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By the Numbers 2013

Happy 2013 and welcome to this year's edition of By the Numbers.

As with the 2011 and 2012 numerical posts, each Sunday (most of the time!) will feature a new figure -- a percentage, dollar amount, piece of tax legislation, raw number and the like -- that has a tax connection.

If you miss one of the 2013 numbers, no worries. Links to each item are listed below, with the newest ones listed first.

  • $401,000
    St. Louis Rams say they collected too much ticket sales tax (Dec. 29, 2013)
  • $27,393.17
    True love's 12 Christmas gifts cost more in 2013 (Dec. 24, 2013)
  • $0.05
    Tax deductible mileage rate drops by half-cent in 2014 (Dec. 15, 2013)
  • 13,000
    State tax refund debit card data exposed to hackers (Dec. 8, 2013)
  • 80,000
    French heroin dealer facing $108,000 (€80,000) tax bill (Nov. 30, 2013)
  • 1.5
    Oregon to test per-mile tax in place of gasoline tax (Nov. 27, 2013)
  • 8
    U.S. MexiCoke fans fear effect of Mexico's new soda tax (Nov. 17, 2013)
  • 5,000
    Military families among those affected by food stamp cuts (Nov. 11, 2013)
  • 25 percent
    Coloradans agree to a high tax to get high (Nov. 6, 2013)
  • 319
    Almost 700 IRS contractors owe $5.4 million in back taxes (Oct. 27, 2013)
  • 29
    Budget conference committee members named (Oct. 20, 2013)
  • 4
    4 Oct. 15 filing deadlines: 1 filing, 3 retirement related (Oct. 13, 2013)
  • 20
    Federal gasoline tax celebrates 20 years without an increase (Oct. 6, 2013)
  • 15
    IRS lays out plan to deal with federal government shutdown (Sept. 30, 2013)
  • 7
    7 Internet sales tax principles set for House consideration (Sept. 22, 2013)
  • $284 billion
    Uncle Sam collects $284 billion more in taxes so far in 2013 (Sept. 15, 2013)
  • 43%
    More Americans are paying federal income taxes (Sept. 8, 2013)
  • 12
    Amazon now collects sales taxes in 12 states thanks to Georgia and Virginia levies that took effect Sept. 1 (Sept. 1, 2013)
  • 30 million
    Spaniards hot under the collar after government taxes the sun (Aug. 26, 2013)
  • 17
    Employers in 17 states could face higher unemployment taxes (Aug. 18, 2013)
  • $20
    Lucrative loos' change leads to toilet tips tax evasion charges (Aug. 12, 2013)
  • 078-05-1120
    Tax-related identity theft: Its growth and IRS efforts to stop it (Aug. 4, 2013)
  • $19.2 billion
    Farm bill subsidies feed America's junk food appetite (July 28, 2013)
  • 94
    The U.S. tax code is not very attractive (July 21, 2013)
  • 73,954
    The ever-growing tax code, or why we talk about tax reform (July 14, 2013)
  • 1
    Did IRS troubles play a role in delay of Obamacare tax penalty? (July 7, 2013)
  • 6
    Tax auditors' sixth sense helps them nab tax evaders (July 1, 2013)
  • 3
    Rethinking retirement as traditional 3-legged stool wobbles (June 24, 2013)
  • 8
    Global leaders to tackle tax evasion at G8 summit (June 17, 2013)
  • 179
    Supreme Court gay marriage ruling will affect 179 federal tax laws (June 10, 2013)
  • 35
    California's landmark tax-cutting Proposition 13 turns 35 (June 6, 2013)
  • 56.5
    Watching races, thinking about deducting business miles (May 26, 2013)
  • $92,724,192
    There's a new Powerball multimillionaire. Winner, IRS rejoice (May 19, 2013)
  • 2.7
    IRS reports gains in criminal tax, other financial investigations (May 12, 2013)
  • 5
    5 tax tips for Cinco de Mayo (May 5, 2013)
  • 25
    Did you get your $25 gift card from H&R Block yet? (April 28, 2013)
  • 20
    World governments mounting global effort against tax evasion (April 21, 2013)
  • 5
    Some federal and state tax filing deadlines still to come (April 16, 2013)
  • $2,790
    Tax returns, refunds running behind last year's levels (April 9, 2013)
  • 40%
    Supreme Court to consider tax dodge penalty case (April 2, 2013)
  • 75
    Online sales tax a step closer with Senate budget amendment (March 26, 2013)
  • 3
    New Jersey taxpayers could face three-month wait for refunds (March 17, 2013)
  • $3,500,000,000
    Federal workers owe $3.5 billion in back taxes (March 10, 2013)
  • $100
    Taxing environmentally conscious drivers (March 4, 2013)
  • $1.51 billion
    And the film tax credit goes to ... (Feb. 24, 2013)
  • 77 percent
    Fewer expected to pay IRS with credit cards this year (Feb. 19, 2013)
  • $161,392
    Man gets $161,392 erroneous tax refund (Feb. 11, 2013)
  • 100
    Happy 100th birthday federal income tax (Feb. 4, 2013)
  • $246
    What do you pay for professional tax preparation and filing help? (Jan. 28, 2013)
  • $4.35
    Is New York's high cigarette tax rate why the Empire State tops the smuggler list? (Jan. 20, 2013)
  • $850,000,000,000,000,000
    White House says no to Death Star (Jan. 13, 2013)
  • 13
    Congressional triskaidekaphobia (Jan. 6, 2013)

