tax season | Stash Learn Thu, 14 Dec 2023 19:26:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 https://stashlearn.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/android-chrome-192x192-1.png tax season | Stash Learn 32 32 Why It Can Pay to File Your Taxes Early https://www.stash.com/learn/why-it-can-pay-to-file-your-taxes-early/ Wed, 13 Dec 2023 19:03:52 +0000 https://www.stash.com/learn/?p=19966 How long do tax returns take? It can feel great to complete your federal income tax return when tax season…

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How long do tax returns take?

It can feel great to complete your federal income tax return when tax season comes around in April. It can feel even better to receive a refund from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a result of that hard work. Each year, the IRS issues refunds to about 76% of taxpayers.

If you’re one of these people, you’re probably itching to get your money back so you can put it to work for you. How long it takes for a refund to hit your mailbox or bank account generally depends on how and when you file your returns, but other factors can come into play.

How long does it take to get a tax refund?

Nine out of 10 taxpayers receive their refunds in less than 21 calendar days after the IRS receives a return. During this period, the IRS sorts and examines returns using computers and live tax reviewers. Typically, a human transcriber enters key data from each paper tax return into the IRS system where computers review it for errors, omissions, or missing documentation. These problems can trigger further review or audit, which will slow the refund process.

If no red flags appear, the IRS processes the return and sends the taxpayer either a refund or a notification of a balance due.

The IRS strongly cautions taxpayers against counting on their refunds arriving on any particular date. Glitches can originate on both the taxpayer’s or the IRS’ end, and the agency cannot guarantee refund dates.

What you can do to speed up your refund

The IRS offers two electronic options that can speed up the processing of your return and refund, and eliminate paper tax forms and refund checks.

  • E-filing: The IRS introduced electronic tax filing of individual returns in 2008, and today more than 95% of individual returns are e-filed. The data included in e-filed returns automatically migrates to the IRS system and a human transcriber is not needed to record that information. Faster entry and review of data leads to faster payment of refunds.
  • Direct deposit of refunds: About 80% of taxpayers opt to have their refunds deposited directly into their bank accounts. The IRS advises that direct deposit is the easiest and safest way to transfer money between financial institutions and is also commonly used for Social Security and Veterans Administration payments.

Direct deposit can streamline the refund process. (It’s also cheaper for the IRS than issuing paper checks.) Direct deposit is not instantaneous, however. It can take a bank a couple of days to process the funds it receives through electronic payment networks.

Other common factors that affect refund time

The earlier you file your return, the faster you’re likely to get your tax refund. The IRS typically opens its doors to new returns in late January. Early filers, especially e-filers, who are eligible for a refund may see a direct deposit arrive in their bank account by early February. Assuming a return is clear of problems, the IRS processes returns in the order they are received.

On the other hand, early filers who claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) may see a slight delay in receiving their refunds. The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act (PATH) of 2015 requires the IRS to issue refunds to these taxpayers after mid-February. This restriction applies to these taxpayers’ entire refunds, not only the portion associated with those tax credits. Filers who received advance payments of the Child Tax Credit should also make sure they have Letter 6419 on hand when filing. 

In many cases, the earliest taxpayers filing for EITC may not receive their refunds until early March. People who file their returns closer to the April 15 deadline should not be affected by the PATH Act restriction.

If the IRS comes across any errors in a return, it may flag that return for further review or audit. This will almost certainly lead to a delay in the processing of your refund. Common red flags include:

  • A significant change in income when compared to previous years
  • Income reported by a third party or employer that is not reported in a return
  • Simple errors such as typos or miscalculations
  • Self-employment

How to check the status of your refund after 21 days

The IRS offers two online tools to taxpayers whose refunds have not been processed within the standard timeframe. The Where’s My Refund service is updated daily as soon as 24 hours after a return has been received and is designed for use on a desktop computer. The IRS has also created a mobile version for use on smartphones and tablets. Have your social security number and the refund amount you expect to receive when you log in.

Again, taxpayers who claim the EITC or ACTC may experience a delay in their return if they filed early. The IRS typically begins providing the filing status of your tax return around the first week of March, and asks that taxpayers or tax preparers not contact it for updates before that time.

