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. [...]
Tax Breaks for Vacation Home Rentals
Do you own a vacation home in the mountains or near the water where you can enjoy some much-needed rest and relaxation? If you rent it to tenants while you [...]
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 [...]
Answers to Your Tax Season Questions
The IRS announced it will open the 2024 income tax return filing season on January 29. That’s when the tax agency will begin accepting and processing 2023 tax year [...]
It’s Possible (but not easy) to Claim a Medical Expense Tax Deduction
One of your New Year’s resolutions may be to pay more attention to your health. Of course, that may cost you. Can you deduct your out-of-pocket medical costs on [...]
Tips for Reducing the Impact of NIIT
The net investment income tax (NIIT) was enacted more than a decade ago. While repeal has been discussed more than once, it continues to ensnare a growing number of taxpayers. [...]
Important Tax Figures for 2024
Every year, the amounts allowed for various federal tax benefits are subject to change based on inflation adjustments and legislation. This chart provides some tax figures for 2024, compared with [...]
Court Awards and Out-of-Court Settlements May (or may not) Be Taxed
Monetary awards and settlements are often provided for an array of reasons. For example, a person could receive compensatory and punitive damage payments for personal injury, discrimination or harassment. [...]
The Standard Business Mileage Rate Will Be Going Up Slightly in 2024
The optional standard mileage rate used to calculate the deductible cost of operating an automobile for business will be going up by 1.5 cents per mile in 2024. The IRS [...]
Sweeten Your Lender Relationships With Strong Financial Reporting
No matter what the economy, applying for business credit is no cake walk. Sure, it might be a little easier when interest rates are lower, and lenders really want to [...]