Ask Ralph - Tax Questions

Check out Thursday's radio broadcast of Sky and Christa in the Morning on FM 94.7 WDSD-Delaware's Country Station at 8:00AM  or stream on iHeart Radio.  as Ralph Estep Jr. of Ask Ralph stops by to talk taxes! Mention you heard Ralph and get $25 off your tax preparation fee ! You can also like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Check out this episode!

NEW PODCAST!  We all know that putting up with tenants can be a real pain sometimes for many rental property owners. However, that negative consideration is offset by improving real estate markets in many areas and favorable tax rules that are not available for other types of investments. On today's show, Ralph discusses common tax deductions available to rental property owners. Please subscribe and rate our show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.  Submit your tax questions and Ralph will answer them on an upcoming show! Tweet us at @askralphmedia, send us a message on Facebook or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com. Don't forget to tune in to Saturday's broadcast at 8:00AM  on WILM 1450 ( https://wilm.iheart.com/ ) in Wilmington, WDOV 1410 ( https://wdov.iheart.com/ ) in Dover and live on iHeart Radio. You can also like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com .   Check out this episode!

Owning property is a big part of the American dream for many taxpayers, and it seems the federal government is trying to reward such behavior. The U.S. tax code allows rental property owners take advantage of deductions not available to others. In fact, being able to take advantage of so many tax deductions is often what makes owning rental property a lucrative venture. On today’s show, Ralph discusses common tax deductions available to rental property owners. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit www.askralphmedia.com  for more information. Check out this episode!

Tax preparation software is preventing more taxpayers from making mistakes on their annual tax returns. Unfortunately, just one entry error on your computer could end up costing you — in the form of a larger tax bill or a smaller refund. On today’s show, Ralph highlights common mistakes made by self-filers during tax season so you can be on alert. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit www.askralphmedia.com  for more information. Check out this episode!

Check out this Saturday's radio broadcast at 8:00AM on WILM 1450 ( https://wilm.iheart.com/ ) in Wilmington, WDOV 1410 ( https://wdov.iheart.com/ ) in Dover and live on iHeart Radio. Ralph breaks down some common self filer mistakes, outlines tips for rental property owner and speaks with Ken Zajaczkowski, owner of Stay True Plumbing, to talk about his journey to owning his own business and the lessons learned along the way. Subscribe to our Podcast for more content! You can also like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com .  For more information about Ken and Stay True Plumbing, visit their Facebook page at  https://www.facebook.com/staytrueplumbing/  or give them a call to schedule a consultation at (302) 464-1198. Check out this episode!

NEW PODCAST! Have an an idea for an invention? Ever wondered how to get it to market? On today's show, Ralph sits down with Brooke Beers of The Horse Holster  to discuss how she invented, developed, and utilizes social media to grow her business in today's market. Please subscribe and rate our show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.  Submit your tax questions and Ralph will answer them on an upcoming show! Tweet us at @askralphmedia, send us a message on Facebook or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com. Don't forget to tune in to Saturday's broadcast at 8:00AM  on WILM 1450 ( https://wilm.iheart.com/ ) in Wilmington, WDOV 1410 ( https://wdov.iheart.com/ ) in Dover and live on iHeart Radio. You can also like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Follow Brooke and The Horse Holster on Instagram ( @the_horse_holster ) and Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/thehorseholster/ )  Visit their

Branding, promotions, products, pricing, advertising, research and social media -- all of this is marketing. With all the marketing options out there, it can be difficult for small businesses to know what to do. Pair that with product development, bringing to market and you have just hit the trio of small business stressors. On today's show, Ralph sits down with Brooke Beers of The Horse Holster  to discuss how she invented, developed, and utilizes social media to grow her business in today's market. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Follow Brooke and The Horse Holster on Instagram ( @the_horse_holster ) and Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/thehorseholster/ )   Visit their website for more information at  https://thehorseholster.com . Click here to find a dealer near you! Check out this episode!

A good plan means being ready for any life event — marriage, children and even death. For many couples, estate planning can be a very stressful and overall unpleasant task. Planning for tragedy can sometimes feel like testing fate. Nevertheless, estate planning is vitally important for families, ecspcially given the recent tax code overhaul that went into effect in 2018. On today's show, Ralph discusses marital estate planning so you can make sure everything is in order and your family is protected. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit www.askralphmedia.com  for more information. Check out this episode!

Did you know that the Ask Ralph podcast is available to download directly from Apple Podcasts? Got to your Apple Podcast app and search "Ask Ralph" today. Catch up on episodes, subscribe for new content ever week, and rate us to let us know how we are doing! Link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-ralph/id1301508993?mt=2  Check out this episode!