What to do with your refund when you get it

Many Americans have plans for their tax refunds long before they receive the funds from the IRS. For example, they may plan to use the money to buy new clothes or to treat themselves to a vacation. Before simply spending a refund, though, consider a few options for saving your money:

  • Establish an emergency fund: By depositing a refund directly in an account set aside for emergency expenses, taxpayers can prepare themselves for things like unexpected auto repairs and medical expenses, or even a layoff. Having an emergency fund can help ease the pain of covering those costs while also helping to prevent you from going into debt.
  • Pay down personal debt: Personal debt, such as credit card and student loans, costs you money in the form of interest. Having too much debt can also hurt your credit score if you don’t pay it off. Using your tax return to get rid of debts can save you money in the long run, and lower the amount you owe over the life of your loans.
  • Save for retirement: A tax refund can be a good way to boost your retirement savings in a 401(k) or IRA plan.
  • Set goals: You can set up a Goal within your Stash account specifically for your IRS refund. Or if you’ve set up Direct Deposit, you can have your refund deposited automatically to your Stash account. Plus, with Stash’s auto-invest, you can make regular, automatic investments into your portfolio so you’re not forgetting your long-term investing. 

To learn more about investing for your future in an IRA visit Stash Retire.

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Stash’s Tax Checklist: Things You Need to Know Before You File https://www.stash.com/learn/stashs-tax-checklist-things-you-need-to-know-before-you-file/ Tue, 05 Dec 2023 16:26:00 +0000 https://www.stash.com/learn/?p=19951 It might seem like you just filed last year’s taxes, but it’s time to start thinking about filing your 2023…

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It might seem like you just filed last year’s taxes, but it’s time to start thinking about filing your 2023 tax return. 

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) typically begins accepting tax returns for income earned in 2023 by the end of January 2024.  

Note: The last day to invest in 2023 is Friday, December 29th.

The deadline to submit your tax return or apply for an extension is Monday, April 15, 2024. To help you prepare to file, Stash has created the following checklist to help make sure you’re informed for the upcoming filing season and that you have everything you need: 

#1 Find out which forms you need and when to expect them

Before you start to file, know which forms you’ll need and make sure you have them. If you are, or were, fully employed by a company that withheld taxes from your paycheck in 2023, you should receive a W-2 based on the W-4 withholding information you filled out when you started. If you’re a freelancer or a contractor, you should receive a 1099 form. Companies are required to send out W-2s and 1099s to employees by January 31, 2024.

Keep in mind that you might have additional forms based on your situation. For example, if you withdrew from your retirement accounts, you might receive 1099-R. Or if you received dividends from investments or you have realized capital gains or losses from investments, you might get a 1099-DIV or a 1099-B. For more information on which forms you might receive if you invest with Stash and when go here.

#2 Figure out your tax bracket

Another important thing to know when you start assembling your paperwork is what tax bracket you’re in. Here are the tax brackets for individuals and married couples in 2023, adjusted for inflation: 

2023 Federal Tax Rates, Unmarried Individuals:

IncomeRate
Up to $11,00010%
Over $11,000 to $44,72512%
Over $44,725 to $95,37522%
Over $95,375 to $182,10024%
Over $182,100 to $231,25032%
Over $231,250 to $578,12535%
Anything over $578,12537%
Source: IRS

2023 Federal Income Tax Rates, Married Filing Jointly:

IncomeRate
Up to $22,00010%
Over $22,000 to $89,45012%
Over $89,450 to $190,75022%
Over $190,750 to $364,20024%
Over $364,200 to $462,50032%
Over $462,500 to $693,75035%
Anything over $693,75037%
Source: IRS

#3 Gather any receipts you’ll need if you decide to itemize

For the 2023 tax year, the standard deduction for individuals is $13,850 and $27,700 for married couples. By taking the standard deduction, you can reduce your taxable income by that amount. But you might instead decide to itemize your deductions if you’re not permitted to take the standard deduction for some reason, or if your itemized deductions are likely to be worth more than the standard deduction. 

You might itemize expenses such as property taxes, interest accrued on your mortgage, charitable contributions, work-related expenses, and more. If you decide to itemize your deductions, you’ll need to collect all of the receipts and documents to substantiate your expenses.

