PPP loan forgiveness FAQs released
The Small Business Administration released this week its first round of FAQs regarding the loan forgiveness process for Paycheck Protection Program Loans. These FAQs, which serve as guidance on the provisions of the CARES Act, follow closely to what we have been advising our clients already as we prepare their applications for PPP Loan forgiveness. […]
Take advantage of a “stepped-up basis” when you inherit property
If you’re planning your estate, or you’ve recently inherited assets, you may be unsure of the “cost” (or “basis”) for tax purposes. Fair market value rules Under the fair market value basis rules (also known as the “step-up and step-down” rules), an heir receives a basis in inherited property equal to its date-of-death value. So, […]
CARES Act changes retirement plan and charitable contribution rules
As we all try to keep ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities safe from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, you may be wondering about some of the recent tax changes that were part of a tax law passed on March 27. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act contains a variety of relief, […]
Are you withholding enough? Now is a good time to check
Due to the massive changes in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the 2019 filing season resulted in a few surprises. Some filers who have gotten a refund in past years wound up owing money. The IRS reports that the number of refunds paid this year is down from last year — and the average […]
Higher mileage rate may mean larger tax deductions for business miles in 2019
This year, the optional standard mileage rate used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business increased by 3.5 cents, to the highest level since 2008. As a result, you might be able to claim a larger deduction for vehicle-related expense for 2019 than you can for 2018. Actual costs vs. mileage […]
The good and not-so-good news about qualified improvement property
If you made improvements to your commercial property last year or are planning to this coming year, there’s good news and not-so-good news. The good news is, some of the restrictions for taking the depreciation on those improvements have been eliminated under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Prior to the new tax law, […]
How will tax reform impact your 2018 taxes? A review of the TCJA provisions
Now that 2019 has begun, there isn’t too much you can do to reduce your 2018 income tax liability. But it’s smart to begin preparing for filing your 2018 return. Because the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which was signed into law at the end of 2017, likely will have a major impact on […]
Standard mileage rates to increase in 2019
The standard mileage rate for business travel is increasing in 2019 by more than 3 cents per mile. Beginning Jan. 1, 2019, the standard mileage rate for transportation or travel expenses is 58 cents per mile, up 3.5 cents from 2018 when it was 54.5 cents per mile. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act suspended […]