Jessica Walrack
Jessica Walrack is a personal finance writer at SuperMoney, The Simple Dollar, Interest.com, Commonbond, Bankrate, NextAdvisor, Guardian, Personalloans.org and many others. She specializes in taking personal finance topics like loans, credit cards, and budgeting, and making them accessible and fun.
articles from Jessica
240 posts
How to Refinance Student Loans With a Cosigner
Published 02/01/2019 by Jessica Walrack
Refinancing your student loans with a cosigner can help you lower your monthly payments and reduce the overall cost of your loan. But it’s not always a good idea.
Mortgage Debt Forgiveness: Do You Qualify For Tax Relief?
Published 02/01/2019 by Jessica Walrack
From 2007 to 2016, the U.S. saw 7.7 million foreclosures. Today, the rate of mortgage defaults is in decline, but we have yet to reach pre-crisis levels. It is little wonder as to why the home foreclosure situation is this dire. Mortgages represent the largest segment of consumer debt in the United States, standing at $15.8 trillion as of the third quarter of 2019. More than 4.5 million Americans owe more on their house than what it is worth. For these individuals faced with a mortgage crisis, foreclosure is often the only way out.
How to Find the Best Unsecured Credit Cards for Bad Credit
Published 01/18/2019 by Jessica Walrack
of Americans have bad credit.
Filling out a 1099 Form: Avoid These Common Pitfalls
Published 01/05/2019 by Jessica Walrack
IRS information returns (aka 1099s) are forms that collect and report information about financial transactions outside salary and wages. They help the IRS keep track of events that are likely to be taxable so it can hold taxpayers accountable for underreporting.
Tax Rules for Early Withdrawals from Retirement Plans
Published 01/05/2019 by Jessica Walrack
Are you thinking about withdrawing money from your retirement plan early? An estimated 1.5% of 401(k)s and IRAs assets leak out each year through loans, cashouts, and early withdrawals—so, you’re not alone.
IRS Whistleblower: IRS Rewards Snitches
Published 12/17/2018 by Jessica Walrack
We’ve all heard the saying “snitches get stitches’ but how about, ‘snitches get riches’? The IRS Whistleblower Office accepts tips from individuals who notice tax problems in their workplace. If the IRS moves ahead and collects as a result of the information, they may pay the whistleblower an award of 15% to 30% of the total collection.
How to Respond to IRS Letter 12C
Published 12/17/2018 by Jessica Walrack
Unless it is a refund check, nobody likes to get a letter from the IRS. It can spark a feeling of panic. However, remain calm. There is always a path you can take to resolve any issue that arises and move on.
How to Respond to IRS Letter 3174
Published 12/15/2018 by Jessica Walrack
When you owe money to the IRS, you will begin to receive letters. While you should always read them and respond right away, IRS Letter 3174 is especially important. It is the last notice you will receive before your property is levied or seized.
How to Respond to an IRS Notice of Deficiency Letter CP531
Published 12/15/2018 by Jessica Walrack
Did you receive a Notice of Deficiency (CP531) from the IRS? If so, it means that the information the IRS received about you was different from what you reported on your return. Further, it proposes that you owe more tax. It’s important to respond to IRS Letter 531 promptly, especially if you disagree. Read on to learn more about how to do so.
How to Respond to IRS Letter CP3219A
Published 12/15/2018 by Jessica Walrack
IRS Letter CP3219A is sent when the IRS receives information about you that is different from what you reported on a tax return. The notice will inform you whether the proposed changes cause an increase or decrease in your tax liability. Be sure to open and read through this letter immediately upon receipt as your time to respond will be limited. Here’s a look at your options for responding.