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March 2018 Daily Tax Tips
Tackling taxes like lions.

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Welcome March, the last full month of the annual tax filing season.

Traditionally, the month is said to come in like a lion and go out like a lamb.

But savvy taxpayers know they need to keep attacking taxes like the king of beasts for the full 31 days of March.

Finishing, or getting started if you (like me) still haven't begun, your Form 1040, is the focus of most of March's tips.

Tax planning, too: Some folks, however, have been industrious. Kudos to you.

You already finished filers can take more of a tax lamb approach, calmly exploring ways to make the most of the 2018 changes to our taxes under the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Regardless of whether you're a tax lion or lamb, the March's weekday pieces of tax advice, like January's and February's before them, will be highlighted in the upper right corner of the ol' blog.

After a day in the spotlight, Monday through Friday from March 1 through the 31st, the tips then will be permanently ensconced on this March tax tips page.

So with an appropriate roar, let's get to the tips.

  1. Adjust your withholding to match new tax law — Want to make sure your payroll withholding matches the new tax law changes? Use the updated IRS online withholding calculator and file a new Form W-4, which also has been revised. (March 1, 2018)
  2. How to adjust your withholding — You used the new, improved updated to align with new tax laws Internal Revenue Service withholding calculator. Now what. Here's how to translate that to the W-4 that will actually impellent the changes. (March 2, 2018)
  3. 7 online security steps — Tax scams, like those that make the IRS' annual Dirty Dozen list, increase during tax filing season. That's why we need to be careful now and the other less taxing months of every year. These security moves can help keep your tax and personal data safe year-round. (March 5, 2018)
  4. 10 things that aren't taxed — What does the Internal Revenue Service tax? Just about everything. Earned and investment income. Gambling and prize winnings. Barter payments. Even ill-gotten gains (right, Scarface?). But despite the wide net that Uncle Sam's tax collector casts, there is some money that he doesn't get to reel in. Here are 10 examples. (March 6, 2018)
  5. Day camp costs and the child care credit — Summer will be here before you know it. That's why parents are now looking into camp options for their kids once school is out. If the youngsters go to a day camp, the costs can be used to claim the child and dependent care tax credit. (March 7, 2018)
  6. Where's the rest of your federal tax refund? — Did the Internal Revenue Service send you a smaller tax refund than you expected? The reason might be because Uncle Sam collected money you owed on delinquent debts. These offsets include past year federal taxes you owe, unpaid student loans and even state-ordered child support payments. (March 8, 2018)
  7. Retirement plan limits in 2018 — The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made a lot of changes to the tax code, but not to popular tax-favored retirement savings options. Check out the amounts that apply in 2018 to IRAs, workplace retirement plans and the Saver's Credit. You'll also find how they compare to and in some cases were increased from 2017 retirement plan limits. (March 9, 2018)
  8. Donation tax deduction rules — If you give to a legitimate charity, not a fake nonprofit that makes the Internal Revenue Service's Dirty Dozen tax scam list, your donation could be tax deductible. As long as your follow the IRS rules. (March 12, 2018)
  9. Business tax record tips — The impending March 15 filing deadline for some companies (that weren't granted a weather-related delay) underscores the importance of good, and separate, business records. (March 13, 2018)
  10. Choose auto expense deduction method carefully — Taxpayers generally have a choice in deciding how to deduct their business miles. They can claim the standard mileage deduction or write off actual auto expenses. Making the correct choice could mean more tax savings. (March 14, 2018)
  11. Why tax credits rule — Both tax deductions and tax credits help reduce what you owe Uncle Sam. But credits are better that deductions because they cut your Internal Revenue Service tax bill dollar-for-dollar. (March 15, 2018)
  12. Don't overlook these 17 tax breaks — Before you head out to St. Patrick's Day parties, check out these ways to save on your 2017 tax return. It's the last year for some of these deductions and credits, for a while at least in their current form. You don't want to miss out on the ones that could save you some tax green! (March 16, 2018
  13. Short-term home rental tax benefits — A city's hosting of a special happening, like South by Southwest here in Austin or some of the NCAA March Madness college basketball games, could provide homeowners a big tax break. When you turn your home into a temporary rental during a big event, the lease money you pocket could be tax free. (March 19, 2018)
  14. Valuing your donated goods — Spring is here, at least according to the calendar. That means it's also spring cleaning time. But don't just toss out your old and unused items. Those that are in good shape could help out a charity and, if you follow federal charitable giving rules and value your donated property properly, help lower your tax bill. (March 20, 2018)
  15. Watch out for these Dirty Dozen tax scams — Tax filing season is tax scam season. These 12 criminal schemes have been around for years because, sadly, they work. Don't fall for these oldies and baddies. (March 21, 2018)
  16. Checking out your tax pro — You decided to use a tax pro this year. You determined which type of tax preparer is best for your personal situation. Now follow these tips to ensure that your chosen tax professional is indeed competent and reputable. (March 22, 2018)
  17. 10 reasons to file a tax return — Tax filing can be a hassle that most of us have to deal with each year. But in some cases, it pays to file a Form 1040 even if you aren't legally required to do so. (March 23, 2018)
  18. 5 FAQs about RMDs — If you're in your 70s and have tax-deferred retirement accounts, then you must take some of the money out, and pay tax on it, every year. Here are some key things to know about these required minimum distributions, or RMDs. (March 26, 2018)
  19. Tax cost of eliminated exemptions — The 2017 tax year is the last (at least for a while) for which taxpayers can claim exemptions. So be sure to take them this filing season and make plans for the loss of the exemptions on your 2018 taxes. One move to make now is to reassess your payroll withholding if you're losing exemptions under the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. (March 27, 2018)
  20. Adoption tax credit helps families grow — Adopting a child can be a joy, but also costly. Your Uncle Sam, however, offers ways through the tax code to save when you add to your family. (March 28, 2018)
  21. Deducting moving expenses — When you move for a job, the costs of getting you and your family to your new work location are deductible. The good news is you don't have to itemize. But don't go wild with the moving expenses and be sure to back them up with receipts. Also, due to the new tax law changes, your 2017 tax return is the last time (at least until 2026) that your moving costs for most of us are tax deductible, unless you're a member of the military. (March 29, 2018)
  22. Alimony tax considerations — When the end of matrimony leads to the start of alimony, each parting partner can feel the tax effects. For divorces granted through 2018, that means alimony payments are tax deductible (without itemizing!) and the recipient of the spousal support owes tax on the money. In 2019, however, the tax treatment changes for both ex-spouses thanks to the new tax law. (March 30, 2018)

