Archive

My Client List Is Full For Calendar Year 2024

I can't thank you all enough for your support and referrals! I'm at full capacity and am not able to take new clients for the 2024 tax season. Check out https://militarytaxexperts.org/ to find a tax professional I recommend.

2023 MyPay Tax Statement Schedule

Annuitant 1099-RAvailableRetiree & Former Spouse 1099-RAvailableCivilian Certificate for Income Tax Adjustment22 Dec 2023Navy Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) W-204 Jan 2024Reserve Air Force, Army, Navy, and Space Force W-2 05 Jan 2024 Army Non-Appropriated...

Standard vs Itemized Deductions

Clients often ask me why they can't deduct their (you name it).  Unless you're paying a high-interest home mortgage or contributing generously to charity, you probably don't have enough eligible expenses to deduct on...

529 Q&A

We've been investing in 529s for our children for almost two decades. Like most of you, we hope to seamlessly combine our 529s with our Coverdell Educational Savings Accounts (ESA), Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits, scholarships, and education tax credits. With more parents...

THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 contains a lot of tax provisions aimed at providing individual financial relief. I've condensed the most important aspects of the new law to help you better understand how they may benefit you. ~ Attiyya S. Ingram, AFC

Can I Claim My College Student on My Taxes?

By: Tocarra Barnes - Contributing writer Now that your college student is out of the nest, you may be questioning whether or not you can claim them on your tax return. Here are some key factors for if, when, and how long you may be able to claim your college student...

2022 MyPay Tax Statement Schedule

Annuitant 1099-R15 Dec 2022Retiree & Former Spouse 1099-R19 Dec 2022Civilian Certificate for Income Tax Adjustment23 Dec 2022Navy Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) W-205 Jan 2023Reserve Air Force, Army, Navy, and Space Force W-2 05 Jan 2023 Army...

Social Security Tax Deferral: Q&A For Military Service Members

By now, many of you have heard about the Presidential Memorandum to defer Social Security tax withholdings for some employees. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) and the IRS have recently released guidance on how this change may affect your paycheck....

Receive a CA Tax Filing Notice?

Taxpayers who filed a federal tax return with a California (CA) address listed on their 1040, will likely receive a computer generated letter requesting a CA state tax return be filed. When you receive this letter, do not panic! Most military families stationed in CA...

1099-MISC Deadline Fast Approaching

The deadline for 1099-MISC reporting non-employee compensation (NEC) is 31 January 2020. To avoid IRS failure to file penalties, contact me for assistance and to inquire about preparation fees. The use of Form 1099-MISC is common for small business owners...

3 Last Minute Tax Changes You Need to Know About

At the end of December 2019, the government approved the following tax extenders for the current tax season. 1. Mortgage insurance premiums deduction - Also known as PMI or the VA Funding Fee. If you paid this premium in 2018 during the purchase of your home, you may...

Final Free Book Friday!

For the month of December, I’ve be giving away several FREE copies of one of my favorite books. Today’s book is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho! Visit my Facebook page to get your copy! Merry Christmas!

Another Free Book Friday!

For the month of December, I’ll be giving away several FREE copies of one of my favorite books. Today’s book is The Graduate Survival Guide by Anthony ONeal and Rachel Cruz! Visit my Facebook page to get your copy! Merry Christmas!

It’s Free Book Friday Again!

For the month of December, I’ll be giving away several FREE copies of one of my favorite books. Today’s book is Debt Free Degree by Anthony ONeal (a military brat)! Visit my Facebook page to get your copy! Merry Christmas!

Free Book Friday 2019!

Every Friday in December, I’ll be giving away several FREE copies of one of my favorite books.  Naturally, I'm kicking this years give-a-way off with my own eBook! Visit my Facebook page to get your copy! Merry Christmas!

Correcting Missed Rental Depreciation

The majority of amended tax returns I complete are due to missed rental depreciation. Landlords who don't take advantage of this annual expense, have typically passed up a five figure deduction and refund! The following Q&A addresses how to determine whether or...

My Saver Story

Check Out My Saver Story! The amazing people at Military Saves asked if they could feature me as one of their "Saver Stories". See how a small, early start turned into a debt-free college education for our three kids.

Thanks For Another Great Tax Season!

To check the status of your federal refund, click below.  If you owe federal taxes or need to pay 2019 1st quarter estimated taxes, click below for information on payment options.  For state refunds and payment options, click below. If you have any questions about...

Need An Extension?

If you're not going to make the tax filing deadline, submit Form 4868 to avoid late filing penalties. Remember, even with a filing extension, payments are due 15 April 2019.

New 20% Deduction For Landlords

Claim On Your 2018 Taxes Many business owners will benefit from the new 20% Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction created by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). However, until last week, it was unclear if landlords who earned a profit from rental real estate...

The 10 Minute Tax Chat is Here!

