| How to Pay Your Taxes Posted: 25 Mar 2021 05:00 PM PDT Some types of tax, such as sales tax and payroll tax, are automatically collected by the government. However, other types of taxes need to be paid directly to your government tax agency. Most government tax agencies provide several different ways that you can pay your taxes so you can choose the one that works best for you. In most cases, paying online is the fastest, although you also have the option of mailing your payment or taking it to the nearest tax office in person. [Edit]Making an Electronic Payment - Find the correct tax agency website. Different types of taxes are assessed by different levels of government. You might have to pay taxes to federal, state, or local tax agencies. If you have a bill from the tax agency, it will typically have the URL for the agency's website on it.[1]
- If you don't have a bill or other correspondence, do an internet search for the name of the tax agency to find the correct website. Check the information on the top and bottom of the homepage for the website and make sure it's an official government site before submitting a payment.
- Use your debit or credit card to make a payment online. Almost all federal, state, and local tax agencies accept payments online through their websites. Typically, you can use any major debit or credit card to make your payment.[2]
- You may also be able to schedule your payment for a certain date or set up recurring payments.
- Provide your bank account number to set up an online transfer. Most tax agencies also allow you to make a direct payment through your bank account in the form of an automatic debit. These payments are typically the quickest and easiest to do.[3]
- Tax agencies typically don't charge a fee for direct debits from your bank account, so paying by this method can also save you some money.
- Arrange automatic payments through your bank. If you need to make recurring tax payments, you might be able to set up an automatic payment or demand draft through your bank. This authorizes the tax agency to withdraw your tax payment from your bank account on specified dates.[4]
- Before you can set this payment up, you'll need identification information from the tax agency, including a specific name and ID number. This is typically available on the tax agency's website, or you can call the tax agency's customer service number and ask.
[Edit]Submitting Payment through the Mail - Verify the amount of tax that you owe. If you got a bill from the tax agency, it will list the amount of money you owe. If you didn't get a bill, you can typically call the tax agency's customer service number and find out how much money you owe.[5]
- If you have an online account with the tax agency's website, you can also typically look at a statement of your account there and find out how much you owe.
- For some types of taxes, such as real estate property tax in the US, you can look up the amount of tax you owe even if you don't have an online account. However, you'll have to know the correct ID number to access the information.[6]
- Get a bank check or money order. While you can also mail a personal check, a bank check or money order is usually your best option because you don't have to worry about them not being honored. You can get a bank or cashier's check at your bank. Money orders are available at post offices as well as some retail money transfer services.[7]
- Check on your bill or on the tax agency's website to find out the specific name to make the check payable to as well as any other information that needs to be included on the check. At a minimum, you'll need to include your tax account number or personal ID number so the payment can be linked to your account.
- Include your tax account number on your check or money order even if you're including a payment slip, because these can easily be separated.
- Include any payment slip or voucher that you've received. If the tax agency has sent you a bill, it likely includes a payment slip for you to detach. Some tax agencies also require you to submit a voucher or other form to ensure that your payment is credited correctly.[8]
- Forms typically are available for download on the tax agency's website. You may also be able to call the tax agency's customer service number and get them to mail you a form to include with your payment.
- Don't staple, clip, or otherwise attach the payment slip or voucher to your check. Keep them separate in the envelope.
- Send your payment to the tax agency. Typically, you can use regular mail service — there's no need to send your payment using priority mail or to require a signature. Often, tax agencies receive payments at a P.O. Box, so there would be no one to sign for the delivery anyway.[9]
- If you got a bill in the mail, it will have the address where you need to send your payment. It may also include a self-addressed envelope that you can use. If you didn't get a bill, check the tax agency's website or call their customer service number to get the right address.
- If you're getting close to the due date, check with the tax agency to find out whether they use the postmark date or the date the payment was actually received to determine if your payment is on time. Most tax agencies use the postmark, but you still want to make sure.
- Follow up to make sure your payment is received. If you have an online account with the tax agency, you can typically go there to see if your payment was received and properly credited. You may also be able to find out by calling the tax agency's customer service number.[10]
- Give your payment at least 3 to 4 business days to get to the tax agency and be properly credited to your account.