#4 Determine whether you’ll need to work with a tax professional

You’ll also need to decide how you plan to file your taxes. You might want to use an online service. Or if your taxes are more complicated this year because, for example, you lived in multiple states or worked a few different jobs, you might want to work with a tax professional. 

Taxpayers who earned $73,000 or less in 2023 might qualify for the Free File Program from the IRS. Some tax preparation companies allow those taxpayers to file their federal, and in some cases state, taxes free of charge.

#5 Consider filing online, or apply for an extension 

The IRS recommends filing your tax return online in order to expedite the process of receiving a refund if you do receive one. You might also consider setting up direct deposit with your return so your refund can be deposited into your account without you needing to wait for it to arrive by mail. You can set up Direct Deposit with Stash to get your refund routed to your Stash account. 

And remember that if you need more time to file your return, you need to apply for an extension by April 15th. For more information, visit Stash’s tax center.

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Your Stash and Taxes: The (Super) Basics https://www.stash.com/learn/your-stash-and-taxes-the-super-basics-2/ Mon, 04 Dec 2023 19:07:00 +0000 https://www.stash.com/learn/?p=19948 If you will receive Stash tax forms, they should be available by February 15, 2024 in the Stash app or…

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If you will receive Stash tax forms, they should be available by February 15, 2024 in the Stash app or on the web.

Before we begin, please note that nothing written in this article should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice. Please address specific questions on taxes to a tax professional.

Now onto the (super) basics:

Taxes can be tricky. Between capital gains, dividends, interest, distributions, contribution limits, and multiple 1099 forms, your head can start to feel like it’s spinning.

Here’s a little info we thought might help when navigating what you may need to know, particularly if you’re investing for the first time.

Before we show you how to find your tax documents, let’s figure out if you have them.

You should have tax documents from Stash if:

  • You received dividend payments greater than $10 from your Stash Invest investments in 2023.1 
  • You received more than $10 in interest on your Stash Invest account.
  • You made a withdrawal from your Stash Retire IRA of $10 or more
  • You sold an investment in your Stash Invest account in 2023.
  • You received dividends on any stock or ETF owned, or any stock or ETF sold.
  • You need to report certain income received by Puerto Rico taxpayers and Puerto Rico tax withholding.
  • You may also generate a form 5498 on May 31 if you made a contribution to your retirement account during 2023.

You likely won’t have tax documents if:

  • You received less than $10 of interest, and/or did not sell any investments before the end of 2023.
  • You have a retirement account with Stash and haven’t made any withdrawals.

What if I lost money?

Essentially, if you sold an investment, you should have a tax form, even if you sold an investment at a loss. Learn more about how you can use capital losses to offset gains here

By February 15, 2024, you can check in the Stash app to see if your Form 1099-DIV and/or Form 1099-B are there. For a full list of possible forms and the dates you can expect to find them in your app, check this out: The 2024 Tax Season Dates You Need to Know.

Wondering what a dividend is? Check out Dividends: A New Investor’s Guide, What You Need to Know

Where do I find my Tax Forms?

To keep your information safe, our policy is not to email tax forms. Stash provides all tax forms securely online. You can access them through the Stash app by clicking here or on the web by clicking here. And it is super easy. Here’s how:

To find them in the app:

  1. On your Home Screen, click on your initials (iOS) or hamburger icon (Android) in the upper left-hand corner.
  2. In Settings, scroll down to the Documents section and click Portfolio.
  3. Navigate by account type.
  4. Select Tax Documents.

To find them on the web:

  1. Click on your name in the top right corner of the screen.
  2. Select Statements & Tax Documents from the left-hand menu.
  3. Navigate by account type, then click Tax Documents.

You’ll find your tax forms separated out by account. Now you’ve got the documentation you need to declare any income or loss you may have realized in your Stash accounts from the previous tax year.

Forgot your password? No problem. You can reset your password by selecting the ‘forgot password’ option below the sign-in page.

Now is also a good time to make sure that all of your contact information is up to date in your Stash account, including your address, email, and phone number. This ensures all of your forms also have the correct details.

Voila! Your tax season for Stash is ready.

For more on deadlines and tax forms related to Stash Invest and Stash Retire, make sure to check out The 2024 Tax Season Dates You Need to Know.

