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Proposed Bill Would Eliminate Ohio's 'Marriage Penalty'

State Representatives John Becker and David Leland are sponsoring a bi-partisan bill to eliminate the 'marriage penalty' in Ohio.

Married Ohioans have to figure out every year what filing status they are going to use — married filing separately or married filing jointly. Often the best option for the couple on their federal return is not the same as it would be on their state return. Because Ohio forces couples to file with the same status on both state and federal returns, they could be hit with what some call a marriage penalty for filing jointly. Filing jointly on their federal return could net them a break on taxes, but here in Ohio it pushes them into a tax bracket that forces them to pay more than if they filed separate returns.

You May Be Able To Get Tax Benefits To Help Pay For Education

It's that time of year again . . . back to school!  This is a good time to learn about tax benefits that can help offset qualifying education costs. Here is information about two tax credits available to those who pay higher education costs for themselves, a spouse or a dependent.

The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC)

The AOTC is worth a maximum benefit up to $2,500 per eligible student. It is only available for the first four years at an eligible educational or vocational school for students pursuing a degree or other recognized education credential. Eligible taxpayers can get up to $1,000 of the credit as a refund, even if they do not owe any tax.

How Divorce or Separation May Affect Your Taxes

There are lots of things to consider when divorcing or separating, and it is a difficult time emotionally and financially for most people. Big changes are taking place in your life, and you should be aware of how these changes may affect your taxes.

Here are some things you should know about alimony, child support, IRA's, and name changes:

TAX TIPS: Renting Residential or Vacation Property

Are you planning to rent out your residential property or vacation home?  If so, there are many things you need to consider other than the logistics of cleaning, maintenance, and service to the renter.

Receiving money for the use of a dwelling also used as your personal residence generally requires reporting the rental income on your tax return. Certain expenses related to renting your property become deductible to reduce the total amount of rental income that's subject to tax.

TAX TIP: Making the Most of Miscellaneous Deductions

Miscellaneous deductions are tax deductions that generally don’t fit into a particular tax category.  They can help reduce taxable income and the amount of taxes owed. 

For example, some employees can deduct certain work expenses like uniforms as miscellaneous deductions.  To do that, they must itemize their deductions instead of taking the standard deduction. 

Here are several tips about miscellaneous deductions:  

Visit Chuck's Greenhouse FIRST -- You'll Be Glad You Did!

Chuck's Greenhouse is located on Rt. 45 in North Jackson, 1-1/4 miles south of Mahoning Ave.  If you haven't been to Chuck's, do yourself a favor and check it out.  They have beautiful plants and flowers at great prices.  Official opening this season is next Saturday, April 28, at 9:00 a.m..  

Chuck's Greenhouse has been a family owned and operated local business since 1995. Owners, Chuck and Jen Lehotsky, grow about 98 percent of the plants you will find at at their 22,000 sq.ft. greenhouse.

Check out this interesting behind the scenes greenhouse operations video by WFMJ TV and see how they do what they do.

Tax Tips, Resources & News

Our blog, news feeds, forms, and links to helpful resources are provided to help you find the answers you seek any time of the day or night.

Please call us at 330-779-0781 for assistance.  We're here to guide you through your business and personal accounting, tax questions and obligations.

Contact

DJL Accounting & Consulting Group, Inc.
1570 South Canfield-Niles Road #C102
Youngstown, Ohio 44515 

Phone:  330 779 0781

               

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