The IRS just admitted recently that average tax refunds have been down more than eight percent...
Data shows the average refund check is only about $1800, which is down from around $2,000 last year. The IRS has also reportedly estimated it would issue around two-percent fewer refunds this year because of changes in the federal tax law.
In other words, three million more Americans will reportedly owe the IRS money this year than last year.
I had a chance to interview Mike Savage, CPA and CEO of 1-800-Accountant. 1-800Accountant is the premier virtual accounting firm trusted by over 200,000 small businesses all across the United States.
Why are people getting fewer refunds?
The 2018 year is the first full year affected by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Some sources are referring to this one of the biggest tax acts in 30 years. It is very far-reaching though. Per data released by the IRS last Friday, the average refund is down 8%. Fewer people are itemizing due to tax law changes- SALT deduction, elimination of most miscellaneous itemized deductions, increase in the standard deduction are just a few examples.
How can people make sure they aren't leaving any refund possibilities on the table?
People also do not monitor their withholding to make sure it is adequate. It always is a question of do I want more money in my pocket during the year or possibly over-pay on my withholding. At the end of a year, people should put together a tax projection to determine whether their wage withholding needs to be changed. Keep in mind that one can always make estimated tax payments to supplement their withholding. The estimated payment due dates are April 15th, June 15th, September 15th, and January 15th.
What's the best way for people to plan withholding?
Every taxpayer and situation is different. Check the rate of tax withholding on your wages. If you are in the 20% bracket and withholding is at 10%, you to adjust that. It is a matter of monitoring your situation periodically during the year.
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