In recent years, the residential real estate market has surged in many areas. That means there are more seniors with highly appreciated homes than ever before. Here’s one tax-saving strategy to consider for seniors who may be wondering whether they should sell or stay in...
To prepare for a business audit, an IRS examiner generally researches the specific industry and issues on the taxpayer’s return. Examiners may use IRS Audit Techniques Guides (ATGs) to do so. A little-known secret is that these guides are available to the public on the...
Some small businesses have been struggling with morale for a variety of reasons, one of which may be economic uncertainty. They might be able to boost their employees’ spirits with a relatively low-cost fringe benefit: an achievement awards program. This article discusses the tax implications...
Despite the business community’s rapid adoption of digital payment methods, some companies continue to rely on paper checks. But there’s a long-standing problem with checks: They make businesses vulnerable to several damaging types of fraud, including check kiting. This article describes how a check kiting...
If the fringe benefits of your job include employer-paid group term life insurance, a portion of the premiums for the coverage may be taxable. And that could result in undesirable income tax consequences for you. The cost of the first $50,000 of group term life insurance...
With only a couple of months left in this year, many taxpayers are looking for ways to lower their 2024 tax bills. If you’re charitably inclined, own an IRA and are at least 70 ½, here’s one option: Use IRA funds to donate directly to...
This calendar notes important tax deadlines for the fourth quarter of 2024....
Do you pay premiums for Medicare health insurance? You may be able to combine them with other qualifying health care expenses and claim them as an itemized deduction for medical expenses on your tax return. This includes amounts for “Medigap” insurance and Medicare Advantage plans,...
Roughly two-thirds of Americans say they pay too much in federal taxes, according to a recent poll. When it comes to selling a home, however, a homeowner may be able to lower their federal tax bill with proactive planning. Here’s an example of how...
A business owner’s most valuable asset is likely to be his or her company. Thus, addressing it in an estate plan is critical in case, for example, the owner dies unexpectedly or becomes disabled. This article explains that an estate plan can help provide a...
It’s a challenging time to grow a business. So, any help a business owner can get in the form of tax credits, tax exemptions and other incentives can make a big difference. Unfortunately, these incentives often go unclaimed. This article explains two types of tax...
Taxpayers hoping to purchase a home may find themselves short of cash for a down payment or related costs. That’s where withdrawing from an IRA could come in handy. But for taxpayers who are below age 59½, the IRS considers that to be an “early...
Teachers who are getting their classrooms ready for a new school year often pay for some of their classroom supplies out-of-pocket. They may be able to get some of that cost back by taking advantage of a special tax break for educators. This deduction improved...
Anyone who is starting a new business or considering changing their business entity needs to determine what will work best for them. Should they operate as a C corporation or as a pass-through entity such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC) or...
Inventory is expensive, so it needs to be as lean as possible without compromising revenue and customer service. This article provides some suggestions to help businesses trim the fat from inventory and some useful inventory ratios for benchmarking and evaluating their mix of products....
Many businesses use independent contractors to help keep their costs down — especially in these times of staff shortages and inflationary pressures. Businesses that use independent contractors should be careful that these workers are properly classified for federal tax purposes. If the IRS reclassifies them...
Businesses that operate in the retail or restaurant spheres have it relatively easy when it comes to collections. They generally take payments right at a point-of-sale terminal and customers go on their merry way. Of course, these enterprises face many other challenges. Here are some...
Owners of residential real estate may consider renting their properties to family members. As rents rise in many parts of the country, renting property at a discount to family members may seem like a good way to help relatives in need. But these arrangements can...
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are designed as tax-advantaged savings vehicles for funding uninsured health care expenses. But if you’re in relatively good health, an HSA also can serve as an attractive retirement savings vehicle. Here’s how an HSA allows an eligible individual to pay health...
Business owners who look at the Internal Revenue Code for a list of deductible business expenses may be surprised to find that there isn’t a list of specific deductions. For example, the tax law doesn’t explicitly state that a business can deduct office supplies and...
Government officials monitor the number of new businesses that are launched each year. In the aftermath of the pandemic, government officials saw a large increase of businesses formed. The U.S. Census Bureau measures this by monitoring the number of businesses applying for an Employer Identification...
Among the many challenges of parenthood is what to do with the kids when school lets out. Parents who choose to send their children to day camp may qualify for a valuable tax break: the child and dependent care credit. This article explains why tax...
No matter the season, scam artists look for new victims. They often attempt to use phone and email scams to pick the pockets of older people, trying to steal money and financial data. This article offers seven ways to help prevent elder financial abuse and...
Many taxpayers employ household workers such as a cleaners or nannies who aren’t independent contractors. These employers may be required to withhold from their workers’ wages and pay Social Security and Medicare taxes, and possibly other taxes. This short article gives a rundown of what...
Small business owners may be able to hire their minor children this summer and get tax breaks and other nontax benefits. While eligible owners can save on payroll taxes and lower some costs, their kids also benefit. They gain on-the-job experience, develop practical skills and...
Generally, the IRS has three years to audit a tax return, from the later of the due date of the return, or the date the return is filed. But many exceptions exist that make it prudent to keep financial records even longer. Some states also...
Businesses shut down for many reasons, including the owner’s retirement, an expired lease, staffing shortages, partner conflicts and increased supply costs. Closing a business means taking care of various tax obligations that must be met. This article provides a rundown....
Owners of incorporated businesses know there’s a tax advantage to taking money out of a C corporation as compensation rather than as dividends. The reason: A corporation can deduct the salaries and bonuses that it pays executives, but not dividend payments. Therefore, if funds are...
Payable-on-death accounts can provide a quick, simple and inexpensive way to transfer assets outside of probate. They can be used for bank accounts, certificates of deposit and even brokerage accounts....
Business owners who wish to set up a retirement plan for themselves and their employees may be worried about the financial commitment and administrative burdens involved. This article looks first at a “simplified employee pension” (SEP). Small business owners who establish and contribute to...