Many individuals who are looking for fast cash to pay outstanding holiday bills, unexpected car repairs and skyrocketing heating bills are being bombarded with advertising pitches for tax refund advances. Although expected to grow in popularity, the perfund refund option should be approached with suspicion and hyper awareness of the costs. On today's show, Ralph outlines the growth of tax refund advances and gives tips on what you need to know before taking one this tax season. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit www.askralphmedia.com  for more information. Check out this episode!

Check out this Saturday's radio broadcast at 8:00AM on WILM 1450 ( https://wilm.iheart.com/ ) in Wilmington, WDOV 1410 ( https://wdov.iheart.com/ ) in Dover and live on iHeart Radio. Ralph talks estate planning for spouses, debunks the refund pitch and sits down with Brooke Beers of The Horse Holster to discuss social selling and product development. Subscribe to our Podcast for more content! You can also like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com .   For more information about Brooke and The Horse Holster visit  https://thehorseholster.com  or like them on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/thehorseholster/   Check out this episode!

NEW PODCAST! Have you thought about your 401(k) lately? Its important to check up as often as possible to monitor and make sure you stay on track. On today's show, Ralph discusses tips for keeping your 401(k) and other retirement savings healthy so you can stay happy. Please subscribe and rate our show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.  Submit your tax questions and Ralph will answer them on an upcoming show! Tweet us at @askralphmedia, send us a message on Facebook or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com. Don't forget to tune in to Saturday's broadcast at 8:00AM  on WILM 1450 ( https://wilm.iheart.com/ ) in Wilmington, WDOV 1410 ( https://wdov.iheart.com/ ) in Dover and live on iHeart Radio. You can also like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Check out this episode!

To avoid working all of your life and dreaming about retirement only to be disappointed when it arrives, you need to do more than just monitor the balance in your 401(k) plan. Taking time to check up on how your retirement savings are progressing and make sure you are still on track, or even better, adjust so you can improve your outlook. On today's show, Ralph discusses tips for keeping your 401(k) and other retirement savings healthy so you can stay happy. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit www.askralphmedia.com  for more information. Check out this episode!

NEW PODCAST!  To keep our cars in good shape we need oil changes and the occasional tire rotation to keep things running smooth and avoid a more expensive repair down the road. The same is true for small businesses! Routine care and review makes for a healthy business. On today's show, Ralph discusses tips for small business owners going into the 2018 tax year to make sure your business stays in good shape. Please subscribe and rate our show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.  Submit your tax questions and Ralph will answer them on an upcoming show! Tweet us at @askralphmedia, send us a message on Facebook or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com. Don't forget to tune in to Saturday's broadcast at 8:00AM  on WILM 1450 ( https://wilm.iheart.com/ ) in Wilmington, WDOV 1410 ( https://wdov.iheart.com/ ) in Dover and live on iHeart Radio. You can also like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Che

A small business checkup is similar to getting your car serviced. Often times we get caught up in the commute–the back and forth–and we do not take proper time to check under the hood and make sure everything is running properly. For small business owners, a regular checkup can prove vital in helping a business continue to grow and hit their goals. On today's show, Ralph discusses tips for small business owners going into the 2018 tax year to make sure your business stays in good shape. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit www.askralphmedia.com  for more information. Check out this episode!

NEW PODCAST!  You may have had your annual physical exam and taken your car in for scheduled service this year, but what about your annual financial checkup? On today's show, Ralph reviews personal debt and strategies to make the best out of your financial situation with our first episode of our annual check-up series. Please subscribe and rate our show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.  Submit your tax questions and Ralph will answer them on an upcoming show! Tweet us at @askralphmedia, send us a message on Facebook or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com. Don't forget to tune in to Saturday's broadcast at 8:00AM  on WILM 1450 ( https://wilm.iheart.com/ ) in Wilmington, WDOV 1410 ( https://wdov.iheart.com/ ) in Dover and live on iHeart Radio. You can also like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Check out this episode!

Every year, you get poked and prodded by your doctor to make sure you stay healthy. You should take similar care of your financial well-being with an annual checkup of essentials, such as your credit situation, retirement savings and life insurance. No needles or ice-cold stethoscopes required. On today's show, Ralph reviews personal debt and strategies to make the best out of your financial situation with our first episode of our annual check-up series. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit www.askralphmedia.com  for more information. Check out this episode!

NEW PODCAST! The New Year is a great time to overhaul your life for the better, and one excellent place to start is by making solid financial resolutions that can help get you closer to your money goals. On today's show, Ralph lists some new year's resolutions to make and better your financial picture this year. Please subscribe and rate our show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.  Submit your tax questions and Ralph will answer them on an upcoming show! Tweet us at @askralphmedia, send us a message on Facebook or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com. Don't forget to tune in to Saturday's broadcast at 8:00AM  on WILM 1450 ( https://wilm.iheart.com/ ) in Wilmington, WDOV 1410 ( https://wdov.iheart.com/ ) in Dover and live on iHeart Radio. You can also like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Check out this episode!