Happy tax counting!

 

Today's Tax Tip

  • Tax penalties could add to your IRS bill — No one likes to pay the Internal Revenue Service more than necessary, but that happens when you're hit with tax penalties. So take your taxes seriously, especially when it comes to filing and paying on time, or you could end up owing Uncle Sam more due to these add-ons. Some tax penalties are set, but others face changes every year due to inflation. Here's a look at what's ahead on the tax penalty front in 2024. (Nov. 25, 2023)

  • Tax Tip; click pencil for all tax tip links

  • The 2023 Tax Tips offer ways to file your annual return, along with post-filing advice, important tax news and, of course, ways to cut your current tax year bill. You'll find the monthly assemblages on their own respective pages: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December. Remember, tax tasks and tips don't stop after you file your annual return!

All About Kay

  • OK, some about Kay
    Open sign
    Kay Bell — Native Texan
    (the blog title totally makes sense now, right?). Professional journalist. Tax geek.
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Tick ... Tick ... Tick

  • It's the final
    2023 tax countdown!


    It's over! We cleared 2023's extended filing deadline, unless you get more time because your filing was affected by a major natural disaster, military service, or some other Internal Revenue Service recognized special situation. If that's you, be sure to check out all the ol' blog's earlier Tax Tips, listed by month just under the old-school No. 2 yellow pencil tip atop this column.

    For most of us, though, the passage of Oct. 16 means it's time to focus on the Form 1040 that we'll file next year. In most cases, we have until Dec. 31 to make moves that will reduce our still accruing 2023 tax bill.

    The countdown clock below should help us from missing out on making important tax-saving moves the rest of this year. Plus, the Tax Moves below the counter will list some timely tasks to take care of in each of these final 2½ months of 2023.
    Note: I'm in the Central Time Zone, so adjust accordingly for where you live.


Time for Tax Tasks


  • monthly tax moves


  • Ho 🎅 Ho 🎅 Ho!
    December is here!

    You better watch out. You better not cry. But you better make some year-end tax moves this December or next April 15 could turn out to be the tax equivalent of Santa Claus putting coal in your stocking.

    Santa Claus is watching YOU!
    Click image to hear a musical Santa message from Bruce Springsteen.

