TAX TIP OF THE DAY... 
Generally, deduct your children as long as possible.   Just because a child gets a job does not automatically mean that you can no longer claim them as your dependent.  This is the most frequent error that I see on tax returns... because the parent wants to be "nice" to the child.  This generosity often saves the child a few hundred dollars, but can cost the parent thousands of dollars because of their higher tax bracket.   The decision must be weighed out very carefully.  Both tax returns should be looked at to make the best decision.  

The law... Children can be declared dependents until age 19 if they're not in school, 24 if they are and at any age if they're permanently disabled.  Additonal factors are the amount of child earnings and self-support.   

SHARE WITH A FRIEND.  If you need any help... www.baboiancpa.com 

TAX TIP OF THE DAY... 
Clothing donations can increase your refund up to $25 per bag!  This only works if you already deduct schedule A deductions (mortgage interest, property taxes).  These are the rules and how you do it... 
1) DROP BOXES usually won't work. 
2) get a RECEIPT-- it only takes 3 seconds at Salvation Army on Trindle Road.  The receipt is usually blank so you need to complete the # of bags, your name & address and value that your want to deduct (see below). 
3) DETAILED LISTING OR NOT?  I've never had an IRS auditor ask for the listing of what was in each bag, but it could happen.  My practical advice is to skip the listing unless you have lots of time on your hands.  Instead take a pic with your phone.  
4)HOW DO YOU VALUE THE CLOTHING...  you do this at home either before or after you drop off.  So don't be intimidated by the thrift store employee!  Often, there is a list on the back of the receipt with values.  There are software and web sites.  But REAL WORLD... $100 per large Hefty bag has been used by many taxpayers without issue even though not an IRS approved method.  If you are reasonable, any approach most likely will be allowed as long as you have a receipt.  If you have more expensive clothing such as formal wear or coats, then value these separately at higher amounts.  Use the price you could sell these items for on ebay (not yard sale prices, which are less).  

A professional tax advisor can help advise if your deductions are approaching audit trigger parameters.  SHARE WITH A FRIEND. 

​TAX TIP OF THE DAY... 
Deduct your home internet.  We all use a portion of home internet for work in the evening...  emails to co-workers, research, wifi for cell phones, browsing the company web site, open enrollment from home, etc.  The IRS allows reasonable estimates of business use.  My office can help you calculate in minutes.  SHARE WITH A FRIEND. 

TAX TIP OF THE DAY... 
Deduct your morning coffee... and other snacks & beverages throughout your work day! This falls under the meals & entertainment deduction. The only requirement is that you discuss work before, during or after the coffee which is easy if you are at work!!! Record keeping... the easiest way is a daily log sheet. ​