While we all are worried about filing the tax returns with the best possible audits, most of us are also taking a closer look at the tax benefits and deductions. Tax deductions are important for taxpayers as these amounts can be directly deducted from the gross income. Right from getting the best investments to saving the receipts of health insurance premiums, smallest of these expenses can save you a lot more during your tax filing. Let us take a look at some of the tax deductions or benefits that you did not know that existed.
Health insurance premiums
Medical expenses can cost you a fortune and therefore, there are provisions that help in saving tax with the health insurance premiums. The taxpayer needs to itemize the medical expenses and mention the same during the tax auditing. In order to benefit from the health insurance premiums, the deductible medical expenses should be more than 7.5% of the gross income. If in case the taxpayer is self-employed and has paid for his or her medical expenses themselves, then the complete premium paid can be considered for claiming the tax benefit. The amount so deducted is considered from the gross income and not as an exclusion under itemization.
Sales taxes
Sales tax can also be deducted from the federal income tax. This provision can be a big money saver in the states that do not have arrangements for their own income tax. If you are claiming your tax benefit under the sales tax, then the item needs to be mentioned under claim deduction. One can refer to the official website of IRS to know more about the savings on big purchases and tax benefits under the sales tax.
Charitable gifts
These gifts make for a great money saving option under the federal income tax. It is useful to save the receipts and itemize them once the tax audit takes place. For instance, if you are baking cakes and using the funds to pay for a charitable organization, the cost of ingredients can be used as tax deductions.
Investments
Investments are one of the core benefits of tax refunds. Some of the tax deductions under investments include individual retirement agreements, capital losses, the sale of a home, etc.
Other tax benefits are:
- Cost of the babysitter
- Lifetime learning credit
- Unusual business expenses
- Self-employed social security
So, if you are looking for more information on tax benefits and deductions, visit the official website of IRS for a detailed list.
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Choosing The Best Make Up Foundations As Per Skin Type And Skin Tone
Read moreIf there is one product which is the base of every makeup look that keeps your confidence in check when the skin would not cooperate, it is the foundation. Like any other beauty product, the search to find the most suitable one for your skin can be a little overwhelming since there are so many options available. Different foundations come with different textures, formulas, and ingredients. To identify which would be the perfect one for your skin type is tough. Find the best makeup foundations as per skin types and concerns:
- Acne-Prone Skin
If acne is your area of concern, it is recommended for you to get the best makeup foundations that give you medium to full coverage as the same is best to cover textured skin. Dermablend Cover Crème and Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Sunscreen are the best options for women who deal with frequent acne on the face. - Aging Skin
The problem with the foundation on aging skin is that it settles into the wrinkles and fine lines making them all the more prominent. So, the best makeup foundation to apply is the one that offers light coverage. Tinted moisturizer or liquid foundation is the ideal choice to get luminous, younger-looking skin. Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint or Lancôme Teint Visionnaire Skin Correcting Makeup Duo would be best suited for aging skin. These are one of the best makeup foundations. - Dry Skin
Dry skin should always be kept hydrated. Thus, if you have dry skin, pick a light coverage and hydrating foundation. Two of the best options for dry skin are Maybelline Fit Me Shine Free Foundation Stick and Too Faced Amazing Face Oil-Free Foundation. - Normal Skin
People with normal skin are the luckiest of all. They do not have to think too much while picking up a foundation. The level of coverage is also something that they can decide on their own. You can choose anything between luminous and matte as per your preference of the texture. Shu Uemura Nobara Cream Cover Stick Foundation and Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation are the best makeup foundations for normal skin.
Tips to apply
In order for the the best makeup foundation to help you get the perfect look, it has to be applied properly. Here are some application tips to keep in mind to achieve a great look:- Apply the foundation on and around the nose when you start as that is where the redness occurs.
- Avoid the area under the eye as that is the place to apply concealer.
- Contour areas such as forehead, cheeks, temples, nose, and jawline with a darker shade.
- Press the foundation with your finger into the skin as much as possible for a radiant glow.
- If you use a sponge to apply foundation, you need to blend with every touch by rolling it.
- In case, you are using a brush to apply the foundation, use small circular strokes to blend the foundation into the skin.
Important points to consider
- Choose a sunscreen with SPF no matter if you would be wearing during the day or night. Ideally, you should buy the one with at least SPF 15. Use a good sunscreen especially during the day to enjoy the full protection of your skin.
- Always buy a foundation in the shade that suits your skin tone and undertone as well.
- The shade of the foundation should complement your hair color as well.
- It is advisable to buy a foundation after testing quite a few of them. Choose a shade that is close to your skin tone the most. You can also apply a few shades on your skin all at one side-by-side to determine the appropriate one.
- Bring a friend or ask the sales assistant to suggest you which shade of the foundation suits you the best. It is always a good idea to take a second opinion.
- If you are not sure how a certain variety of foundation is applied to look your best, consult a makeup professional. Take tips from the person about the right way to apply the product.
The suggestions mentioned above would help you buy the best makeup foundations as per your skin tone and type.
- Acne-Prone Skin
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What to keep in mind when booking an extended hotel stay
Read moreWork trips are not always overnight trips. In many cases, you may need to spend a few weeks out of town. In such cases, staying in a typical hotel and paying on a nightly basis can be uncomfortable and expensive. Hence most people look at either renting a service apartment or extended stay hotels. The latter typically offers a larger suite instead of a single room with additional facilities, but at a comparatively lower price. Staying at an apartment may appear to be cheaper in the beginning, but the costs can quickly add up as you will have no help with housekeeping etc. So, if you are going to be heading out of town for an extended time period, here are a few things to keep in mind while booking your extended hotel stay.
What is the type of room you need?
Like hotel rooms, extended hotel rooms also are of many different types. If you’re traveling alone, a studio may be enough for you but if you are traveling with a colleague, you may need a one bedroom suite with two beds or a two bedroom suite. Some hotels also allow you to stay with your pets. However, you may need to check with the hotel about the number of pets and type of pets allowed.What are the housekeeping services available?
Unlike a typical hotel room, do not expect housekeeping to make your bed every day in an extended hotel stay. Typically, housekeeping services depend on how long you will be staying. While fresh towels may be available whenever needed, a room cleanup and replenishment of bath supplies may be scheduled for once a week. If you’d like any additional services, it may be charged as an extra fee.Do you have access to a kitchen?
The advantage of extended stay hotels is that you should have access to a fully equipped kitchen or kitchenette, which allows you to cook for yourself. You will, however, need to check on what facilities are available in your in-suite kitchen and where you can get groceries etc from. Also, check if your housekeeping service includes washing the dishes or not.What are the laundry facilities you can access?
Most extended stay hotels give their guest access to a Laundromat in the building. You will, however, need to check on Laundromat timings. Also, ensure that you have an ironing board and an iron available in the room. If budget is not an issue, you could also simply give your laundry to the hotel to be washed and ironed.Are you eligible for any special offers?
Most hotels offer many different types of discounts to people looking for extended stay options. Many corporate offices also have tie-ups with hotel chains that can get you lower rates. If you are a group of people traveling together, booking your stay together can also help you avail of discounts to make your stay more budget-friendly.