    St. Nick can't deliver a festively wrapped, already prepared tax return for you (unless he's even more magical than I think!) to file next year, but he does have a tax connection. Santa's tracking of naughty and nice boys and girls basically is the same method that the Internal Revenue Service uses. That's why we all need to be nice, especially to ourselves, in this final month of the year by making some important tax-saving moves. Let's get to it!

  • Dec. 1: This last filing season was more-or-less back to pre-COVID-19 pandemic normal, but if your own personal filing circumstances remained a mess, it's time to act. Maybe you realized you need professional tax help. If so, now is the time to find a tax preparer who can help ensure your return filing next year goes more smoothly. You have lots of options.There's also a December bonus. If you hire a tax pro this month, you might get some year-end tax tips!

    Dec. 4: Are you taking on a variety of gig work to make some extra holiday cash? Those added jobs mean you're an independent contractor. And that means you're responsible for paying income taxes due on the money, as well as any self-employment tax. Now is the time to start gathering those records and tallying this taxable income so you're not surprised at filing time.

    Dec. 11: If your job, over the holidays or full-time, is as a server at a restaurant or at any other establishment where gratuities from customers are part of your compensation, I hope you get extra seasonal financial thanks this month for doing your job well. Remember, though, that those tips are taxable income

    restaurant check tip iStock
    Whether you're dining at your favorite eatery, or during the coronavirus pandemic discovered you really like getting food delivered to your home, if a tip isn't included on your restaurant or delivery bill, click the image above to calculate how much to tip the person who brought it to you.

    And if you got at least $20 in gratuities in November for your extraordinary services as a food server or hair stylist or parking valet or whatever job where tipping is common, you must report that amount by today. Use Form 4070 to let your employer know the total tips you took in last month.

    Dec. 15: Christmas is just 10 days away! If you're still shopping for gifts, you're probably searching for the perfect present online. But beware and be wary. Internet crooks also are logged on, looking to steal your money and identity, using many of the techniques they employ in tax scams. Any personal information they get now can be used at tax time to file a fake return in your name and claim a fraudulent refund. So be careful out there, now and next filing season, and, well, unfortunately all the time.

    Dec. 18: Many of us are trying to concentrate this final work week before Christmas. As far as taxes go, it's a good time to revisit your estimated tax situation, especially if you got some money from those previously mentioned gigs. Since these amounts typically aren't subject to withholding, you'll need account for the December earnings in your January 2024 final 1040-ES amount for 2023.
    Better to know that amount now, than on Jan. 16's due date.

    Dec. 22: It's Christmas Weekend! That means holiday treats, final decorations — or first, if you wait until the very end to get a tree — and frantic last-minute shopping! Rather than worry about how you'll get the perfect gift under the tree on time, consider instead some easy tax-favored gifts. Open a Roth IRA for your child or grandchild who earned some money this year. Or pay tuition for classes that will start in the first quarter of 2024 by Dec. 31. Those college costs then can be used to claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit.

    Dec. 24: Christmas Eve!
    No taxes tonight. It's early to bed for kiddies of all ages. Santa's on his way!

    Santa Claus is on his way!
    Click image to watch
    Santa's delivery route as tracked by NORAD.


    Dec. 25: Merry Christmas! My gift to you is another day without tax thoughts.
    Just enjoy the holiday and your family and friends.

    Dec. 26: Happy Boxing Day. This unofficial holiday on St. Stephen's Day is celebrated by additional giving.
    If you donate to your favorite charity on this Boxing Day or any other day by Dec. 31, on your 2023 taxes you'll have to itemize your gifts on Schedule A to claim them. The option to claim a limited amount directly on your Form 1040 expired at the end of 2021. What didn't expire is the IRS' tax donation deduction rules.

    Dec. 31: This is it. The drop-dead deadline to make most 2022 tax moves. A quick and easy action today is to zero out your medical flexible spending account (FSA) by buying over-the-counter medications for which the funds can be used. This is especially important if your employer doesn't offer a grace period to use the money or let you roll it over into 2024. Without those alternatives, you'll lose any FSA funds you don't use.

