This brief article highlights how businesses may be able to secure bad debt deductions. This tax treatment isn’t automatic. A business must be able to show that the debt in question is worthless. The article explains the ins and outs of claiming a business bad...
Taxpayers who have IRAs and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can transfer funds directly from their IRAs to their HSAs, under certain conditions. This is a once-in-a-lifetime transfer, without penalties or taxes, intended to help taxpayers who are hit with high medical bills that exceed the...
For charitable donations of cash and property to be deductible, they must meet certain IRS criteria. This short article discusses some of the basic rules and explains how to determine if the charity is a qualified charitable organization....
Many people who began working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic are still doing so, full or part-time. Business owners who moved their operations to a home office, or at least began performing some work functions there, may be able to claim home office expenses...
Business owners sometimes decide to put their companies on the market. When doing so, they may focus on the federal tax implications of a sale. But there will be state tax implications, too. This brief article touches on some key issues regarding state taxes....
When a married couple files a joint tax return, each spouse is “jointly and severally” liable for the full amount of tax on the couple’s combined income. Therefore, the IRS can pursue either spouse to collect the entire tax — not just the part that’s...
Nearly every business needs a website, but it’s not always easy to determine which costs of running one are deductible. Fortunately, there are guidelines, and even IRS guidance, to follow. This article discusses both the hardware and software costs associated with a website....
The IRS has released guidance that includes the 2024 inflation-adjusted amounts for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). This article lists the benefits, requirements, and contribution limits of HSAs for 2023 and 2024....
As a result of the current estate tax exemption amount ($12.92 million in 2023), many people are no longer concerned with federal estate tax. This article points out that before 2011, a much smaller dollar amount resulted in many people attempting to avoid estate tax....
Business partnerships may include situations that give the partners pause. This article explains that in any given year, the partners may have been taxed on more partnership income than was distributed to them. It notes that the cause of this quirk of taxation lies in...
Divorce is a difficult process for everyone involved. That’s why being clear and organized when it comes to finances can help facilitate the process. The first step is generally to compile a marital balance sheet. This brief article discusses this step and what it involves....
Despite the robust job market, some people are still losing their jobs. For those who are laid off or terminated from employment, taxes are probably the last thing they’re concerned about. However, they may face tax implications when personal and professional circumstances change, and there...
Family businesses make up a huge percentage of companies in the United States and produce much of the country’s gross domestic product. Often defined as companies that are majority owned by a single family with two or more members involved in their management, family businesses...
If your child is awarded a scholarship for college or another type of school, it’s certainly cause for celebration. But parents need to be aware of the potential tax implications. This article explains when a scholarship may be taxable....
Stock market and interest rate uncertainty may cause some investors to turn to bonds. This brief article discusses several popular options, including U.S. government savings bonds and corporate bonds....
Two tax benefits may be available to offset the expenses of adopting a child. In 2023, adoptive parents may be able to claim a credit against their federal tax for up to $15,950 of “qualified adoption expenses” for each child. That’s a dollar-for-dollar reduction of...
Sadly, many businesses have been forced to shut down recently due to the challenges of the economy, including the supply chain. To close a business, various tax responsibilities must be met, preferably with the help of a trusted tax advisor. ...
The volatility in the stock market may have caused the value of retirement accounts to decrease. To those with traditional IRAs invested in stocks, a decline may provide a valuable opportunity: that is, taxpayers may be able to convert a traditional IRA to a Roth...
It’s not just businesses that can deduct vehicle-related expenses on their tax returns. Individuals also may be able to deduct them in certain circumstances. Under current law, the deduction is less than it was years ago, although due to the high price of gas, the...
During these times of high inflation, many cash-challenged businesses have bartered for goods and services instead of paying dollars for them. Companies that get involved in such transactions need to keep in mind that the fair market value of goods they receive is taxable income....
Most people feel a sense of relief after filing their tax returns each year. But even those who’ve successfully filed their 2022 returns with the IRS should still keep some issues in mind. This article discusses three considerations: checking on a refund, filing an amended...
Trusts can help affluent individuals and families manage, protect and grow their wealth. But there are a wide variety to choose from, so it’s important to understand the basic concepts behind trusts before choosing one. This article defines trusts and provides an example of how...
Spring has sprung — and summer isn’t far off. For businesses that typically hire minors for summer jobs, it’s a good idea to brush up on child labor laws. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division recently announced that it’s stepping up efforts...
A new law was recently passed that will help Americans save more for retirement, although many of the provisions don’t kick in for a few years. The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement 2.0 Act (SECURE 2.0) was signed into law on December 29,...
A company owner who travels on business, accompanied by his or her spouse, may be able to deduct all the travel expenses incurred by the spouse. However, the rules are restrictive, starting with the requirement that the spouse must be a bona fide employee of...
In an increasingly global society, many taxpayers hold foreign accounts. This article explains the rules regarding who must file a Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) with the government....
It’s common for many people to start the year intending to get out of debt, yet end the year owing just as much, if not more. This brief article explores a debt-reduction approach called “throwing snowballs,” which involves organizing debts from lowest to highest balance...
Many people might think about moving to another state. However, it’s important to consider the tax ramifications before doing so. This article urges readers to identify all applicable taxes in a destination state ahead of time and recommends learning what the legal requirements are for...
Working from home has become the norm for many people in recent years. Now they might be wondering if they can claim the home office deduction for 2022. The short answer is: Only those who are self-employed can claim it. This article delves deeper into...
Abstract: Running a business requires that strong, supportable records be kept. Every expense that appears on a tax return might have to be defended if the IRS decides to audit the return. And failing to operate in a businesslike manner and keep good records might...