[Edit]Paying in Person - Locate the nearest tax agency office. If you received a bill for your taxes, the address of the tax agency office should be listed on that bill. However, check to make sure that's an office address and not simply the address for you to mail your payments. You may have to check the tax agency's website to find the address for the office.[11]
- While you're on the website, confirm that you can make payments in person. Some tax agencies may not accept payments in person at their offices, although most do.
- Confirm the amount you owe in taxes. Unless you received a bill in the mail, check online or by phone to get the exact amount you owe. That way, you can make sure you have the right amount and don't face an unpleasant surprise.[12]
- When you call, you might also want to ask what methods of payment are accepted. Some tax agencies may not accept cash. If they do accept cash, they may only accept exact change.
- Take your payment to the nearest office during business hours. You normally don't need an appointment simply to make a tax payment. However, depending on the day of the week and the time of day, you may have to wait in line.[13]
- If you have a tax statement or bill, bring it with you along with your payment.
- Call the tax agency's toll-free number to make a phone payment. Some tax agencies also allow you to make a payment by phone. You can find the phone number on the tax agency's website. It may also be listed on any bill or statement you've received.[14]
- Some numbers connect you with a live tax agent. These numbers are typically only available during regular business hours. However, automated lines may be available 24/7.
- Pay cash at a tax agency retail partner. Some tax agencies, including the IRS in the US, partner with retail stores to take tax payments if you need to pay in cash. These locations are typically listed on the tax agency's website.[15]
- You might also see signs at retail stores advertising that they can take tax payments.
- In many countries, you can also make tax payments at post offices or banks.[16]
- If you are an independent contractor, your taxes aren't automatically deducted from your paycheck. To avoid being hit with a substantial tax bill, it's a good idea to save 25% of what you earn throughout the year, and use that to pay your taxes.[17]
- If you owe more taxes than you expected, consider adjusting your withholding at work. You'll bring home a little less each week, but you'll owe less in taxes at the end of the year, and you might even get a refund if you pay in more taxes than you owe.[18]
- If you can't pay the full amount of taxes that you owe, you might be able to make installment payments over time. Contact the appropriate tax agency to find out if this option is available.[19]
- If you're worried that you won't be able to pay your taxes by the due date, call the tax agency as soon as possible and let them know. They might be willing to work something out with you if you call before the due date.[20]
[Edit]Warnings - If you don't pay taxes by the date they're due, you'll likely be charged penalties and interest on the amount you owe.
- If you receive a tax bill, don't ignore it. Penalties and interest will accumulate as time passes.[21]
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Communicate with an Elderly Parent Posted: 25 Mar 2021 09:00 AM PDT Communicating with elderly parents is an important part of keeping in touch and making sure that they're doing okay. As your parent or parents get older, you might have concerns about their health, living arrangements, or their ability to do daily tasks. These topics can be hard to approach, but communicating regularly and with compassion can make conversations like these a whole lot easier. [Edit]General Conversation - Keep in contact regularly. Your parent probably loves talking to you, so don't be shy! Stop by for weekly visits, call on a regular basis, or use a video chat platform if you're far away.[1]
- If your parent or parents feel uncomfortable using technology, ask someone who lives nearby to help them set up their phone or computer.
- Ask about how they're doing. Even if your parent is sick or in ill health, you shouldn't assume that you know how they're feeling. Check in with a simple "how are you?" to make them feel seen and heard.[2]
- This is a great way to start a conversation if you aren't sure where to begin.
- Have them tell you a story. Many elderly people love talking about the things they did when they were young. Ask your parent to tell you about their childhood or their young adult years to hear some interesting stuff you might not have known.[3]
- Say something like, "What was it like when you were growing up?" or, "How old were you when you had me?"
- You might hear a repeat story or two, and that's okay. Just listen like you haven't heard it before.
- Talk to them about their own parents. Parents have a huge impact on our lives, including your parent's. Ask them about their upbringing and if their parents or guardians were strict.[4]
- Try something like, "How late were you allowed to stay out when you were a teenager?"
- Or, "Was grandma super strict with you as a kid?"
[Edit]Offering Help - Ask if they need help with something instead of assuming. It's easy to walk into a room and assume you know what your parent needs, but that's not always the case. Make sure you ask your parent if they need help with anything before swooping in to take over.[5]
- You could say something like, "I noticed the lightbulb in the kitchen is out. Do you want me to replace it for you?"
- Or, "That box looks heavy. Need me to lift it for you?"