This FREE service is only available during the month of February and is for taxpayer who... * are preparing their own returns* have 1 or 2 quick questions Click Here to Schedule Your Tax Chat

Access To Your Client Portal

In an effort to increase the security of your personal information, I've created a Client Portal. Everything I send you - including links, forms, and emails - is now in one convenient location. The portal is organized so you no longer have to sort through your emails...

Final Free Book Friday for 2018!

For the month of December, I’ve been giving away several FREE copies of one of my favorite books. The final book for 2018 is Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson! Visit my Facebook page to get your copy! Merry Christmas!

Another Free Book Friday!

For the month of December, I’ll be giving away several FREE copies of one of my favorite books. Today’s book is Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki! Visit my Facebook page to get your copy! Merry Christmas!

It’s Free Book Friday Again!

For the month of December, I’ll be giving away several FREE copies of one of my favorite books. Today’s book is The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey! Visit my Facebook page to get your copy! Merry Christmas!  

Free Book Friday 2018!

Every Friday in December leading up to Christmas, I’ll be giving away several FREE copies of one of my favorite books. Naturally, I'm kicking this years give-a-way off with my own eBook! Visit my Facebook page to get your copy! Merry Christmas!  

The Small Business Income, Expense, and Tax Tracker

This spreadsheet is perfect for small business owners looking for a simple way to organize their business finances and stay in compliance with federal and state estimated tax payments. This sheet will tell if you should submit estimated taxes and will make filing your...

The MSRRA eBook is Here!

The premier and comprehensive guide to understanding the MSRRA and avoiding excessive taxation is now available as an eBook! Written specifically for military spouses and those who prepare income taxes for military families. State specific filing requirements and form...

10 Tax Law Changes You Need to Know

As you're well aware by now, tax laws have changed for 2018. With just over 3 months left in the year, now is a good time to see how these changes will affect your bottom line. Contact me to obtain your 2018 individual tax planner. 1 - Standard Deduction Increase...

How to Complete Forms W-4

Federal Withholdings In years prior, your federal W-4 was based on the number of personal exemptions you claimed on your tax return. With personal exemption now gone, the 2020 W-4 is designed to help you determine the dollar amount your employer should withhold from...

FAQs

What is the best way to contact you for help with my taxes? Completing the contact form on this site is the best way to reach me. You can also email me directly at [email protected]. I typically reply to emails within 48 hours. Do you prepare business returns? I...

Deadline Nears for Taxpayers Overseas

For taxpayers living overseas, the deadline to file your 2017 taxes is Friday, 15 June 2018. To ensure your return is filed on time, please send me your documents NLT Friday, 8 June 2018. 

‘Tis The Season

For military families, this time of year is known as PSC season. Like many others, our family has started relocating to our new assignment and my services will be limited until we get settled. Thank you for your patience!

Thank You For Another Great Tax Season!

It's been a pleasure reconnecting with returning clients and getting to know new ones. I continue to learn so much from all your unique tax situations. Thanks again for trusting me to prepare your tax returns and the opportunity to serve you! ~ Attiyya Ingram, AFC...

30 Days

In 30 days, the 2017 tax season will be over! Send me your documents by April 1st to guarantee your return is filed on time.

Deadline for 1099-MISC with Non-Employee Compensation

The new deadline for 1099-MISC reporting non-employee compensation (NEC) is 31 January 2019. For 1099-MISC not reporting NEC, the electronic deadline is 31 March 2018. To avoid failure to file penalties and remain in compliance with the IRS, contact me for assistance....

FINAL FREE BOOK FRIDAY 2017!

Every Friday in December leading up to Christmas, I’ll be giving away several FREE copies of one of my favorite books. Today’s book is Mission Transition by Janet Farley! Visit my Facebook page to get your copy!

FREE BOOK FRIDAY 2017 IS ALMOST OVER!

Every Friday in December leading up to Christmas, I’ll be giving away several FREE copies of one of my favorite books. Today’s book is The 5 Love Languages Military Edition by Gary Chapman and Jocelyn Green! Visit my Facebook page to get your copy!  

FREE BOOK FRIDAY 2017 AGAIN!

Every Friday in December leading up to Christmas, I’ll be giving away several FREE copies of one of my favorite books. Today’s book is The Index Card by Helaine Olen and Harold Pollack! Visit my Facebook page to get your copy!

FREE BOOK FRIDAY 2017!

Every Friday in December leading up to Christmas, I’ll be giving away several FREE copies of one of my favorite books. Today’s book is Start With Why by Simon Sinek! Visit my Facebook page to get your copy!  

4 Keys to Starting Your Small Business

You've picked a name for your business, created a website, and have a few clients...now, steer your business in the right direction by targeting these four start-up elements. Business structure Registration Separate Your Money Taxes                                  ...

