Author: Jordank

Editorial Coordinator

Celebrate Earth Day Every Day Through Service

Posted on by Jordank

Earth Day is coming up on April 22, and thousands of events worldwide are scheduled to celebrate and protect the only planet we have. While progress has been made since the first Earth Day in 1970, the grassroots effort is ongoing.

This year’s theme is “Our Power, Our Planet,” stressing the fact that the need to protect the land, air and water transcends election cycles or political affiliations. It is “a responsibility and a long-term investment” for everyone, says EarthDay.org.

The environment has a powerful impact on human health, economic security and quality of life; protecting it is a matter of survival. Individual, local and community actions often have a payoff that extends to real change.

What can you do? You can attend one of the more than 9,000 Earth Day events worldwide to learn more about environmental protection, join a community cleanup or plant a tree. You can organize an event, teach-in or trash pickup. You can host an Earth Day movie night.

If you can’t observe Earth Day in person, there are plenty of ways to spread the word about environmental protection and climate resiliency. You can share climate facts on social media, contact your representative to support Earth-friendly legislation or shop a farmers market.

You can hold a #clothing swap to reduce the waste of fast fashion. Or you can #donate a few of your unused #garments and other household items to ClothingDonations.org by arranging a #free #donation pickup. People can reuse the goods and keep them landfills.

Or you can simply visit a park or go for a hike to remind yourself that there is only one Earth, and it’s up to everyone to protect it. Remember to leave no trace of your visit — or better still, pick up any litter you see.

While we celebrate Earth Day every April, protecting the planet is an ongoing process built upon awareness-building and millions of individual acts of service. Get started and get involved to lend your efforts.

Donate Clothing, Get a Tax Deduction

Posted on by Jordank

Did you know that when you #donate good-quality used #clothing and household items to ClothingDonations.org, you are likely eligible for a #tax #deduction? You must determine the fair market value (FMV) of the items you donate, “based on desirability, use, condition, scarcity and market demand for that property,” says IRS Publication 561. In the case of clothing #donations, for example, FMV is based on the item’s condition and what a typical buyer would actually pay for clothing of that “age, condition, style and use.” Fortunately, many tax-preparation software applications include a #donation calculator. #LastMinuteTaxDeduction

HSA Contributions Are Tax-Deductible

Posted on by Jordank

A health savings account (HSA) is a great way to lower #taxable #income while planning for health care events expected and unexpected. Many high-deductible plans including bronze and catastrophic plans purchased on the Health Insurance Marketplace are eligible for an HSA, and contributions offer an immediate tax deduction. Funds can be used to pay for medical expenses, and balances roll over indefinitely. For 2025, families can deduct up to $8,550 in contributions, and individuals can deduct up to $4,300. Contribute before the tax deadline to protect your health and your income! #LastMinuteTaxDeductions

Take Advantage of Small-Business Deductions

Posted on by Jordank

Small business owners can reduce their #tax liability legally by deducting a range of business-related expenses. Remember to deduct vehicle-related costs, travel expenses and purchases of equipment and supplies. “Generally, you can deduct any business expense that is both ordinary (common and accepted in your industry) and necessary (helpful and appropriate for your business),” TurboTax says. Depending on your situation, bad-debt deductions and employee expenses including salaries, bonuses, payroll taxes and benefits may be eligible for a #deduction, as is a home #office. #LastMinuteTaxDeductions

Contribute to an IRA Before April 15

Posted on by Jordank

Making a contribution to a traditional individual retirement account (IRA) is often tax-deductible for the year in which they are made — and they can be made through the tax filing deadline for that year (i.e., through April 15 for 2025 income tax returns). One can deduct the full amount of an IRA contribution if a workplace-based plan isn’t in place, or a partial amount based on adjusted gross income and filing status. You can contribute as much as you like to an IRA, of course, but the maximum permitted deduction for 2025 is $7,000 per year for persons under 50 and $8,000 for those 50 and over. #LastMinuteTaxDeductions