Donor-advised funds and private foundations can optimize your philanthropic impact
As we look at the potential increase in the capital gains rate, it is important to understand which tax strategies are available to mitigate your tax burden. A donor-advised fund or a private foundation are both great strategies to eliminate capital gains tax on long-term appreciated assets. Why donor-advised funds? Donor-advised funds are increasingly popular […]
Time to plan for the future is NOW
Many business owners have seen financial success in the past year and, upon review, realize that the value of their assets and businesses are at an all-time high. This makes now the prime time to understand your net worth, get your estate documents in order, take advantage of the lowest exemption amounts, and develop the […]
States given green light for SALT workaround
Since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, taxpayers have been limited to $10,000 of state taxes they can claim as itemized deductions. This state and local tax, or SALT, limitation has caused many people to pay more federal income taxes over the last couple years. In response, states have been looking for creative […]
Tips for keeping taxes lower should capital gains rise
An increase in the capital gains rate is under serious consideration in Congress. President Biden has proposed a plan making its way through Congress that would increase the capital gains rate on taxpayers earning more than $1 million from 20% to 39.6%, retroactive to April 2021. In the past week, the House Ways & Means […]
Scholarships are usually tax free but they may result in taxable income
If your child is fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship, you may wonder about the tax implications. Fortunately, scholarships (and fellowships) are generally tax free for students at elementary, middle and high schools, as well as those attending college, graduate school or accredited vocational schools. It doesn’t matter if the scholarship makes a direct […]
IRS reminds businesses to update EIN applications
Businesses whose primary contact information has changed may receive a letter from the IRS prompting them to update their applications for Employer Identification Numbers. The IRS requires EIN holders to update responsible party information within 60 days of any change by filing Form 8822-B. One reason for this is so that the IRS has accurate […]
Tax changes on tap with two infrastructure bills
Two significant infrastructure bills are making their way through Congress. Earlier this month, the Senate approved a $1.2 trillion “hard” infrastructure bill and will begin negotiations soon on a much larger $3.5 trillion “soft” infrastructure bill that serves as the outlines of the 2022 budget resolution. Both measures will undergo the political “sausage making” process […]
Employers eligible for tax credits for paid time off for Covid vaccine
Employers can now apply for tax credits for wages paid to employees who help family members who obtain a COVID-19 vaccination. Credits were made available to employers through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) for qualified wages paid to employees who took leave as a result of the coronavirus. According to updated guidance […]
IRS provides relief for certain employers claiming WOTC
Work opportunity tax credits (WOTC) is a federal income tax credit available to employers that hire certified members of certain groups specified in the Internal Revenue Code who face significant barriers to employment. On August 10, 2021, the IRS issued Notice 2021-43, which extends the 28-day deadline for employers to submit a request (Form 8850) […]
Fixed or floating rates? Maybe both
Imagine buying a newly issued bond from the U.S. Treasury (“UST”) today. If you did, you’d earn 1.27% per year for the next 10-years. Hard to imagine. After you factor in inflation, you would probably be losing money! In fact, at the beginning of this year, the rate on a 10-Year UST stood at less […]