Sources: Jodi 1xbet best casino website , 785-532-2889, jkaus@k-state.edu;
and Kristy 1xbet best casino website , 785-532-1474, 1xbet best casino website @k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Rosie Hoefling, 785-532-2535, media@k-state.edu
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Taxing times: Experts say avoid getting a refund -- but if 1xbet best casino website do, save it or use to pay down debt
MANHATTAN -- When it comes to a 1xbet best casino website refund this year, think zero.
It may seem nice to get a check from the government every year, but two Kansas State University financial management experts say that a person's 1xbet best casino website liability should be as close to zero as possible.
"This means that when you file your 1xbet best casino website return that you do not owe any taxes and you do not get a refund -- remember that the IRS is not a savings account," said Kristy Archuleta, co-director of the Financial Planning Clinic, a part of the School of Family Studies and Human Services in the College of Human Ecology. Archuleta is an assistant professor of family studies and human services.
"If you receive a large 1xbet best casino website refund, you've loaned the government the use of your money throughout the year interest free," said Jodi Kaus, director of the university's Powercat Financial Counseling, a service for students.
Both Archuleta and Kaus said receiving a major 1xbet best casino website refund means an individual needs to adjust his or her W-4, a form that tells an employer how much to deduct from each paycheck. The deducted amount is called the withholding, and by minimizing this amount, a person can increase his or her cash flow.
A W-4 form is typically one of the first documents an employee fills out in a new job. Kaus 1xbet best casino website if a person's financial situation changes, the form can be updated by contacting the human resources department at his or her place of employment.
In addition to reviewing withholdings, Kaus said people should also compare itemized versus standardized 1xbet best casino website deductions. Itemized deductions are those that people add up on their own, whereas a standardized deduction is a lump sum that the government allows them to take.
"When 1xbet best casino website file your taxes, 1xbet best casino website can choose between itemized and standard deductions," she said. "1xbet best casino website should use whichever deduction is greater. Itemizing your deductions can take time, but it can be worth it. Do your research to make sure 1xbet best casino website take every deduction allowed."
Archuleta agrees. She says it's important to always maximize the deductions and credits available. Some common 1xbet best casino website deductions include tuition and fees, student loan interest, mortgage interest, charitable donations and medical expenses, if they are more than 7.5 percent of someone's adjusted gross income.
If a 1xbet best casino website refund is received, the money can be used to achieve several different financial goals. However, whatever the money is used for, Archuleta advises people to be deliberate in their financial decision-making.
"Don't blow a 1xbet best casino website refund on unnecessary items," she said. "Use it to build an emergency fund or pay down debt, especially high-interest debt. It can also be used for savings by contributing to a long-term investment tool, such as a Roth IRA for retirement or a 529 plan for a child's education fund. The money can even be saved for a large ticket item you are planning to purchase."
Kaus said students should also use their 1xbet best casino website refund to start an emergency savings account or to pay down debt, especially if they have high interest credit card debt or student loans.
"If a student has unsubsidized federal student loans, an income 1xbet best casino website refund could go toward paying the accumulated interest on those loans now, so that the interest doesn't get capitalized and added to the principal at the end, causing interest to accrue on interest," she said.
More information about taxes can be found at http://www.irs.gov. The Volunteer Income 1xbet best casino website Assistance program is also offering free 1xbet best casino website preparation assistance for simple IRS and Kansas 1xbet best casino website returns at the Manhattan Public Library. To set up an appointment, call 785-565-6426 or email vitataxes@gmail.com.
