• Home
  • Table of Contents
  • Tax Tips
  • Credits
  • Deductions
  • Refunds
  • State Taxes
  • Politics/Laws
  • Tax Terms
  • Archives

Don't Mess With Taxes

Translating taxes into money-saving English

Home Table of Contents Tax Tips Credits Deductions Refunds State Taxes Politics/Laws Tax Terms Archives

November 2022 Tax Tips

Turkeys take top billing this month, but be careful.
You don't want to make or deal with any tax turkeys in this 11th month of the year.

Tax tip pencilNovember has arrived. This penultimate month is full of holidays, the most notable being Thanksgiving.

Quick confession: The hubby and I aren't big Turkey Day fans. It's not that we're not grateful for all we have. It's that we don't like turkey very much.

Instead, we embrace our West Texas roots and have barbecue and all the fixings on the fourth Thursday of each November. And the hubby does make pumpkin pie.

Tax traditions, too: November also is a good month to make some tax moves that will make you thankful at filing time next year.

Yes, things are starting to get hectic. The holiday season is underway. And many folks finally are traveling again after hunkering down for literally years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But try to work some tax planning into your November schedule. The savings they could produce will make next April's Tax Day feel like Thanksgiving all over again.

This page of collected November tax tips will give you some ideas on how to deal with your Internal Revenue Service responsibilities. It also will offer some suggestions on how to lessen those tax requirements.

As always, the tips will be added here as soon as they are highlighted in the upper right corner of the ol' blog. That way you don't have to worry if you miss a few on their featured days. You'll find them and their links below.

Now, let's get to dishing out some items from our November tax tips menu.

  1. 2023 inflation adjustments, starting with next year's income brackets — Yes, you did see this tip in October. But since inflation still is top of mind for most folks, it bears repeating. It also gets this early mention because I'm still completing the ol' blog's annual 10-part tax inflation series. The annual feature highlights the Internal Revenue Service's annual adjustments to 60+ tax provisions. The first post focused on the 2023 income tax bracket adjustments, which mean more money for you, not the IRS in the coming tax year. That first installment has a directory of the remaining 9 posts on 2023's inflation changes. Those items also will periodically show up as tips through November, as well as into December and early January 2023 when they take effect. (Nov. 1, 2022)
  2. November tax moves — Get your tax ducks, uh, turkeys in a row this month. Some November tax moves could keep you from running a-fowl (Sorry, not sorry.) of the tax code. Others could help you hatch some tax savings. (Nov. 2, 2021)
  3. 6 tax & financial tips for lottery winners — Sure, the odds of winning the full $1.6 billion Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million. But just in case your numbers do come up, here are some tax and financial tips once you recover from the realization of suddenly being ultra rich, since you'll likely take the immediate cash payout of $782.4 million. (Nov. 4, 2022)
  4. Hurricane season 2022 continues; stay ready — In case you forgot, hurricane season doesn't officially end until Nov. 30. Mother Nature knows, and she's stirred up Subtropical Storm Nicole that's forecast to strengthen and hit Florida. Don't be fooled by the "sub" prefix; these systems can do damage, too, especially to areas still dealing with the effects of deadly Hurricane Ian. So be safe, and be ready. (Nov. 7, 2022)
  5. Reconstructing lost tax, financial records — Preparing for a disaster can be a hassle, but it generally is easier than reconstructing records. If, however, worse comes to worst and you have to rebuild lost or damaged tax and financial records, these tips should help. (Nov. 10, 2022)
  6. Beware post-disaster repair and disaster scams — Hurricane season 2022 is winding down (we hope), but disaster related scams continue. These crooks come out in force after every catastrophe. So in the wake of Hurricane Nicole's landfall this week, beware scammers who target property owners needing repairs, as well as individuals who want to help storm victims recover. (Nov. 11, 2022)
  7. Make the most of tax-favored workplace perks — It's workplace benefits enrollment season at many companies. Here are 7 things to think about as you make your coming year's benefits choice, including the tax advantages of several workplace perks. (Nov. 14, 2022)
  8. COVID credits can be claimed via Free File through Nov. 17 — If you're one of the 9 million families who didn't have to file and therefore missed coronavirus pandemic tax relief payments, do so now. The Internal Revenue Service is making Free File available through Thursday, Nov. 17, so you can claim the payments electronically at, as the name indicates, no cost. (Nov. 16, 2022)
  9. Designating a tax representative — Sometimes, you want someone else to talk to the Internal Revenue Service about your taxes. The IRS says that's OK, as long as you follow the agency's rules on authorizing a tax representative. (Nov. 18, 2022)
  10. Gift cards: great as holiday gifts, not as tax payments — Do buy gift cards as holiday gifts for family and friends. Do NOT buy them when a tax scammer instructs you to do so to pay a fake Internal Revenue Service bill. This is just one scam that pops up year-round. Don't fall for it or other scams and identity theft schemes that involve taxes or, this time of year, holiday shopping. (Nov. 21, 2022)
  11. Holiday shopping (and tax time) security tips — Most of us are online most of the time, but our connectivity increases during the holidays. And at tax filing time. That's why the IRS Security Summit has some online shopping and tax filing tips to help secure and protect your identity (and money!) from con artists and other criminals. (Nov. 28, 2022)

