Find A Great Investment with Tax Lien Certificate

By Freidrich Haynes

Occasionally, something happens and someone fails to pay their taxes. In many cases this is a simple oversight and they make arrangements with the government to pay their taxes and everything goes on as normal. However, in those situations where the individuals do not make good on the taxes that they owe, the government can (and usually will) place a lien on property owned by a person in financial trouble.

Usually, a lien is placed on their home; however, any property owned by the person can have a lien on it. The government can hold onto the lien for as long as they want, or they can sell the tax lien certificate to an investor which would let them do as they wish.

The tax lien certificate makes it possible for the new owner to make decisions about the property the lien covers. In most cases, an investor will charge the person who owns the property with the lien on it a monthly fee until the price of the lien, plus interest is paid off. However, if they believe that the person is not going to pay what they owe, they are able to sell the property in order to receive the monies that they now can rightfully collect.

The person who owes the taxes could find themselves in a bad situation. That is because no matter how little they owe, their house can have a lien on it and if the government so chooses they can sell the lien to an investor. For example, if you owe the government five thousand dollars and your mortgage is for three hundred thousand dollars you could lose it all if the smaller amount is not paid.

While this is terrible for the homeowner, for investors this is a great opportunity. While most investors will hold on to tax lien certificates and use them for long term investments, some do choose to demand payment if full and end up getting a home for the price of the taxes owed. Typically, however, this doesn't happen. Most homeowners are relieved to have an opportunity to arrange payments and this makes for an excellent investment, sometimes a very long term investment depending on how much the person owes.

The next time you are searching for investment opportunities, then perhaps tax lien certificates are for you. Sometimes you can purchase a tax lien of a thousand dollars and end up with a growing dollar amount that was unheard of before. - 31821

About the Author:

If you want to find out more about tax lien certificates, then visit No Risk Investor and see how to choose from among the best tax lien foreclosure properties.

How Freedom Debt Management Can Help In This Economy

By John Case

We all know the importance of having credit. Without it, many of the things in our lives would not be there. For example, you would probably not have that nice television in your living room without credit.

The problem with the great supply of credit in this country is that that some people choose to abuse it. Credit abuse takes place when people buy things on credit that they cannot afford. It is for this reason that people fall into credit card debt and need some assistance to get out.

Freedom Debt Management is a company that has helped all sorts of people with his/her debt problems. Over the years, they have been able to build an amazing reputation for being in industry leader in customer service and success. In fact, their average client is completely free of debt in just two short years. That is incredible!

So what exactly does this company do for you? Well, to start things off they offer free counseling to evaluate where you stand financially. They are calm and they take the time to figure out exactly what your needs are. At the end of the session, they will tell you what services they can offer you and will ask if you would like to sign up with their program.

So how exactly can they help you? Freedom Debt Management specializes in working with both you and your creditors to come to a resolution. They have years of experience which helps them get great results time after time.

How else can they help? Freedom Debt Management is also able to help you shrink the total amount of money you owe creditors. This actually is beneficial to both you and your creditor because your creditor recovers some of the funds and you have to pay less overall.

It is not uncommon to feel completely embarrassed and overwhelmed by credit card debt. However, you should not feel like this because there are literally thousands of people in the same exact position as you. You should never forget that you are not alone in this fight.

Freedom Debt Management can be just the thing you need to get out of debt for good. If you have tried other companies in the past with no success, do not give up. Freedom Debt Management is different. Give them a chance to prove this to you and you will be thrilled with the results. - 31821

About the Author:

You have to be determined in order to resolve debt. If you are dead serious about getting out of financial trouble then try freedom debt management inc today!

The Earned Income Tax Credit May Save Thousands for Taxpayers

By Sandor Lenner,CPA

Countless hard working people may be missing the Earned Income Tax Credit or EITC that might be able to add an additional $5,600 or more to their pocketbooks. This tax credit as the name implies, is for an individual who works but doesn't make a great deal of money. The tax credit began in 1975 to help offset Social Security taxes and to provide an incentive for work. It is one of the Federal government's largest benefit programs for working individuals and families. Every dollar saved is a dollar earned, has significantly greater meaning, in today's economy. For this reason,tax payers should not miss out on this important tax credit.

