Tax News & Insights from Tax Centers of Georgia
12 Mistakes That Can Delay Retirement (and What to Do Instead)
Many retirement shortfalls aren’t caused by market crashes, but by everyday mistakes. These small decisions can quietly cost you years. Here are 12 common mistakes that can delay retirement and what to do instead. Why Small Mistakes Can Delay Your Retirement Most...
3 Smart Ways to Use Your Tax Refund in 2026
Your tax refund can be more than extra spending money. Using it strategically – such as boosting retirement savings, paying down debt, or building an emergency fund – may strengthen your long-term financial security. Make Your Tax Refund Work for Your Future If you’re...
What Happens to Your 401(k) When You Die?
When you die, your 401(k) only passes to the named beneficiary. Spouses can roll the account into their own IRA, but most non-spouse beneficiaries must withdraw the funds within 10 years, which can trigger substantial tax bills if not planned carefully. Who Inherits...
How the 401(k) Student Loan Match Works
A 401(k) student loan match allows employers to make retirement contributions based on your qualified student loan payments instead of requiring direct 401(k) contributions. This SECURE 2.0 provision helps employees pay down debt while still earning valuable employer...
12 Most Common Employee 401(k) Questions
Most employees don’t fully understand how their 401(k) works. This guide answers the most common 401(k) questions for 2026 – from contribution limits and employer matching to fees, vesting, Roth options, and withdrawals – so you can avoid costly mistakes and make...
401(k) Catch-Up Contribution Rule Changes for 2026
Starting in 2026, higher earners age 50 and older must make 401(k) catch-up contributions as Roth contributions if prior-year FICA wages exceed $150,000. This rule impacts take-home pay, tax planning, and retirement strategy – making it critical to plan ahead. What...
How to Build a Million-Dollar 401(k) in 2026
If you’ve been wondering what it takes to become a 401(k) millionaire, you’re not alone. With retirement account balances hitting record highs in 2025, more Americans are proving that building a 7-figure nest egg is possible. According to Fidelity, “the number...
401(k) Hardship Withdrawals Hit Record Highs
Recent data from Vanguard and Fidelity shows 401(k) hardship withdrawals at record highs as everyday costs rise and savings run thin. Understanding the long-term impact of pulling from your retirement and taking steps to build an emergency fund, can help you avoid...
Holiday Debt Payoff Strategies That Work Fast
One of the fastest ways to pay off holiday debt is to lower your interest rates, use a proven payoff method like the Avalanche or Snowball, and make extra payments whenever possible. These steps help reduce interest, speed up your payoff timeline, and eliminate...
Retirement 401(k) and IRA Contribution Limits for 2026
According to the IRS (Notice 2025-67, released November 13, 2025), the 401(k) contribution limit will rise to $24,500 for 2026, up $1,000 from 2025, while the IRA contribution limit increases to $7,500 plus a $1,100 catch-up for savers age 50 and...