Has the TCJA Lowered Your Taxes?
We now have two years of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) changes under our belts: 2018 and 2019. Are your taxes lower than before the law went into [...]
Reasons Why Married Couples Might Want to File Separate Tax Returns
Married couples often wonder whether they should file joint or separate tax returns. The answer depends on your individual tax situation. It generally depends on which filing status results in [...]
QBI Deduction Safe Harbor Rule for Rental Real Estate
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) introduced a new deduction for individuals, estates and trusts that own interests in so-called "pass-through" business entities for 2018 through 2025. The deduction can [...]
Do You Have a Side Gig? Make Sure You Understand Your Tax Obligations
The number of people engaged in the “gig” or sharing economy has grown in recent years, according to a 2019 IRS report. And there are tax consequences for the people [...]
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 [...]
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. [...]
Bonus Depreciation for Your Business: Review Your Options
First-year bonus depreciation has been around for a while now. However, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) set forth more generous, but temporary, rules for 2018 through 2026. Recent [...]
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 [...]
Update on the New Business Interest Expense Limitation
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) imposes a new limitation on deductions for business interest expense. The IRS recently issued guidance in the form of proposed regulations. The business [...]
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 [...]
Who Can Deduct Car Expenses on Their Tax Returns
Information courtesy of IRS.gov Taxpayers who have deducted the business use of their car on past tax returns should review whether or not they can still claim this deduction. Here’s [...]
How Much Can Businesses Deduct for Vehicles Placed in Service in 2019?
Does your business need to add one or more vehicles? If so, the purchases may qualify for tax breaks under current tax law. Here are the details. First-Year Depreciation Breaks [...]
Volunteering for Charity: Do You Get a Tax Break?
If you’re a volunteer who works for charity, you may be entitled to some tax breaks if you itemize deductions on your tax return. Unfortunately, they may not amount to [...]
What Taxpayers Should Know If They Get a Notice from the IRS
Info courtesy of irs.gov Certain taxpayers might get a letter from the IRS this year. It’s called an IRS Notice CP2000. It gives detailed information about issues the IRS identified. [...]