Top 5 Tax Return Errors to Avoid

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With 2012 W-2 forms being sent out out already, early filers will begin preparation of their U.S. tax returns before you know it. If you’re like many people who will be expecting a refund this year, you’ll likely want your return to be processed quickly so the money can be burning a hole in your pocket as soon as possible.

Even assuming that you have a fairly simple return, have all of your documentation ready, and prepare your return honestly, there are still a number of common, simple mistakes that may delay processing of your return or even cost you money.

Here are the top five most common errors made when preparing tax returns, according to the IRS.

Incorrect or Missing Social Security Numbers
It’s important to double check the information for everyone listed on your return, including yourself, your spouse, your dependents and qualifying children for the Earned Income Credit or Child Tax Credit. Be sure that both the names and Social Security Numbers are entered precisely as they appear on Social Security cards. If you file a paper return, be sure to enter any corrections to the peel off label, and to enter your Social Security Number in the space provided. If you don’t use the label, make sure you clearly print all of the required information on the return. Don’t forget to include the correct SSN or Tax ID number for child care providers if you’re taking a child care credit.

Incorrect Tax Entered for your Taxable Income and Filing Status
Those tax tables can be difficult to read, especially in the wee small hours of April 15th. Be sure to check only one filing status, and double check the tax table to make sure you’re in the right row and column. You might wish to consider filing your return electronically, or at least using one of the popular tax software packages available if you file your own return. Many common errors will be avoided or corrected automatically by the software.

Computation Errors on Taxable Income, Withholding, EIC, Etc.
Taxable income, withholding and estimated tax payments, Earned Income Credit, Standard Deduction for age 65 or over or blind, the taxable amount of Social Security benefits, and child and dependent care credit computations are where computational errors most commonly occur. Once again, it pays to double check your work or to use an electronic package to prepare your return.

Entering Information on the Wrong Line
Withholding and Estimated Tax Payments are the most common errors here. Also, be sure to enter income, deductions, and credits on the correct lines and double-check for correct totals.

Errors in Addition and Subtraction
Use a calculator. Seriously. Or, once again, software makes these operations pretty foolproof.

Here’s wishing you many happy returns.

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Happy Thanksgiving!

…and happy shopping too.

Here are a few tips to help you survive and make the most of Black Friday, Cyber Monday and all the end-of-year sales.

Make a list.

It pays to make a list of the items you really wish to purchase ahead of time. Do a little research online ahead of time to get an idea of which retailers are likely to carry the items you want.

Watch for announcements.

Be sure to keep an eye on commercials, websites and newspaper circulars for your favorite stores the week prior to Thanksgiving, and on through the week before Christmas. This is when many of the sales events, opening hours, etc. are announced. We’ll also collect information on the largest and most popular retailers and post it here, so be sure to bookmark this page and check back often for the latest information.

Get comfy.

If you’re going to shop in the brick and mortar stores, be sure to wear comfortable shoes, dress in layers, and pack a lunch. Seriously. Or at least carry some snacks and a bottle of water. The crowds will be huge, the lines will be long, and you need to be prepared to be there awhile and still be comfortable.

Stay home.

Unless you simply enjoy the bustle of bargain-hunting crowds (and we’re told that some people do), you might want to consider shopping online. There’ll be no time wasted with transportation or parking, no lugging your purchases around like a pack mule, and every minute you are spared standing in line is another minute you can devote to finding bargains. The discounts you’ll find online are often every bit as good as the ones you’ll find at in-store sales, and you can have everything delivered conveniently to your doorstep. Just remember that more and more people will be doing the same, so be sure to set your alarm and get started early on Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the day after Christmas to avoid missing out on the items you really want.

PS: Be sure to check out the latest deals from Amazon!

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Today, Halloween is celebrated in the United States with costume parties, trick-or-treating, and spooky movies, but did you know that the holiday traces its roots back over two thousand years to an ancient Celtic festival of the dead?

The Celts lived in what is now northern France, Ireland and parts of Britain. Many scholars believe that the celebration of Samhain (pronounced SAH-wen) marked the end of the Celtic Year. It was observed on what would become the night of October 31st in the modern calendar. The name is Old Irish for “Summer’s End.”