Want more tax tips? You are in luck! You can find the previous two month's collected tax wisdom by clicking the following links. (April to be added when that month arrives.)

January 2018 Daily Tax Tips

February 2018 Daily Tax Tips

April 2018 Daily Tax Tips

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Today's Tax Tip

  • Key 2023 federal tax deadlines — We made it through the first week of tax season 2023, but another deadline is looming. Jan. 31 is the filing, and tax payment, deadline for taxpayers who opted not to make their final 2022 estimated tax payment on Jan. 17. This tax calendar has that and other key individual tax due dates for the rest of this year. (Jan. 30, 2023)

  • Tax Tip; click pencil for all tax tip links

  • The 2023 Tax Tips offer ways to file your annual return, along with post-filing advice, important tax news and, of course, ways to cut your current tax year bill. You'll find the monthly assemblages on their own respective pages: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December. Remember, tax tasks and tips don't stop after you file your annual return!

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    Kay Bell — Native Texan
    (the blog title totally makes sense now, right?). Professional journalist. Tax geek.

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  • Tax Year 2023 Countdown!

    Happy New Tax Year! Are you ready to file your 2022 tax return? Me neither. But at least this year we're getting some extra time to file and pay any tax we owe. Even better, it's not COVID-19 pandemic related. Tax Day 2023 is Tuesday, April 18. This later date is because April 15, 2023, is on Saturday, and the next business day, Monday, April 17, is Emancipation Day.
    When this Washington, D.C., holiday falls on the day our federal taxes are due, it bumps Tax Day nationwide to the next business day. So this year, we have until Tuesday, April 18, to finish our federal forms and, if we find we owe, come up with the money for Uncle Sam. The states that follow the federal tax calendar, which is most of them, also tend to abide by this date change.

