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...
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...
This calendar notes important tax deadlines for the third quarter of 2024....
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...
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...
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...
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...
This calendar notes important tax deadlines for the second quarter of 2024....
At one time, life insurance played a much bigger role in estate planning than it does now. That’s because life insurance was needed to pay estate tax, which affected more people than it does now. With the federal gift and estate tax exemption now at...
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...
Taxpayers preparing to file tax returns for 2023 may still have an opportunity to lower their tax bills. Those who are eligible can make tax-deductible contributions to traditional IRAs right up until this year’s April 15 tax-filing deadline, and benefit from the tax savings on...
If a small business is operated as a sole proprietorship, the owner may have thought about forming a limited liability company (LLC) to protect his or her assets. Or, if the owner is launching a new business, he or she may want to know what...
The IRS will soon announce the opening of the 2023 individual income tax return filing season. Even for taxpayers who don’t typically file until much closer to the April 15 deadline (or file for an extension), it’s a good idea to file earlier this year....
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...
Whether a business is new or established, losses can happen. The federal tax code may help soften the blow by allowing businesses to apply losses to offset taxable income in future years, subject to certain limitations....
Many Americans receive disability income, and the question is often asked: Is it taxable? The short answer is: That depends on who paid for it. This article details how and when taxes may apply. A sidebar discusses how much disability coverage an individual may need....
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....
This calendar notes important tax deadlines for the fourth quarter of 2023....
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....
Every adult has a variety of critical documents that should be protected. This brief article discusses the importance of having a dependable safe or bank safe deposit box in which to store key documents, and even cash, in case of a major disaster....
