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Tax Posts

March 31, 2025

Innocent Spouse Relief: Can It Save Your Mom From Your Dad's IRS Debt?

How Do I Save My Mom From My Dad’s $200,000 IRS Nightmare – And Should I Even Try? The weight of a significant tax debt can be immense, casting a shadow of worry and uncertainty over an entire family. When that debt reaches a staggering…

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March 28, 2025

Struggling With IRS Debt? These 4 Tips Can Help

Can't Pay the IRS? How can you Avoid Major Penalties with These 4 Strategies? Facing financial difficulties can be a stressful experience, and when that includes owing money to the Internal Revenue Service, it can feel particularly overwhelming. Fo…

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March 25, 2025

The Hidden Costs of Cheap Tax Advice: Is It Worth the Risk?

Is Cheap Advice Really Worth the Price? The human instinct to seek out the best deal is powerful. Whether it's comparing prices on everyday goods or searching for discounts on larger purchases, the desire to save money is often a primary motivator.…

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March 24, 2025

Taxpayer Advocate Service: A Lifeline for Tax Issues

What Is the Taxpayer Advocate and How Can They Help Me? Dealing with taxes can often feel like navigating a complex maze. Whether it’s understanding a confusing notice from the IRS, resolving a discrepancy, or facing a significant financial c…

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March 18, 2025

Will Not Filing Taxes Cost You Forever?

Are You Still on the Hook With the IRS? How Far Back Can They Claim You Owe? Do you ever lie awake at night, worried that the IRS might come knocking on your door, demanding payment for taxes from years ago? It's a common concern, and the thought o…

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March 14, 2025

Can Rental Deductions Minimize Your Tax?

Confused About How Your Rental Property Affects Your Taxes? Owning rental property can be a great way to build wealth and generate income, but it's important to understand the tax implications. Rental income and expenses are treated differently tha…

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March 13, 2025

Is Self-Employment Tax Keeping You Stressed?

Self-Employment Tax Got You Stressed? Learn Exactly What It Is and How to Pay Less Self-employment tax can feel like a burden, especially for those new to the world of freelancing or running their own businesses. But as the proverb says, "The wise …

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March 12, 2025

Are You Making These Tax Missteps?

Self-Filing Taxes: Are You Making These Painfully Common Errors That Could Land You in Trouble with the IRS? As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of our resources, and that includes being responsible with our taxes. This principle of st…

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March 11, 2025

Should You Reconsider Filing Taxes Jointly?

Are You Inviting Financial Trouble by Automatically Filing Taxes Jointly With Your Spouse? It's tax season again, and for many Christian couples, the question arises: Should we file our taxes jointly or separately? While the common advice is often …

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March 10, 2025

How Can You Qualify for IRS Penalty Forgiveness?

How to Turn "Reasonable Cause" into IRS Penalty Forgiveness Many people are unaware that the IRS offers penalty relief for taxpayers who have a valid reason for not filing or paying their taxes on time. This relief, known as "penalty abatement due …

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March 6, 2025

What Do You Need to Know About Taxes for Side Income?

Are You Ready for the IRS When Selling Online? Selling online has exploded in popularity in recent years, with platforms like Etsy, Amazon, and Shopify making it easier than ever to launch a business from your own home. But with the convenience and…

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Feb. 24, 2025

Is DIY Tax Filing Worth the Risk?

Overwhelmed by Tax Prep? How to Decide Between Software and an Accountant with Confidence Tax season. Those two little words can strike fear into the hearts of many. As Christians, we want to be good stewards of our resources and fulfill our obliga…

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Feb. 20, 2025

Facing Tax Questions After a Family Loss?

Lost a Loved One and Facing Tax Questions? Here’s Everything You Should Know Losing a loved one is a deeply emotional and challenging experience. As Christians, we find comfort in our faith and the hope of eternal life, but we still face the …

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Feb. 17, 2025

Can 1099 Forms Really Hurt Your Taxes?

Why Did I Get This 1099? Understanding Your Tax Forms and Avoiding Costly Mistakes Have you ever received a 1099 form in the mail and wondered, "Why did I get this?" or "What am I supposed to do with it?" If so, you're not alone! Many people find 1…

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Feb. 15, 2025

Are You Missing These 10 Tax Deductions?

What is your topic for today? Welcome back to Ask Ralph – Christian Finance show, where we explore the intersection of faith and finances. As Proverbs 27:23-24 wisely advises, "Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful atten…

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Feb. 12, 2025

Can You Trust Unexpected IRS Checks?

Unexpected IRS Refund? What You Should Know and Smart Ways to Spend It Receiving an unexpected check from the IRS can feel like winning a small lottery. However, before you start planning that dream vacation or shopping spree, it's important to tak…

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Feb. 11, 2025

Missing Tax Docs: What's the Big Deal?

Filing Without All Your Tax Documents? Why It’s Risky and How to Get What You Need Tax season is upon us, and for many, it can be a stressful time. It's tempting to just get your taxes filed as quickly as possible, especially if you're expect…

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Feb. 7, 2025

What Tax Habits Are Triggering IRS Audits?

Could Your Tax Return Be Raising Audit Alarms? Hi friends, and welcome back to Ask Ralph – Christian Finance! Did you know that in 2021, the gap between taxes owed and taxes paid in the U.S. was a staggering $625 billion1? That's a lot of mon…

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Feb. 6, 2025

How Do You Handle a Tax Notice Wisely?

Got a Tax Notice? Now What? Receiving a letter from the IRS can be unsettling, but don't worry! It's not uncommon, and as Christians, we can face this challenge with faith and wisdom, knowing that God is our provider and guide. This blog post will …

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Feb. 5, 2025

Is Your Tax Preparer Cutting Corners?

Who’s Doing Your Taxes – and Can You Trust Them? Tax season can be a stressful time for many, filled with uncertainty and a sense of dread. It's tempting to simply hand over your financial documents to a tax preparer and hope for the be…

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Feb. 3, 2025

Can a Tax Professional Save You Money?

Struggling with Taxes? When to Call in the Pros Taxes! That dreaded time of year when we gather all our financial documents, try to decipher complicated forms, and hope we don't make any costly mistakes. While some people find satisfaction in tackl…

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Jan. 30, 2025

How Can You Handle Tax Debt Without Falling for Scams?

Desperate for Tax Relief? Why Some Solutions Are Worse Than the Problem When facing a mountain of tax debt, it's easy to feel desperate for a quick fix. The weight of financial burdens can be overwhelming, leading many to seek out "tax relief" solu…

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Jan. 29, 2025

What Are Estimated Taxes and Who Needs to Pay Them?

Wait, What Are Estimated Taxes and Do I Actually Have to Pay Them? Imagine this: you're a freelance graphic designer, finally doing what you love and working from home. You land a big project, and the client sends you a hefty check. You're thrilled…

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Jan. 23, 2025

How Can Changing Your Filing Status Maximize Your Tax Refund?

Is Your Old Filing Status Stealing Your Tax Refund? Welcome back to “Ask Ralph,” your daily dose of Christian financial wisdom! Today, we're diving deep into a question that could be impacting your wallet and your peace of mind: How Can…

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