Start Looking Back and Planning Ahead
It’s time to start thinking about last year’s tax season in preparation for this year. You can dig out your 2018 tax return if you would like to review the detailed information of what you collected last year. There are things you will need to collect again this year regarding itemized deductions, business use of home or car and equipment depreciation. If you have questions about this, you can schedule an appointment with your tax professional or visit: https://www.irs.gov/.Get Organized
Receipts, invoices, canceled checks, online bill pay or automatic deduction logs, mileage logs and other documents are needed to substantiate deductions. If applicable, you'll need to gather documentation for the following:- Charitable Gifts
- Equipment Purchases
- Memberships to Professional and Trade Organizations
- Mileage for Business
- Mileage for Volunteering
- Office Supplies
- Phone and Data Bills
- Subscriptions to Professional and Trade Publications
- Utility Bills (for Business Use of Home)
Start organizing your paperwork now so that when you need something specific you can find it.
Start Thinking Ahead for Next Year
If this year has you feeling frenzied, you can start an organization method to make next year easier. Start by creating a meaningful and easy-to-follow record system. Having one place to keep your documents can make it so much easier. Of course, that’s the easy part - the hard part is dutifully putting invoices, receipts, and other documentation in there as it comes in. You can utilize a file folder or box to make them easily accessible. Another option is to make use of electronic scanning and storage to help keep things in an easy to find location - but it could be a bit more time consuming if you don’t have a plan in place.The Basics: Tax Benefits of Home Ownership In 2020
There are tax benefits available for people who buy or sell a home - and it can make it a great financial decision. There are various tax benefits put in place by the government to encourage consumers to purchase homes, which means that buying could be a great choice for you this year. There are two big areas where homeownership can really save money:Interest Expense: Did you know that homeowners can deduct interest expenses on up to $750,000 of mortgage debt from their income taxes? Keep in mind that when you itemize these deductions, you forgo other deductions available - if you need the specifics, you can speak with your financial advisor or visit www.MortgageCalculator.org
Capital Appreciation: While the home increases in value during ownership, these gains are not taxed at the federal level. This means that homeowners can utilize exclusions in home appreciation when figuring capital gains.
Ready to Buy a Home in 2020?
If a plan for 2020 was to buy a vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks, this is where Team Lasson can help. We have been assisting homeowners for over 20 years, and we are proud to help homeowners at the Lake of the Ozarks make their purchase. Whether you are planning to buy a vacation home or a primary residence, we would like to help you get started. Visit our website to learn more about our company as well as fill out the application! 2020 is going to be a great year to make your real estate dreams come true, and Team Lasson is looking forward to helping!For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please
Michael Lasson
Senior Loan Officer
NMLS #: 493712
4655 B Osage Beach Parkway
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Direct: (573) 746-7211
Cell: (573) 216-7258
e-Fax: (866) 397-0318
Email: mlasson@fsbfinancial.com
Website: www.YourLakeLoan.com
**The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent First State Bank of St Charles’s positions, strategies, or opinions.