To Qualify for The Earned Income Tax Credit - To qualify for the The Earned Income Tax Credit you must meet all of the income, age, dependency and citizenship requirements. If you are married, you must file jointly, since the earned income credit does not apply to persons who are married, but file separately. In addition, investment income cannot exceed $3,100 for 2009.

Many people will qualify for the the Earned Income Tax Credit for the first time this year, because their income declined, which might have resulted from pay cuts or unfortunately, a loss of a job, or reduced employer workload. It may also be applicable to those individuals who changed their marital status or had more children during the year.

Families with three or more children can receive a larger credit this year as compared to last year. The reason for this increase is attributable to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which temporarily provides an increase in the earned income tax credit for taxpayers with three or more qualifying children. This tax legislation was signed in 2009 and therefore, the changes apply to 2009 when you file your tax return in early 2010. The maximum Earned Income Tax Credit for this new category is $5,657.

By filing your federal tax returns is the only way that eligible taxpayers can receive the Earned Income Tax Credit . Tax Tip- If you are not required to file an income tax return, because you tax liability is zero, you should consider filing a tax return this year to claim this credit, providing you are eligible for Earned Income Tax Credit.

The Amounts of the Earned Income Tax Credit - The following indicates the levels of tax credit that may be available to you. Providing you are married with 3 children with an income from $12,570-$21,420 you may be eligible for the maximum credit of $5,657. The maximum credit for 2009 is:(i)$5,657 with three or more qualifying children (ii)5,028 with two qualifying children (iii)$3,043 with one qualifying child and (iv)$457 with no qualifying children.

The Internal Revenue Service estimates that an additional 20% to 25% of taxpayers may qualify for EITC but may not be aware of it. Tax Tip - This information is very important and is worth repeating for those taxpayers who prepare their own tax returns. The EITC is a refundable credit, i.e., if the EITC reduces your taxable income below zero you are eligible to receive a tax refund for that amount.

This information is complex and you can learn more about the EITC from the Internal Revenue Service by asking for IRS publication 596. Tax laws are complex, change constantly and each situation is unique. This article is not intended to provide legal or accounting advice. The reader should perform his or her own due diligence and consult competent professionals in this area. - 31821

About the Author:

Learn more about how we can help determine if you are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit and other available tax credits and about our competitively priced paperless and internet based approach to tax preparation at affordable prices. Sandor(Sandy) E. Lenner,CPA-MBA has been providing accounting services for over 35 years and works part-time at his wife's CPA firm.

Some Tips For Day Trading the Stock Market

By Jerry Charlton

Day trading the stock exchange involves the rapid purchasing and selling of stocks on a day-to-day basis. This method is used to secure fast profits from the constant changes in stock values, minute to minute, second to second. It is rare a day trader will remain in a trade over the course of a night into the following day.

The main query that the general public ask when it comes to day trading is simple : 'is it necessary to sit at a PC Computer watching the markets all day 24x7 to be a successful day trader?'

The answer is no. It is not critical to sit at a PC twenty four seven.

As with all fiscal investments, day trading is dodgy in truth, it is one of the riskiest forms of trading out there.

If you are constrained by a small amount of capital, you may not be in a position to buy large amounts of a stock, but purchasing only a small amount can add to the danger of a loss. And, glaringly, it is not possible to forecast with certainty which stocks will end up in profits and which in losses.

If you day trade, you may face losses, but even for the costlier stocks, the loss should be questionable, because prices don't usually change to an intense degree over the course of only 1 day.

The day trading industry deals in a big variety of stocks and shares. Here are only a few : Growth-Buying Shares shares made from profit, which continue to grow in value. Eventually, these shares will start to decline in price, and a professional seasoned trader can usually envision the future of this type of share.

Small Caps shares of firms which are on the increase and show no symptoms of stopping. Though these shares are generally inexpensive, they seem to be a very dodgy investment for day traders. You'd be safer to go with big caps and / or mid-caps, which are way more secure and stable thanks to a premium.

Unloved Stocks company stock that has not performed well during the past. Traders buy these stocks in the hopes of generating profits if and when the stock rises in worth. As with small caps, unloved stocks could be a dodgy choice for day traders.

These examples aren't your sole options when it comes to day trading stocks. The most effective way to figure out which sort of stock is right for you is to invest some time for careful research, a data understanding of market patterns, a solid method, and a controlled trading plan.

