Ask a CPA

To stake a claim to your ex-spouse's Social Security benefits you must be married for at least 10 years.
If you make it for 10 years, you can collect a Social Security benefit based on up to half of your ex's earnings or on the basis of your own earnings whichever is higher.

Your filing status and gross income determine if you have to file a 2016 tax return. In the year 2016 if your filing status is single and under age 65 then the gross income must be more than $10,350 If 65 or older than the gross income must be more than $11,900 .
If your filing status is Married and living with your spouse as of the last day of the year and both people are under age 65 then the gross income must be more than $20,700 If one over 65 and one 65 or older then the gross income amount must be more than $21,950 . If both people are 65 or older then the gross income must be more than $23,200
If your filing status is Head of Household and under age 65 then the gross income must be more than $13,350 If 65 or older than the gross income must be more than $14,900 . If your filing status is Widow(er)and under age 65 then the gross income must be more than $16,650.if 65 or older than the gross income must be more than $17,900.
If your filing status is Married filing a separate return the the gross income must be more than $4,050 regardless of the age.

To report your income and expenses from your 1099 activity, use Schedule C: Profit or Loss From Business, which is then attached to your Form 1040 (your personal tax return). You must also complete Schedule SE to calculate your self-employment taxes if your net profits from your business exceed $400 for the year.
As a self-employed 1099 income earner, you are responsible for the self-employment tax on top of your regular tax on your net profits. The 2013 SE tax is 15.3%.
You can deduct ordinary and reasonable business expenses against your 1099 income. So you are only taxed on your Net Profit, not your total 1099 income.

Common fully deductible deductions not subject to the 2% AGI limitation are:
Amortizable premium on taxable bonds
Casualty and theft loss from income producing property
Estate taxes on income in respect of a decedent
Gambling losses, up to the amount of gambling winnings
Special job related expenses of the handicapped
Unrecovered cost of annuities on a decedent's final return

Common deductions are:
Employee business expenses including travel, 50% of meals & entertainment, phone, small tools, supplies, professional subscriptions and books, home office deductions, depreciation on business use of auto's and equipment, small tools
Safety equipment such as hard hats, gloves, steel tipped boots, goggles,
Educational expenses not claimed as a credit
Educational expenses not claimed as a credit
Tax preparation and tax assistance fees
Union and professional dues
Job hunting
Tax preparation and tax assistance fees
Educational expenses not claimed as a credit
Seminar and Conferences that are business related
Appraisal fees on charitable donations
Credit card convenience fee for maintaining investments
Investment expenses
SEP,Simple,IRA custodial fees paid with funds outside the account
Legal fees for collecting taxable income
Loss on deposits in a bankrupt financial institution
Medical exams required by employers
Safe deposit box fees
Trust administration fees
Uniform purchase and maintenance if required and not suitable for street wear

Common expenses are:
Work clothes suitable for street wear
Commuting expenses
Credit card fees or Interest
Club dues
Divorce Legal fees
Political contributions
Cost of entertaining friends
Telephone expenses of first main line
Tax exempt income expenses
Funeral expenses
Gambling losses in excess of gambling winnings
Hobby expenses in excess of hobby income
Homeowner's association assessments
Pet and animal expenses
Residence repairs and improvements
Residence Loss on Sale
Life Insurance
Parking tickets and fines

Yes. Taxable alimony payments qualify as compensation for purposes of making an IRA contribution. You are subject to the same IRA contribution limitations as one who is working.

Yes. Taxable alimony payments qualify as compensation for purposes of making an IRA contribution. You are subject to the same IRA contribution limitations as one who is working.

No. You cannot make a contribution to a "traditional" IRA in the year you reach 70 1/2. However- you can make a contribution to a Roth IRA. Of course you must have earned income and the same rules that limit Roth IRAs and traditional IRAs apply. For additional details contact a local CPA.

In 2013, the maximum contribution is $5,500 if you are under age 50 and $6,500 if you are older than age 50. However, you are subject to the phase out rules, based upon your income level. Please find the information on phase out rules or contact a local CPA for greater details and how it impacts our situation.
In 2014: The AGI phase-out range for taxpayers making contributions to a Roth IRA is $181,000 to $191,000 for married couples filing jointly, up from $178,000 to $188,000 in 2013.
For singles and heads of household, the income phase-out range is $114,000 to $129,000, up from $112,000 to $127,000.
For a married individual filing a separate return, the phase-out range is not subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment and remains $0 to $10,000