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April 23, 2018

Lame Excuses for Non/Late Filers

Did your forget to file your taxes? Were you too busy to submit your return? Was tax filing just too confusing? On today’s show, Ralph talks lame excuses for filing late and not filing and whether that excuse holds any weight with the IRS. Submit your questions or ideas for…

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April 20, 2018

IRS Red Flags to Know

So you have filed your 2017 tax return, or filed an extension, and may have one nagging question: Am I going to be audited by the IRS?For most people, even the prospect of an IRS tax audit can raise your blood pressure. On today's show, Ralph review 12 of the…

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April 18, 2018

What To Do When Your Returns Have Been Botched

To err is human, but to err on your tax return can be a complete disaster. If you did your own taxes, of course, you may have only yourself to blame. But if you think your tax preparer made a mistake on your return, there are steps to take. On…

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April 16, 2018

How to File an Extension

Tax day is dreaded by millions of Americans, and some people have such a hard time coming to grips with filing for taxes that they file extensions to prolong the inevitable. April 17th is the deadline for most taxpayers to file an extension and to pay any taxes owed to…

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April 13, 2018

How to File for Social Security Benefits

The discussions surrounding Social Security filing seems to always center around when to file and how best to strategize your claims; however, many do not know the actual process to file when you decide to file. On today’s show, Ralph outlines the entire process for filing for Social Security benefits…

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April 11, 2018

Cost Basis FAQs

Selling an investment can have tax consequences. To figure out whether you need to report a gain or can claim a loss-after selling, you need to know the cost basis for that investment. On today’s show, Ralph outlines everything you need to know when computing your cost basis this tax…

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April 9, 2018

Review Your W2 Form

Every direct employee of a company receives a W-2 form in January. The W-2 is the base document that defines your tax obligations, so it is important that you review and understand yours. On today’s show, Ralph reviews how to review your W2 form and update your withholding status each…

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April 7, 2018

IRS Penalties to Avoid

On today’s show, Ralph review some of the most common penalties associated with IRS filings as we come closer to the end of filing season on April 17th. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com. Like us on Facebook and…

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April 4, 2018

Why Aren't Americans Saving for Retirement?

When it comes to saving for retirement, most American workers are not only falling short, they don not even know how behind they are. What is more disturbing, research shows that savings trends are getting worse, despite a decades-long push to enroll workers in 401(k)s and other employer plans. On…

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April 2, 2018

Tax Benefits of Parenthood

Congratulations! You have just been handed your first little bundle of joy in the are about to embark on the long journey of parenthood. It will be full of joyful experiences that make the corresponding aggravations worthwhile, and it comes with many benefits — some of which are tax-related. On…

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March 30, 2018

Elimination of Misc. Itemized Deductions

The Federal tax reform passed in December has created changes to the tax rate and bracket structure, with an elimination of personal exemptions and certain itemized deductions. The changes were implemented for 2018, and will affect filing in spring 2019. That does not mean it is too early to start thinking…

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March 28, 2018

15 Q's & A's for Tax Season

On today's show, Ralph discusses 15 relevant and burning tax season questions to get the answers to before April 17th. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit www.askralphmedia.com…

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March 26, 2018

Watch Out for Tax Frauds

In your rush to file your taxes this year, do not forget to watch out for fraudulent tax preparers. Crooked tax preparers will lure you with the promise of big refunds and easy fixes. Beware that you will be on the hook to pay more money when the IRS catches…

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March 23, 2018

Signs That You Shouldn't Do Your Own Taxes

Paying taxes is painful enough. We understand why forking over even more of your hard-earned money to pay someone to prepare your tax return would seem out of the question? If your tax situation is straightforward, a professional preparer is not needed. But for some taxpayers, it is worth spending…

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March 21, 2018

5 Things To Do Before Tax Day (for Small Business Owners)

If you’re a small business owner, Tax Day (April 17th) has a wholly different connotation than it does for most of America. While most working Americans, are excitedly anticipating the receipt of a big refund check, small business owners dread the annual scramble to gather their K1s, compile deductions, and…

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March 19, 2018

How Long to Keep Tax Records?

If you think your tax work is done once you file your return, think again. Now you need to file your tax records. Keeping your tax returns and the documents you used to complete them obviously is critical in case you are ever audited. Good record-keeping also could help if…

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March 16, 2018

Ways to Invite an IRS Audit

An IRS tax audit stands out as one of those events in life that people typically want to avoid. No one wants to sit through a meeting with the IRS and be told that they owe more money in taxes. However, you may be making mistakes when you file taxes…

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March 14, 2018

New Year, New Code, New W-4 Form to Update

As many of us file and complete our returns this tax season, keep in mind that the changes as a result of tax reform largely go into effect next year, when you're filing your 2018 tax return in 2019. What you will see this year are changes to your paycheck —…

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March 12, 2018

Top Fake Tax Tips to Know

It’s that time of the year again. The time when Tax Day is fast approaching and you start hearing conflicting things from friends and family about what is—and what is not—okay when filing your taxes. There is a lot of misinformation out there about various deductions, loopholes, and write-offs that…

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March 9, 2018

Claiming Social Security at Age 70

Nearly 62 million people rely on Social Security benefits each month, making it arguably America's most important social program. Of these beneficiaries, more than three out of five are reliant on the program to provide at least half of their monthly income. Yet for as important as Social Security is…

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March 7, 2018

Often-Missed Tax Deductions

The recent tax overhaul is taking away some tax breaks and keeping many others. Some deductions will only be available for the 2017 tax year, while others-although available, might not be worth using anymore after this year due to the significant increase in the standard deduction, which will make itemizing…

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March 5, 2018

5 Tax Mistakes to Avoid

The U.S. tax code is nearly 4 million words. That is a lot of complicated tax jargon. However, even though the rules are complex, most of the mistakes taxpayers make on their returns are fairly simple. Read on to see if your making one of these 10 common mistakes on…

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March 2, 2018

Identity Theft Protection Tips

Identity theft is a crime that is estimated to affect over 9 million Americans per year, with levels on the rise. When an identity thief gets his (or her) hands on your personal information, they gain the power to wreak havoc on your finances, credit and reputation. The bad news…

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Feb. 28, 2018

Big Tax Bill Payment Options

Though the majority of Americans wind up getting a refund on their taxes, there are also those who end up owing money to the IRS once their returns are completed. If you are staring at a tax bill you know you ca not pay, do not panic. On today's show,…

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