coins

Watch Out for Scams if You Invest in Coins

Buying rare and precious coins can be an exciting hobby and, for some, a lucrative investment. Unfortunately, it’s also a business that’s rife with potential for con artists. As always, it’s wise to proceed with caution. Following a few simple guidelines can offer protection from unethical sellers.  Read more

How to Get Slow-Paying Customers to Pay Up

You’ve done your part. The job is complete, your customer is satisfied — but a month has gone by, and your invoice is still outstanding. You’d like to work with the customer in the future. So how do you get your money without losing the customer? Read more

Tax Rules Apply to Family Loans

There are many worthwhile reasons to lend money to a relative. For example, you may want to help a child or sibling continue their education or start their own business.  Read more

Careers

Job Search Expenses Can be Tax Deductible

Washington – IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2012-06 – Summertime is the season that often leads to major life decisions, such as buying a home, moving or a job change. If you are looking for a new job that is in the same line of work, you may be able to deduct some of your job hunting expenses on your federal income tax return. Read more

Money

What to Consider Before Lending Money to Family and Friends

When your best friend views your nest egg as a source of start-up funds for his latest business venture, or your nephew hits you up for a car loan, your first impulse may be to reach into your bank account to help. But it’s a fact that loans to family and friends often end up straining both finances and relationships.   Read more

Taxes File Folder

Can You Qualify for the Home Office Deduction?

The home office deduction is available when you use part of your home regularly and exclusively as your primary place of business, or for meeting clients.  Read more

A Lesson from the IRS for Students Starting a Summer Job

WASHINGTON – IRS SUMMERTIME TAX TIP 2012-03 – School’s out, but the IRS has another lesson for students who will be starting summer jobs. Summer jobs represent an opportunity for students to learn about the tax system. Read more

Business startup

Don’t Let the Tax Tail Wag the Economic Dog

Some tax-cutting strategies make good financial sense. Other tax strategies are simply bad ideas, often because tax considerations are allowed to override basic economics. Read more

Happy Children

Keep the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit in Mind for Summer Planning

WASHINGTON – IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2012-01 – During the summer many parents may be planning the time between school years for their children while they work or look for work. The IRS wants to remind taxpayers that are considering their summer agenda to keep in mind a tax credit that can help them offset some day camp expenses.  Read more

Business startup

Tips for Starting a Home Business

In these tough economic times, many people are taking a hard look at employment alternatives — some, because they’ve lost their seemingly stable jobs in the corporate world; others, because they dream of striking out on their own. Read more