- Suggest things instead of ordering them. Even if your parent asks for advice, they probably don't want to be ordered around. Give gentle suggestions or ask questions instead of using harsh language.[6]
- Instead of saying, "You should work on your diet." Try saying, "I could send you some of my favorite recipes!"
- Instead of saying, "You really need to exercise more." Try saying, "Want me to send you some home workout videos?"
- Talk to your parent like an adult. If you talk down to them or sound condescending, they may get angry or defensive. Keep your tone upbeat and talk to them like you would anyone else.[7]
- For example, instead of saying, "Oh, you look so cute!" try, "You look really nice today, Mom."
- Or, instead of "Are you having a tough time sweeping the floor?" say, "Want me to take over?"
[Edit]Approaching Tough Topics - Talk during a quiet, stress-free time. If you feel rushed or stressed, you probably won't have the patience to talk about a sensitive topic. Pick a time when both you and your parent are feeling calm, relaxed, and ready to tackle a conversation.[8]
- It might be easy to talk to your parents around the holidays, but holidays can be stressful for a lot of people.
- Present the topic before jumping in to give them time to process it. You may have been thinking about this for a long time, but your parent hasn't. Ask your parent if now is a good time to talk about something specific, then give them a few minutes if they need it.[9]
- Say something like, "I'd like to talk about your finances. Is now a good time, or should we wait until tomorrow?"
- Get specific about any concerns you might have. Beating around the bush can lead to confusion. Instead, use clear, direct language to spell out your concerns and what you'd like to do about them.[10]
- Say something like, "I'm worried about your retirement account. I'd like you to talk to a financial advisor to see how much money you have in there and how to be more efficient with it."
- Use "I" language to avoid blaming them. Saying things like "you did this wrong" or "you're being ridiculous" will only make your parent feel defensive and angry. Instead, shift the focus on yourself to talk about how you feel. For example:[11]
- "I'm worried about your financial situation."
- "I really think you should make it a priority to see the doctor soon."
- "I can help you exercise today."
- Offer a few choices to give them some independence. No one likes to be told what to do, and your parent is no exception. You can give them a few options so they have some control over themselves without taking on too much responsibility.[12]
- For example, if your parent needs to see the doctor, say something like, "Would you rather go to the doctor's on Tuesday or Friday?"
- Or, if you need to help them with chores around the house, say, "Would you rather I cleaned the basement or did the laundry first?"
- Listen to what your parent has to say. A conversation is a two-way street, and your parent might have some helpful insight. Even if it might get a little frustrating, really stop and listen to what they have to say and any concerns they have.[13]
- Try to listen without judgement. It will make your parent feel better about talking through tough issues with you.
- Try paraphrasing what your parent just said in your own words to show them that you're really listening before you respond.
- Work together to find a solution. Even if you have a solution in mind, you should still listen to your parent's suggestions, if they have any. Come up with a resolution that will satisfy both of you so you don't get in a fight.[14]
- For example, if you think your parent needs to stop driving, offer to teach them how to use Uber or Lyft.
- Or, if your parent doesn't have a will yet, offer to connect them with an estate lawyer so they can get some expert advice.
- Use patience and empathy to avoid getting frustrated. Difficult conversations are tough to have, especially if your parent gets angry or defensive. Remember that aging can be scary, and losing independence is probably pretty tough for your parent.[15]
- If you find yourself getting overly emotional, walk away and save the conversation for another day.
- If you sense your parent getting defensive or sarcastic, it might be time to wrap up the conversation.[16]
[Edit]Warnings - If your parent is showing signs of memory loss or increased confusion, have them check in with their doctor.[17]
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Get Baby Soft Feet Posted: 25 Mar 2021 01:00 AM PDT Our feet take a lot of punishment on a daily basis—walking, standing, running, and wearing shoes all take their toll. If your feet are feeling dry or callused, there are a few ways you can pamper them to make them feel soft again. Getting your feet to be baby soft might not happen overnight, but with a little patience, you can have silky smooth feet in no time. [Edit]Soak your feet in warm water for about 10 minutes. - This will help your skin feel soft and easy to exfoliate. You can either fill a small bucket with water or get into the shower/bathtub to let your feet have a luxurious soak.[1]
- It's usually much easier to exfoliate when your skin is already soft and warm, so it's important to soak them first.
