Taxpayers who received a large tax refund this year may want to adjust their withholding. Each year, millions of taxpayers claim an income tax refund. That can represent a pleasant influx of cash. But it’s probably not the best use of cash for taxpayers. In...
This calendar notes important tax deadlines for the second quarter of 2024....
Parents know that raising children is expensive. Although some of the enhancements of the Child Tax Credit (CTC) have expired, the credit is still available for eligible parents of children under age 17. Plus, there’s still time for taxpayers to claim the CTC on...
Many businesses are eligible for current tax write-offs for certain equipment purchases and building improvements. These write-offs can do wonders for cash flow, but whether to claim them isn’t always an easy decision. In some cases, there are advantages to choosing the regular depreciation rules....
This calendar notes important tax deadlines for the first quarter of 2024....
Self-employed individuals, and those with income from interest, rent, dividends and other sources, generally must pay estimated tax payments throughout the year. Mishandling these payments could trigger penalties. This brief article offers three strategies for getting it right, and a reminder that the next due...
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...
Individual taxpayers may be able to claim medical expense deductions on their tax returns. However, the rules can be challenging, and it can be difficult to qualify. This article offers up five points to keep in mind about the deductibility of medical expenses....
This calendar notes important tax deadlines for the fourth quarter of 2023....
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....
This calendar notes important tax deadlines for the third quarter of 2023....
Back in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, many people’s emergency funds were suddenly put to the test. Now, presumably with the benefit of some hindsight, the financially savvy might want to reconsider their approach to saving. This brief article discusses some key points...
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...
Right now, taxpayers may be more concerned about their 2022 tax bills than about how to handle their personal finances in the new year. However, as they deal with their annual tax filing, it’s a good idea to also familiarize themselves with pertinent tax-related amounts...
Many perpetrators of investment fraud know how to push the right psychological buttons to entice their “marks” to buy worthless or nonexistent securities. Would-be investors can mitigate the risks by asking a few questions, performing some research and consulting with trusted advisors. ...
Generally, the term “leakage” has negative connotations. So, it’s not surprising that the same is true in the context of retirement planning, where leakage refers to pre-retirement early withdrawals from a retirement account. A business owner who sponsors a qualified retirement plan might say, “Well,...
January 17 – Individual taxpayers’ final 2022 estimated tax payment is due. January 31 – Employers must file 2022 Forms W-2 (“Wage and Tax Statement”) with the Social Security Administration and provide copies to their employees. Employers must file (paper or electronic) 2022 Forms 1099-NEC (“Nonemployee...
The IRS generally begins accepting the previous year’s individual tax returns in late January. So, it’s time for taxpayers to start thinking about getting their tax returns prepared. Here are quick tips taxpayers can use to speed tax processing and avoid hassles....
