Tax News & Insights from Tax Centers of Georgia
Retirement Fears Americans Face in 2026
Retirement anxiety is rising in 2026 as Americans worry about inflation, healthcare costs, Social Security uncertainty, market volatility, and running out of money. Studies show many workers feel behind on retirement savings and unsure about their financial future....
16 Fun Ways to Teach Kids Financial Literacy This Summer
Teaching kids financial literacy doesn’t have to be complicated. Summer can be the perfect time to teach children and teens real-world money skills through allowances, chores, summer jobs, grocery shopping, and vacation budgets. This guide shares 16 practical ways...
5 Biggest Benefits of a 401(k)
A 401(k) offers several powerful retirement benefits, including tax advantages, employer matching contributions, catch-up contributions, and long-term investment growth. Understanding these benefits of a 401(k) may help you make smarter decisions with every dollar you...
401(k) Withdrawal Rules: How to Avoid Costly Penalties
401(k) withdrawal rules determine when you can access your money and what it will cost you. While you can typically withdraw penalty-free after age 59½, earlier withdrawals may trigger taxes and penalties, unless you qualify for exceptions. Understanding these rules...
What to Do with Your 401(k) When Changing Jobs
When you leave a job, you have several options for your 401(k), including leave it, roll it over to an IRA or your new 40(k), or cash it out. Each choice has different tax implications and can impact your ability to access your money, especially if you qualify for the...
401(k) Retirement Planning Mistakes to Avoid in 2026
401(k) mistakes aren’t just about saving too little – they’re also about poor planning. Common issues like tax-heavy accounts, lack of diversification, and early withdrawals can reduce your retirement income even if your balance is growing. Takeaways Saving money...
Second Quarter Financial Checklist for 2026
The second quarter is a key time to reset your finances and stay on track for the year. From reviewing your budget to maximizing your 401(k) and rebalancing your investments, these smart money moves can help you strengthen your financial plan and make meaningful...
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...
Tax Doctor
- Why Do People Fear Tax Audits More Than They Fear Overpaying?Ask anyone if they “pay too much income tax” and the knee jerk reaction is almost always, “Yes!” and without much hesitation. Why do we call that a knee jerk reaction? Because if you then follow the question up with two more questions, “What did you pay in federal tax last year? And/or what bracket […]
- Not Everyone Should be Trying to Lower Their Tax BillIt may sound odd when you say it out loud, but after considering all the facts, it’s quite true. It’s an emotional but understandable reaction to think you always want to lower your tax bill as much as possible. However, except in the case of death, the tax code is basically a case of “tax […]
- “Don’t Let the Tax Tail Wag the Dog!” Can Be Bad AdviceIn the “old days,” you went to the general store for your dry goods, the blacksmith for your horseshoes or tool repair and likely had your own cow and chickens for milk and eggs. Fast forward, you went to a lawyer to get a will, an insurance rep to get a policy and an accountant […]