October 15 — Personal federal income tax returns for 2019 that received an automatic extension must be filed today and any tax, interest, and penalties due must be paid. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) Report 114, “Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts” (FBAR),...
The stock market’s roller coaster ride this year, spurred largely by the COVID-19 crisis, has many people craving stability. One way to potentially steady a portfolio is with real estate. This article looks at real estate investment trusts....
Earlier this year, in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, the IRS deferred the filing and payment deadlines for federal tax returns. This article recaps the relief and discusses what taxpayers should know about filing an extension and contributing to certain savings accounts. A...
When a trade or business’s deductible expenses exceed its income, a net operating loss (NOL) generally occurs. The rules applying to NOLs have changed and changed again. This article reviews how they’ve been revised, including most recently under the CARES Act....
While 401(k) plans and Roth IRAs are well known, job candidates and employees may not be all that familiar with the Roth 401(k). This article discusses what business owners should know about this potentially valuable employee retirement benefit....
Taxpayers with large, outstanding tax bills need to watch out. The U.S. State Department could deny a passport application, or revoke or limit a current passport, if the IRS certifies that an individual has a seriously delinquent tax debt. This brief article provides more information....
Business owners want to compensate themselves and their top executives fairly and competitively for their work, results and commitment. But how can they do so without attracting undue IRS scrutiny and claims of inappropriate compensation? This article explains some important factors to consider for both...
Gig workers represent a growing segment of the economy. And no matter what the job or app, they all have one thing in common: taxes. This article explores the distinctive aspects of this type of self-employment. A sidebar points out that gig workers may qualify...
This calendar notes important tax deadlines for the first quarter of 2020....
Many people dream of retiring early so they can pursue activities other than work. But making this dream a reality requires careful planning and diligent saving during the years leading up to retirement. This brief article touches on some of the fundamental ways to live...
Among the most important impacts of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is its increase of the standard deduction. This article explains how the increase has affected the strategy of “bunching” deductible medical expenses into one year to save tax dollars....
Despite its name, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act didn’t cut all types of taxes. It left several taxes unchanged, including the 3.8% tax on net investment income (NII) of high-income taxpayers. This brief article defines the NII tax and urges you to explore strategies...
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has given business owners much to think about, including whether to change the structure under which their companies operate. This article explains what’s changed and offers some scenarios to ponder. A sidebar looks at what growth-focused businesses should think...
Finding ways to defer or minimize taxes on investments is always important. One way to do so — and diversify one’s portfolio, too — is to invest in qualified small business stock. This article describes the tax advantages....
A vacation home can provide a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But that’s not all: It can also offer valuable tax benefits. This article sorts out the rules for claiming a tax break....
The tax implications of earning money from an activity will vary depending on whether it is considered a hobby or business by the IRS. And the rules recently changed under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This article reviews the hobby vs. business distinction and...
Whether they’re planning to claim charitable deductions on a 2018 return or make donations for 2019, it’s important for taxpayers to know how much they’re allowed to deduct. This article provides details on different types of charitable gifts and discusses concepts to consider when planning...
Many people will eventually need to transfer ownership of real estate, a family business or some other asset expected to appreciate dramatically in the future. In such cases, an installment sale may be a viable option. This article explains under what circumstances this strategy should...
This calendar notes important tax deadlines for the first quarter of 2019....
When is a loss actually a gain? When that loss becomes an opportunity to lower tax liability, of course. This article discusses the tried-and-true strategy of using capital losses to counter the potentially costly impact of capital gains....
When investing for retirement or other long-term goals, people usually prefer tax-advantaged accounts. But traditional taxable accounts may still make more sense for certain investments. This article discusses the difference between “taxable” and “tax-advantaged” and which vehicles tend to work the best where. A sidebar...
Many people reach a point in life when buying some life insurance is highly advisable. Once they determine that they need it, the next step is calculating how much they should get and what kind. This article discusses both points....
Nonqualified deferred compensation plans pay executives at some time in the future for services currently performed. Of course, in the hectic course of the average exec’s schedule, keeping up with the details isn’t always easy. This article explains how these plans differ from qualified plans...
The notion of bartering may conjure an image of a crowded, bustling medieval bazaar. But these types of transactions continue to occur in today’s high-tech modern world. This brief article discusses whether and when bartering is taxable....
For some people, Roth IRAs can offer income and estate tax benefits that are preferable to those offered by traditional IRAs. However, it’s important to make the right choice. This article discusses the distinctive features of Roth IRAs. A sidebar notifies readers of an important...
Everyone should have a wealth management plan. But taking a boilerplate approach could prevent you from achieving your specific goals. This article raises some key points to consider when devising a truly customized plan....
Everyone loves a juicy tax refund, but why wait to receive the money? By adjusting one’s withholding and/or estimated tax payments, a taxpayer can enjoy that money throughout the year. This article lists some circumstances under which adjustments are particularly advisable and explains how to...
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...
It’s not uncommon for adult children to help support their aging parents. Those in this position might qualify for an adult-dependent exemption on their 2017 tax returns. This article explores the basic qualifications and some important factors related to this tax break....
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...