The Celts believed that on this night the boundaries between the physical world and the spirit world were opened and ghosts of the dead returned to cause mischief, destroy crops, and generally make trouble. Their spiritual presence was also thought to make it possible for priests to make prophecies about the coming year. Sacred bonfires were built, crops and animal sacrifices were made, people dressed up in costume (often representing the dead or other spirit creatures) and fortunes were told. The “new fires” were then used to relight hearths extinguished earlier in the evening. This was thought to bring luck and protection for the new year.

By the First Century of the Common Era, the Romans had conquered the Celts, and their harvest festival traditions were eventually incorporated into the Celtic celebrations. Feralia was a day in late October when the Romans commemorated the passing of their dead, and the celebration of Pomona, the Roman Goddess of fruit and trees, also fell in Autumn. Pomona’s symbol, the apple, is still a part of our Halloween festivities today with the tradition of bobbing for apples.

By the 7th Century, the Catholic Church (at that time the center of life in much of the land of the Celts) designated November 1st as a commemoration of the Saints. By the Year 1000, All Souls Day, a day to honor all of the dead, was added to the calendar on November 2nd. A three day celebration called Hallowmas included All Souls Day, All Saints Day, and the eve of All Saints (All Hallow’s Eve, or “Halloween”). Bonfires were built, parades were held, people dressed up in costume (often as saints, angels, devils, etc.), people bobbed for apples and, yes, predictions for the coming year were made. Any of this sound familiar?

It’s a long way from those ancient Celtic observances to the huge commercial holiday we know today, yet we’ll still see bonfires, and people dressing in costume, and maybe a few ghosts out on the prowl. Times have changed, or have they?

☆☆☆

Are you going out to celebrate a grownup Halloween on the town this year? There’s no place better than Claddagh Irish Pub, and you’ll save on your meal with our Claddagh Irish Pub coupons. Sláinte! And Happy Halloween.

It’s not easy to find time for every single one of the home maintenance tasks we know we probably ought to do. For that matter, there may be some routine maintenance duties around the house that some of us don’t even know about. If you’re looking for a simple home maintenance list that will help you get started with a schedule of high priority tasks, here are five simple things you can do that will help keep your home in shape and save you money to boot.

Keep it clean. Not only does regular dusting and vacuuming enhance the appearance of your home, it can actually save you money. Dust in the air (most of it kicked up when we walk across dirty carpeting) means that furnace and air conditioner filters get clogged more quickly, and that can result in inefficiency and increased operational costs (plus damage to your heating and cooling system). Regular vacuuming with a HEPA-filter-equipped vaccum is a big help. Don’t forget to check those furnace filters regularly too. Every month is not too often (especially with today’s electrostatic-charged models), and never let them go without inspection for more than three months.

Clear your vent. Clogged vents on clothes dryers cause more than ten thousand house fires in the United States  each year. Not only that, a dryer that is not properly vented can take up to three times as long to dry a load, resulting in wear and tear on the dryer and the clothes, along with increased energy costs. Clean the lint trap after every load, and either inspect and clean the vent yourself (or hire someone to do it) at least twice a year.

Unsludge your water heater. Sediment built up in a water heater can decrease its efficiency by one-half. It’s easy to stop the build up by draining some water from the bottom every few months. Either attach a hose and open the spigot, or put a bucket underneath and drain some water out. If the water comes out clear, then it doesn’t take much. If it’s murky or has visible sediment, a gallon or two ought to do the trick. Remember that the water will be hot, so keep your hands back to avoid scalding.

Dust bunnies begone. Even though nobody will see underneath your refrigerator, dust blankets there are a bad thing, causing inefficiency and, ultimately, damage. Keep your fridge in top condition and increase its useful life by cleaning regularly around the coils. Don’t be fooled by the ones without visible coils either. Even the newer models have filters and fans than need attention. Check your owner’s manual for maintenance details.