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Tax Season Dates You Need to Know for 2024 https://www.stash.com/learn/the-tax-season-dates-you-need-to-know/ Mon, 04 Dec 2023 17:28:00 +0000 https://www.stash.com/learn/?p=19946 Tax season is just around the corner. To help you get organized, here’s a breakdown of tax forms you can…

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  • There are six important tax dates you should know for 2024.
  • Tax Day is April 15, 2024. 
  • You can make 2023 IRA contributions until April 15, 2024 at 3 p.m. EST.
  • Tax season is just around the corner. To help you get organized, here’s a breakdown of tax forms you can expect from Stash, as well as the dates they are likely to be available.

    For more information about the specific forms, you can go to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website. The IRS is the official source of deadlines, rules, and regulations for your taxes. We also recommend consulting a tax professional if you have specific questions. 

    On or before February 15, 2024

    Forms available!

    Form 1099-R is available from Stash. You will only receive a 1099-R if you have taken a distribution (withdrawal) from your Stash Retire account that was $10 or more. If you’ve taken more than $10 out of your Stash Retire account, you should receive this form.

    Profit and Loss statement is available from Bakkt for those who invested in Stash Crypto. This statement can be inputted into your chosen tax software. 

    Consolidated Form 1099. If you meet the criteria for multiple 1099s, we will issue you what’s called a Consolidated 1099, which will consolidate all relevant forms into one convenient document. Many Stash investors will have Consolidated 1099s. A Consolidated 1099 may include:

    Form 1099-B. This form is issued by Stash to represent realized gains or losses in any investment in your Stash Invest account in 2023.

    There’s still a chance that you might get a 1099-B if you are subject to any backup withholding. Backup withholding happens when the information you have on file with the IRS does not match the information you have on file with Stash, the information is not corrected within an allotted time-frame, and you have any activity in your account during this time. For instance, the IRS has your social security number on file as 123-45-6789 but your SSN was reported to Stash as 124-35-6789.

    Form 1099-DIV. This form is sent by Stash if you received dividends in 2023.

    Form 1099-INT. This form is sent by Stash if you received more than $10 in interest in 2023.

    February 28, 2024

    Customers in Puerto Rico!

    Form PR 480.6. This form is sent by Stash if you need to report certain income received by Puerto Rico taxpayers and Puerto Rico tax withholding.

    April 15, 2024, at 3 p.m. EST

    Stash Retire customers!

    This is the final deadline to make a contribution toward your 2023 individual retirement account (IRA). Any contributions made after 3:00 p.m. EST on April 15th will go toward your 2024 contribution limit.

    April 15, 2024

    Tax Day!

    This is your deadline to file your taxes this year. Certain states have specific deadlines, so be sure to check your state’s website for the most accurate deadline information.

    On or before May 31, 2024

    Form Available!

    Form 5498. This form is only applicable to Stash customers with a Stash Retire IRA. The form will showcase all activity, such as contributions, rollovers, etc., that took place within your Stash Retire IRA during the 2023 tax year. This form is mostly for your records. It is sent to you as well as the IRS, and it is not necessary in order for you to file your taxes in a timely manner. 

    October 15, 2024

    Tax Day Take 2!

    This is the last day to file your taxes if you’ve previously filed for an extension.

    December 31, 2024

    Take the required minimum distribution (RMD).

    If you’re 72 or older, you must take a required minimum distribution from your IRA every year, also known as an RMD. (That’s 70 ½ if you reach 70 ½ before January 1, 2020.) If you have an IRA and you meet these criteria, remember to take your RMD by the end of 2024, as you are required to take your RMD by December 31 of each year. You can figure out how much you need to withdraw from your account by using the worksheets found here.

    Last day to buy or sell stocks in order to claim gains and losses

    When you file your taxes, you have to claim your capital gains and losses, or how much you earned or lost by buying and selling investments this year. One strategy you might use is to sell investments that have lost value to offset the taxes you’ll have to pay on gains, which is called tax-loss harvesting. In order to employ this strategy, you’ll have to make any sales or purchases by the end of the 2024 year.

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    Do You Know About the IRS’ Free File Program? https://www.stash.com/learn/do-you-know-about-the-irs-free-file-program/ Fri, 04 Mar 2022 16:20:00 +0000 https://learn.stashinvest.com/?p=14302 You may be eligible for access to free tax filing services.

