Many investors choose to invest in dividend-bearing stocks, or mutual funds focusing on dividend payers, as part of their portfolio. And those dividends can pay off in a major way.
Investing in dividend-bearing stocks can be a great choice for investors who are thinking long-term. You may receive dividends in stock or cash, and you can frequently reinvest cash dividends to buy more stock. Depending upon how you receive dividends, you may need to plan ahead for tax day. Specifically, it is important to understand the different types of dividends, what you can expect as far as paying taxes on them, and how to read the 1099-DIV tax form so you’re adequately prepared.



Filing taxes is nobody’s idea of a good time. The process can be lengthy, confusing, financially straining, and even downright intimidating. However, while many people have tons of questions about tax filing, there’s one that’s not often asked: Do I even need to file a tax return? You may be one of the lucky few who can avoid the process entirely.
Below is the explanation of the Box 12 Codes on the
One of the biggest breaks the IRS provides is in the form of deductions, which allow you to reduce your taxable income and thereby pay less in taxes. You may be accustomed to taking the standard deduction, which is a preset amount. Or, you may choose to itemize deductions on Schedule A. The choice is up to you.
The
Unless you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth or the ability to perform a jump shot on par with LeBron James, your or your children’s college education is going to cost you. Public colleges cost an average of $22,261 per year, and private universities boast a massive average tuition price of $43,289. And according to the U.S. Department of Education, college seniors now graduate with an average of $28,186 in
The Federal Government taxes everyone’s income according to the same scale, but each state has the ability to set
The United States income tax laws are based on a progressive tax system. Basically, this setup means that you pay a percentage of your income, owing more taxes when you make more money, and contributing fewer tax dollars when you make less money.
Taxes are a burden for everyone, but especially for low-income individuals and families who need all the money they can get.
Gay marriage, though legal in a number of states, is not recognized by the Federal Government. This means, among a whole host of other issues, that same-sex couples do not enjoy the same tax breaks as married heterosexual partners in the United States.
If you’ve recently filed your taxes and were expecting a nice fat refund check, you may be shocked if you
As
Many people know that you should contribute to a
When shopping for
When shopping for a home mortgage, there are a dizzying array of options available to you. The most popular option is the fixed-rate mortgage, which offers an interest rate that does not fluctuate for the entire length of the mortgage.