[ninitea]

I have not had to pay taxes last few years. In April received apprx 50,000. I thought I did not est since last year I did not have tax due. Also when I file next year, where is it filed and any deductions to help reduce tax? Thanks P

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

You need to be a bit more specific.

The $50,000 that you received: was it earned income, interest, royalties, dividends, capital gains, etc.? The nature of the income dictates how it will be taxed.

Also, if you owed NO taxes for 2009, you are covered by a safe harbor which allows you to settle your tax debt during your tax filing next year (for 2010)without having to pay under-payment penalties.

[ninitea]

The money 46,000 plus was paid to me by Seeco Oil for gas lease on my mioneral rights. I am seeking ways to avoid taxes by investing this or by prepaying real estate taxes I am 67 and retired have no earned income

[AtlantaTaxExpert]

Well, it's passive income, and is probably considered to be royalties, so it will be taxed at your marginal tax rate.

Likely it will make part of your Social Security taxable.

I can offer no advice on how to mitigate the tax without a complete review of your overall financial situation.