Reduce the Impact of the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax
High-income taxpayers face a regular income tax rate of 35% or 37%. And they may also have to pay a 3.8% net investment income tax (NIIT) that’s imposed in [...]
Taxation Issues in the Gig Economy
Do you provide car rides through a mobile app, rent out your spare room using an online platform or repair computers for local businesses on demand? If so, you may [...]
Steps to Help Avert Sabotage by Former Employees
Termination can be painful, whether it's for cause or part of a business slump that you can't avoid. Employees who are fired or laid off often have negative feelings about [...]
How Much Does the IRS Let Delinquent Taxpayers Live On?
The IRS uses "Collection Financial Standards" to help determine a taxpayer's ability to pay a delinquent tax liability. Allowable living expenses include those that meet the test of being necessary to provide for [...]
Let’s Be Reasonable about Owners’ Compensation
Is it possible to have too much of a good thing? The IRS thinks so, at least in the context of compensation paid to business owners. If an owner's compensation is [...]
Computer software costs: How does your business deduct them?
These days, most businesses buy or lease computer software to use in their operations. Or perhaps your business develops computer software to use in your products or services or [...]
Adopting a Child? Bring Home a Tax Break Too
Two tax benefits are available to offset the expenses of adopting a child. In 2022, adoptive parents may be able to claim a credit against their federal tax for [...]
Providing Fringe Benefits to Employees With No Tax Strings Attached
Businesses can provide benefits to employees that don’t cost them much or anything at all. However, in some cases, employees may have to pay tax on the value of [...]
Investing in the Future With a 529 Education Plan
If you have a child or grandchild who’s going to attend college in the future, you’ve probably heard about qualified tuition programs, also known as 529 plans. These plans, [...]
How Tax Reform Affects Divorce Settlements for Small Business Owners
How does the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) affect divorce settlements? Changes in the new law may require divorcing individuals — especially those who own businesses and other investments [...]
Seller-paid points: Can homeowners deduct them?
In its latest report, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) announced that July 2022 existing home sales were down but prices were up nationwide, compared with last year. “The [...]
Year-end Tax Planning Ideas for Individuals
Now that fall is officially here, it’s a good time to start taking steps that may lower your tax bill for this year and next. One of the first [...]
Is Your Income High Enough To Owe Two Extra Taxes?
High-income taxpayers face two special taxes — a 3.8% net investment income tax (NIIT) and a 0.9% additional Medicare tax on wage and self-employment income. Here’s an overview of [...]
2022 Q4 tax calendar: Key deadlines for businesses and other employers
Here are some of the key tax-related deadlines affecting businesses and other employers during the fourth quarter of 2022. Keep in mind that this list isn’t all-inclusive, so there may [...]
Self-employed? Build a Nest Egg With a Solo 401(k) Plan
Do you own a successful small business with no employees and want to set up a retirement plan? Or do you want to upgrade from a SIMPLE IRA or [...]