Kira Botkin
Kira is a longtime blogger and serial entrepreneur who enjoys gardening, garage sales, and finding stray animals. She lives in Columbus, Ohio, where football is a distinct season, and by day runs a research study for people with multiple sclerosis. She hopes that the MoneyCrashers team can help you achieve your goals and live a great life.
How to File Your Tax Return – 2020 Basics & Guide
Doing your own taxes can be confusing, but it's a life skill that all financially informed people should develop. We've gathered information to help you learn about tax basics, prepare for completing your return,...
IRS Tax Form 1099-DIV – How Are Dividends Taxed?
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...
IRS Tax Form 1099-MISC – Instructions for Small Businesses & Contractors
In an effort to help make filing taxes easier this year, we are breaking down the various IRS tax forms to help you know if you need them, and how to use them. If you're a freelancer...
What Is a 1098 IRS Tax Form – 1098-C, 1098-E, 1098-T
In an effort to help make filing taxes easier this year, we are breaking down the various IRS tax forms to help you know if you need them, and how to use them. There are...
Tax Form 8949 – Instructions for Reporting Capital Gains & Losses
In an effort to help make filing taxes easier this year, we are breaking down the various IRS tax forms to help you know if you need them, and how to use them. If you have capital...
IRS Tax Evasion Fraud Definition & Penalties – What Happens If You Don’t File...
Admit it. At some point during tax preparation, a dangerous thought may cross your mind: What if I just don't file? And while you likely file your taxes anyway, you may wonder, what happens...
Box 12 Codes on Tax Form W-2 Explained
Below is the explanation of the Box 12 Codes on the W-2 tax form. A - Any uncollected Social Security tax or RRTA tax on tips. You'll include this amount in your total tax liability on your...
9 Ways to Improve Your Car’s Gas Mileage and Drive Efficiently
As gas prices remain high, improving your car's mileage is crucial. By stretching a tank of gas further, you can reduce the amount of times you must fill up per month, which can help...
What Is a 403(b) Retirement Plan – Contributions, Withdrawals & Taxes
Many people know they should contribute to a 401(k) account to secure an enjoyable, comfortable retirement. But if you work for a nonprofit, a state agency, or a university, your employer might offer you...
11 Factors That Affect Car Insurance Rates – How to Lower Your Costs
When shopping for car insurance, it can be tempting to reduce your rates by choosing lower amounts of coverage or by raising your deductibles. These are, of course, the two most obvious factors that affect...
What Is a Fixed-Rate Mortgage Explained – Definition, Pros & Cons
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...
5 Things You Need to Start a Small Business
Owning your own business may seem like the epitome of the American Dream. You can be your own boss, keep your own schedule, and answer to nobody but yourself - no wonder so many...
