Season 2
May 9, 2018
Get Moving on Your Extension
Maybe you filed a tax extension back in April because you were missing some of the paperwork, needed more time due to complications, or simply procrastinated. Regardless of the reason, you filed an extension and now have an a...
May 7, 2018
The Great Debate: Traditional VS. Roth IRA
There are dramatic differences between traditional and Roth individual retirement accounts (IRA) and what you do not understand about the particular rules that apply to them can cost you. On today’s show, Ralph discusses the ...
May 4, 2018
How Not to Owe at Tax Time
Are you wondering why you owed so much in taxes this year? Want to make sure you never owe a big tax bill or any bill at all – when you file your income taxes? On today’s show, Ralph outlines what steps you need to take throu...
May 2, 2018
Factors Affecting Social Security
The importance of Social Security for retired Americans simply can not be overstated. Further, understanding what you will be paid from Social Security and what factors can effect that payout are equally important. On today’s...
April 30, 2018
401(k) Features to Know and Love
On today’s show, Ralph discusses features and benefits to contributing to 401(k)s for those staring early and those starting late. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at ask...
April 28, 2018
Should I Retire?
Retirement is about the alignment of two things: money and values. When deciding if you should retire, that means you have to know if you can afford to - and you have to know what retirement means to you. On today’s show, Ral...
April 25, 2018
Are Social Security Benefits Taxable?
Many Americans do not know that depending on your income, you could have to pay your federal income tax rate on up to 85% of your Social Security benefits. On today’s show, Ralph reviews the tax regulations regarding Social S...
April 23, 2018
Lame Excuses for Non/Late Filers
Did your forget to file your taxes? Were you too busy to submit your return? Was tax filing just too confusing? On today’s show, Ralph talks lame excuses for filing late and not filing and whether that excuse holds any weight...
April 20, 2018
IRS Red Flags to Know
So you have filed your 2017 tax return, or filed an extension, and may have one nagging question: Am I going to be audited by the IRS?For most people, even the prospect of an IRS tax audit can raise your blood pressure. On to...
April 18, 2018
What To Do When Your Returns Have Been Botched
To err is human, but to err on your tax return can be a complete disaster. If you did your own taxes, of course, you may have only yourself to blame. But if you think your tax preparer made a mistake on your return, there are...
April 16, 2018
How to File an Extension
Tax day is dreaded by millions of Americans, and some people have such a hard time coming to grips with filing for taxes that they file extensions to prolong the inevitable. April 17th is the deadline for most taxpayers to fi...
April 13, 2018
How to File for Social Security Benefits
The discussions surrounding Social Security filing seems to always center around when to file and how best to strategize your claims; however, many do not know the actual process to file when you decide to file. On today’s sh...
April 11, 2018
Cost Basis FAQs
Selling an investment can have tax consequences. To figure out whether you need to report a gain or can claim a loss-after selling, you need to know the cost basis for that investment. On today’s show, Ralph outlines everythi...
April 9, 2018
Review Your W2 Form
Every direct employee of a company receives a W-2 form in January. The W-2 is the base document that defines your tax obligations, so it is important that you review and understand yours. On today’s show, Ralph reviews how to...
April 7, 2018
IRS Penalties to Avoid
On today’s show, Ralph review some of the most common penalties associated with IRS filings as we come closer to the end of filing season on April 17th. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphme...
April 4, 2018
Why Aren't Americans Saving for Retirement?
When it comes to saving for retirement, most American workers are not only falling short, they don not even know how behind they are. What is more disturbing, research shows that savings trends are getting worse, despite a de...
April 2, 2018
Tax Benefits of Parenthood
Congratulations! You have just been handed your first little bundle of joy in the are about to embark on the long journey of parenthood. It will be full of joyful experiences that make the corresponding aggravations worthwhil...
March 30, 2018
Elimination of Misc. Itemized Deductions
The Federal tax reform passed in December has created changes to the tax rate and bracket structure, with an elimination of personal exemptions and certain itemized deductions. The changes were implemented for 2018, and will ...
March 28, 2018
15 Q's & A's for Tax Season
On today's show, Ralph discusses 15 relevant and burning tax season questions to get the answers to before April 17th. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askral...
March 26, 2018
Watch Out for Tax Frauds
In your rush to file your taxes this year, do not forget to watch out for fraudulent tax preparers. Crooked tax preparers will lure you with the promise of big refunds and easy fixes. Beware that you will be on the hook to pa...
March 23, 2018
Signs That You Shouldn't Do Your Own Taxes
Paying taxes is painful enough. We understand why forking over even more of your hard-earned money to pay someone to prepare your tax return would seem out of the question? If your tax situation is straightforward, a professi...
March 21, 2018
5 Things To Do Before Tax Day (for Small Business Owners)
If you’re a small business owner, Tax Day (April 17th) has a wholly different connotation than it does for most of America. While most working Americans, are excitedly anticipating the receipt of a big refund check, small bus...
March 19, 2018
How Long to Keep Tax Records?
If you think your tax work is done once you file your return, think again. Now you need to file your tax records. Keeping your tax returns and the documents you used to complete them obviously is critical in case you are ever...
March 16, 2018
Ways to Invite an IRS Audit
An IRS tax audit stands out as one of those events in life that people typically want to avoid. No one wants to sit through a meeting with the IRS and be told that they owe more money in taxes. However, you may be making mist...