Don’t have a tax-favored retirement plan? Set one up now
If your business doesn’t already have a retirement plan, it might be a good time to take the plunge. Current retirement plan rules allow for significant tax-deductible contributions. For [...]
Bartering is a Taxable Transaction Even if No Cash is Exchanged
If your small business is strapped for cash (or likes to save money), you may find it beneficial to barter or trade for goods and services. Bartering isn’t new [...]
Don’t Overlook the Child Care Tax Credit
For years, the tax code has offered an incentive for employers to provide child care to their employees in the form of the Section 45F child care tax credit. But [...]
Keep These 3 Items In Mind After You File Your Return
The tax filing deadline for 2023 tax returns is April 15 this year. If you need more time, you can file for an extension until October 15. In either [...]
Uncovering Hidden Assets in a Divorce
These days, marriage can be a complex venture, and when it dissolves, sorting out the finances can be difficult. Even in amicable divorces, the financial entanglements can be complicated. And [...]
The tax deadline is almost here: File for an extension if you’re not ready
The April 15 tax filing deadline is right around the corner. However, you might not be ready to file. Sometimes, it’s not possible to gather your tax information by the [...]
6 Factors to Classify Workers as Employees or Independent Contractors
In January 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued its long-awaited final rule related to employment status under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The new rule carves out [...]
Update on Retirement Account Required Minimum Distributions
If you have a tax-favored retirement account, including a traditional IRA, you’ll become exposed to the federal income tax required minimum distribution (RMD) rules after reaching a certain age. [...]
Federal Tax News for Individuals
New 401(k) contribution limits for 2024 In 2024, individuals will be able to contribute more to their 401(k) plans, up to $23,000. The same is true for 403(b) plans [...]
Installment Sales Can Be a Win-Win for Buyers and Sellers
For federal income tax purposes, an installment sale is when at least one payment of proceeds from an eligible sale is deferred until after the end of the tax year [...]
Beware of a Stealth Tax on Social Security Benefits
Some people mistakenly believe that Social Security benefits are always free from federal income tax. Unfortunately, that’s often not the case. In fact, depending on how much overall income [...]
A job loss is bad but the tax implications could make it worse
Unemployment has been holding steady recently at 3.7%. But there are still some people losing their jobs — particularly in certain industries including technology and media. If you’re laid [...]
Do You Qualify as Head of Household
The head of household (HOH) federal tax filing status is often misunderstood by taxpayers who might qualify, including single, divorced or legally separated parents, and taxpayers who support adult family [...]
Demystifying Personal Casualty Losses
In recent years, many Americans have been the victims of natural disasters. If you're unfortunate enough to suffer a personal casualty loss, here are the federal income tax implications. Limited [...]
New Option for Unused Funds in a 529 College Savings Plan
With the high cost of college, many parents begin saving with 529 plans when their children are babies. Contributions to these plans aren’t tax deductible, but they grow tax [...]