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 […]
Can you deduct charitable gifts on your tax return?
Many taxpayers make charitable gifts — because they’re generous and they want to save money on their federal tax bills. But with the tax law changes that went into effect a couple years ago and the many rules that apply to charitable deductions, you may no longer get a tax break for your generosity. Are […]
Gifts of cash could mean tax savings for you
As we head toward the gift-giving season, you may be considering giving gifts of cash or securities to your loved ones. Taxpayers can transfer substantial amounts free of gift taxes to their children and others each year through the use of the annual federal gift tax exclusion. The amount is adjusted for inflation annually. For […]
Thinking long-term about health care
Our medical needs don’t get any easier as we get older, so it is increasingly important that we take advantage of the options that are available. Fall is when open enrollment season begins for health insurance coverage, but retirees and aging Americans also can take advantage of open enrollment for Medicare plans. The open enrollment […]
To lease or to buy: What makes more sense for your business?
Recent changes to federal tax law and accounting rules could affect whether you decide to lease or buy equipment or other fixed assets. Although there’s no universal “right” choice, many businesses that formerly leased assets are now deciding to buy them. Pros and cons of leasing From a cash flow perspective, leasing can be more […]
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, […]
Check deductibility before making year-end charitable gifts
As the holidays approach and the year draws to a close, many taxpayers make charitable gifts — both in the spirit of the season and as a year-end tax planning strategy. But with the tax law changes that go into effect in 2018 and the many rules that apply to the charitable deduction, it’s a […]
Calculating QBI deduction can be complex and time-consuming
One of the more beneficial provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act for individuals and small business owners is the new qualified business income (QBI) deduction under Section 199A. Eligible taxpayers may be entitled to a deduction of up to 20 percent of QBI, a significant tax savings for owners of sole proprietorships, […]
Could ‘bunching’ medical expenses into 2018 save you tax?
Some of your medical expenses may be tax deductible, but only if you itemize deductions and have enough expenses to exceed the applicable floor for deductibility. With proper planning, you may be able to time controllable medical expenses to your tax advantage. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) could make bunching such expenses into […]
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 […]