Babies bring joy and excitement. They also bring substantial adjustments to the family budget! This article discusses a couple of ways to pacify the challenge: checking insurance and reviewing tax breaks. A sidebar advises starting a college fund as early as possible....
Taxpayers who are gig workers or otherwise self-employed likely must make estimated tax payments to the IRS every quarter. This article notifies readers of an upcoming payment deadline, explores the details of estimated tax payments, and looks at a method that may help people whose...
For hard-to-value assets, such as closely held businesses, real estate and art, a professional appraisal may be necessary. This article explores situations that call for an appraisal, including retirement and estate planning, gift disclosures and charitable donations....
Many Americans receive disability income, and the question is often asked: Is it taxable? The short answer is: That depends on who paid for it. This article details how and when taxes may apply. A sidebar discusses how much disability coverage an individual may need....
When one of a company’s customers can’t pay up, the business may be able to claim a tax deduction for the “bad debt” under Internal Revenue Code Section 166. To successfully do so, however, the business owner must know how the tax code defines a...
Receiving a sudden and sizable influx of cash may seem like a dream come true. It can be, but many people get blown away by a windfall and end up in worse financial shape. This article suggests some common-sense tips on creating a sensible, long-term...
Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasing in popularity all the time, and more of them are qualifying for a federal tax credit. For example, the IRS added three more eligible models in July. This article discusses the definition of EVs for tax purposes as well as...
Every business needs a website, but it’s not always easy to determine which costs of running one are deductible. Fortunately, there are guidelines and even IRS guidance to follow. This article discusses both the hardware and software costs associated with a website....
As investing in Bitcoin, Dogecoin and other cryptocurrencies becomes more popular, investors need to understand the potential tax ramifications. Unlike traditional currency, the IRS views cryptocurrency as property. This article explores the impact on capital gains and losses as well as defines key terms such...
Family businesses make up a huge percentage of companies in the United States and produce much of the country’s gross domestic product. However, for various reasons, they may also potentially face higher fraud risk. This article discusses why, and how family business owners can reduce...
If your child has been awarded a scholarship for college or another type of school, it’s certainly cause for celebration. But parents need to be aware of the potential tax implications. This article explains whether or not scholarships are taxable. ...
If you’re a partner in a business, you may have encountered a situation that gave you pause. In any given year, you may have been taxed on more partnership income than was distributed to you. The cause of this quirk of taxation lies in the...
July 15 — If the monthly deposit rule applies, employers must deposit the tax for payments in June for Social Security, Medicare, withheld income tax and nonpayroll withholding. August 2 — The second quarter Form 941 (“Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return”) is due today. (If your...
Many individual taxpayers fondly recall the stimulus payments issued this spring under the American Rescue Plan Act. However, the law contains plenty of other provisions also worth remembering. This article reviews four highlights. A sidebar looks at the income exclusion for unemployment benefits....
Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, employees could (through December 31, 2020) take paid sick time and paid family leave to care for themselves or loved ones because of COVID-19. This brief article notes some changes to the applicable rules with the passage of...
Most people feel a sense of relief after filing their tax returns. But even if you’ve successfully filed your 2020 return with the IRS, there may still be some issues to bear in mind. This article discusses three considerations: checking on a refund, filing an...
With the economy expected to improve in the months or quarters ahead, many business owners and entrepreneurs may decide to launch new enterprises. This article discusses the general rules and applicable expenses related to the tax treatment of start-ups. ...
Future retirees have long grappled with whether to opt for a traditional or Roth IRA. Those who have a traditional IRA and have seen a decline in the value of their investments may want to consider a conversion to a Roth. This article reviews how...
Over the last year, many companies have experienced “workforce fluctuations.” If your business has engaged independent contractors to address staffing needs, be careful that these workers are properly classified for federal tax purposes. Tax obligations The question of whether a worker is an independent contractor or an...
No one likes a surprise when filing a tax return. One thing that takes many older people off-guard is getting taxed on their Social Security benefits. This article explains how to calculate provisional income to determine whether your Social Security income is indeed subject to...
The Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), signed into law late last year, contains a multitude of provisions that may affect individuals. For example, if you’re planning to fund a college education or in the midst of paying for one, the CAA covers two important areas: ...
This calendar notes important tax deadlines for the second quarter of 2021....
If you own a home, the interest you pay on your home mortgage may provide a tax break in the form of the mortgage interest deduction. However, you must itemize deductions on your tax return and follow a few other rules. Acquisition debt A personal interest deduction...
Any U.S. person who has a financial interest in, or signature or other authority over, any foreign financial accounts must file a Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) if the aggregate value of the foreign financial accounts exceeds $10,000 at any time during...
Everyone’s personal financial plan doesn’t have to be complex, but it does generally need to cover two major facets: paying down debt and saving money. This brief article discusses the importance of identifying one’s financial personality and using that as a guide to creating a...
Many people might think about moving to another state. However, it’s important to consider the tax ramifications before doing so. This article urges readers to identify all applicable taxes in a destination state and recommends being prepared to meet the legal requirements for establishing domicile....
Many people have found themselves working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic and wondering, “Can I claim the home office deduction for 2020?” The short answer is: Only if you’re self-employed. This article delves deeper into the other rules involved....
Now’s a good time for taxpayers to familiarize themselves with pertinent tax-related amounts that may or may not be changing in 2021 because of inflation. This article poses six key questions about such amounts, including those related to retirement planning and the itemized deduction....
Wealthier individuals should bear in mind that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act temporarily doubled the federal gift and estate tax exemption through 2025. This brief article provides specifics on the dollar amounts involved and explains why there’s no reason to fear a “clawback.”...
This calendar notes important tax deadlines for the first quarter of 2021....