    The countdown clock below should help us from missing out on making important tax-saving moves the rest of this year. Plus, the Tax Moves below the counter will list some timely tasks to take care this first month of 2023, and each of the remaining 11 when they arrive. They'll speed by quickly when you're having tax fun!
    Note: I'm in the Central Time Zone, so adjust accordingly for where you live.


Time for Tax Tasks


  • monthly tax moves


  • Hell February, and ❤ to our new 2023 Valentine, the Internal Revenue Service. OK, maybe love for the IRS is a little much, but we at least want to make nice with Uncle Sam's tax collector this month as it goes into the first full, albeit short, month of the tax season. That means some taxpayers will be getting their refunds in February!

    via GIPHY

    With just 28 days, it will mean some full days for both IRS employees, some of whom are still trying to catch up on that lingering COVID-19 pandemic backlog, and all of us who'll file this month. So let's not waste anymore time, and get to some tax tasks for this shortest month of the year!

    Feb. 1: Employers and other third-party payers were to have issued us our W-2 and associated 1099 forms by Jan. 31. If you're still waiting, be patient and give them a tad more time. And don't forget to check your email, as many issuers sent out electronic notices of the online availability forms and other statements you need to file your taxes instead of relying on the U.S. Postal Service.

    Feb. 2: Happy Groundhog Day!

    Fat Groundhog; click image for Groundhog Day details

    The main reason to wait for the correct tax statements is to avoid getting caught in a Bill Murray kind of tax loop, where you have to file an amended tax return because you entered wrong info on your original 1040.

    Feb. 7: Black History Month is celebrated every day this month, commemorating the achievements by black Americans and recognizing the role of African Americans in U.S. history.

    The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the nation's oldest and largest grassroots-based civil rights organization, was founded on this month, specifically on Feb. 12, 1909, the centennial anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, who issued the Emancipation Proclamation twice.

    One of the NAACP's key divisions is its Legal Defense and Educational Fund.
    If you want to support the Fund's work, during Black History Month or any day of the year, you can donate to it and, since it is a 501(c)(3) organization, claim your gift as a charitable tax deduction if you itemize. Sorry, filling out Schedule A is your only option this filing season, since Congress didn't renew the option to claim cash gifts of up to $300 for single filers or $600 for married filing jointly couples directly on Form 1040.

    Feb. 10: Do you work as a server at a restaurant or at any other establishment where gratuities from customers are part of your compensation? I hope you got lots of financial thanks for doing your job well, but remember that those tips are taxable income.

    restaurant check tip iStock
    Whether you're dining in or, still COVID leery and getting food delivered to your home, if a tip isn't included on your restaurant or delivery bill, click the image above to calculate how much to tip the person who brought it to you.

    If you got at least $20 in gratuities in January, you must account for the tips today by using Form 4070 to report last month's tips total to your employer.

    Feb. 12: Are your ready Chiefs, Eagles, and special television commercial fans? It's finally Super Bowl Sunday! Not only will today's 57th Super Bowl decide American professional football's champion, it's also the biggest single betting day of the year. The NFL, like the other professional U.S. sports leagues, have embraced betting. Just remember, if any of your wagers pay off, you owe tax on your winnings. Note, too, that even if your winnings are part of a fantasy sports bet, the associated taxes are very real.

    Feb. 14: Happy Valentine's Day! Do you and your better half file a joint return? Most married couples do. Remember to look over the 1040 carefully before you sign it. When both spouses sign their jointly filed 1040, each is jointly and severally liable for the entire tax amount due. I don't want to spoil your Heart Day celebration, but this means the IRS can come after either spouse for payment of a tax bill, even the husband or wife who is in more dire financial circumstances.

