Looking to the future: Biden’s proposed tax plan
Between a more urgent need for Covid relief, economic stimulus and a narrowly divided Congress, Joe Biden’s proposed tax plan may not get much traction in the early days of his administration. It is important, however, to take a look at the president-elect’s priorities that may inform more targeted legislative actions. Below is a snapshot […]
What individuals need to know about the new CARES Act
The third coronavirus relief package – the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) – has been passed by Congress and signed by President Trump. The CARES Act contains provisions designed to help both businesses and individuals. Click here to read about the provisions affecting businesses. Below is a look at those provisions […]
IRS Tax Tip: Gather records early for a smoother tax season
As taxpayers are getting ready to file their taxes, one of the first things they’ll do is gather their records. To avoid refund delays, taxpayers should gather all year-end income documents before filing a 2019 tax return. It’s important for folks to have all the needed documents on hand before starting to prepare their return. […]
Does my working teen still qualify as a dependent on my taxes?
My teens got their first jobs this year. When do they no longer qualify as dependents? Is there an income maximum they shouldn’t exceed or else it has unpleasant tax repercussions for the parent? Whether you are the parent or the teen, landing that first job is a milestone for most families. While the younger […]
IRS impersonation scam gains momentum
With the deadline for filing extended tax returns having just passed, taxpayers need to be extra cautious about emails that appear to come from the IRS. The IRS recently announced that there has been a spike in an IRS impersonation scam. Targets of the scam have reported receiving emails from what looks like a legitimate […]
Don’t let ‘ghost assets’ haunt your bottom line
It’s that time of year to clear away old equipment from your financial statements so you are not haunted by unused and out-of-date equipment that can suck the life out of your bottom line. Unused equipment is commonly referred to as a “ghost asset.” Ghost assets are fixed assets that remain on the financial statement […]
Tax law makes planning for investments more complicated
For investors, fall is a good time to review year-to-date gains and losses. Not only can it help you assess your financial health, but it also can help you determine whether to buy or sell investments before year end to save taxes. This year, you also need to keep in mind the impact of the […]
Charitable IRA rollovers may be especially beneficial in 2018
If you’re age 70½ or older, you can make direct contributions — up to $100,000 annually — from your IRA to qualified charitable organizations without owing any income tax on the distributions. This break may be especially beneficial now because of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) changes that affect who can benefit from the […]
A closer look at the wage limits for pass-through entities
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provides a valuable new tax break to noncorporate owners of pass-through entities: a deduction for a portion of qualified business income (QBI). The deduction generally applies to income from sole proprietorships, partnerships, S corporations and, typically, limited liability companies (LLCs). It can equal as much as 20 percent of […]
State and local taxes could impact where you retire
The beach? The mountains? The country? Where is your retirement dream home? Many Americans relocate to another state when they retire. If you’re thinking about such a move, state and local taxes should factor into your decision. Income, property and sales tax Choosing a state that has no personal income tax may appear to be […]