The New Year is a great time to overhaul your life for the better, and one excellent place to start is by making solid financial resolutions that can help get you closer to your money goals, whether it means increasing your retirement savings or setting funds aside for a down payment on a house. On today's show, Ralph lists some new year's resolutions to make and better your financial picture this year. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit www.askralphmedia.com  for more information. Check out this episode!

NEW PODCAST! Getting organized early can save you hours of hassles when it comes time to do your taxes. On today's show, Ralph discusses ten steps to take to get ready for tax preparation. Please subscribe and rate our show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.  Submit your tax questions and Ralph will answer them on an upcoming show! Tweet us at @askralphmedia, send us a message on Facebook or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com. Don't forget to tune in to Saturday's broadcast at 8:00AM  on WILM 1450 ( https://wilm.iheart.com/ ) in Wilmington, WDOV 1410 ( https://wdov.iheart.com/ ) in Dover and live on iHeart Radio. You can also like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Check out this episode!

Did you know that the Ask Ralph podcast is now on TuneIn? Subscribe and listen to Ask Ralph on TuneIn today for the latest episodes! Link: http://tun.in/piK1B Check out this episode!

Tax season is rapidly approaching and it is important to do your homework before your the season begins. Getting organized early can save you hours of hassles when it comes time to do your taxes or hand them over to your accountant. On today's show, Ralph discusses ten steps to take to get ready for tax preparation. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit www.askralphmedia.com  for more information. Check out this episode!

NEW PODCAST! If you are a fan of setting individual goals for the new year, you need to make sure not to forget about your business. On today's show, Ralph reviews resolutions to make for your business to help it stay in shape in 2018. Please subscribe and rate our show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.  Submit your tax questions and Ralph will answer them on an upcoming show! Tweet us at @askralphmedia, send us a message on Facebook or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com. Don't forget to tune in to Saturday's broadcast at 8:00AM  on WILM 1450 ( https://wilm.iheart.com/ ) in Wilmington, WDOV 1410 ( https://wdov.iheart.com/ ) in Dover and live on iHeart Radio. You can also like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Check out this episode!

If you are a fan of setting individual goals for the new year, you must make sure not to forget about your business. Take the opportunity to examine your company’s financial health and look for ways to make improvements. On today's show, Ralph reviews resolutions to make for your business to help it stay in shape in 2018. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit www.askralphmedia.com  for more information. Check out this episode!

Paying an expert to prepare your taxes is simple and makes a lot of sense, but finding the right person to prepare your taxes can be difficult. It is important to make sure you thoroughly understand your preparer's competence and experience so that you aren't leaving money on the table. On today's shows, Ralph discusses how to find the best and most qualified tax preparer this tax season. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit www.askralphmedia.com  for more information. Check out this episode!

NEW PODCAST! Most Americans will get a tax cut this year under the plan Congress passed recently, but figuring out exactly how much your family will save is tricky. On today's show, Ralph takes a look at how 8 different families will be affected by the newly passed tax bill. Please subscribe and rate our show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.  Submit your tax questions and Ralph will answer them on an upcoming show! Tweet us at @askralphmedia, send us a message on Facebook or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com. Don't forget to tune in to Saturday's broadcast at 8:00AM  on WILM 1450 ( https://wilm.iheart.com/ ) in Wilmington, WDOV 1410 ( https://wdov.iheart.com/ ) in Dover and live on iHeart Radio. You can also like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Check out this episode!

Most Americans will get a tax cut this year under the plan Congress passed recently, but figuring out exactly how much your family will save is tricky. In fact, for many families circumstances can vary widely depending on factors like income, the number of children or where you live. On today's show, Ralph takes a look at how 8 different families will be affected by the newly passed tax bill set to take effect in the coming tax years. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit www.askralphmedia.com  for more information.  Link to Article:  https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-12-20/how-the-tax-bill-will-affect-eight-american-families   Check out this episode!

NEW PODCAST!  With tax season just around the corner, now is the time to start thinking about finding a tax preparer right for you! On today's show, Ralph reviews questions to ask when selecting a tax preparer this filing season. Please subscribe and rate our show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.  Submit your tax questions and Ralph will answer them on an upcoming show! Tweet us at @askralphmedia, send us a message on Facebook or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com. Don't forget to tune in to Saturday's broadcast at 8:00AM  on WILM 1450 ( https://wilm.iheart.com/ ) in Wilmington, WDOV 1410 ( https://wdov.iheart.com/ ) in Dover and live on iHeart Radio. You can also like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Check out this episode!

With tax season just around the corner, now is the time to start thinking about not just when you will file your taxes, but how. In fact, you may be looking at hiring a professional to file your return on your behalf -- and if so, you wouldn't be alone. On today's show, Ralph reviews questions to ask when selecting a tax preparer this season. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit www.askralphmedia.com  for more information. Check out this episode!