Medical Expenses: What it Takes to Qualify for a Tax Deduction
As we all know, medical services and prescription drugs are expensive. You may be able to deduct some of your expenses on your tax return, but the rules make it [...]
Using Your 401(k) Plan to Save This Year and Next
You can reduce taxes and save for retirement by contributing to a tax-advantaged retirement plan. If your employer offers a 401(k) or Roth 401(k) plan, contributing to it is a [...]
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 [...]
Taking the Acquisition Route
An acquisition of a target company's stock or assets can help your business expand its operations while maintaining control of the company. With taxable direct purchases, the buyer simply pays [...]
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. [...]
Selling Securities by Year End? Avoid the Wash Sale Rule
If you’re planning to sell assets at a loss to offset gains that have been realized during the year, it’s important to be aware of the “wash sale” rule. How [...]
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 [...]
Tax-Favored Employee Fringe Benefits: What’s the Right Mix for Your Business?
Job applicants look at more than just wages when evaluating potential employers. They consider the whole compensation package, including fringe benefits and perks. These add-ons enable employers to cast a [...]
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 [...]
Combinations for Growth: Mergers & Acquisitions
If your company has decided the best way to grow is to expand your ownership boundaries, you are probably considering either a merger or an acquisition. Both are convenient, quick [...]
When is Tax Due on Series EE Savings Bonds
You may have Series EE savings bonds that were bought many years ago. Perhaps you store them in a file cabinet or safe deposit box and rarely think about them. [...]