Buying and renting property is one of the fastest growing trends that people use to build wealth and those who successfully employ this strategy can create a better lifestyle. But part of being an effective real estate investor is knowing how to reduce taxes on rental income. The goal is to minimize taxes so that there is more money to reinvest at the end of the day. Here are three tips for reporting income from rental real estate on a tax return.Rental Income
One of the benefits of owning real estate is the income that landlords generate from rent. The payments increase taxable income so owners must keep an accurate record of rents and report the amounts for each property separately. The tax treatment for rental property depends on whether it is passive income, generated by a company that is in the business of renting personal property, and if the owner used the property at any time during the tax year for personal purposes. Each of these factors will impact taxes differently so be sure to have a good knowledge of the rules that apply.Rental Expenses
The costs of owning the rental property are allowable deductions. Owners can realize significant tax savings with good record-keeping and knowledge of tax guidelines. Three key rental expenses include:
Mortgage Interest. If there is a loan on the property the lender will send a Form 1098 at year-end. This is the statement that shows the amount for mortgage interest, deductible points, and property taxes paid through an escrow account.
Property Taxes. There are instances when property taxes will not be included on a Form 1098. For instance, the cash purchase of an investment property excludes the existence of a mortgage. In those instances, no escrow will be established. Instead, the property taxes will be paid directly by the owner. Refer to the property tax bill and payment receipts for amounts paid during the year. This will be key to reporting the deduction on the tax return. Additionally, investors should be careful to remove from their books any property that they sell or transfer during the year. Exclude those properties from tax returns in future years.
Other Deductions. By claiming property, investors can often lower taxable income with deductions such as depreciation, insurance, and maintenance costs.
These are just a few of the items that owners of rental property should track. To learn more about reporting rental income and expenses visit http://www.tbsusa.com for a free tax organizer that will help maximize allowable deductions for greater tax savings.
Deductions for Rental Property – Properly Claiming Tax Deductions
Travel Tips – Shopping While Traveling
Shopping is an integral part of travel. When you go on travel, you are tempted to purchase a few goodies. Purchasing small items like purses or a small handicraft is ok. However, if you plan to purchase bulky items, you need a plan to transport them back to your home. Here are some travel tips for going on a shopping spree during vacations.Shopping before proceeding on travelBefore you proceed on a travel, make a list of items you will need. It includes toiletries, clothes, bag and baggage, non-prescribed medicines, any maps and books. Make sure every thing is as light and small as possible.Shopping at your vacation destination1. While purchasing a handicraft or any other thing, ensure it is unique and you will not get the same in your city handicraft stores. If the item is available in a nearby store, there is no need to purchase it unless it is available in down to earth rates.2. For bulky items, we suggest you to shop the items and ask the merchant to parcel them to you. While purchasing the items confirm if they have a facility to parcel it from the counter itself. Also, analyze if it will be cost effective to purchase an item and get it parceled to your home. Often the international freight charges are too high. So compare the price of your purchase and the shipping cost with the cost of item in local store.3. Always purchase items through your credit card. The advantage of purchasing through a credit card is that you have a proof of purchase and if merchant does not deliver the goods in time or in perfect shape, you can dispute the charge. Consult your credit card customer service about the dispute procedure.4. Make purchases in the last phase of your vacation. It has two benefits. One, you know the money left with you and can decide the budget for your purchase. Two, you need not carry this extra piece of luggage with you everywhere you go. Remember the important thing is to enjoy the vacation and not to purchase items. Most items are available in US at a reasonable price during off-season.5. Travel tips for temporary shopping: Some items you may want to use and throw. There are many things, which are not in fashion in US. However, if you are fascinated with them, purchase, use and part away during vacations. Items like stone jewelry, straw hats, T-shirts, local dress fall in this category. They may be attractive for a while but do not have a long time use.
Fitting Tips For Swim Wear
When buying a suit for competitive or serious swimming, the most important thing to remember is fit. Because you’ll be spending a considerable amount of time in your suit, you want to make sure you’ll be able to move comfortably without hindering your movement through the water. Here is what you should look for to achieve a good, comfortable fit.
The suit should like perfectly flat against your torso making sure there are no puckering or pulling at the seams. Also be sure there is no pulling from the straps or openings. A suit that has a higher spandex content will allow for a flat fit. You are looking for a snug fit that will accommodate a good range of body motion, but not a fit that is too tight.
Make sure you can stretch your body out without any stretching from the leg or neck openings.
The next thing you’ll want to look for is how the leg openings fit. Make sure the elastic in the openings do not dig into your legs or pucker. Move to a larger size if the leg openings are too tight.
Check the back for adequate coverage. If the suit does not provide enough coverage you may want to try a larger size or perhaps a different style.
How do the shoulder straps look and feel on your shoulders? Make sure they do not dig into the skin. A suit with wider straps may work better for you than a narrow one. Rotate your shoulders to determine if the straps will remain comfortable and in place in all arm positions. You want straps that are not too loose which can slow you down if they don’t stay securely on your shoulders as you swim.
When fitting the suit to the chest and bust area you are looking for one that will provide you with sufficient coverage. Lift your arms in front of a mirror to determine if the suit is adequate. Make sure the suit provides ample support without completely flattening the breasts.
If you are a serious swimmer and have considered purchasing a full body suit, be aware these suits can be quite pricey because of all the additional fabric used in making them. They can be great for shaving off fractions of seconds, but are probably not necessary if you are merely swimming for fitness purposes. These suits should fit snuggly against all parts of the body, but not so tight that they are uncomfortable, painful, or cuts off circulation.
Now that you’ve got the tools for correctly fitting competition suit, you are ready to go out and purchase a suit that you feel confident in!