Twenty-two Days to Filing Tax Returns

Hopefully, you have advised your parents and your tax preparer to be aware of the new changes in educational tax credits. Remember, having the necessary funds to attend college is more than applying for scholarships. Learning how to save and spend money wisely is critical.

One of the biggest mistakes when submitting your tax returns is using the old paper method. By not e-filing, you are more likely to make mistakes--the error rate is about 20%. The error rate drops to less than 1% when you e-file. The major reason is that the program takes care of the math and also prompts you to sign electronically.

Plus, you can get your refund within 10 days using direct deposit compared to 4 to 6 weeks when filing by paper and requesting a check. If you make $57,000 or less, use the IRS's Free File program (irs.gov/freefile). Otherwise, taxact.com lets you file federal returns for free. It's $15.00 for state returns.

The Hope Credit

The Hope Credit--money for tuition and related expenses--can now be claimed for four years of college instead of just the first two, including the cost of course materials. The newly named American Opportunity tax credit lets you claim up to $2,500 per student, but starts phasing out with an income of $80,000 for singles and $160,000 for marrieds.

Also, don't forget to withhold the interest you're paying on student loans, although that deduction starts to disappear at $60,000 for singles and $120,000 for marrieds. Generally, if you paid more than $600 in interest to a financial institution, you'll get a 1098-E form as documentation. If you didn't, call the company servicing your loan and ask how much interest you paid in 2009.

COD Scholarship

Have you submitted your application to the COD Scholarship? Remember to write your personal essay in WORD and then edit, copy and paste. Please do not exceed the word limit. In fact, I would suggest writing less rather than more. Think of the scholarship readers and all of the time that it takes to review the hundreds of applications.

Make your essay come alive and make it interesting to read. Remember, you want to engage the reader. If you want to be a winner, you need to stand out. It is your job to sell yourself as the best candidate.

Student Loans (Income-Based Repayment Plan)

You may qualify to not have to pay off remaining debt after 25 years. Check out ibrinfo.org to see if you qualify.

Student Loans (Income-Based Repayment Plan)

STDV 12 (Life Planning & Personal Exploration)

Hi,
Just want you to know that I am ill today and will not be in class. CLASS IS CANCELLED today (March 18, 2010)

Please email me at eandrews@dc.rr.com if you have any questions.

Eve-Marie

COD's Career and Job Fair

Please join us today from 10:00 to 1:00 at the Hilb Center for the Career & Job Fair. Eighteen employers plus a number of our COD departments will be represented.

There will be lots of activity and prospective jobs available.