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    If you earn $73,000 or less annually, you may be able to use a service to file your federal tax return for free through a program from the IRS. 

    The IRS partners with the nonprofit organization Free File Alliance, a group of eight software companies that offer tax filing services. The IRS and the Free File Alliance have given roughly 100 million taxpayers free access to tax preparation software through the Free File Program since 2003.  Taxpayers who qualify for the program can access software from up to 8 tax-preparation companies including TaxAct and 1040Now.

    How does the program work?

    As a general rule, you may be able to qualify for the free tax filing services if your individual or joint adjusted gross income with a spouse is $73,000 or less. 

    But each tax prep service lists its own qualifications which can include restrictions around income, age, military status, and more. Here are a few examples: 

    • FileYourTaxes.com offers free filing for people who earn between $9,500 and $73,000, and are 65 years or younger. People living in certain states can file state taxes for free. 
    • TaxAct provides a free service for people 56 years old and younger, who earn $65,000 or less annually. Some state filings are also free.
    • With Free1040TaxReturn.com, people who are any age and earn $73,000 can file for free, except if they live in certain states. 

    The IRS provides a lookup tool to help taxpayers find the free service that works best for them. 

    About 57 million American taxpayers have used this program since it started in 2003, according to the Free File Alliance. The program has reportedly saved taxpayers $1.7 billion in tax preparation fees, according to the IRS. 

    Some but not all of the services allow you to file your state tax return for free, depending on the state.

    When can I file my taxes?

    Your employer should send any W-2 or 1099 forms you need to file your taxes by January 31, 2022. The IRS started accepting federal tax returns on January 24, 2022. 

    Taxes are due on April 18, 2022. So make sure to file your tax return before that date.

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    3 Things People Dread Most About Taxes https://www.stash.com/learn/3-things-people-dread-most-about-taxes/ Tue, 20 Apr 2021 19:50:52 +0000 https://www.stash.com/learn/?p=16575 Plus, some solutions for procrastinators.

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    Procrastinators may have a reason to celebrate this year: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) pushed the tax filing deadline to May 17, 2021 from its usual mid-April deadline. 

    While that date gives the IRS much-needed time to accommodate new stimulus payments and a backlog of tax returns, it also gives procrastinators more time to delay filing. With that in mind, we’ve researched the top reasons why people delay doing their taxes, and offer some tactics to help motivate you to get the job done.1

    1-Your taxes are complicated

    The Covid-19 pandemic has made many people’s financial situations more complex. You may have seen your income or circumstances change, which can make filing all the more daunting. Maybe you moved home and earned income in a few different states this year. Or maybe you lost your job and ended up taking on several freelance gigs. Or maybe you received unemployment in 2020, which has specific filing exemptions this year.  

    Solution: Being informed is probably one of the best ways to prepare when you have a complicated tax situation. Try getting caught up on rules or regulations that might apply to you and your taxes so that you’re filing correctly. You can get more information from Stash’s guide to tax season, or on the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) website.

    You can hire a tax professional for a fee through services such as H&R Block, Turbo Tax, or QuickBooks. Depending on your tax situation, you may be able to work with a professional for free or for a reduced fee. Having a professional review your information before you file can give you peace of mind.

    Keep in mind that some people qualify to file their taxes with a service for free. The IRS offers a Free File program for roughly 70% of Americans. Taxpayers who earn an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $72,000 or less can file their federal taxes, and in some cases their state taxes, for free with tax preparation software. 

    If you’re not comfortable handling your taxes by yourself, you might want to consider hiring a tax professional. “A small fee upfront is worth it to avoid all the stress and fear (and possible penalties fees). You can trust that a trained professional knows all the ins and outs of the tax code this year, so you can just write your check and relax,” says Josh Zimmelman, managing partner of Westwood Tax & Consulting, based in Rockville Centre, New York. 

