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☆ This simple calculation will show if you’re withholding enough taxes from your paycheck
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-07 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Witthaya Prasongsin | Moment | Getty ImagesIf your tax refund or bill is bigger than expected, it could be time to adjust your paycheck withholding — and a simple calculation could help, experts say. How paycheck withholdings workWhen you start a new job, you fill out Form W-4, which tells employers how much to withhold from each paycheck for federal income taxes. You calculate your effective tax rate by dividing your total tax (line 24) by taxable income (line 15). If your 2024 earnings are similar to 2023, you'll want your federal paycheck withholdings at roughly last year's effective tax rate, Loyd said. For example, if your gross paycheck is $1,000 and last year's effective tax rate was 12%, you'll want about $120 withheld in federal taxes, he said.

Persons: Witthaya, John Loyd, JoAnn May, —, Loyd, you'll Organizations: Forest Asset Management Locations: Fort Worth , Texas, Berwyn , Illinois

☆ This costly withholding mistake is 'always a surprise,' tax pro says
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-06 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Guido Mieth | Stone | Getty ImagesAs millions of Americans start filing returns, experts warn that last year's tax withholding errors could trigger an unexpected bill. The IRS requires tax payments throughout the year and many workers do that via automatic employer paycheck withholdings. By contrast, you may see a tax bill if you didn't pay enough. For filers with multiple jobs, withholding issues are "always a surprise," according to certified financial planner JoAnn May, principal at Forest Asset Management in Berwyn, Illinois. If you didn't adjust your withholding to reflect your new single status, you may not pay enough taxes during the year.

Persons: Guido Mieth, JoAnn May, it's, you've, John Loyd Organizations: Asset Management Locations: Berwyn , Illinois, Fort Worth , Texas

☆ New change to 529 college savings plans has ‘so many caveats,’ advisor says. Here's what to know
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-03 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Nancy Ney | Photodisc | Getty ImagesThe downsides of 529-to-Roth IRA rolloversThe biggest downside of a 529-to-Roth IRA rollover is the conversion counts toward your annual IRA contribution limit, which may stunt future growth across both accounts, according to Loyd. "If my kids are pulling money from their 529 to make Roth contributions down the road, Daddy's not going to be happy." If my kids are pulling money from their 529 to make Roth contributions down the road, Daddy's not going to be happy. There's a lifetime cap of $35,000 for 529-to-Roth IRA rollovers, which means it would take five years of $7,000 conversions to reach the limit. Generally, it's better to keep the money growing in a 529 plan and contribute to a Roth IRA separately because you can change 529 plan beneficiaries, Loyd said.

Persons: Nancy Ney, Photodisc, Roth, Loyd, John Loyd, There's, Jim Guarino, Baker Newman Noyes Organizations: Roth IRA Locations: Daddy's, Woburn , Massachusetts

☆ 3 things you can learn about taxes from San Francisco 49ers' Arik Armstead's paycheck
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-06 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Arik Armstead of the San Francisco 49ers at the NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Jan. 29, 2023. While the pay stub showed gross earnings of more than $4 million year to date, experts say it holds lessons for everyday taxpayers. While it's possible to withhold less than you'll owe, you could risk underpayment penalties on top of a sizable income tax bill in April. Max out your 401(k) to save on taxesIn addition to significant tax withholdings, Armstead also maxed out his workplace retirement plan for 2023. But you can reduce your adjusted gross income with pre-tax 401(k) contributions, experts say.

Persons: Arik Armstead, Kevin Sabitus, Sam, Armstead's, Albert Campo, Armstead, Tommy Lucas, Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo, Lucas, Armstead's withholdings, John Loyd, Max Organizations: San Francisco 49ers, NFC, Philadelphia Eagles, Getty, Finance, Social Security, AJC Accounting Services, CFP Locations: Manalapan , New Jersey, California, Orlando , Florida, Florida, Texas, Fort Worth , Texas

The Powerball jackpot hit $1.2 billion on Oct. 3, 2023, the third-biggest prize in the game's history. Scott Olson | GettyThe Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $1.2 billion — the third-largest prize in the game's history — without a winner Monday night. Among the winner's big decisions will be the choice between a lump sum payout worth $551.7 million or an annuitized prize of $1.2 billion. The lump sum payout is 'a mistake'"Virtually everybody who wins the lottery picks the lump sum distribution," said Andrew Stoltmann, a Chicago-based lawyer who has represented several lottery winners. While the lump sum payout could be a good financial move for some winners, he agreed that others may benefit from the spending guardrails of annuitized payments.

