Virtually everyone has a credit and debit card these days. But many people still live in fear of these plastic necessities because they’re unfamiliar with the fine print of the arrangements involved. This article explores the potential liability of both credit and debit cards, and...
The issue of reasonable owners’ compensation often comes up in federal tax inquiries, shareholder disputes and divorce cases. Determining what’s reasonable, and therefore defensible in court, requires a financial expert. This article describes some of the ways that such experts do their work....
A growing number of businesses have been victimized by W-2 phishing scams by which criminals trick business owners or employees into divulging sensitive personal data. This article explores how the crime works and what employers can do to stop it....
Business owners who go shopping for company assets this year should brush up on the enhanced bonus depreciation tax breaks created under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed late last year. This article explains how the rules differ under previous tax law and the...
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, signed into law this past December, has brought great changes to estate planning. In doing so, it bolstered the potential value of dynasty trusts. This article explains why these trusts are well worth considering for tax purposes, while a...
With conference calls and Web meetings increasingly prevalent, business travel isn’t what it used to be. But many companies still send employees out on the road. This article describes important concepts related to travel, such as travel expenses as a fringe benefit, establishing an accountable...
Many people might not start thinking about filing a tax return until close to this year’s April 17 deadline. But there’s another date to keep in mind: the day the IRS begins accepting 2017 returns in 2018. As this article explains, filing as close to...
Keeping up with the complexity of the Internal Revenue Code is challenging enough for employed individuals. But for owner-employees, the difficulty level is particularly high. This article explains how your business structure determines the rules you must abide by....
Every year, a substantial percentage of weddings aren’t first-time nuptials but second (or subsequent) marriages. This brief article offers four tips to help such partners better manage the situation....
The most effective way to protect assets from future creditors is to transfer them to children or other family members with no strings attached. But, understandably, many wealthier individuals want to retain some control over their wealth. This article looks at one potential option of...
Many people who accumulate frequent flyer miles assume that these valuable rewards aren’t taxable. This brief article explores the validity of this assumption....
A well-crafted, up-to-date estate plan is an imperative for everyone. It can truly help ease the burdens on your family during a difficult time. This article looks at wills, living trusts and other important documents....
When it comes to financial planning, most of us spend our time guarding against things that could go wrong. But what if something really good happens? Hitting the jackpot is obviously a nice problem to have. Yet an unexpected influx of cash can drive even...
As you file your 2016 income tax return, you may be wondering whether you’re eligible for tax breaks related to a niece who lives with you, or perhaps a stepson who spends only part of the year in your home. It all depends on whether,...
Individuals may want to donate artwork so it can be enjoyed by a wider audience or available for scholarly study or simply to make room for new artwork in their home. Here are four tips for donating artwork with an eye toward tax savings: 1. Get...
For many years, business owners had to ask themselves one question when it came to facing taxation in another state: Do we have “nexus”? This term indicates a business presence in a given state that’s substantial enough to trigger the state’s tax rules and obligations. Well,...
Many companies choose not to combine real estate and other assets into a single entity. Perhaps the business fears liability for injuries suffered on the property. Or legal liabilities encountered by the company could affect property ownership. But there are valid and potentially beneficial tax...
Many business owners launch their companies from the front lines — as an employee. And it’s not uncommon for owners to stay in that role, working with their staff members to grow the business and guide its strategic direction. Come tax time, however, owner-employees face...
The traditional pension may seem like a thing of the past. But many workers are still counting on payouts from one of these “defined benefit” plans in retirement. If you’re among this group, it’s important to start thinking now about how you’ll receive the money...
Strategic perspectives Perhaps the most common purpose of a valuation is a prospective ownership transfer. Yet strategic investments (such as a new product or service line) can also greatly benefit from an accurate appraisal. As growth opportunities arise, business owners have only limited resources to pursue...