Get Your Docs In By 14 April

The tax deadline for taxpayers in the US is Tuesday, 18 April. If I haven't received all your tax documents by Friday, 14 April, an extension can be filed (for a small fee). To access the forms you need to get started, click here. For information on using Dropbox to...

Did your teen get a W-2?

If your teenager received a W-2, reporting income they earned in 2016, check to see if federal taxes were withheld. Nine times out of ten, they'll get the full amount refunded to them when they file a tax return. If you're already an Ingram Financial Management...

FINAL FREE BOOK FRIDAY 2016!

For the month of December, I’ll be giving away several FREE copies of one of my favorite books. Today’s book is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Visit my Facebook page to get your copy!

FREE BOOK FRIDAY 2016 AGAIN!

For the month of December, I’ll be giving away several FREE copies of one of my favorite books. Today’s book is The Millionaire Next Door by Stanley and Danko. Visit my Facebook page to get your copy!

FREE BOOK FRIDAY 2016!

For the month of December, I'll be giving away several FREE copies of one of my favorite books. Today's book is The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. Visit my Facebook page to get your copy!  

Don’t Lose Sleep Over the SBP

In the months leading to retirement, many service members are overwhelmed with a number of decisions and must dedicate a lot of time attending transition classes, job hunting, and navigating the VA medical process. With so much going on, they often wait until the last...

Rejected Returns

The summer 2015 OPM breach continues to affect service members this tax season. There have been many reports of tax returns being fraudulently filed, delaying refunds for several months. If your social security number has been compromised and your electronically...

The Financial Cost of Command

Any Commanding Officer (CO) of a military unit will tell you that leading an organization is an honor and a privilege. One of the hidden realities is it can also be very expensive - some estimate they've spent close to $10,000 during a command tour! The vast majority...

The Tax Gap

The tax gap is the amount of tax unpaid each year from underreporting taxable income, mostly from honest taxpayers who don't fully understand the requirements. Most people are aware that income earned from an employer (W-2), bank interest/dividends (1099-INT/DIV), and...

Getting Your E-File PIN

The IRS will begin accepting and processing tax returns on Tuesday, January 19th. If you plan to file electronically, like millions of other taxpayers, you'll need to verify your identity by providing either your Self-Select PIN or 2014 Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). If...

Tax Season Opens Jan 19th!

The IRS will begin accepting individual electronic tax returns on Tuesday, January 19, 2016.   In addition, the filing deadline for submitting 2015 returns has been extended a few days to, Monday, April 18, 2016.  Contact me today for tax filing assistance....

Turn This New Feature Off to Avoid a High Bill

If you updated your iPhone to iOS 9, turn this feature off immediately to avoid a ridiculously high bill! There's a new feature called Wi-Fi Assist that turns off your phones wi-fi when it detects a weak signal strength and switches to cellular data. We normally have...

The Mistake Made by ALL Ranks

Financial goals and missteps often vary based on a service member’s age and rank. Younger troops are typically more focused on budgeting and day-to-day spending habits to improve cash flow and avoid overspending.   More seasoned troops tend to focus on debt...

Understanding the Commissary Surcharge

Have you been to the commissary lately and noticed you paid a “surcharge"? Well, there it is, written in bold letters at the bottom of the receipt…and I finally noticed it! I spent about $200 at the commissary and my surcharge totaled $10. Like me, you’re probably...

How Senior Enlisted and Officers Can Benefit From the EITC

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC or EIC) is a monetary benefit given to certain lower-income, working taxpayers when filing their tax return.   Some military senior enlisted and officers - who wouldn’t qualify for this refundable tax credit under normal conditions -...

Too Many, Too Late

Several years ago, I received a call from “Bank of America” asking me to update my account information. Thinking nothing of it, I entered my social security number, account number and address using the link provided. The next day, $500 was taken out of my account!...

Did You Forget These VA Home Loan Deductions?

By now, most service members and veterans are aware of these VA-guaranteed home loan benefits. No down payment required No mortgage insurance (PMI) required No prepayment penalty However, many are forgetting the added benefit of including these two itemized tax...

Check Your Mailbox For These Tax Documents

 W-2: Reports your earned income if you worked for an employer 1098: Reports mortgage interest and points you paid 1098-E: Reports student loan interest you paid 1098-T: Reports payments you made for qualified tuition and expenses 1099-MISC/1099-NEC: Reports...

The 1 Financial Resolution You Need For 2015

Imagine someone approaches you and wants to write you a check to pay this month’s electric bill, fully fund your emergency savings, or pay off your mortgage.  Do you know your numbers well enough to tell them the dollar amount you need on the spot? In 2009, my husband...

Use It or Lose It

Don't forget to file your FSA claim(s) by the end of the year so you don't lose your money. Most employers do not allow unused funds to roll over into the next year.