    Feb. 15: Today is the day that the Internal Revenue Service finally can issue refunds to filers who claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or additional Child Tax Credit. But don't spend the money just yet. Even if you're getting your tax refund directly deposited, the IRS' general processing time plus protocols of financial institutions receiving the refunds you’re your tax cash probably won't actually show up in your account until the end of this month.

    Feb. 20: Today is one of the reasons for tax refund delays. It's the Washington Birthday federal holiday, officially honoring George Washington, the Father of Our Country. Over the years, however, this federal (three-day, yay!) holiday has come to commemorate the contributions of all our Commanders in Chief, and is popularly known as Presidents' Day. That means we've got to give another shout out to Abraham Lincoln, who essentially was father of our income tax system, signing into law a tax on earnings to help pay Civil War costs.

    Feb. 24: You're ready to work on your tax return, but you're on a budget. No worries. The IRS and its Free File Alliance partners again offer no-cost online tax preparation and electronic filing to eligible taxpayers at the IRS' special Free File web page. This year, seven tax software companies are participating.

    IRS Free File; click image for details

    The Free File income threshold this year remains at adjusted gross income (AGI) of $73,000 or less, regardless of your filing status.

    Feb. 28: Wow! February really did speed by, especially since we were having so much tax fun. Or maybe you weren't having any fun at all trying to do your taxes yourself, even with software's prompts, and have decided to turn to professional tax help. That's a smart move, and here are some tips on how to find the perfect tax professional for your filing and planning needs. Note, though, that at this point in the filing season, you're likely to be placed at the end of that tax pro's very long client queue, as reputable tax preparers' calendars fill up fast. So again, be patient. You're at least now in tax filing line.

    Small Business Tax Calendar: Important filing, deposit and record keeping dates throughout the year that your company needs to know. You can get more tax calendar information at the IRS' online calendar page and view the full year's important business and individual tax dates in IRS Pub. 509.

State Tax Help

  • Don't forget your state taxes!
    Forty-three states and D.C. collect personal income taxes. But even if you live in of the seven states without an income levy, you still face other state (and local) taxes.

    State Tax Departments provides links to your state's Web page. The companion page, Tax Tidbits, is the compilation of blurbs about each state's tax laws. And for more state tax news, check out all our state tax bloggings.

Tax Forms

  • Tax Forms
    Thanks to our increased use of tax preparers and computer software, many of us don't see our tax forms until we sign and file them. But knowing what's on these documents, either in paper or digital form, and why the IRS wants it is key to understanding our tax system. And knowledge definitely is power, especially when it comes to tax savings. Find this valuable information in the ol' blog's special Tax Forms 2023 page.

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    I am not a professional tax preparer.
    The content on Don't Mess With Taxes is my personal opinion based on my study and understanding of tax laws, policies and regulations. It is provided for your private, noncommercial, educational and informational purposes only. It is not a recommendation of any specific tax action(s) you should or should not take. Similarly, mentions of products or services are not endorsements. In other words, my ramblings on the ol' blog are free advice and you know what they say about getting what you pay for. That's why when it comes to filing your taxes, I urge you to get additional, professional, paid-for guidance from an accountant, Enrolled Agent or other qualified tax preparer who is familiar with your individual tax circumstances.

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COVID-19 & Taxes

  • COVID-19
    Coronavirus has wreaked havoc
    on the 2020 and 2021 tax seasons.
    These three Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Taxes pages have details:
    March-July 2020,
    August-December 2020,
    January-December 2021, and
    January-December 2022
    You can find medical coronavirus resource links in the next section.

COVID-19 Resources

  • COVID-19
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    Call 1-800-232-0233
    or TTY 1-888-720-7489.
    More information and resources at:
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February 2023

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Tell it to the Hill

  • DMWT Politics Posts
  • While it's easy to rail at the IRS, for the most part we can thank — or blame — our tax laws on Congress and the White House. So if you have an issue with tax legislation or want a tax bill passed, you need to let your federal legislators and the White House occupant know of your concerns. You can find out who in Washington, D.C., to contact (and how), as well as get information on your local lawmakers for matters, tax or otherwise, closer to home, at USA Gov.

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