If you're interested in minimizing your tax obligations and maximizing your savings, consider the helpful tips and ideas you'll find in this newsletter. Call if you would like to discuss how any of this information relates to you. If you know someone that can benefit from this newsletter, feel free to send it to them. …
Estate Taxes: What EVERYONE Should Know
Most taxpayers ignore the federal estate tax, thinking they will never be touched by it. Unfortunately, you do this at your own peril. Why? Because states often have this tax AND politicians have a habit of frequently changing the rules. The best approach for all taxpayers is to understand the basics of the estate tax. …
Common Tax Filing Mistakes
With the tax filing extension giving you until July 15th to file your return, it is easy to overlook ways to avoid receiving a letter from the IRS. Here are some of the most common tax filing mistakes: Forgetting a W-2 or 1099. The IRS does an effective job comparing W-2s and 1099s they receive from …
Think Before Tapping 401(k) as Emergency Fund
Do you need a quick infusion of cash? Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, you may be able to take money out of a qualified plan, like a 401(k), or an IRA, with favorable tax consequences. But should you do it? You might view withdrawing money from a retirement account as …
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2020 Refund Schedule: How Long Do I Have to Wait Until I Get My Tax Refund?
The Treasury Department and the IRS have officially extended the federal income tax filing due date from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020. At this time, refunds are still being processed on schedule according to the United States Department of Treasury. The IRS started accepting returns on January 27th, 2020. Most refunds will be issued by the IRS in less …
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6 Tips to Avoid Common Payroll Mistakes
1. Carefully set up your payroll system and update it regularly Take the time to input correct employee information, tax withholding amounts and payment information. By doing this, you'll avoid paying the wrong amount to employees and stay away from errors in the long run. 2. Pay your employees on time If you want to …
IRS offers guidance for farmers on small-business tax break
The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department released guidance Friday to help farmers deal with a provision of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and reduce their taxes by leveraging a tax break for small businesses. The 2017 tax law included a provision that exempts small business taxpayers from the capitalization rules under Section …
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Start or review an accountable plan
Employee reimbursements need careful compliance. Employees, including business owner/employees, often are required to pay expenses out of pocket on behalf of their employer or business. In most cases, they do so either expecting to be reimbursed or, until the end of 2017, expecting to claim the expenditures as a miscellaneous itemized deduction (above a threshold …
New Withholding Process Made Official
The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service have issued their proposed regulations updating the federal income tax withholding rules, bringing them in line with the changes made by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The regulations have been published in the Federal Register. In general, the regulations are designed to usher the revamped Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Certificate, …
Do I Have a Business or a Hobby?
Do I Have a Business or a Hobby? Taxpayers must report on their tax return the income earned from hobbies. The rules for how to report the income and expenses depend on whether the activity is a hobby or a business. There are special rules and limits for deductions taxpayers can claim for hobbies. In …
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