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Professionals Column

How providing race and ethnicity data helps

At Social Security, we are continuously working to better understand how our programs serve the public. Collecting race and ethnicity data for research and statistical purposes is one way for us to …

Changes for the 2023 tax-filing season: Part 2

The Inflation Reduction Act has expanded and extended new energy credits, which will save tax dollars for most Americans. Also, the $500 lifetime cap for energy will be replaced with a $1,200 annual …

The benefits of Social Security online

Social Security programs touch the lives of more than 71 million people. We work hard to ensure critical benefits and other services are accessible to you. Consider the start of the new year as an …

Property tax exemptions for homeowners

The maxim “every penny counts” is true even in prosperous economic cycles. Let us discuss a few options for New York City homeowners to save money through real estate tax exemptions. Exemptions …

New year, new tax laws

With the new year come new tax laws. One new tax law, called the "Inflation Reduction Act" (IRA), makes the largest investment in combating climate change in U.S. history, lowers the cost of …

Happy New (Tax) Year!

First and foremost, I want to wish all my readers a happy and peaceful New Year. Your emails and calls are appreciated. It’s that time of year again. The income-tax-filing season has begun and …

A Social Security top-10 for 2024

SSA.gov is your best resource to learn about Social Security programs and do business with us.  Our website is designed to make it easy for you to find what you need. Here are our top 10 …

If you own property, it’s that time of year again

It is that time of the year again. By Jan. 5, the New City Department of Finance values and assesses your property every year to calculate your property tax bill.  Then the tentative assessment …

Will Social Security be there when I retire?

That’s the question we’re answering in the latest episode of our audio series, SSA Talks. Our Chief Actuary Steve Goss sheds light on our trust funds and how they relate to your future benefits. …

Year-end tax-saving strategies for 2023

A smart way to approach tax planning would be to look ahead, not back. Run through this list of tax-saving ideas to make sure you’re taking advantage of all the available opportunities to reduce …

Income-tax withholding check-up

As the end of the year approaches, the IRS encourages taxpayers to consider a tax-withholding check-up. When taxpayers take a close look to make sure that the right tax amount is withheld now, they …

Social Security and scam awareness

Social Security imposter scams continue to be widespread across the United States. Scammers use targeted, sophisticated tactics to deceive you into providing sensitive information or money. If you …

Social Security benefits will increase in 2024

More than 71 million Americans will see a 3.2 percent increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2024.  On average, Social Security retirement …

Understanding capital gains and losses

Capital assets include a home, household furnishings and stocks and bonds held in a personal account. When a capital asset is sold, the difference between the amount you paid for the asset and the …

7 tax sins that can lead to grief

Taxes are complicated, so it’s no wonder that everyone makes mistakes from time to time. But some actions go beyond incorrect arithmetic or thinking something is deductible when it’s not. Some …

Parents, be sure to check out these possible tax benefits

Every parent is familiar with the high cost of raising children. But did you know that your children may help you to qualify for some income-tax benefits? Here are some tax benefits the IRS wants …

Are you eligible for the earned income tax credit?

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a financial boost for married filing jointly taxpayers earning $49,622 or less a year. The IRS estimates that each year one in five eligible Americans misses …

What is tax-deductible on a rental property?

Do you rent property to others? Rental real estate provides more tax benefits than almost any other investment. Besides, the potential for an ongoing income and capital appreciation, such investments …

How to safeguard your tax and financial information

The IRS and the New York Department of Taxation and Finance remind taxpayers to be vigilant against scammers and identity thieves. Be wary of aggressive phone scams. Remember, the IRS and New York …

See if you qualify for the child tax credit

As taxpayers plan their 2022 tax return, there is good news in the form of an enhanced child-tax credit. The legislation known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), doubled the credit amount, …

Via the IRS, help with tuition bills

There are two Federal tax credits available to help you offset the costs of higher education for yourself or your dependents. ThOse are the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) and the Lifetime …

Numerous advantages to '529' college savings program

What can be better than lowering your taxes? With a 529 plan, you have no federal tax obligation once your money's invested in your account. But the best part is that your earnings grow federal …

When are IRA withdrawals penalty-free?

Many Individual Retirement Account owners are aware they can be hit hard with penalty fees if they withdraw their IRA money early. You should make every effort to avoid withdrawing from retirement …

Beware of tax-related scams and schemes

The IRS wants taxpayers to be aware of tax scams. The scams, besides being illegal, can lead to massive problems for taxpayers, including significant penalties, interest and possible criminal …

Securing tax benefits for child and dependent care

If you paid someone to care for your child, spouse or dependent (i.e., parent) this year, you may be able to claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit on your federal income-tax return. Below are …

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