The Wealth Test

At the end of 2013, I discussed the importance of knowing your Net Worth. Hopefully, you took the time to calculate this important number and are ready to do it again. This year I'm recommending you also complete the wealth test introduced by Stanley & Danko in...

Gone Girl’s No-No’s

Last night my husband and I went to see Gone Girl and loved it.  As we watched the lives of Nick and Amy Dunne unfold, their financial misbehavior stood out to me like a neon light!  Money troubles continue to be one of the top causes of divorce in the U.S.  The...

IRS Sets New Retirement Limits

Yesterday the IRS announced the following changes to 2015 retirement plan contributions. The annual contribution limit for employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is increased from $17,500 to...

Improved GI Bill Comparison Tool

This week the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) updated their GI Bill Comparison Tool to include a more detailed calculator and veteran & student indicators.  Using this tool before making your final decision will allow eligible students and parents to better...

SGLI Increase Effective Now

For those military members covered by Service Members Group Life Insurance (SGLI), a $2.00 premium increase begins today, 1 July 2014.  The table below, from the VA website, details what you can expect will be deducted from your pay.  Remember to check your Leave and...

Timing the Sale of Your Home

Thanks to low interest rates and several first-time home buyer programs, many families have decided to purchase real estate in the last several years.  At some point, most of you will make the decision to sell for reasons like an expanding family, job...

Write-Off Your PCS!

Many military families are in the final planning stage of their permanent change of station (PCS) move. As “PCS season” approaches, tax questions about what moving expenses are deductible and how to deduct them are often asked. Unlike other tax deductions, you do not...

Entrepreneurship 101

Today I hired my first employee, Miss. M. Ingram - Administrative Assistant!  Of the three candidates who applied - Miss Ingram and her two younger brothers - her maturity, proven leadership, and ability to spell her new job title learn more about the business made...

Push Back Time

You only have 1 week left - that's 7 more days - until your 2013 federal tax return is due!  If you're still waiting for the tax fairy to magically appear and prepare your tax return...give me a call, I may be able to fit you in. 😉 For you brave citizens who insist...

6 Ways to Lower Uncle Sam’s Expectations

The goal for most tax payers is to keep their taxable income (line 43 of the 1040) as low as possible.  Your taxable income is used to determine where you fall on the 2013 Tax Brackets chart below and the amount of tax you'll owe for the year.  Luckily, there are many...

Be Suspicious!

Currently, the IRS has no mandatory testing or education requirements for paid tax preparers, which leaves the door wide open for preparer fraud.  Some states, like California, have implemented stipulations that must be met to legally prepare taxes for a fee.  I...

We’ll Suffer

Having three kids who we hope to send to college one day, it was important to my husband and I to develop a financial plan soon after they were born.  We did the math and realized having them back to back meant paying for college 8 years straight!  According to The...

Aren’t You Worth It?

At the end of every year I always take time to calculate our Net Worth.  I love that you can simply estimate all of your account and asset values (including your kids savings accounts), deduct the debts you owe and get the results in about 5-10 minutes.  The goal is...

Shop Around

I feel like it's our cultural responsibility to bring the best of Germany back with us to the States.  With that in mind, we've already begun making plans to host "Fest" at our new home.  We knew what items we wanted to purchase locally for an authentic touch and to...

The 4 W’s of Small Business Taxes

Who must file? There are many great tax benefits to turning your passion into profit. Whether you’re an independent contractor, a direct sales consultant or a tutor for neighborhood kids, the IRS considers you a sole proprietor. Since you were your own boss last year,...

Zen Mode

Today I finally snuggled in the bed with my iPad and read the March issue of O magazine.  Always looking for ways to be better organized, the cover title "De-Clutter Your Life!" captured my attention right away.  As I swiped through the numerous pages, one line leapt...

Schedule E – M.A.D.E. E.A.S.Y.

Whether you have a rental property for investment reasons or, like many military families, it's time to PCS, you need to complete and attach IRS Schedule E to your 1040.  This information is based on both my personal experience investing in rental real estate and...

Choosing Love

We all know her...the friend who buys clothes and hides them in her closet; has a “secret” credit card her husband doesn’t know about; she never tells the complete truth when he asks how much an item really costs; constantly lending money to her extended family...

Understanding FICO

Knowing how to access your FICO score & credit report and understanding what they mean is a crucial first step in fiscal responsibility. I recommend checking both of the above mentioned once a year. For a free copy of your credit report from each of the three...

Can You Keep A Secret?

Members of the armed forces who possess a security clearance have worked hard to prove they can be trusted with our country's most sensitive information.  Most do not realize their irresponsible money habits, specifically delinquent debt, may cause their clearance to...

Referral Program

You’ll receive 10% off this year’s personal tax preparation fees for every client you refer who also has their taxes completed.  Refer 2 people save 20%; 3 people 30%; up to 10 people for a 100% savings!