Tax Posts

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.…

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 challen…

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…

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…

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 …

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…

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 …

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 …

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…

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…

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 earthl…

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…

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 attention t…

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…

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 expecting a …

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 money! Wh…

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 …

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 best, but bein…

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…

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…

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…

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 Changing Yo…

Ask Ralph: Tax Identity Theft - Is Someone Filing Returns in Your Name? Welcome back to "Ask Ralph," your daily dose of Christian financial wisdom! Today, we're diving deep into a topic that's both concerning and relevant: tax identity theft. It's …

Ask Ralph: Help! I Just Got a 1099 - What Is It and What Do I Do Now? Welcome back to “Ask Ralph,” your daily dose of Christian financial wisdom! Today, we tackle a question that pops up every tax season: "Help! I just got a 1099 - what is it, and …