Small Businesses: Stay Clear of a Severe Payroll Tax Penalty
One of the most laborious tasks for small businesses is managing payroll. But it’s critical that you not only withhold the right amount of taxes from employees’ paychecks but also [...]
Tax Planning for a Home in the Event of Divorce
For many people, the federal home sale gain exclusion is the single most valuable tax break available. But if you're getting divorced and selling a home, you may need to [...]
Multi-state Resident? Watch Out for Double Taxation
Contrary to popular belief, there's nothing in the U.S. Constitution or federal law that prohibits multiple states from collecting tax on the same income. Although many states provide tax credits [...]
Six Education Tax Breaks on the Books
It costs a pretty penny to send a child to college or private school these days. But at least the federal tax code may provide some relief, within certain limits. [...]
IRA Charitable Donations are an Alternative to Taxable Required Distributions
Are you charitably minded and have a significant amount of money in an IRA? If you’re age 70½ or older, and don’t need the money from required minimum distributions, you [...]
Keep Your Fleet Safe
Whether your company has one vehicle or dozens on the road, smart management can save you money. Familiarity with tax laws, simple maintenance steps and high-tech solutions can reduce the [...]
Use a Coverdell ESA to Help Pay College, Elementary and Secondary School Costs
There are several ways to save for your child’s or grandchild’s education, including with a Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA). Although for federal tax purposes there’s no upfront deduction for [...]
Changing Jobs? What Will Become of Your 401(K)
Most private sector employers, for better or worse, put you in the driver's seat when it comes to saving for retirement. If you're a genuinely savvy and diligent investor, you might [...]
Uncle Sam May Provide Relief from College Costs on Your Tax Return
We all know the cost of college is expensive. The latest figures from the College Board show that the average annual cost of tuition and fees was $10,230 for in-state [...]
Expenses that Teachers Can and Can’t Deduct on Their Tax Returns
Teachers often pay for various expenses for which they don’t receive reimbursement. Fortunately, they may be able to deduct them on their tax returns. However, there are limits on this [...]
The “Kiddie Tax” Hurts Families More Than Ever
Years ago, Congress enacted the “kiddie tax” rules to prevent parents and grandparents in high tax brackets from shifting income (especially from investments) to children in lower tax brackets. And [...]
The “Nanny Tax” Must Be Paid for More Than Just Nannies
You may have heard of the “nanny tax.” But even if you don’t employ a nanny, it may apply to you. Hiring a housekeeper, gardener or other household employee (who [...]
Tax Planning for Individuals: Summer is a Good Time to Start
Tax Planning for Individuals The summer months are a good time to brainstorm tax planning strategies. Some ideas will help cut your tax bill for the current year; others will allow [...]
Summer Loving? Think About Taxes Before You Tie the Knot
For many couples, summer is the quintessential time to tie the knot. The weather is warm, the flowers are blooming and nature offers plentiful backdrops for photos. But there's more than [...]
Divorce or Separation May Have an Effect on Taxes
Information courtesy of IRS.gov Taxpayers should be aware of tax law changes related to alimony and separation payments. These payments are made after a divorce or separation. The Tax Cuts [...]