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 [...]
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 [...]
Taking your spouse on a business trip? Can you write off the costs?
A recent report shows that post-pandemic global business travel is going strong. The market reached $665.3 billion in 2022 and is estimated to hit $928.4 billion by 2030, according to a report [...]
New Twists and Turns Taken By EV Credits
Did you buy an electric vehicle (EV) in 2023? Under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), passed late in 2022, you may be eligible for a new-and-improved tax credit, beginning on [...]
Get Ready for the 2023 Gift Tax Return Deadline
Did you give large gifts to your children, grandchildren, or others last year? If so, it’s important to determine if you’re required to file a 2023 gift tax return. [...]
Filing jointly or separately as a married couple: What’s the difference?
When you file your tax return, a tax filing status must be chosen. This status is used to determine your standard deduction, tax rates, eligibility for certain tax breaks [...]
Dos and Don’ts for Business Expense Deductions
As tax season heats up, companies of all kinds and sizes will be on the hunt for ways to reduce their tax bills. One of the most common ways is [...]
Can You Claim Your Parent as a Dependent?
If you pay over half the cost of supporting a parent, your parent is considered your dependent for federal income tax purposes. This treatment potentially entitles you to some significant tax [...]
If you gave to charity in 2023, check to see that you have substantiation
Did you donate to charity last year? Acknowledgment letters from the charities you gave to may have already shown up in your mailbox. But if you don’t receive such a [...]
Should Your Business Offer the New Emergency Savings Accounts to Employees?
As part of the SECURE 2.0 law, there’s a new benefit option for employees facing emergencies. It’s called a pension-linked emergency savings account (PLESA) and the provision authorizing it [...]
The Kiddie Tax Could Affect Your Children Until They’re Young Adults
The so-called “kiddie tax” can cause some of a child’s unearned income to be taxed at the parent’s higher marginal federal income tax rates instead of at the usually [...]