NCF’s Tuesday Tidbit’s!  

Rebecca’s Scores Increased 150 Points!

“I just want to say how happy I am with the results from National Credit Federation on my credit scores.

My scores in the last two months have come up almost 150 points!

And I am so very pleased!

Thank you for all the advice and my plans of action and I’m following them as best I can that you have given to me.

Thank you so much again!”

Rebecca S.

Willis, TX

Tax Advice: Plan Early

I know many people wait until right up until the April 15 deadline, but here are some things taxpayers can do right now to get ready for what’s ahead and possibly save money.

Get organized.

Start gathering receipts and other items needed to support your 2013 returns. Day-care receipts, health expenses and pay stubs all act as supporting documents for your returns.

Review the past.

Sit with your old tax returns and current pay stubs and do an estimated tax return for 2013. If you can’t do it yourself, spend about $50 to have a professional do it for you. The objective is to get an early idea of your tax liability so you can make proper adjustments.

Spend money to save money.

Actions such as increasing your 401(k) payments or allocating money in 2014 to medical reimbursement or dependent-care accounts require you to pay pretax money, but they also lower your adjusted gross income, or AGI. The lower your AGI, the less you owe the government. If you owe too much for 2013, plan accordingly for 2014. Click Here for a better way to save on taxes.

Know the law.

It helps to be aware of tax-law changes. In 2013, for example, higher-income individuals — singles with income of $200,000 or more or couples filing jointly with income of $250,000 or more — will pay more taxes. In addition, the forgiveness debt on home foreclosures, sales-tax deduction, private mortgage-insurance deduction, teacher’s classroom-supplies deduction and residential energy-tax credit are only good for 2013.

Consider the power of three.

There is nothing wrong with doing your own taxes, but every three years it’s a good idea to have an enrolled agent — a professional qualified to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service — complete or review your work. That way, if you missed something, you will still have time to file an amended return.

“Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true.”

~ Leon Suenens

  Herschel Bentley is the Executive Director of National Credit Federation.  He has 30 years experience in the credit, mortgage and real estate markets and loves helping people improve their credit and seeing referral sources grow their business.

Lawrence Law is the Regional Director for NCF and CEO of Vantage Credit Alliance. If you need assistance email him at Lawrence@VantageCreditAlliance.com

www.VantageCA.com

www.VantageFinancialAlliance.com

801-769-9443

If you would like to get a Free Credit Analysis & Financial Review just click here.