    Done? Great! Make sure the champagne is chilling and settle in for your New Year's Eve party or a cozy night at home with your friends and loved ones. Either way, cheers and Auld Lang Syne as the ball drops at midnight.

    Small Business Tax Calendar: Important filing, deposit and record keeping dates throughout the year that your company needs to know. You can get more tax calendar information at the IRS' online calendar page and view the full year's important business and individual tax dates in IRS Pub. 509.

State Tax Help

  • Don't forget your state taxes!
    Forty-three states and D.C. collect personal income taxes. But even if you live in of the seven states without an income levy, you still face other state (and local) taxes.

    State Tax Departments provides links to your state's Web page. The companion page, Tax Tidbits, is the compilation of blurbs about each state's tax laws. And for more state tax news, check out all our state tax bloggings.

Tax Forms

  • Tax Forms
    Thanks to our increased use of tax preparers and computer software, many of us don't see our tax forms until we sign and file them. But knowing what's on these documents, either in paper or digital form, and why the IRS wants it is key to understanding our tax system. And knowledge definitely is power, especially when it comes to tax savings. Find this valuable information in the ol' blog's special Tax Forms 2023 page.

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  • Looking for something in particular? Start with the Table of Contents.
    Or check out the Archives, where you can review posts by month and category. Or enter specific keywords in the box below to search
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  • You can read more
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  • Kay Bell helps you build
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    Kay Bell breaks down taxes and
    estate planning for millennials in
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    A collection of Kay Bell stories
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  • Tax Reading Room

    You also might enjoy these other tax tips from some of my tax-writing colleagues:

  • JK Lasser 2023 Taxes
    JK Lasser 2023 taxes

  • Dealing With The IRS
    Dealing With the IRS

  • JK Lassers 1001 Deductions
    JK Lasser 1001 Deductions
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0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 ...

  • Numbers
    Taxes are all about the numbers.
    Check out these (mostly) weekly
    By the Numbers figures.

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I gotta tell ya ...

  • AKA Disclaimer:
    I am a professional journalist who has been covering tax issues since 1999.
    I am not a professional tax preparer.
    The content on Don't Mess With Taxes is my personal opinion based on my study and understanding of tax laws, policies and regulations. It is provided for your private, noncommercial, educational and informational purposes only. It is not a recommendation of any specific tax action(s) you should or should not take. Similarly, mentions of products or services are not endorsements. In other words, my ramblings on the ol' blog are free advice and you know what they say about getting what you pay for. That's why when it comes to filing your taxes, I urge you to get additional, professional, paid-for guidance from an accountant, Enrolled Agent or other qualified tax preparer who is familiar with your individual tax circumstances.

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COVID-19 & Taxes

  • COVID-19
    Coronavirus has wreaked havoc
    on the 2020 and 2021 tax seasons.
    These five Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Taxes pages have details:
    March-July 2020
    August-December 2020
    January-December 2021
    January-December 2022
    …and so it continues into 2023
    You can find medical coronavirus resource links in the next section.

COVID-19 Resources

  • COVID-19
    Need help finding a coronavirus vaccine in the United States?
    Call 1-800-232-0233
    or TTY 1-888-720-7489.
    More information and resources at:
    CDC Vaccines
    CDC Booster Shots
    HHS Combat COVID
    USA.Gov COVID Info

December 2023

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
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3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31            

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  • Christmas presents phot by Isaac Martin on Unsplash
    Photo by Isaac Martin on Unsplash


  • .................................................................

Tell it to the Hill

  • DMWT Politics Posts
  • While it's easy to rail at the IRS, for the most part we can thank — or blame — our tax laws on Congress and the White House. So if you have an issue with tax legislation or want a tax bill passed, you need to let your federal legislators and the White House occupant know of your concerns. You can find out who in Washington, D.C., to contact (and how), as well as get information on your local lawmakers for matters, tax or otherwise, closer to home, at USA Gov.
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