Tax Tip: How Life Changes Affect Your Returns - East Idaho News
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Tax Tip: How Life Changes Affect Your Returns

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GETTY 3614 1040?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1394103083668lucky336/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — When something big happens in your life, you might want to do something a little bit more substantial than just changing your Facebook status.

“It is very important to contact your tax professional when you do some major changes in your life, such as get married, or get divorced, if you have children,” says tax accountant Janice Hayman.

She tells ABC News Radio you should consult with a professional before you automatically go and change your W-4.

For recent newlyweds, tax professional Richard Gartland with H&R Block says, “of course you’re now required to have a married status. That often changes things, often for the good — you often have better deductions available to you.”

Having a child may also increase your refund.

“The birth of a child adds a dependent. There are also some child-related tax breaks. There is a child tax credit for people at certain levels of income. There are also credits for child care,” says Gartland.

Copyright 2014 ABC News Radio

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