Bring Home a Tax Credit for Adoption
When you adopt a child, you could bring home more than a bundle of joy. You may also be in line for a valuable tax credit. For 2020, a tax [...]
Like-Kind Exchanges: New Proposed IRS Regs Define Real Property
The IRS has issued new proposed regulations that define what constitutes real property to determine eligibility for tax-deferred Section 1031 "like-kind" exchanges. Importantly, the proposed regs allow personal property that's [...]
Medical Costs: Can I Really Get a Tax Break for That?
It's difficult for many people to write off medical expenses because of the limits imposed under the tax laws. But you may qualify by including every expense allowed. Some of [...]
The Easiest Way to Survive An IRS Audit Is to Get Ready in Advance
IRS audit rates are historically low, according to the latest data, but that’s little consolation if your return is among those selected to be examined. But with proper preparation and [...]
What Tax Records Can You Throw Away?
October 15 was the deadline for individual taxpayers who extended their 2019 tax returns. (The original April 15 filing deadline was extended this year to July 15 due to the [...]
Tax Implications When Lenders Cancel Debts in the Covid-19 Era
In the COVID-19-ravaged economy, debts can pile up beyond a borrower's ability to repay. Lenders sometimes may be willing to forgive (or cancel) debts that are owed by certain borrowers. While [...]
CARES Act Changes Rules for NOL Carrybacks and QIP
Consider these two favorable federal income tax rule changes included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act when deciding whether to take advantage of first-year depreciation breaks [...]
Small Businesses: Are First-Year Depreciation Write-Offs Right for You?
Under today's federal income tax rules, your business may be able to claim big first-year depreciation write-offs for eligible assets that are placed in service in the current tax year. [...]
Employers Have Questions and Concerns About Deferring Employees’ Social Security Taxes
The IRS has provided guidance to employers regarding the recent presidential action to allow employers to defer the withholding, deposit and payment of certain payroll tax obligations. The three-page guidance [...]
Will You Have to Pay Tax on Your Social Security Benefits?
If you’re getting close to retirement, you may wonder: Are my Social Security benefits going to be taxed? And if so, how much will you have to pay? It depends [...]
Back-to-School Tax Breaks on the Books
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, students are going back to school this fall, either remotely, in-person or under a hybrid schedule. In any event, parents may be eligible for certain tax [...]
Beware: Retirement Plan Loan Defaults Can Be Costly
Economic fallout from the COVID-19 crisis may cause some cash-strapped individuals to default on loans they've taken out from company qualified retirement plans, including 401(k) and profit-sharing plans. Defaulting on [...]
Evaluate the Effects of Selling a Subsidiary or Division
During the best and worst of times, your company may be tempted to sell a division or subsidiary. This can make sense for a number of reasons, including: Alternatives to [...]
The Possible Tax Consequences of PPP Loans
If your business was fortunate enough to get a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan taken out in connection with the COVID-19 crisis, you should be aware of the potential tax [...]
Take Advantage of a “Stepped-Up Basis” When You Inherit Property
If you’re planning your estate, or you’ve recently inherited assets, you may be unsure of the “cost” (or “basis”) for tax purposes. Fair market value rules Under the fair market [...]