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 [...]
Year-end giving to charity or loved ones
The holiday season is here and many people plan to donate to their favorite charities or give money or assets to their loved ones before the end of the year. [...]
Strategies for Investors to Cut Taxes as Year-End Approaches
The overall stock market has been down during 2022 but there have been some bright spots. As year-end approaches, consider making some moves to make the best tax use [...]
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 [...]
How Inflation Will Affect Your 2022 and 2023 Tax Bills
The effects of inflation are all around. You’re probably paying more for gas, food, health care and other expenses than you were last year. Are you wondering how high [...]
Plan Now to Reduce AMT Exposure
First the bad news: Despite passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), the individual alternative minimum tax (AMT) is still in place. But there's some good news: The [...]
You May Be Liable For “Nanny Tax” For All Types of Domestic Workers
You’ve probably heard of the “nanny tax.” But even if you don’t employ a nanny, it may apply to you. Hiring a house cleaner, gardener or other household employee [...]
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 [...]
Social Security Wage Base and Earnings Test Amounts Increase in 2023
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced that the "wage base" for computing Social Security tax will increase for 2023 to $160,200. This is up from $147,000 for 2022. Federal [...]
Tax and Other Financial Consequences of Tax-Free Bonds
If you’re interested in investing in tax-free municipal bonds, you may wonder if they’re really free of taxes. While the investment generally provides tax-free interest on the federal (and [...]
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 [...]
Social Security Recipients Will Receive a Large Increase in 2023
Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 70 million Americans will increase 8.7% in 2023, the federal government just announced. On average, the Social Security Administration [...]