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Understanding the Impact of Iowa's New Property Tax Reduction

May 25, 2023 9:44:00 AM / by Dave Boelman posted in Tax Services, Property

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Signed into law on May 4th, 2023, with bipartisan support, Iowa House File 718 introduces significant changes to the property tax landscape, specifically the Homestead Tax Credit, for Iowa residents. This reform primarily benefits seniors and veterans by reducing their property taxes. Simultaneously, it imposes a cap on cities regarding the amount they can levy for property taxes based on revenue. Iowa Republicans project that these changes will yield $100 million in property tax relief statewide. This blog post explains who stands to gain from these changes and how to apply for property tax relief.

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Don't Panic: A Guide to Surviving a Tax Audit

May 11, 2023 9:58:00 AM / by Dave Boelman posted in Tax Services, IRS, Tax Audit

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No one enjoys the thought of being audited by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). No one wants to receive a letter from the IRS. While not common, it is important to remember that audits are a routine part of the tax process. According to the IRS, for all returns filed for tax years 2012-2020, 0.49% percent of returns were audited. At Boelman Shaw Tax & Financial Planning in Des Moines, Iowa, we understand that facing a tax audit can be stressful. That's why we've created this helpful guide to surviving a tax audit, which will outline the steps you should take to navigate the process with confidence and ease.

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A Beginner's Guide to Investment Planning

May 5, 2023 3:45:00 PM / by Jason Shaw posted in Financial Planning, Investments

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The world of investment planning can often seem daunting to those just starting out. With so many options available and various aspects to consider, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Fear not, as this beginner's guide will provide you with an essential roadmap to navigate the world of investment planning, helping you create a well-structured plan that will secure your financial future. By following these steps, you will be well on your way to becoming a savvy investor.

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I Missed the Tax Filing Deadline! Now What?

Apr 27, 2023 10:42:00 AM / by Dave Boelman posted in Tax Services

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Ideally, we would all file our tax returns on time and pay every penny that we owe to the IRS by April 15.  At times, however, we all have trouble living up to ideals.  If you missed this year’s filing deadline, you obviously can’t go back in time and undo that, but there are steps you can take to limit the damage to your finances.

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Saving for Retirement on a Modest Income

Apr 13, 2023 11:00:00 AM / by Jason Shaw posted in Financial Planning, Retirement

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Saving for retirement is particularly challenging for those living on a modest income.  You may feel as though there isn’t any money left after covering your basic expenses each month. Even if you manage to put away a few dollars, investing in an IRA often involves an initial deposit of at least $1,000.  Low- to moderate-income earners do have some tools available to help them get started, however. If you have found it difficult to begin saving for retirement, these tools and incentives can help.

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Beware of IRS-Impersonation Phone Scams!

Apr 6, 2023 11:30:00 AM / by Dave Boelman posted in Tax Services

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Tax scams are a constant this time of year. According to the IRS, $5.7 billion in tax fraud was flagged in just 2022. Tax scams can be done via email, offering fake services, and over the phone leading to fraud and possible identity theft.

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Tax Tips for Last-Minute Tax Filers

Mar 30, 2023 10:56:01 AM / by Dave Boelman posted in Tax Services

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If you still have not filed your taxes for 2022, don’t panic.  The IRS estimates that 1/3 of Americans wait until the last minute to complete their tax preparation.  It is not the ideal way to handle your tax return, but it’s not too late to get all of your documentation in order and file an accurate return that includes all of the tax credits and tax deductions you are entitled to claim.  The important thing is to get started now and commit to filing what you need by the April 18th deadline.

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Focus on Your Profits: How Tax Services Can Help Your Small Business

Mar 9, 2023 10:15:00 AM / by Dave Boelman posted in Financial Planning, Tax Services

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As a small business owner, one of the most important aspects of running a successful company is managing your finances. While keeping track of your expenses and revenue is important, it's equally important to make sure you're paying the correct amount of taxes each year. This is where tax services can be invaluable to your small business. In this article, we'll explore how tax services can help your small business increase profits and stay compliant with tax laws.

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Retire With Confidence: A Guide to Retirement Planning

Mar 2, 2023 10:15:00 AM / by Jason Shaw posted in Retirement

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Retirement is one of the most important milestones in a person's life. It is a time when you can finally relax, travel, and enjoy your hard-earned savings. However, retiring with confidence and financial stability requires careful planning. Retirement planning is a crucial aspect of personal finance. It is the process of setting goals, developing strategies, and making decisions to ensure you have enough income and assets to sustain you throughout your retirement. Many people today face the prospect of retiring without adequate planning and preparation. As a result, they risk running out of money in their golden years.

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Get Your Taxes Done Right: Expert Tax Preparation Services

Feb 23, 2023 9:18:00 AM / by Dave Boelman posted in Tax Services

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Filing your taxes can be a daunting task, especially if you're not familiar with the process. It can be time-consuming, confusing, and even stressful. Legislation like the Affordable Health Care Act, and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act make even simple returns more difficult. However, it's a necessary task that needs to be done to avoid penalties and fines from the IRS. That's why it's essential to consider expert tax preparation services to help you get your taxes done right. In this article, we'll discuss the benefits of hiring a professional and how they can help you save time and money.

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