Let there be light. Okay, maybe this isn’t exactly a maintenance tip, but here goes. Have you considered replacing your old incandescent light bulbs (the ones we all love with the pleasing, warm glow) with the more efficient CFLs (the ones we all hate with the gastly florescent harshness)? Though many of us will hate to see our beloved 60 watt incandescents go, CFLs can save you a bundle. Since electric lighting is one of our top energy costs, it’s worth taking a look. The additional couple bucks outlay on the front end for the higher cost bulbs could save you as much as $20 a year, perhaps even more if you live in an area where energy costs are high. Since the CFLs don’t emit as much heat, they also help you save on cooling costs in warmer areas of the country. Add to that less time spent changing bulbs (since the average life of a CFL is as much as 15 times that of an incandescent bulb) and the proposition becomes more attractive.

These are just a few of the simple things you can do around your home to save money and keep things running smoothly. Want to add some ideas of your own? Leave a comment!

For those of us who are into coupons and discounts, nothing rings our bell quite like a huge rebate on a major purchase. And for we geeky oriented savers, rebate nirvana can be reached fairly often. In fact, it’s estimated that nearly a third of all computer related products are sold with some sort of rebate nowadays. For consumer electronics products, it’s only a bit lower at around one-fifth.

Why, you might ask, are companies giving away stacks of cash to entice you to buy their products? Or why don’t they simply set the product’s price lower rather than setting it higher and offering a rebate? We’ve got two words for ya. “Human Nature.” Although offering a rebate may indeed help someone decide to make a particular purchase, according to estimates somewhere between one-third and one-half of rebates are never claimed!

You don’t want to be in the group that fails to collect, do you? Of course not. Here’s a quick primer on rebates and how to make sure you get those stacks of cash back after your purchases.

There are basically two types of rebates available, the instant rebate and the mail-in rebate. Although called a rebate, the instant variety is more or less like a coupon, except usually with a higher value. When you purchase the item the rebate amount is deducted then and there, lowering the price you pay. These also have the added advantage of lowering the amount of sales tax that you pay, since you’re only charged tax on the discounted price. Pretty simple, eh?

The mail-in rebate, on the other hand, requires that you pay full price for the item and then receive a refund in a certain amount later on – usually after jumping through more hoops than a tiger in the circus ring.

First, some good news. Your rebate check won’t be counted as income for tax purposes. The bad news is that since you’ll be paying full-price up front, you will also be paying sales tax on the full purchase price, and you won’t get that money back with your rebate. It’s pennies on the dollar, but still something to consider when making your purchase decision.

Whether you find your rebate offer online, in a store, by direct mail or even in the packaging of the item being purchased, it’s important to read the fine print and understand all of the restrictions and requirements before you make the purchase. Is there an expiration date? Does it only apply to purchases made at a particular store or online site? If you’re buying online and the rebate requires you to send in the original UPC code within so many days of purchase, are you sure the item will even arrive at your home in time? Does the offer require you to make an additional purchase of some sort? Take a look at all of the requirements and make sure you are willing and able to meet them.

Once you’ve made your purchase, carefully follow all of the instructions on the rebate offer. Complete the form in its entirety according to directions. It may ask for serial numbers or item stock numbers or a variety of other information about the product. It may also ask for fairly detailed information about where you made the purchase, as well as all of your own personal information. You may have to highlight or circle the item on your store receipt, and may have to include other original documentation such as the UPC code from the product packaging mentioned earlier. Follow each and every requirement to the letter. If it asks for your original receipt, don’t send a copy, etc. With rebates, you have to make sure you dot every i and cross every t or you’re likely not to get your money.

Be sure to make copies of everything before you send it in so you’ll have the information you need to pursue a claim if your rebate doesn’t arrive. Remember that you may be waiting a long time for it to come, sometimes as long as 90 days, so make a note on the calendar as a reminder of when to expect it. Otherwise, you might forget it altogether and fail to follow up if it doesn’t arrive.

Some offers will have a website where you can register your information and track the progress of your rebate. Remember that registering on the site is not the same as submitting the rebate. It’s usually in addition to the rest of the process.

Also, don’t plan on making a purchase, getting the rebate, and then returning the item for a full refund. You’re very clever, but you’ve already sent in the UPC and original receipt, remember? Who needs the bad karma anyway?

Here’s the best tip of all. Don’t buy something you don’t really need just in order to receive a large rebate. Even “free after rebate” mail-in offers will cost you sales tax on the initial purchase, not to mention your time and effort spent jumping through the hoops. Do you really need that new multi-blade razor handle or gel pen just because it’s “free?” The replacement cartridges are gonna cost you big time. Think about whether the product is something you really want or need before you buy it just for the rebate.

