Sunset was postponed last December, at least in the world of taxes. Many existing laws, which had been due to expire, or “sunset” at the end of 2010, were extended through 2012. At the same time, new rules that can impact your tax planning came into effect. With so many changes, you’ll want to make sure you understand the possibilities available to you as you undertake your tax planning for 2011. Here are some suggestions. Business

Monday, April 18, is a red letter day in the world of taxes. It is the deadline for filing certain returns and taking certain tax-related actions. Here are the major deadlines. Filing 2010 income tax returns for individuals. If you cannot file your return by this deadline, be sure to file an extension request by April 18. The automatic extension (you don’t need to explain to the IRS why you need more time) gives you until

One day you may find yourself taking care of an elderly parent who is in declining physical or mental health. This can be stressful, both emotionally and financially. On the financial side, there are steps you may want to take to prepare for this situation.  Talk to your parents about their financial affairs. Parents may be reluctant to discuss their finances, but someone needs to know the names of their lawyer and accountant. Someone needs to

Tax-exempt organizations are required to file annual reports with the IRS. Those with gross receipts below a certain threshold amount can file an E-postcard rather than a longer version of Form 990. The IRS has just raised that threshold amount to $50,000, an increase over the previous filing threshold of $25,000.  The deadline for nonprofit filings is the 15th day of the fifth month after the organization’s year-end. For calendar-year organizations, the filing deadline for 2010

Last year, you could use your tax refund to purchase U.S. Series I Savings Bonds in your name. This year, there are some new options for purchasing savings bonds with your income tax refund. You can buy savings bonds for yourself and up to two other individuals. Form 8888 is used to designate the person or persons in whose name the bonds are to be issued. The savings bonds will then be mailed to those individuals.

This year the deadline for filing various tax returns normally due on April 15 is being changed to April 18, 2011. The reason? Washington, D.C. is observing its Emancipation Day holiday on Friday, April 15, and though that’s not a national holiday, the Treasury Department has extended Tax Day 2011 to Monday, April 18. The new deadline applies to individual and partnership tax returns, extension requests, and other tax deadlines such as making 2010 IRA and

Mortgage interest rates are at historic lows. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, the average interest rate for 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages dropped to 4.25% in September, 2010, and the average rate for 15-year mortgages fell to 3.73%. These are the lowest rates in almost 50 years.  If you’re currently paying mortgage interest at a higher rate, you may be tempted to refinance your existing mortgage, even if you already refinanced once or twice before. But should

The IRS has released adjustments to the mileage rates that can be used for business driving, driving for medical or moving purposes, or charitable driving. Effective January 1, 2011, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car, van, pickup, or panel truck will be 51¢ per mile for business miles, 19¢ for medical or moving purposes, and 14¢ for charitable driving.

If you itemize deductions or claim any of three restored deductions (for state and local sales tax, higher education tuition, or educator expenses), you must wait until mid to late February to file your 2010 tax return. The IRS must reprogram its computers to handle the changes made to these items by the 2010 Tax Relief Act passed in late December.

After weeks of wrangling over the details, both the Senate and the House passed a bill that will extend the tax rates in effect in 2010 for another two years, through December 31, 2012. President Obama signed the 2010 Tax Relief Act into law on December 17, 2010. Here’s an overview of the key provisions in the law. Tax rates. The existing tax rates established in the 2001 and 2003 tax laws will continue for all