*****

Happy thanksgiving wood block message

*****

Well, we're almost done with 2022, but not quite.

Yes, you can click on the December link below, but you'll just be greeted (again) by that nay-saying guy's GIF, instead of helpful advice from the Internal Revenue Service and the ol' blog.

Until the final month of the year arrives, you can always check out the tax season tips already collected in the previous 10 months' special page links below.

January July
February August
March September
April October
May November
June December

 

 

Advertisements

🌟 Search Amazon Business and Money Books 🌟
The text link above and image links below are affiliate ads. If you click through and then buy a product, I receive a commission.


 

Today's Tax Tip

  • Tax penalties could add to your IRS bill — No one likes to pay the Internal Revenue Service more than necessary, but that happens when you're hit with tax penalties. So take your taxes seriously, especially when it comes to filing and paying on time, or you could end up owing Uncle Sam more due to these add-ons. Some tax penalties are set, but others face changes every year due to inflation. Here's a look at what's ahead on the tax penalty front in 2024. (Nov. 25, 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!

All About Kay

  • OK, some about Kay
    Open sign
    Kay Bell — Native Texan
    (the blog title totally makes sense now, right?). Professional journalist. Tax geek.
  • LinkTree

My Other Accounts

Advertisements



Tick ... Tick ... Tick

  • It's the final
    2023 tax countdown!


    It's over! We cleared 2023's extended filing deadline, unless you get more time because your filing was affected by a major natural disaster, military service, or some other Internal Revenue Service recognized special situation. If that's you, be sure to check out all the ol' blog's earlier Tax Tips, listed by month just under the old-school No. 2 yellow pencil tip atop this column.

    For most of us, though, the passage of Oct. 16 means it's time to focus on the Form 1040 that we'll file next year. In most cases, we have until Dec. 31 to make moves that will reduce our still accruing 2023 tax bill.

    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 of in each of these final 2½ months of 2023.
    Note: I'm in the Central Time Zone, so adjust accordingly for where you live.


Time for Tax Tasks


  • monthly tax moves


  • It's 🦃 🍗 🦃 Turkey Time!
    November is here!

    Thanksgiving, of course, is the main reason for America's favorite fan-tailed fowl. But November is also a great month to make sure we don't fall afoul of tax turkeys. To prevent that, check out the cornucopia of tax moves to make this month.


    November cornucopia of plenty

  • Nov. 1: As November begins, you're obviously focused on the month's upcoming seasonal celebrations. But as meteorologically counterintuitive as it seems, today marks the final 30 days of the official Atlantic/Gulf of Mexico hurricane season.

