Back-to-school time means a tax break for teachers
When teachers are setting up their classrooms for the new school year, it’s common for them to pay for a portion of their classroom supplies out of pocket. A special tax break allows these educators to deduct some of their expenses. This educator expense deduction is especially important now due to some changes under the […]
IRS unveils new tool to search for charitable organizations
Are you looking for a worthy local charity or want to make sure your favorite nonprofit is in good standing? The IRS has published a new search tool that is designed to provide easier access to information on tax-exempt organizations. The new Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) replaces the EO Select Check. The new tool […]
Tax reform changes to employee benefits tax breaks: 4 negatives and a positive
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) includes many changes that affect tax breaks for employee benefits. Among the changes are four negatives and one positive that will impact not only employees but also the businesses providing the benefits. 4 breaks curtailed Beginning with the 2018 tax year, the TCJA reduces or eliminates tax breaks […]
Make sure repairs were actually repairs before you deduct the cost
Repairs to tangible property, such as buildings, machinery, equipment or vehicles, can provide businesses a valuable current tax deduction — as long as the so-called repairs weren’t actually “improvements.” The costs of incidental repairs and maintenance can be immediately expensed and deducted on the current year’s income tax return. But costs incurred to improve tangible […]
Size of charitable deductions depends on many factors
Whether you’re claiming charitable deductions on your 2017 return or planning your donations for 2018, be sure you know how much you’re allowed to deduct. Your deduction depends on more than just the actual amount you donate. Type of gift One of the biggest factors affecting your deduction is what you give: Cash. You may […]
Families with college students may save tax on their 2017 returns with one of these breaks
Whether you had a child in college (or graduate school) last year or were a student yourself, you may be eligible for some valuable tax breaks on your 2017 return. One such break that had expired Dec. 31, 2016, was just extended under the recently passed Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018: the tuition and fees […]
Deductions for employee meals slashed under new tax law
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act changes the deductibility on food and beverage expenses for employers. Under the new law there is a 50 percent limit for the employer’s expenses of providing food and beverages to employees at an eating facility that qualifies as a de minimis fringe benefit. Before The Tax Cuts and Jobs […]
Tax reform: Here’s how you are affected
Congress passed the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” on Dec. 21, 2017. Many of the provisions in the Act begin after Dec. 31, 2017, and expire by Jan. 1, 2026. There is a lot to digest and we will have continuing communication with you to more fully explain these changes to the tax law, how […]
From hospitals to movies, Ga. offers some unique tax credits
The state of Georgia is offering a couple unique opportunities to receive tax credits and at the same time do something positive for the local economy. Georgia Heart Hospital Program The first is the Georgia Heart Hospital Program, which is expected to continue at least through Dec. 31, 2019. Through this program, Georgia taxpayers can […]
Six things to remember when donating to charity
Whether it’s sponsoring an event, contributing to a worthy organization or donating items to a charity, many people give throughout the year. But, there are several things to remember when it comes to tax time. First, in order to claim a charitable deduction on your tax return, you must do two things: Have a bank […]