The Athens News - Tax Guide

How to manage personal debt

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:00:00 CDT

As if anyone needs their memory jogged, debt is a substantial problem for men and women living in fully developed countries. Estimates vary, but numerous surveys have indicated the average American household has more than $10,000 in credit card debt alone.

Understanding the difference: Traditional IRA vs. Roth

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:00:00 CDT

Regardless of how much the economy struggles, men and women will always have an eye toward their retirements. Saving for retirement might be more difficult in a bad economy, but that doesn't mean suc

Tax Guide Part 5 of 5

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:00:00 CDT

The Athens NEWS Tax Guide Series features tax resources and articles to help with tax season. To read the digital edition of the fifth in the five part series of Tax Guide special sections focusing on saving for retirement, click here.

Home improvements eligible for tax breaks or rebates

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 CST

Homeowners often look to make improvements to their homes. What they may not know is that certain home improvements may qualify for manufacturer or energy supplier rebates and even federal tax credits.

Finding a financial planner you can trust

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 CST

The up-and-down nature of the economy over the last several years has forced many people to re-examine their finances. Investors have begun to rely more heavily on financial planners to help them make sense of an unpredictable financial landscape.

Tax Guide Part 4 of 5

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 CST

The Athens NEWS Tax Guide Series features tax resources and articles to help with tax season. To read the digital edition of the fourth in the five part series of Tax Guide special sections focusing on financial planning, click here.

How to handle student loan debt

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 CST

Today's college graduates face numerous challenges. With the global economy still struggling, the job market for recent graduates is less than ideal. But the difficult job market is only part of the troubles recent graduates must face. Mounting debt is a major issue for many college grads.

IRS Offers Tips for Charitable Giving

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 CST

Individuals and businesses making contributions to charity should keep in mind several important tax law provisions that have taken effect in recent years.

Tax Guide Part 3 of 5

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 CST

The Athens NEWS Tax Guide Series features tax resources and articles to help with tax season. To read the digital edition of the third in the five part series of Tax Guide special sections focusing on charitable giving, click here.

Affordable Care Act Tax Provisions

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 CST

The Affordable Care Act was enacted on March 23, 2010. It contains some tax provisions that became effective in 2010 or 2011, and more that will be implemented during the next several years.

Top 10 Things Every Taxpayer Should Know about Identity Theft

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 CST

Taxpayers need to be careful to protect their personal information. Identity thieves use many methods to steal personal information and then they use the information to file a tax return and get a refund.

Tax Guide Part 2 of 5

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 CST

The Athens NEWS Tax Guide Series features tax resources and articles to help with tax season. To read the digital edition of the second in the five part series of Tax Guide special sections focusing on identity theft, click here.

Plan now to get full benefit of saver’s credit

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 CST

Low- and moderate-income workers can take steps now to save for retirement and earn a special tax credit in 2011 and the years ahead, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

Tax Guide Part 1 of 5

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 CST

The Athens NEWS Tax Guide Series features tax resources and articles to help with tax season. To read the digital edition of the first in the five part series of Tax Guide special sections, click

Filing Deadline Extended for Some Tax-Exempt Organizations

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 CST

Tax-exempt organizations with January and February filing due dates will have until March 30 to file their annual returns, the Internal Revenue Service has announced.

Six Important Facts about Dependents and Exemptions

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 00:00:00 CST

Some tax rules affect every person who may have to file a federal income tax return – these rules include dependents and exemptions. Here are six important facts the IRS wants you to know about dependents and exemptions that will help you file your 2010 tax return.

Be aware of Affordable Care Act Tax provisions

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 00:00:00 CST

The Affordable Care Act was enacted on March 23, 2010. It contains some tax provisions that take effect this year and more that will be implemented during the next several years. The following is a list of provisions now in effect.

IRS kicks off 2011 tax season with deadline extended to April 18

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 00:00:00 CST

The Internal Revenue Service recently opened the 2011 tax filing season by announcing that taxpayers have until April 18 to file their tax returns.

2010 changes offer expanded tax benefits

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 00:00:00 CST

Three Extra Days to File and Pay

Taxpayers, nationwide, will have until Monday, April 18, 2011, to file their 2010 returns and pay any taxes due. Taxpayers get the extra time because Emancipation Day, a holiday in the District of Columbia, is observed this year on Friday, April 15. By law, D.C. holidays impact tax deadlines in the same way that federal holidays do. The April 18 deadline applies to any return or payment normally due on April 15. It also applies to the deadline for requesting a tax-filing extension and for making 2010 IRA contributions.

Choose the Simplest Tax Form for Your Situation

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 00:00:00 CST

To file your 2010 individual tax return, you’ll have to decide which form to use… unless you e-file. This year, choosing which form to file will be even more important since the IRS will no longer be mailing paper tax packages. The IRS is taking this step because of the continued growth in electronic filing, the availability of free options to taxpayers and to help reduce costs. Taxpayers can still get forms and instructions online at http://www.irs.gov, at local IRS offices or from participating community outlets like many libraries and post offices.