    Hurricane satellite image


    We made it through October with no tropical systems hitting the United States, but many in the southeast are still recovering from Hurricane Idalia, which in September made landfall in Florida, and then moved northeast into Georgia and South Carolina. Still, it's best to stay storm prepared so we're ready for the next system (or whatever possible disaster is common in your area). The countdown clock below can help you keep track of the last days of hurricane season 2023.



    If, or unfortunately when, you ever are in a major natural disaster, the ol' blog's special Storm Warnings pages can help in preparing for, recovering from (including claiming uninsured disaster losses as an itemized tax deduction), and helping those who sustain damages from the many ways that that weather goes wild.

    Nov. 5: This first Sunday of November means we get an extra hour. Of course, we'll use the 60 minutes gained in our shift back to Standard Time on tax tasks, right?

    via GIPHY

    An easy but important tax move to make now is reviewing and adjust your payroll withholding. The goal is to avoid owing a lot or getting a refund next filing season. Tweaking withholding is an especially good idea if you have a gig work, either full-time or to supplement your wages.

    Nov. 7: It's Election Day across the country, with decisions to be made on ballot issues, as well as on candidates for office. Among the ballot initiatives this year are tax matters before voters in Colorado, Louisiana, and Texas.

    I Voted stickers by Element5 Digital via Pexels
    Image by Element5 Digital via Pexels.com
    Find out how to vote where you live.

    Nov. 10-11: Today, Friday, Nov. 10, is when federal employees recognize Veterans Day this year, since the Nov. 11, 2023, holiday falls on Saturday. Technically, Veterans Day is one of the few federal holidays that isn't shifted to Monday. The Nov. 11 date marks the official, formal end of World War I at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. The commemoration eventually evolved into a day to recognize veterans of all armed conflicts.

    Today and Saturday, Nov. 11, honor veterans however you feel is appropriate. If you're a business owner, consider hiring a veteran. Adding a new military-trained worker to your staff also might provide your firm a tax benefit thanks to the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC).

    Nov. 13: If your job is 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. Remember, though, that those tips taxable income

    restaurant check tip iStock
    Whether you're dining in or, still COVID leery, 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.

    And if you got at least $20 in gratuities in October for doing a good job as a food server or hair stylist or parking valet or whatever job where tipping is common, you must report that amount by today. Use Form 4070 to let your employer know the total tips you took in last month.

    Nov. 15: It's Tax Day for filers who endured major flooding in Vermont. They must file their 2022 federal tax return today.

    Nov. 16: Repetition alert. It's Tax Day again, this time for taxpayers in 55 of California's 58 counties who endured major disasters earlier this year. The only Golden State filers not covered by this extension are those who live or have businesses in Lassen, Modoc, and Shasta counties.

    Nov. 20: Thanksgiving week is here! If you are able to be with your family, enjoy. Also think about those who can't, and if you can afford it, consider giving to the many charities, both national and those in your own neighborhood, that help the less fortunate. As long as the group is an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit, you might be able to claim your gifts as an itemized deduction on your 2023 tax filing next year.

    Nov. 23: Happy Thanksgiving!

    via GIPHY

    Take a break from taxes for turkey, football, and time with your family and friends. If you also happen to have a little cash on some fantasy or, thanks to the Supreme Court, real games — even the NFL is okay with betting now — remember that wagering wins on sporting events, like all bet payoffs, are taxable income.

    Nov. 30: Have you recovered from your holiday feast? If it, as well as self-indulgences earlier this year left you feeling a bit too heavy, get a head start on your New Year resolutions by hitting the gym. If your weight loss regimen is prescribed by a doctor to deal with a medical condition, you might be able to claim the exercise expenses as an itemized medical expense.

    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.

What are you looking for?

  • Looking for something in particular? Start with the Table of Contents.
    Or check out the Archives, where you can review posts by month and category. Or enter specific keywords in the box below to search
    Don't Mess With Taxes.

Search

Subscribe:
E-mail, RSS or both!