    2-You’re afraid you might owe money 

    Some people don’t pay all or some of their taxes throughout the year and then have to pay them once it’s time to file. There are a few reasons you might owe money: 

    • If you have a full-time job, you filled out a W-4 indicating how much of your paycheck should be withheld for tax purposes. But if less money was withheld from your income than you actually owe, you could end up owing once you file.
    • Freelancers owe taxes on a quarterly basis. They have to pay estimated taxes each quarter, as well as a self-employment tax. If a freelancer doesn’t pay enough, they could end up owing once it’s time to file for the year. 
    • This one likely only applies to a handful of people. But if you won something in the past year, such as the lottery or a new car, you’ll likely owe taxes on that prize when you file.

    Solution: If you think you won’t be able to afford your tax payments, the IRS recommends that you file before the deadline, and pay as much of the penalty as you can. Failing to make your tax payments on time can lead to additional fees and interest, so making an initial payment can help prevent that. You may consider pulling from your rainy day fund or emergency fund to cover as much of the debt as you can.

    You can also call the IRS to inquire about a payment plan. The IRS may be able to give you an extension, and a schedule for repayments. For no fee, you can set up a 120-day payment plan, but you’ll still have to pay interest and other penalty fees until you pay off your debt. Or you can establish a six-year plan, which costs $31 to set up in addition to interest and penalties.

    A longer-term course of action for people who think they’ll owe taxes at the end of the year is to stick to a budget throughout the year that includes setting aside money for tax payments. “This involves controlling one’s spending, which many people fail to do, and they end up spending their earnings,” says Bryce Welker, a Certified Professional Accountant based in San Diego, California. 

    One budget you might use is the 50-30-20 one, which segments your income into three categories: 50% for essential, fixed expenses, 30% for nonessential, variable expenses, and 20% for savings and investing. Make sure to figure your quarterly estimated taxes into your budget. You may want to allocate more than 20% of your income to savings so that you have backup funds to fall on if you owe money on your annual taxes. 

    3-Taxes are boring

    You don’t often hear friends or coworkers saying they’re excited to do their taxes. It’s a task which a lot of people find tedious. And people are more likely to procrastinate on work they find boring, difficult, or not intrinsically rewarding, according to Harvard Business Review. Doing your taxes can be both boring and difficult, and doesn’t always result in a refund.

    Solution: One strategy is following an earlier deadline than May 17. “Create your own self-imposed deadline earlier in the season and enlist a friend to dole out some real life consequences should you fail to meet it or reward yourself if you do meet it,” Zimmelan recommends. For example, try to get your taxes done by the end of April, and reward yourself by ordering takeout or watching your favorite movie once you’re done. 

    Getting your taxes done early can alleviate any stress that you might have about filing. If you find you’re having issues with your taxes or you’re confused about your taxes, it’s better to give yourself time to consult with a professional if needed. The sooner you file your taxes, the sooner you’re likely to receive your refund, if you’re eligible for one.

    For more information on tax season, including the materials you’ll need, important dates, and more, refer to our tax guide.

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    2020 Tax Refund on the Way? Here’s How People Plan to Spend Theirs https://www.stash.com/learn/2020-tax-refund-on-the-way-heres-how-people-plan-to-spend-theirs/ Wed, 07 Apr 2021 12:00:00 +0000 https://www.stash.com/learn/?p=16428 As vacations are delayed, more people will save and invest

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    UPDATE: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has extended the tax filing deadline by one month, to May 17, 2021 to accommodate new stimulus payments and a backlog of tax returns. The IRS is also giving individuals who owe money on their 2020 tax returns until May 17, 2021, to make those payments. Individuals can also make contributions to individual retirement accounts (IRAs) for 2020 until May 17, 2021. Due to severe weather, residents of Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana have until June 15, 2021 to file, make tax payments, and contribute to their IRAs. Taxpayers who request an extension on the deadline will have until October 15, 2021, to file. You can get more information here.

    Vacations, celebrations, nights out on the town, seeing the latest blockbuster in a theater with overpriced popcorn. All are postponed thanks to Covid-19. Now, many Americans are planning to add more one luxury to the deferred list— splurging with their tax refunds.1

    American taxpayers are facing tough financial decisions nearly one year into the Covid-19 global pandemic that has plunged the U.S. into a recession and stripped more than 22 million jobs (and counting) from the workforce. That means cruises, home renovations, new cars, even the ability to pay down debt are all going to have to wait. But Covid-19 has not deferred entrepreneurial spirit or the uniquely American ability to find the silver lining. We spoke to 5 taxpayers who have big plans for their tax refunds.