Rebate shopping can be fun and it can help you save big on major purchases, so long as you keep your head when making the purchase decision and jump through all the hoops, and above all remember to submit your claim!

There’s never been a better time to get into the habit of reading with your child. If you’re a Kindle owner, Amazon makes it easy with an incredibly wide array of children’s books that are available for the Kindle free of charge. Don’t own a kindle? You can still read these books with one of the many free Kindle Apps.

Here are our picks for the top 5 free children’s books on Kindle.

The Velveteen Rabbit

By Margery Williams Bianco

First published in 1922, Margery Williams Bianco’s story of how toys become real has been warming hearts (and tear-staining cheeks) ever since. In the words of the Skin Horse “Real isn’t how you are made. It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.” Follow the Velveteen Rabbit on his journey of love.

The Velveteen Rabbit FREE!

Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen

His original stories have been translated into more than 150 languages, and have been the inspiration for plays, ballets and movies (both animated and live action). This collection contains the familiar, such as “The Ugly Duckling,” “The Snow Queen” and “Thumbelina” – as well as some less well known works like “Grief,” “The Shadow” and “It’s Perfectly True.” Twelve tales in all, from one of the great story tellers of all time.

Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen FREE!

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

By L. Frank Baum

First published in 1900, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was an instant hit with the public, spawning a successful Broadway musical in 1902 and eventually the iconic 1939 MGM film. Although some have criticized the book in years since, it continues to be read, analyzed, rehashed and adapted to this day. Wicked, anyone? You owe it to yourself (and the kids you love) to read the original version of this American classic.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz FREE!

Beauty and the Beast

By Marie Le Prince de Beaumont

Beauty and the Beast was a classic French folk tale. Jeanne-Marie Le Prince de Beaumont adapted the story in the mid 1700s from the first published (longer) version by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve. You’ll recognize this shorter version of the tale as the basis for the Disney movie (though, like other renderings through the years, the Disney version incorporates some characters and plot lines that weren’t in the original). At less than 50 pages, this edition is perfect for holding the attention of little ears on a lazy afternoon.

Beauty and the Beast FREE!

Fairy Tales Every Child Should Know

By Hamilton Wright Mabie

This collection includes fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm and others, with an introduction covering the history of fairy tales (and their importance to children) by the author. You’ll find The Magic Mirror, Hansel and Grethel, The Story of Aladdin, Tom Thumb, Puss in Boots and many more classic tales here. It also includes Beauty and the Beast and Andersen’s The Princess and the Pea, so if you want one collection that pretty well covers the waterfront, this one it is. Twenty stories in all.

Fairy Tales Every Child Should Know FREE!

Have you got favorite children’s books to share? Hit us with a comment.

Happy reading!

Attention movie fans: Here’s another spectacular limited-time offer from Fandango, the nation’s leading moviegoer destination. From now until Thursday, August 16th, receive a 50% OFF concession coupon with any AMC Theatre ticket purchase made on Fandango.

This awesome deal comes just in time for the opening of The Bourne Legacy, starring Jeremy Renner, Scott Glenn, Stacy Keach and Rachel Weisz.

Follow the link below to find showtimes and order tickets near you, and save 50% on your concession purchase at AMC Theatres!

Receive a 50% OFF concession coupon with any AMC Theatre ticket purchase made on Fandango between 8/10/10 and 8/16/12.

Coupons.com is giving away an iPad every day from now through Thursday, August 9th. All you have to do is follow the link below, type in your email address and click “enter” and you’ll be placed in the drawing for a chance to win.

Enter now for a chance to win an iPad®!

The sweepstakes is open only to legal residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are at least eighteen years old at the time of entry. It began today at 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time and ends on August 9, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

Here’s the schedule for drawings.

The sponsor’s computer is the official time-keeping device for the Sweepstakes.

One iPad® will be given away each day, leading to a total of seven winners. There is a limit of one entry per person per day. Click here for the official rules.

Remember that you can enter once a day between now and next Thursday and there’s no obligation of any sort. Why not enter right now?

Enter now for a chance to win an iPad®!

Good luck!