  • Enter your Email


    Powered by FeedBlitz
  • RSS

Privacy Policy

  • Wondering what happens to your information once you subscribe? Don't worry. Don't Mess With Taxes respects your wish not to be a mere data source. Check the ol' blog's privacy policy at the Table of Contents page, as well as on the separate Privacy Policy page.

Affiliate Books

  • The Truth
    About Paying Fewer Taxes
  • Are you a tax geek? Got tax geek friends? Do you or they just want to make sure you don't overpay the IRS? Then my book, "The Truth About Paying Fewer Taxes," is for all y'all.

    Look for it on bookstore shelves
    or order a copy (or two!) from
    Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

  • TruthAboutPayingFewerTaxes
  • Find out more about my book and excerpted chapters at the FT Press
    Truth About Paying
    Fewer Taxes
    Web page
    .

  • You can read more
    of Kay's tax insights in ...


  • Kay Bell helps you build
    a solid tax foundation in
    "Personal Finance: An Encyclopedia
    of Modern Money Management"




    Kay Bell breaks down taxes and
    estate planning for millennials in
    "Future Millionaires' Guidebook"



    A collection of Kay Bell stories
    is included in
    "The Gambler's Guide to Taxes:
    How to Keep More
    of What You Win"




  • Tax Reading Room

    You also might enjoy these other tax tips from some of my tax-writing colleagues:

  • JK Lasser 2023 Taxes
    JK Lasser 2023 taxes

  • Dealing With The IRS
    Dealing With the IRS

  • JK Lassers 1001 Deductions
    JK Lasser 1001 Deductions
  • ~~~~~~~
    Don't Mess With Taxes
    is an Amazon Affiliate.
    If you click on the product links above and/or buy the items,
    I will be compensated.

0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 ...

  • Numbers
    Taxes are all about the numbers.
    Check out these (mostly) weekly
    By the Numbers figures.

Kudos Et Cetera

  • Association for Women Clarion Award Winner
    National Association
    for Women in Communications

    Winner, Best Personal Blog
    2012, 2014 & 2017

  • Plutus Award Winner
    Plutus Financial Bloggers Awards
    Celebrating the Best
    in Personal Finance

    Winner, Best Tax Blog
    2011 and 2013
    Lifetime Achievement Nominee 2020


I gotta tell ya ...

  • AKA Disclaimer:
    I am a professional journalist who has been covering tax issues since 1999.
    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.

©©©©© & ®®®®®

  • Don't Mess With Taxes®
    is a registered trademark
    of S. Kay Bell.

    All content on this site is
    © 2005-2023 S. Kay Bell
    dba Write Here, a division of
    SKB Editorial Services, LLC

  • And a bit of housekeeping.
  • Note 1: Some of the links on this site
    are affiliate links. That means that
    if you click through from
    a Don't Mess With Taxes link
    and then buy the product,
    I receive a commission.

    Note 2: Links to outside content
    might become inactive due to changes
    at the copy's originating website.
    If you discover dead links, please e-mail me the details. Thanks.

    Note 3: The banner art for the ol' blog
    is courtesy Pictures of Money
    via Flickr Creative Commons.
Blog powered by Typepad
Member since 11/2005

COVID-19 & Taxes

  • COVID-19
    Coronavirus has wreaked havoc
    on the 2020 and 2021 tax seasons.
    These five Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Taxes pages have details:
    March-July 2020
    August-December 2020
    January-December 2021
    January-December 2022
    …and so it continues into 2023
    You can find medical coronavirus resource links in the next section.

COVID-19 Resources

  • COVID-19
    Need help finding a coronavirus vaccine in the United States?
    Call 1-800-232-0233
    or TTY 1-888-720-7489.
    More information and resources at:
    CDC Vaccines
    CDC Booster Shots
    HHS Combat COVID
    USA.Gov COVID Info

November 2023

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
      1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30    

..................................................




  • Two turkeys trotting


  • .................................................................

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.
  • Don't Mess With Taxes •
  • Powered by Typepad
Top