Mel Whitney
Articles
Lifetime Learning Education Credit 101
When we hear the word “education”, we often think of children. But, education is broader than that, and learning should never end, no matter your age. Regardless of whether or not you enjoy learning, education is not cheap these days, and if your education can be paid for by someone else - you’re in luck. Thankfully, even ...
9 US States With No Income Tax
There are a handful of states with low state tax or without an income tax, and a couple of others that only tax dividends and interest. Of course, these states must still fund government programs, so they raise the money using fees, property taxes, sales taxes, and various other sources of income. Depending on the details of your individual situa...
How to Use Head of Household Status to File Your Taxes
The head of household filing status is one that few people understand. But it is important to understand all of your filing options to minimize the taxes you owe. If you meet the criteria to qualify, a tax return for head of household can result in lower taxes than single status. This article will help you to understand how to qualify for h...
Tax Considerations for Au Pairs in the United States
Broadly speaking, "Au pair" is a French phrase meaning "at the par" or "at the peer" [level] and is used to describe someone who boards temporarily in someone else's home. The term takes on a very narrow technical definition in United States law, however, and carries with it various tax obligations. An au pair is...
Understanding the Section 199A Business Income Deduction
The purpose of Section 199A deduction or Pass-through deduction is to provide some relief to small businesses by allowing the deduction of as much as 20% of income. This article will provide you with an overview of this deduction, and some watch-outs in claiming it. An Overview of Section 199A deduction ...
Don’t Pay Sales Tax for Home Improvements - NY, NJ, PA
New Yorkers - don’t pay sales tax for home improvement We all want a new bathroom, kitchen, or other improvement to our home. None of us, however, want to pay tax on these improvements. The good news is that you don’t have to (at least in New York, New Jersey, or P...