- If your feet are feeling sore, add 300 g (1.5 cups) of Epsom salt to your bath. This will help soothe your aching feet and muscles.[2]
[Edit]Pat your feet dry with a towel. - Leaving your skin damp can lead to bacteria and fungal growth. Use a towel to pat your skin dry after you get out of the bath or the shower. Don't forget to get the creases in between your toes![3]
- This is especially important if you're prone to athlete's foot or toenail fungus.
- If you're really worried about fungal or bacteria growth, use a hair dryer on the cool setting to quickly dry your feet off after you get out of the bath or the shower.
[Edit]Exfoliate with a pumice stone on a daily basis. - Pumice stones help remove dead skin and prevent calluses. After you get out of the shower of the bath, rub the stone slowly and gently over your heels, the balls of your feet, and the outside edges of your big toes.[4]
- Use a circular motion when rubbing either a pumice stone or foot file on your skin. You'll only need to perform this step for a few minutes on each foot. Make sure to be gentle when using a pumice stone to avoid accidentally injuring your skin.[5]
- If you don't have a pumice stone, use a salt scrub instead. Mix (128 g) of salt and of an essential oil, then rub it on your feet to exfoliate them.[6]
[Edit]File the areas of your feet that are super rough or dry. - Your heels and the outside of your toes might have a lot of skin built up. If you notice that there are areas on your feet that aren't getting softer with the pumice stone, take an emery board and rub it gently across these areas.[7]
- Foot files are super sharp, and they can hurt your feet if you rub too hard. Start out slowly and then work your way up to shave down your skin.
- Foot files work great on corns and calluses, too.
[Edit]Moisturize your feet with lotion or cream. - Your feet don't secrete oil, so they can't hydrate themselves. Once you get out of the shower or the bath and you've exfoliated, pat your feet dry and apply a moisturizer all over your feet.[8]
- If you're prone to athlete's foot or fungal infections, don't put moisturizer in between your toes. The moist environment can grow bacteria and fungus.[9]
- Remember that lotion and cream can make your feet slippery, so be careful if you step onto a tiled or hardwood floor with your bare feet after applying moisturizer!
[Edit]Make your toenails softer with petroleum jelly. - When the weather is dry, your toenails may feel hard or brittle. Use a thin layer of petroleum jelly on your toenails every night to make them feel softer and smoother.[10]
- To avoid rubbing the petroleum jelly onto your sheets at night, wear socks to bed.
- This can also help soften your cuticles so you can push them back if they're too long.
- If your feet are really dry or callused, you may need a rejuvenating mask. After you've exfoliated and moisturized your feet, mix of pumpkin puree, 1/4 tsp (1.42 g) of cinnamon, and of plain yogurt. Spread the mixture onto your feet, then let it sit for 15 minutes.[11]
- Cinnamon helps to soften your skin, and pumpkin puree works to brighten and nourish it.
- You don't need to use a foot mask every day—just whenever your feet feel especially rough, like during the winter or after a long day of manual labor.
[Edit]Treat corns and calluses with exfoliation and moisturizer. - These tough spots can lead to pain and discomfort on your feet. If you have a corn or callus, start by soaking your feet in warm water for about 10 minutes. Use your pumice stone to gently file down the area, then apply a moisturizer.[12]
- You can do this every day until you get rid of your corn or callus.
- If you have diabetes or your corn/callus is especially painful, consult a dermatologist.
[Edit]Cover blisters to allow them to heal. - Blisters often happen because of ill-fitting socks or shoes. If you get a blister, cover it with a bandage to let it pop and drain on its own. If your blister is rubbing against your shoes, use padding (like Moleskine) to protect it.[13]
- If your blister is particularly large or painful, you may need to lance it on your own. Use rubbing alcohol to sterilize a small needle, then carefully poke the edge of the blister and allow it to drain.
- If you notice any pus or redness as your blister heals, it could be a sign of an infection. Talk to a dermatologist right away.
[Edit]Protect your feet with shoes and socks. - Going out barefoot can make your feet feel rough. Make sure you're always wearing appropriate footwear before you head outside to keep your feet feeling silky and soft.[14]
- You should always make sure your shoes fit you well! Shoes that are too small can lead to blisters, corns, and calluses.
- Go for moisture-wicking socks, like cotton and wool, to keep your feet dry.
- Baby soft feet probably won't happen overnight. Keep taking care of your feet to see long-term results.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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