Persons: Scott Olson, Andrew Stoltmann, doesn't, Stoltmann, it's, John Loyd Locations: Chicago, Fort Worth , Texas

☆ Mega Millions jackpot hits $940 million. If you win, here's the tax bill
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-28 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The Mega Millions jackpot grew to $940 million on July 27, 2023. OLIVIER DOULIERY | GettyThe Mega Millions jackpot has ballooned to an estimated $940 million ahead of Friday's high-stakes drawing at 11:00 p.m. The chance of hitting the Mega Millions jackpot is roughly 1 in 302 million. About $113.4 million immediately goes to the IRSBefore collecting a dollar of the Mega Millions jackpot, there's a 24% federal withholding. watch nowHow to calculate federal taxesThe multimillion-dollar Mega Millions jackpot bumps the winner into the top federal income tax bracket, which is currently 37%.

Persons: OLIVIER DOULIERY, John Loyd, Loyd Organizations: IRS, Mega Locations: Fort Worth , Texas

☆ Mega Millions jackpot hits $910 million. Here's the tax bill if you win
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-26 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The Mega Millions jackpot grew to $910 million on July 26, 2023. Tayfun Coskun | Anadolu Agency | Getty ImagesThe Mega Millions jackpot has grown to an estimated $910 million, with the next high-stakes drawing on Friday at 11:00 p.m. The chance of hitting the Mega Millions jackpot is roughly 1 in 302 million. More than $111.4 million goes straight to IRSBefore collecting a dollar of the Mega Millions jackpot, there's a 24% federal withholding. watch nowHere's how federal taxes workThe multi-million dollar Mega Millions jackpot bumps the winner into the top federal income tax bracket, which is currently 37%.

Persons: Tayfun, John Loyd, Loyd Organizations: Anadolu Agency, Getty, Mega Locations: Fort Worth , Texas

If you're 50 or older, you can funnel extra money into your 401(k), known as "catch-up contributions." But starting in 2024, higher earners can only make 401(k) catch-up contributions to after-tax Roth accounts, which don't provide an upfront tax break but the funds can grow levy-free. Fund pretax catch-up contributions for 2023Guarino urges higher earners to fund pretax catch-up contributions in 2023 while they still can because it provides a bigger tax break. Change provides tax diversificationWhile some higher earners will lose a tax break, the catch-up contribution change is "not necessarily a bad thing," according to Dan Galli, a CFP and owner at Daniel J. Galli & Associates in Norwell, Massachusetts. Preparing for the catch-up contribution change

Persons: Peter Cade, deferrals, Roth, Jim Guarino, Baker Newman Noyes, Guarino, they've, Dan Galli, Daniel J, Galli, John Loyd Organizations: Getty, Galli & Associates Locations: Woburn , Massachusetts, Norwell , Massachusetts, Fort Worth , Texas

☆ Winning ticket for Powerball’s $1.08 billion jackpot sold in California — here’s how much the winner will owe in taxes
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-20 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The Powerball jackpot reached $1.08 billion on July 19, 2023. Joe Raedle | GettyIt's official: There's a winner for the $1.08 billion Powerball jackpot — and the taxman will take a hefty cut. Last-minute ticket sales pushed the jackpot to $1.08 billion from $1 billion. The winner can choose between a 30-year annuitized prize of $1.08 billion or a lump sum payment of $558.1 million. If they choose the $558.1 million cash option, the 24% withholding automatically reduces the prize by about $134 million.

Persons: Joe Raedle, John Loyd, Loyd Organizations: Getty, State Lottery Association Locations: California, Fort Worth , Texas

☆ $1 billion Powerball jackpot is up for grabs. Here’s what the winner could owe in taxes
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-19 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Scott Olson / GettyThe Powerball jackpot has ballooned to an estimated $1 billion, raising the stakes for the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. It's the third-biggest prize in the game's history — falling behind the record $2.04 billion jackpot in November and $1.586 billion prize from 2016, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association. More than $124 million immediately goes to the IRSBefore seeing a penny of the jackpot, winners pay a sizable tax withholding. However, Loyd warns the 24% withholding won't cover the entire tax bill because the prize pushes the winner into to the 37% tax bracket. After the 24% federal withholding, the jackpot winner's tax bill depends on several factors but could easily represent millions more.

Persons: Scott Olson, John Loyd, Loyd Organizations: State Lottery Association, IRS Locations: Fort Worth , Texas

☆ If you need more time for your tax return, do this today or 'miss the opportunity,' pro warns
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-18 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Getty ImagesThe federal tax deadline for most Americans is April 18, and there's still time to file for an extension. How to file a federal tax extensionThere are several ways to file a federal tax extension if you can't make the April 18 deadline. You can file Form 4868 electronically via IRS Free File, which provides free guided tax prep software. If you file Form 4868, it's very clear that you know exactly what you're doing. "If you file Form 4868, it's very clear that you know exactly what you're doing," said John Loyd, a CFP and owner at The Wealth Planner in Fort Worth, Texas.