The key to successful day trading is to be prepared. Know as much as practicable about the industry before you start essentially trading. You need to be taught how to trade ONLY when the market gives the right signals. - 31821

About the Author:

Find more on what stocks to buy and 10 stocks to buy.

Fixed Income Annuity Provides Tax-Deferred Growth

By Brian Atkinson

Fixed annuities can often cause people a fair amount of stress when they try and determine the tax treatment. And even though this process can seem a bit too much to handle, the underlying concepts are actually quite simplistic. A fixed annuity is a contract with the insurance company in which you make premium payments and they agree to provide you a fixed income for specified number of years.

A feature of the fixed annuity that many retirees find to be most beneficial is the ability to turn the contract into a life annuity. A life annuity is designed to provide a set income for the duration of the annuitant's life, regardless of the number of years they have left.

Most annuity contract are allowed tax-deferred growth inside of the annuity account, and are taxable upon the payments made to the beneficiaries. On the surface, this tax treatment is straightforward. However, as with most tax problems, the details can get a little complicated.

The tax-deferred growth means that any values that increase in the account during the accumulation phase are not taxable until they are pulled out of the account. This sort of deferred taxation can have very positive effects on the size of the account.

Every annuity payment is separated into two categories, nontaxable and taxable. To determine the taxable portion of the annuity distribution, you must first calculate the exclusion ratio. The exclusion ratio is calculated by dividing the investment amount in the annuity by the total amount expected to be received through payments. Each prospective distribution is then multiplied by the ratio to determine the taxable portions.

In a broad sense, the non-taxable portion of the account is the dollars that were paid for by premiums paid into the annuity. The taxable portion deals with the growth of the account and any distributions that exceed the total paid in.

A life annuity contract is generally more difficult to calculate than fixed period annuities. The difficulty with a lifetime annuity is determining the expected payout. Life expectancy tables prepared by the U.S. Treasury Department are used to determine life expectancy of the annuitant.

Though there are certainly disadvantages to fixed income annuities, the fixed annuity can be a very valuable resource for retirement planning and preservation of your hard-earned capital. The lifetime income guarantee that many annuities provide can give the investor a level of security, confidence, and low-risk growth that other vehicles cannot provide. Couple this safety with the tax-deferred treatment of fixed annuities and this insurance product can become a very effective financial planning tool. - 31821

About the Author:

Be sure to check out Brian Atkinson at The Fixed Annuity Guide to learn more financial planning topics. The fixed income annuity can be used in creative and powerful ways.

Finding A CPE For CPAs

By Nick Russell

A CPE (or Continuing Professional Education) is a requirement in the accounting industry. A CPA is expected to keep up with current trends and any increases in relevant knowledge as the industry changes. There are many ways to get a CPE for CPAs, whether online or in a local classroom, and each of them can help an accountant improve their professional services.

There are many regulations surrounding the accounting industry, and CPAs have to keep up with them all. These regulations were put in place because so many people rely on these financial professionals for advice and financial planning. They have to know they are working with a reliable and knowledgeable person.

CPE for CPAs usually include a range of learning activities that center on helping accountants increase their professional competence. This is important in an industry that, by nature, is always expanding and changing. Sometimes it will even experience a sudden burst in relevant knowledge, and the best way to keep up is to actively continue your education.

Financial professionals that are continuing their education have many course selections available to them. This is a great chance to expand their knowledge into areas that could be considered elective credits. These classes are perfect for accountants that have interests that are related to the industry by not directly tied to their accounting proficiency.

Many CPE for CPA programs include classes for accounting and auditing, ethics and computer applications, business management, estate planning, and doing taxes. The financial world offers a wide range of opportunities, and by continuing your education you will never have to miss out on them.

Online CPE for CPAs are a popular option these days because they allow an accountant to study independently and finish the necessary courses at their own pace. This is a great way to stay updated with current trends, because online classes can be updated faster than printed materials. Online courses mean that no matter how busy your schedule is, you can still fit in your classes because they are open 24/7.

You should take the time to look into your continuing education classes, though, and make sure they offer everything you need. Don't settle for second-rate classes. Make sure they are technically accurate, current with established knowledge, and offer clearly defined lesson objectives and guide the student completely through the learning process.

