As the calendar resets and a new year is upon us, it’s time to gear up for the upcoming tax season. This period brings proactive planning, organization and informed decision making to navigate tax obligations efficiently. The IRS will begin accepting electronically filed returns mid-January and the deadline to file will follow on April 15th. […]
Embrace a Fresh Start: Welcome to the New Tax Season! Read More »
In the evolving American labor market, 1099 employment has become a significant aspect for many working individuals. This form of employment represents a category of work that differs from traditional full-time employment. Understanding 1099 employment is crucial for both workers and employers to understand the responsibilities and expectations of both parties. 1099 employment refers to
Understanding 1099 Employment Read More »
If you itemize deductions on your tax return, you may be able to include any charitable contributions made during that filing year. Itemizing donations entitles taxpayers to charitable contribution deductions.
Qualifying organizations, typically 501(c)(3), serve the public, providing a valuable service to the community and do not operate for profit. In general, these organizations are either charitable, religious, educational, scientific or literary.
Charitable Donations – Cash Contributions Read More »
If you receive a letter from the IRS, it’s more than likely regarding your federal tax return.
Your notice will explain the reason for receiving it as well as necessary actions to take. You could have a balance due, or the IRS determined you are due a larger or smaller refund than anticipated. They may also need additional information, have questions or are making a change to your return. The IRS may also need to verify your identity.
What to do when you receive a letter from the IRS Read More »
Similar to getting a real estate appraisal or checking the value of your stock, you can determine what your business is worth by having a valuation prepared by an accounting professional. A business valuation is the analytical process of determining the current or projected worth of a company. It can help determine where a company stands in the market.
There are a number of reasons why one would be interested in getting their business valuated…
Valuation of a Business Read More »
Married taxpayers, who were married on the last day of the tax year, have two filing status options when it’s time to file their annual tax return. The best choice varies depending on each couple’s individual needs.
Married filing jointly offers lower tax rates, but filing separately may be more beneficial depending on the couple’s individual situations.
So, which filing status is best for you?
Married Filing Jointly vs Separately Read More »
Did you accrue foreign taxes to a country outside of the US but are subject to US tax on the same income? Did you know that you may be able to qualify for either a credit or a deduction on those taxes? If you meet the following, you might qualify for a Foreign Tax Credit.
-The taxes must be imposed on you
-You must have paid or accrued the tax
-The tax must be the legal and actual foreign tax liability
-The tax must be an income tax
Foreign Tax Credit Read More »
There are two tax types on the money you earn, ordinary tax rates and capital gains tax rates. Capital gains taxes are taxes on the money you’ve earned in your investments, including stocks, bonds, and real estate held for investment. You must report all earnings, but there are ways to minimize the taxes you owe.
What are Capital Gains Taxes?
Capital gains are the profits or the difference between the asset’s price when you bought and sold the investment.
Capital Gains Tax – What is it and Can I Avoid Paying It? Read More »
There’s been an update to the original SECURE Act passed in 2019. The original SECURE Act governed how to contribute and withdraw from your IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement accounts.
The SECURE Act 2.0 passed at the end of 2022 and created many changes, especially those that affect employer-sponsored 401K accounts.
Of utmost importance are the requirements for new plans that…
Secure Act 2.0 and 401K Enrollment Read More »
Your CPA is your number one resource for filing your taxes, but there are some things they cannot do (we know, hard to believe!). The IRS protects your privacy and limits what CPAs can do after they’ve filed your taxes.
CPAs are different than accountants. While CPAs are always accountants, it’s not always the other way around. CPAs go through continuing education, are licensed by a governing body, and monitored to ensure they follow all codes of conduct.
The Cans and Cannots of Your CPA Read More »
Everyone always wants ways to lower their tax liability. It keeps more money in your pocket, making it easier to reach your financial goals.
But you might feel like you’ve minimized your taxes as much as possible with a 401K or IRA, charitable contributions, and itemized deductions, but there’s one more way – a Health Savings Account.
Can a Health Savings Account Help Me Reduce My Tax Liability? Read More »
Tax time is almost upon us again, meaning it’s time to look at your finances and see where you can intentionally spend money before the year ends to lower your taxes come April 15th.
It might sound crazy to spend money to lower your taxes, but it’s a great strategy for business owners. Here are five simple ways you can reduce your tax liability this year.
5 Easy Tax Deductions to Lower Your Tax Liability Before the End of the Year Read More »
The holiday season is fast approaching and many will soon be thinking about charitable contributions. We’re highlighting charitable contribution deductions and what you should know. Read on for important information.
Charitable Contribution Deduction – What is It? Read More »
Each year, the IRS limits how much you can contribute to your tax-deferred retirement accounts. The limits are different for 401K vs. IRAs, as are the tax requirements.
Here’s everything you must know about retirement contributions.
Retirement Contributions – What are the Limits? Read More »
Your home is your pride and joy, and you earn capital gains when it appreciates. This is why many people buy a home versus renting. When you sell your home, the IRS wants its share of the profits earned. But, if the home is your primary residence, meaning you lived there full-time, you may be able to exclude some of your earnings from your taxable income using the primary residence gain exclusion.
Primary Residence Gain Exclusion Read More »
Running a small business requires business owners to handle many tasks, and often budgeting gets put on the back burner. However, it is one of your most important tasks as a business owner. Unfortunately, many business owners avoid budgeting because they don’t understand it.
Most of this misunderstanding comes down to small business owners’ most common budgeting errors. Here are the top small business budgeting errors you should avoid to make budgeting easier.
5 Common Small Business Budgeting Errors to Avoid Read More »
Did you know if you earn rental income from a property you own and rent out, you might be eligible for certain tax deductions? The deductions must be for necessary and ordinary expenses to own and maintain the property.
Here are 5 of the most common rental tax deductions you might be able to take.
5 Rental Tax Deductions to Write Off Read More »
Tax identity theft occurs when an identity thief files a fraudulent return using a stolen taxpayer’s social security number to claim the victims tax refund. The thief would use the victims personal and consumer information to file the forged tax return, usually early in the filing season before the victim files themselves. This way, the scammer would likely receive the victims refund before the IRS processes the real filing. They might invent fake wages to submit the information electronically.
What to do in the event of tax identity theft? Read More »
Cryptocurrencies have been increasing in popularity, and we are seeing more and more questions about how they are taxed. In this blog post, we will take a brief look at the current state of cryptocurrency taxation in the United States. We will answer some common questions about how taxes work for digital currency transactions and provide some tips on how to stay compliant with the tax law.
How is Cryptocurrency Taxed in the United States? Read More »
If you use a part of your home exclusively as your home office, you might be able to write off the expenses on your tax returns up to $10,000 if you don’t show a loss. You don’t have to live in a specific type of home and the deduction applies to both homeowners and renters.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made it a lot easier for self-employed taxpayers to deduct their home office expenses. It doesn’t cause the red flag most people assumed, and it typically doesn’t cause more issues when you sell the home.
Here’s what you must know about deducting your home office expenses.
How to Deduct Your Home Office as a Tax Expense Read More »
15 to file your taxes. If October 15 falls on a Holiday or weekend, the deadline will be the next business day. Most taxpayers get the extension granted as long as they file it on time, but what happens afterward is what you must know.
I’ve Filed a Tax Extension, Now What? Read More »
Tax season is here, but it looks a lot different than before. Not only have regulations changed, but there are certain steps you should take before you file your taxes that could save you money on your tax liability.
Here are the top 5 tips to help you make this tax season easier than ever before.
5 Important Tips to be Aware of This Tax Season Read More »