    Manny Vetti

    President of a tax management company

    West Palm Beach, Florida

    Refund strategy: Invest the money and grow it for a future adventure

    “I originally thought of taking a trip to Alaska to go fishing with it,” Vetti says of the estimated $3,000 he is expecting to get back this year. “But it must be a sign from the universe since Covid put a major stop on things. It’s okay. That was just my sign that I need to invest that money.”

    Vetti says his change of plans made him remember how he blew one of his earliest refunds as a young taxpayer on an 8oz Wagyu ribeye and a $300 bottle of wine. 

    “If I would have invested that tax return into a matching 401k or Roth IRA account, I would have had thousands by now,” says Vetti. And that’s what he tells his clients, who come to him for help managing their taxes. 

    So with Alaska on indefinite hold, he is looking forward to seeing how much he can potentially grow this year’s refund.

    “Who knows,” he says. “Maybe sometime in the future that investment will allow me to eat Wagyu steaks with the bears in Alaska.”

    Shawn Breyer

    Owner of a family-run law firm

    Atlanta, Georgia 

    Refund Strategy: Build an investment account for their infant daughter

    “We had a child in 2020,” says Breyer. “We have opened an investment account…. for her since she cannot own one herself.”

    Breyer is planning to put their $3,100 tax credit—that’s the $2,000 child credit plus the $1,100 extra stimulus for 2020 babies—into an exchange-traded fund, or ETF, that tracks the S&P 500. 

    “We already invest $250 per month into this account,” Breyers says. “With a 10 percent return and dollar-cost averaging $250 per month, she will have $375,000 when she is 25 years old.”

    Alex Willen

    New business owner

    San Diego, California

    Refund strategy: Spend more on inventory to grow the business

    Willen is still growing his new premium dog treat business called Cooper’s Treats, after Covid forced the closure of his last venture, a dog-boarding facility.

    “Unfortunately, I lost a fair bit of money when I shut that down, so I have had to keep Cooper’s Treats as lean as possible financially,” he says.

    Willen is expecting “a few thousand dollars” back this year which he expects will make a big difference combined with his austere business plan. 

    “Things are going well with the budget I have,” he says, “but spending my tax refund on inventory will let me get my costs down by buying in bulk, which will really help my bottom line.”

    Sarah Frey

    Dog groomer

    St. Louis Park, Minnesota

    Refund strategy: Pad her savings account and pay down some student loan debt

    “I was already thinking of putting some of my refund into my savings account,” says Frey, who is expecting “at least a couple hundred dollars” back. “My plans have only been adjusted in that I’ll be putting more than half of it towards savings, with the rest going towards getting myself out of debt.”

    Even though Frey is currently working full-time, she is trying to be as financially stable as possible, especially given the ups and downs of the Covid economy. “I’d like to have as much cushion as possible in the circumstances we’re in,” she says. “My day job has definitely experienced some ups and downs with Covid-19. After being shut down in the spring, we booked out like crazy when we reopened. Business overall has still been slower than past years as we opened back up at a more limited capacity.”

    Andrew Cunningham

    Small business owner

    Detroit, Michigan

    Refund strategy: Business improvements and thanking their hardworking staff

    Andrew Cunningham says he and his wife Karen normally spend their tax refunds on renovating their house, putting finishing touches or making repairs in one room at a time. This year is different. With Covid-19 hitting small businesses hard, they will be putting their refunds right back into their pest control company and their devoted staff. 

    “Because of the pandemic, we have decided that both our personal and our business refunds will be going back into the business, but not only that, they will be put towards a summer retreat for our small staff of nine,” Cunningham says, estimating they would be getting back about $8,000 total.

    “Our employees have had to take schedule cuts for nearly three months last year until we were able to get things back on track,” he says. Now they are looking forward to 2021 “and we have nothing but our staff to thank for that.”

    Consider Stashing it

    Have a tax refund coming your way? Consider stashing it in a Stash Retire account.2

    Enter to win $5,000

    If you direct deposit your tax refund or government stimulus check into your Stash banking account, you can earn a chance to win.‡
    Find out more

    The post 2020 Tax Refund on the Way? Here’s How People Plan to Spend Theirs appeared first on Stash Learn.

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