5 YEAR-END TAX TIPS

The new year is right around the corner, but 2018 hasn't arrived just yet. That means you have time yet to consider a few tax-saving tips for 2017.

FASTER TAX REFUND WHEN YOU E-FILE, DIRECT DEPOSIT

If you want to get your 2017 tax refund as quickly as possible, don't use snail mail.  The IRS asks taxpayers to electronically file 2017 tax returns, and to sign up for direct deposit. Doing this greatly reduces the possibility of lost, stolen, or undeliverable refund checks.

Direct deposit also saves money. The IRS reports that U.S. taxpayers pay more than $1 for every paper refund check issued, but only a dime for each direct deposit.

LEND TO FAMILY IN A TAX-FRIENDLY WAY

Lending money to family members can be tricky sometimes – especially when it comes to taxes. The best way to avoid tax problems is to charge interest on your family loan (because the IRS will tax you for it!), or know the interest-free exceptions. You can gift money to your relatives under the gift tax exemption of $14,000 ($15,000 in 2018), or you can ensure the loan is under $10,000 and won't be used to purchase income-producing property. Call us at (518) 798-3330 for details.

THE HOLIDAYS: A TIME FOR MISTLETOE AND … FRAUD?

Don't let a thief turn you into a festive fool this season. Follow these tips to avoid holiday shopping fraud, whether you're buying online or at your local mall.

YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS STATUS IS AVAILABLE

If you're not sure where your Social Security benefits stand, you have a way to check. Each year, you should automatically receive a personal Social Security statement three months before your birthday. It shows your year-by-year earnings and estimates of your retirement. It also shows survivors and disability benefits you and your family may be able to receive now and in the future.

 

If the statement doesn't show earnings from a state or local government employer, contact them. The work may not have been covered either by a Section 218 agreement or by federal law.

CONSIDER INSTALLMENT SALES FOR REAL ESTATE

With an installment sale, you may be able to lower your total tax on the sale of the property by spreading the income over several years. In addition, the buyer will typically pay a rate of interest to you on the remainder of the amount due that is higher than a typical bank loan.

 
There are a few tax hiccups that could affect your sale, however. If you sell property to a related party and the property is then disposed of within two years, in most cases all the remaining tax comes due immediately. Give us a call at (518) 798-3330 for help avoiding tax traps during your real estate sale.