Common Tax Mistakes That Cost Taxpayers More Money During Filing Season Tax season is inherently stressful, but avoidable errors can transform a routine filing into a costly ordeal. With Tax Day just 10 days away, even minor mistakes can lead to delays, IRS notices, or unexpected penalties. Here are five common filing missteps to avoid and how to prevent them. Choosing the Wrong Filing Status Your filing status is a critical determinant of your tax rate, standard deduction, and eligibility for credits. Selecting the incorrect status can result in overpayment, a smaller refund, or delays if the IRS flags the return for review. Confusion often arises from life changes such as marriage, divorce, having a child, or supporting an aging parent. For example, claiming "head of household" incorrectly can lead to penalties if the taxpayer does not meet the strict criteria, such as paying more than half the cost of maintaining a home and having a qualifying dependent. The IRS provides an online tool to help taxpayers determine their status, and many tax software programs offer guidance through interactive questionnaires. Leaving Credits on the Table Failing to claim all eligible credits or deductions is one of the most expensive mistakes taxpayers can make. This can reduce refunds or increase tax bills. Bill Sweeney, senior vice president of government affairs at AARP, emphasized that many taxpayers overlook available deductions due to a lack of awareness or reliance on last year’s return. Recent changes to the tax code, including provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, mean that strategies from previous years may no longer apply. Sweeney urged taxpayers to conduct a fresh review of their financial situation to identify potential savings.#aarp #irs #one_big_beautiful_bill_act #mike_faulkender #bill_sweeney
Yvette Nicole Brown's Journey Through Caregiving Over the past decade, Yvette Nicole Brown has navigated the complex and emotionally taxing role of caring for her father, Omar, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2013. The "Drake & Josh" actress made the difficult decision to move him from his home in Ohio to live with her in California, a choice that required significant personal sacrifice. In 2014, she left her prominent role on the TV show "Community" to dedicate more time to his care. As his condition progressed, she took on intimate responsibilities, such as assisting him with personal hygiene and mobility tasks. Brown described the emotional weight of these decisions, recalling a conversation with her father where she acknowledged the discomfort of the situation. "No daughter wants to do it, no dad wants it to happen," she said, emphasizing her commitment to his well-being. However, the challenges intensified in April 2024 when Omar fell and broke his hip. The surgery exacerbated his dementia, leading to unpredictable behavior and a loss of mobility. Initially, Brown doubled down on her caregiving efforts, but her father’s social worker advised her to consider alternative options. Despite her deep love for her father, she realized that her ability to provide the best care was no longer sufficient. "Keeping him in my home would have been a detriment to him," she admitted, highlighting the need for professional support. She ultimately placed Omar in a care facility located just 10 minutes from her home, allowing her to maintain a close connection while ensuring he received 24/7 medical attention and social activities. "It’s just a weight off of me," she said, noting that while the caregiving itself wasn’t the burden, her concern for his quality of life was.#alzheimer_s_disease #yvette_nicole_brown #omar #creative_coalition #aarp
