How can I calculate child support modifications if there is split custody (each parent is custodial for one or more children)?
Here are the steps to take: 1. Save the file under a different name. This will be a “what if” file. 2. In this file, indicate that the oldest child is not of an age to be eligible for child support, by clearing the “Eligible Age” box on the line for that child. 3. See […]
How should I handle Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) balances?
Our approach to Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts is as follows: 1. When the contribution is made, we treat it as a deduction. Enter it in the appropriate living expense category (health insurance or child care, usually), and choose a tax category of “FSA, Flex, Caf Etc.” 2. When the actual expenditure out […]
How can I specify local city wage taxes?
Some municipalities, particularly in Ohio and Pennsylvania, levy city wage taxes. These taxes are a percent of gross wages paid to people who work in the cities. To enter a city wage tax, click “more info” on the line where you enter wages. You will see an entry for a percent for local wage tax […]
How do I enter a buyout of the marital home?
The software makes it easy to enter a buyout of the marital home. Use the following steps: 1. Enter the real estate property. If you have not already done so, go to the Enter Data > Assets & Debts screen, and click on the button to add a Real Estate asset. 2. Enter real estate […]
How do I enter a defined benefit pension?
Enter defined benefit pensions on the Assets & Debts screen. 1. Go to the Enter Data > Assets & Debts screen. 2. Click the button to create a defined benefit pension asset. 3. Enter a description and specify who is the owner of the plan. 4. Optionally, enter the retirement age and monthly benefit. If […]
Where do I enter tax withholding or estimated tax payments?
You should ignore (i.e., not enter) both withholding and estimated payments. Here’s why: The software calculates the actual taxes due on an annual basis. Cash outlays such as estimated payments and withholdings affect the timing of payments, but not the amount. To see this, think about the cash flows. First, withholding or estimated payments are […]
How do I enter a home sale being used to fund a downpayment?
When a home is sold it shows up on the Net Worth spreadsheet, but not in the Budget Report or Cash Flow (Net Income) reports. Otherwise, the large number would distort the cash flow picture. When you look at the Net Worth spreadsheet, you will see an asset shifting from the Real Estate Property column […]
How do I enter itemized deductions?
There is no separate grouping for Itemized Deductions. They are simply entered among the Living Expenses. When you enter property taxes, charitable contributions, etc., the software knows they are itemized deductions and treats them accordingly.
How do I change the first year (current year) for child support calculations, cash flow, taxes, etc.?
In the Cloud, click the Settings tab > Assumptions, and change the Start Year. In the desktop software, click Files & Settings > Assumptions, and change the Start Year.
How do I specify self-employment income?
1. Wage Income If you click the “self-employment” box for Wage income, that specifies that Wages are “self-employment income.” In that case, we will automatically calculate the Self-Employment Tax instead of the employee Social Security and Medicare taxes. The Self-Employment Tax appears as a line item in the calculation of Federal Taxes. You can see […]