A Health Savings Account (HSA) coupled with a high-deductible health plan can be a powerful tool for funding medical expenses on a tax-advantaged basis. For 2020, individuals with self-only coverage can make up to $3,550 in tax-deductible contributions to an HSA, while those with family...
Nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plans allow participants to set aside large amounts of tax-deferred compensation while enjoying the flexibility to schedule distributions to align with their financial goals. However, the plans also pose substantial risks. If your (or a prospective) employer offers an NQDC plan,...
If you’re planning to sell capital assets at a loss to offset gains that have been realized during the year, it’s important to beware of the “wash sale” rule. Under this tax rule, if you sell stock or securities for a loss and buy substantially...
Because of the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis, many companies may want to conserve cash and not buy much equipment this year. As a result, you may not be able to claim as many depreciation tax deductions as in the past. However, if your...
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),...
Many people assume that a 529 plan is the ideal college savings tool. But other vehicles can help parents save for college expenses — for example, the Roth IRA. This article compares key features of the two account types....
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act fixed a legislative glitch that prevented businesses from claiming 100% bonus depreciation for qualified improvement property. This brief article describes the situation and advises business owners to keep this tax break in mind....
Because of the economic downturn triggered by the COVID-19 crisis, many people have found themselves in need of cash to pay unexpected medical bills, mortgage payments and other expenses. One option is to borrow against the cash value of a permanent life insurance policy. This...
Many businesses and individuals are unexpectedly looking for liquidity this year. One way to raise cash is to sell off real property, though finding ready buyers has gotten more difficult. This article discusses one potential solution: an installment sale....
The sudden and severe impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has generated an intense need for charitable action. This article outlines tax incentives under the CARES Act for charitable giving and suggests some careful steps to take before donating....
If your company has been able to keep some or all of its workers on its payroll, remember that you may still be able to qualify for the payroll tax credit created under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This article discusses...
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....
Traditionally, important tax and financial records have been stored as hardcopies in desk drawers, filing cabinets and safe deposit boxes. Nowadays, it’s become increasingly popular and easy to digitize documents and store them electronically. This article explores the advantages and risks of this approach....
One byproduct of the Internal Revenue Code is that the tax liability of married couples who file jointly may be more than their combined tax liabilities would be as single filers. When it is more, many refer to the resulting tax hike as “the marriage...
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....
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....
Americans who are 65 and older qualify for basic Medicare insurance, but they may need to pay additional premiums to get the level of coverage they desire. The premiums can be expensive, especially for married couples who must pay separately for each spouse. As this...
This calendar notes important tax deadlines for the second quarter of 2020....
Most people have April 15 “tattooed on the brain” as the deadline for filing their federal income tax returns. What many forget is that the gift tax return deadline is on the very same date. This article explains the filing requirements and why some taxpayers...
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act created a new tax credit for certain employers that provide paid family and medical leave. Originally, it was available only for the 2018 and 2019 tax years but was recently extended by a new law. This article has the...
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...
Despite the prevalence of Web-based meetings, many of today’s businesses still have plenty of employees who travel. For companies that reimburse employees on a tax-free basis for travel expenses, it’s important to stay up to date on the rules that determine the location of a...
This calendar notes important tax deadlines for the first quarter of 2020....
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act generally reduced individual tax rates through 2025, but some taxpayers have actually seen their taxes go up because of reductions or eliminations of certain tax breaks. This brief article explains why it’s important for taxpayers to know their brackets....
Many people might consider donating their car to charity at year end to start the new year in a fresh ride and get a tax deduction. This brief article urges caution and explains why this strategy doesn’t always work out as intended....
The days of the calendar year are vanishing quickly, but there still may be some last-minute strategies that business owners can use to lower their 2019 tax bills. This article lists five to consider, including postponing invoices and qualifying for the pass-through deduction....
With the dawn of 2020 on the near horizon, here’s a quick list of tax and financial to-dos you should address before 2019 ends:...
Do you have investments outside of tax-advantaged retirement plans? If so, you might still have time to reduce your 2019 tax bill by selling some investments ― you just need to carefully select which investments you sell. Balance gains and losses If you’ve sold investments at a gain this year, consider selling...
