Newsletter

The IRS estimates that as many as 9 million taxpayers will experience a delay in filing their tax return because of the late passage of the Tax Relief Act on December 17th, 2010.

Here is What You Need to Know.

Most tax returns can be filed immediately with no delay.Only returns with activity in areas that experienced tax law changes will be affected.

Delayed returns can also be filed now.The IRS will be ready to process most of these delayed paper and e-filedtax returns on February 14th.Delayed returns include those itemizing deductions, higher education tuition deductions, and the educator deduction.

In any case, it is best to gather your materials and submit them as soon as they become available since many taxpayers may delay filing tax returns "assuming" they cannot yet file.This may bottleneck the system prior to the April 18th filing date.

Here Comes GreenDot

600,000 taxpayers are going to see a solicitation in the mail from the U.S. Treasury Department offering them to sign up for MyAccountCard a Visa Pre-Paid Debit Card co-branded "GreenDot".

Here is what you need to know.

Pilot Program.  The card is being issued by the U.S. Treasury's financial agent, Bonneville Bank, as a test to see if taxpayers will use the card to receive their refund.

Why do this?   The U.S. Treasury is looking to reduce the cost of issuing and administering refund checks.In addition, the U.S. Treasury Department is trying to find low cost ways to aid those without bank accounts to receive and use their refund.

Is there a cost?   Maybe.The U.S. Treasury is testing different offers to see what is most appealing to taxpayers.The cost could be free OR as expensive as $4-$5 per month to have the card.Additional cards and lost cards will cost approximately $5 to replace.

Can anyone apply?   NO.You must be invited.

I am a retailer, must I accept the card?   YES, the card will be part of the Visa network. Regular merchant fees apply.Cardholders can access their funds at select, in-network, ATMs across the country without a fee.

Many families are facing the difficult decision of saving for retirement or saving for their children's college education. It's natural for parents to want to help their children pay for college. So what is the right decision?

In most cases, it is more important for parents to put their financial needs ahead of their children. One of the best ways you can help your child in the long-term is to ensure that you won't be a financial burden on them in the future. Saving for retirement is a responsible choice that will benefit both you and your child. Remember, your child can take out education loans, but there is no such thing as a retirement loan!