Leisure World News

Leisure World News • Community • March 2022 A11 TAX CORNER 5 Easy Tips to File Your Income Taxes By Ken Weinstock My name is Ken Weinstock, but some people call me “The Tax Guy.” My wife Linda and I have lived in Leisure World since 2017. Today, I want to share some tips to help you reduce your stress about taxes. Although tax returns are due on April 15, you can get an automatic six-month extension to file until October, so relax. But not too much! Any balance owed with your tax return is still due by April 15. Here are five steps to help you prepare and file your tax return: 1. Collect All Documents: First, collect all your documents before preparing your tax return. If you are cooking with a recipe, it is a good idea to have all the ingredients on hand before you start cooking. The same thing applies with preparing a tax return. Having all your documents together will make it easier to complete your return. 2. File Electronically: Although you can file a handwritten paper tax return, if you have a computer or a smart phone, you may want to look into tax software such as TurboTax. For a small fee, you can feel confident knowing that your tax return is correct without having to double-check your math. Electronic filing can also get you a quicker refund. 3. Use IRS Resources: A good source of information about taxes is the Internal Revenue Service, also known as the IRS. Their publications are well-written using plain English. An excellent reference is IRS Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax for Individuals. This 138- page guide has an extensive index and covers many areas of taxation, including examples to help explain various subjects. You can get a free copy of this helpful booklet and many other tax forms and publications at the IRS website, www.IRS.gov , or by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676). 4. Claim Your Refund: If you are not required to file a tax return you may still want to file one. One reason to do so is to claim the refundable Recovery Rebate Credit. This credit of up to $1,400 per person is available only for the 2021 tax year. 5. Beware IRS Phone Scams: During tax season, there is always an increase in phone scams — people calling and pretending to be from the IRS or another tax agency. The IRS will never call and ask you for money on the phone. They always communicate through the US Postal Service via mail. If someone calls and says they are from the IRS, just hang up. Never give out any personal information. Scammers can be very good at taking advantage of honest people. Don’t be a victim of identity theft. I will be talking more about taxes next month. If you have a tax question that you think others might be interested in, please send me an email at kenwcpa@comcast.net . I will do my best to answer your question in a future edition of the Tax Corner. It is another nice sunny day here in Leisure World! Get your tax return done and then enjoy the rest of your day! -Ken Weinstock, CPA, is a Leisure World resident. Porcelain Crown $ 699 New patients without insurance only. Expires 3/31/21. Implant Placement $ 799 New patients without insurance only. Connector and crown additional $1399. Expires 3/31/21. Supreme Dentures $ 999 New patients without insurance only. Fee for single arch only. Expires 3/31/21. Emergencies Welcome & Same Day Appointments 1545 E. University Dr., Mesa, Arizona 85203 (480) 645-9665 • mesaazdentist.com We provide a wide array of services for comprehensive care that includes: Restorative Care, Cosmetic Dentistry, Same-Day Crowns, Sleep Apnea/TMJ, Periodontal Care, and so much more! 10 % OFF for Leisure World residents Mention this ad for discount. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 3/31/21.