But if you're still missing key forms or feeling overwhelmed, you can buy more time by filing a free tax extension. You can avoid a late-filing penalty with an extension by the federal deadline on April 18. You may also need a separate state income tax extension, depending on where you live. How to file a federal tax extensionIf you can't make the April 18 tax deadline, there are a few ways to file for a federal extension, with or without a tax professional. One option is to file Form 4868 online via IRS Free File, which offers free guided tax prep software.

☆ 3 last-minute moves to lower your 2022 tax bill or boost your refund
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-24 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Getty ImagesThe tax deadline is approaching, and there are still a few ways to reduce your 2022 bill or boost your refund, experts say. However, there are a few last-minute moves to consider before the federal tax-filing deadline, which is April 18 for most Americans. However, you need to consider more than the current year's tax break before making pre-tax IRA contributions, Lucas said. Contribute to a spousal IRAMarried couples filing taxes jointly may also consider a lesser-known option before the tax-filing deadline: spousal IRA deposits. Collectively, annual spousal IRA deposits can't exceed joint taxable income or two times the yearly IRA limit.

☆ Missing tax forms will 'definitely' delay your refund, expert warns. How to know which ones you need
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-02 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

One way to avoid possible issues is by getting organized with the necessary tax forms, known as information returns, sent to the IRS and taxpayers yearly. Here's why: If you skip tax forms received by the agency, the IRS systems may flag your return and mail you a notice, she explained. Whether you're working with a tax professional or filing on your own, here's what to know about your tax forms — and when to expect them. Regardless of your situation, it's important to have all the necessary forms handy before filing your return, Loyd said. watch nowMake a checklist with last year's returnIf you're not sure which tax forms to expect, experts say last year's tax return is a great starting point.

☆ How to figure out the best time to file your tax return: Don't 'race to the finish line,' say tax pros
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-30 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

ozgurcankayaAs tax season begins, you may be eager to file your tax return for a faster refund and to check the annual task off of your list. Most tax forms arrive by late January to mid-February, but others may be later. Avoid tax identity theft by 'filing ahead of fraudsters'That said, there's no reason to wait once you have all your necessary forms. Tax-related identity theft happens when someone uses your Social Security number to file a return and claim a fraudulent refund. You may find out through a rejected tax return or IRS letter, among other warning signs, according to the IRS.

☆ These are the key tax forms you need to file your return — and when to expect them
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-24 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

pcess609If you're expecting a refund this season, it's critical to file a complete and accurate tax return to avoid "extensive processing" and delays, according to the IRS. Whether you're working with a tax professional or filing on your own, here's what to know about your tax forms — and when to expect them. When to expect your tax formsWhile most tax forms have a Jan. 31 deadline, others aren't due until mid-February or beyond, said certified financial planner John Loyd, owner at The Wealth Planner in Fort Worth, Texas. Regardless of your situation, it's important to have all the necessary forms handy before filing your return, Loyd said. Review last year's return 'page-by-page'If you're not sure which tax forms to expect, experts say last year's tax return is a great starting point.

☆ Taking required minimum distributions? How to reduce the sting of selling in a down market
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-07 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The deadline is fast approaching for mandatory retirement plan withdrawals, which may force some retirees to sell assets in a down market. But experts say there may be ways to reduce the negative effects. Required minimum distributions, known as RMDs, are yearly amounts that must be taken from certain retirement accounts, such as 401(k) plans and most individual retirement accounts. Although it's been a rough year for the stock market, there's a steep IRS penalty for missing RMD deadlines — 50% of the amount that should have been withdrawn. As of mid-day Dec. 7, the S&P 500 Index is down more than 17% for 2022, and the Bloomberg U.S.

☆ 'You can control your tax reporting destiny.' 4 key year-end tax moves
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

While your tax return isn't due until April, several key deadlines are approaching by year-end, experts say. "You can control your tax reporting destiny," said certified financial planner Jim Guarino, a CPA and managing director at Baker Newman Noyes in Woburn, Massachusetts. Since few Americans itemize deductions, it's harder to claim a tax break for charitable gifts. Time Roth IRA conversions with transfers to a donor-advised fundAnother charitable giving strategy, donor-advised funds, may pair well with a Roth IRA conversion, Guarino said. Donor-advised funds act like a charitable checkbook, allowing investors to "bunch" multiple years of gifts into a single transfer, providing an upfront tax deduction.

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