New Tax Provisions Passed by Congress
As part of a year-end budget bill, Congress just passed a package of tax provisions that will provide savings for some taxpayers. The White House has announced that President Trump [...]
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 [...]
Reap Tax Rewards from Year-End Harvesting
The stock market has experienced plenty of ups and downs this year. So, some investors are poised to take big gains for 2019, while others are currently showing losses and many [...]
Understanding and Controlling the Unemployment Tax Costs of Your Business
As an employer, you must pay federal unemployment (FUTA) tax on amounts up to $7,000 paid to each employee as wages during the calendar year. The rate of tax imposed [...]
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 [...]
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. [...]
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 [...]
Taking Distributions from Your Traditional IRA
If you’re like many people, you’ve worked hard to accumulate a large nest egg in your traditional IRA (including a SEP-IRA). It’s even more critical to carefully plan for withdrawals [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]