HSA Account
    National Podcast Day
    Online Scams
    Organization
    Owning A Business
    Pandemic
    Payroll Services Goose Creek Sc
    Pension
    Phone Call Scams
    Podcast
    Preparing For 2020 Taxes
    Preparing For Your 2020 Taxes
    Preparing For Your Taxes
    Productivity
    Productivity Tools
    Quickbooks
    Quickbooks Services Goose Creek Sc
    Quickbooks Small Business
    Quickbooks Training Goose Creek
    Quickbooks Training Goose Creek Sc
    ResueTime
    Retirment Taxes
    Save Money
    Saving For College
    Saving Money
    Saving Money For Thanksgiving 2020
    Savings
    SC
    Scholarships
    School Shopping
    Senior Taxes
    Senior Tax Filer
    Senior Tax Payer
    Small Business
    Small Businesses
    Social Security
    Social Security Administration
    Social Security Scam
    Spending Your Tax Return
    Squarespace
    SSI Benefits
    Stimulus Check
    Student Loans
    Tax Brackets
    Tax Credit
    Tax Deductible
    Taxes
    Tax Extension
    Tax Payer
    Tax Planning
    Tax Preparation Goose Cree
    Tax Preparation Goose Creek
    Tax Professional
    Tax Return
    Tax Season
    Tax Tips
    Tax Write Off
    Thanksgiving
    Thanksgiving 2020
    Todist
    Toggl
    Trello
    Tsheets
    Unemployment
    Unemployment Tips
    What Not To Spend Your Tax Return On
    What To Spend Your Tax Return On
    Will
    Will And Testament
    WordPress
    Working From Home
    Wunderlist

    RSS Feed

Hoods Tax & Accounting Service, LLC.
​105 Etling Ave, Goose Creek, SC 29445

Phone: 
(843) 797-5153

Email: admin@hoodstax.com
Site created by Creative Consulting
Site powered by
MadeSimply
Picture
Picture
Picture
Hoods Tax & Accounting Service, LLC.