Due to continual advances in technology, the trend toward globalization, and new and evolving regulations, it is becoming harder and harder to manage many business transactions. A CPE for CPAs is critical component of a successful financial business. - 31821

About the Author:

Nick Russell is a professional author who has studied and focuses mainly of CPE for CPAs. Abide by his advice to arrive at the finest CPA CPE.

Making Work Pay Credit the Affects the Largest Number of Americans in 2009

By Sandor Lenner,CPA

The Making Work Pay Credit will have a substantial impact on Americans and is targeted towards lower and middle income taxpayers. This credit is one of many tax changes resulting from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. According to a report from the Tax Inspector General for the Tax Administration dated November 27, 2009, the Making Work Pay Credit is expected to impact 116 million taxpayers.

This credit was created to provide tax relief for working people. The credit is effectively claimed by you when you file your 2009 and 2010 tax returns. Notwithstanding, most taxpayers have already received the benefit of this credit by reductions in payroll tax withholdings (resulting in larger net paychecks) that went into effect during 2009. Taxpayers received this credit almost immediately, through a reduction in the taxpayer's 2009 payroll withholdings. This credit is also calculated and reflected in the your 2009 tax return. The credit is $400 for single taxpayers and $800 for married couples filing joint returns. It is computed as the lesser of 6.2% of your earned income or $400 for single taxpayers and $800 for married couples filing a joint return.

Limitations Generally, higher income taxpayers are not eligible for the credit. This credit is reduced by 2% of a single individual's modified adjusted gross income that exceeds $75,000 and for married couples filing jointly, the threshold amount is $150,000. The Making Work Pay tax credit, is also reduced by the amount of any Economic Recovery Payment($250 per eligible recipient of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Railroad Retirement or Veteran's benefits) or Special Credit for Certain Government Retirees($250 per eligible federal or state retiree) that was received by a taxpayer.

Who is able to benefit from the Making Work Pay Credit? The credit only benefits those taxpayers who have earned income. The only requirement is that you were employed and received taxable compensation from wages, salaries and tips. Any net earnings that you receive from self-employment is considered earned income

Additionally, earned income does not include (a)Annuity and pension payments (b) Nontaxable compensation and (c) Parsonage allowance

The following individuals are not entitled to the credit:(a) Tax filers without valid Social Security numbers (b) Taxpayers who could be claimed as another taxpayer's dependent nonresident aliens (c) Estates and trusts and (d)Nonresident aliens.

Taxpayers should be on the look out for potential problems when filing your 2009 tax returns. For instance, if a taxpayer had two jobs during the year, and both employers reduced the taxpayer's withholdings, the taxpayer may receive a smaller tax refund or the taxpayer may have to pay unexpected taxes as a result of the reduced withholding during the year. The problem may have resulted from each employer who applied the new withholding tables assuming the income from that employer was the only source of the taxpayer's income. By doing this, insufficient withholding may result of up to $400 per employer in excess of one for taxpayers who do not file jointly, or $800 per employer in excess of one for joint filers. A second example of a potential problem, could result for those taxpayers who had other income besides their W-2 wages. The other income could put the taxpayer into the total or partial phase-out category of the credit, and could result in under-withholding of up to $400 ($800 for joint filers). And finally, like any change, this is a new tax credit and may be an easy one for taxpayers who prepare their own taxes to miss.

How to claim the Making Work Pay Credit ? If you did not receive the full amount of the anticipated credit through reduced withholding, then you very well may be entitled to the full amount of the credit on your 2009 tax return. For 2009, taxpayers must use Schedule M to report their tax credit. If they use Form 1040EZ instead of schedule M, then there is a worksheet on page 2 of the Form 1040EZ that provides in an easy to understand format to compute the credit.

Tax laws are complex,change constantly and each situtation is unique. This article is not intended to provide legal or accounting advice. The reader should perform his or her own due diligence and consult with competent professionals in this area. - 31821

About the Author:

Learn more about how to save taxes by getting a copy of my free EBook entitled 12 Tax Income Tax Credits and Incentives that Can Help You Reduce Taxes with Your 2009 Income Tax Return. Get your copy of the free EBook until March 15, 2010 when it goes on sale for $9.99. Sandor Lenner,C.P.A./M.B.A. has provided accounting and business services for over 35 years. He is also a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor.