As tax professionals, we often are asked “Why do I need a tax professional when I can buy tax preparation software?” Let us explain… Tax software producers claim their products can prepare complex returns, but you may want to think twice before relying on software for all your tax and financial guidance. Although software may help you make choices on…
With millions of Americans working remotely for the first time this year, the Federal Trade Commission is warning people about work-from-home scams. Here are some common work-from-home offers to be careful of according to the FTC: At-Home Medical Billing Businesses. Many medical billing business opportunities are worthless. Their promoters don’t tell the truth about earnings potential and fail to provide…
Trimming expenses is something businesses must do in earnest to survive the economic downturn due to the pandemic. Here are some areas where your business may still have cost saving opportunity. Interest rates. If you have credit cards, banks will often listen to a request to lower your interest rates. This is especially true if you’ve been a long-time, loyal…
Suppose you’re switching jobs if you were furloughed because of the pandemic or you’re simply searching for greener pastures. If you have a 401(k) from your soon-to-be former employer, you must decide what to do with your retirement account when you leave. Here are your four options: Leave the money in your previous employer’s pension plan. Roll over the money…
Employment scams are not new, but they’ve become increasingly sophisticated as scammers design websites that effectively mimic the sites of legitimate companies. How can you keep from being ripped off by bogus job agencies? Do your research. Gather information about the job placement companies you’re interested in. Also ask around. Chances are you know someone else in your industry that…
The Senate blocked an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program as negotiations for a larger relief package continues between Democrats and the White House. The legislation was shot down 40 to 58 on October 20 as several lawmakers broke ranks and voted with the opposite party. The measure, backed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., would add $258 billion…
Does your paycheck look a little higher than normal? If so, it could be a tax time bomb. The Problem A payroll tax deferral beginning September 1 was recently signed via a presidential executive order. This deferral of the employee’s portion of Social Security will raise your paycheck temporarily until January 2021. Beginning in 2021, the deferred Social Security will…
This year’s pandemic highlights the importance of having enough money set aside in an emergency fund to cover six to nine months of key expenses should you lose your job. But how do you build an emergency fund if you don’t have any extra money? The easiest way to accomplish this is by reducing your expenses. Here are some creative…
The IRS released its 2020 edition of its annual Dirty Dozen list of tax scams with a special emphasis on aggressive and evolving schemes related to COVID-19 tax relief, including Economic Impact Payments. Here are six of the more common scams. Phishing. Phishing refers to potential fake emails or websites looking to steal your personal information. Remember the IRS will…
Whatever your financial goals in life – whether they include buying a new house, taking a trip to Europe, funding your children’s college educations, having enough money fora comfortable retirement, or all of the above -you are more likely to reach your goals if you do some planning. The fact that you are reading this indicates your desire to plan…
Parents facing college expenses have several provisions in the tax law to consider. The benefits don’t apply to all, but there is something of interest for many families. Tax credits The American Opportunity Tax Credit is available for certain tuition and fees, and it allows you to reduce taxes annually up to $2,500 per student for four years of college.…
Congress continues to debate how to help navigate through the ongoing pandemic. In the meantime many benefits, including Federal Unemployment benefits, have expired. To help address this assistance gap, new Executive orders were signed by President Trump. Here is what you need to know: Federal unemployment benefits The additional $600 weekly Federal employment benefits expired in late July. The executive…
Financial institutions are raising red flags about suspected fraud surrounding the Small Business Administration’s COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, according to the SBA’s Office of Inspector General. Nearly 440 financial institutions ranging from small, local credit unions to major national institutions are alerting the SBA about suspected fraudulent EIDL loan applications. The IG’s office identified $250 million in…
For decades chain letters have been making the rounds. These days they’re more likely to show up in your email than your post office box. Regardless of the process used, chain letters often have a common goal: to separate you from your money. That money, by the way, can include cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission…
Millions of Americans already received their economic impact payment. But what if you’re still waiting or you got a check, an electronic payment or a debit card with an incorrect amount? Here are some common scenarios why you may not have received your payment and what you can do. Your payment was sent to a closed bank account. If you…
The most fruitful periods of growth often happen when they are the least expected. Teachers and parents call them teachable moments. By reflecting on how you handle the situation, you can learn a lot about yourself. The disruption caused by this year’s pandemic is a massive teachable moment for all of us regarding money. Here are three ways you can…
Let’s be honest. This is a strange summer. With many recreation activities canceled or significantly altered because of this year’s pandemic and social distancing guidelines, families need to be creative to keep their kids energized and engaged. Never fear! Here’s a list of activities to create a memorable summer for your kids: Organize a family Olympics. The summer Olympics were…
For many Americans, debt has become a way of life. A recent LendingTree analysis of the latest Federal Reserve data showed that total U.S. consumer debt is on track to exceed $4 trillion this year. The analysis showed Americans collectively owe more than 26 percent of their monthly income on consumer debt, including car loans, credit card accounts and student…
A passive activity is a business activity in which a taxpayer does not materially participate. Material participation defined. So just what is material participation? In general, material participation requires you to be involved in the operation of the activity on a regular, continuous, and substantial basis. If you do not meet this threshold, the activity is deemed passive in the…
With more than 40 million Americans seeking unemployment benefits over the past 2 months, states are doing their best to keep up with the avalanche of applications. States are also bracing for an increase in Medicaid enrollment as many Americans get pushed off their employer’s health care plan. If you need to apply for Medicaid, here’s how you can protect…
Most Americans are doing what they canto cut their budget and save money. One of the biggest expenditures for individuals and families is gas for vehicles. Although gas prices have declined in recent months courtesy of the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation isn’t dead. In fact, history suggests that over time gas prices will continue their inexorable march upward. That’s why prudent…
It’s now time to build you case to ask for loan forgiveness if your business received a loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA) Payroll Protection Program (PPP). That’s because there is now guidance on filling out the new Loan Forgiveness Application. Background Around three quarters of small businesses in the United States requested relief from the SBA PPP loan…
To keep your business solvent through the COVID-19 pandemic, stay focused on the 3 rules of cash: 1) Now versus later. Cash now is better than cash later. Decreasing cash flow for many of your customers means you’ll likely have trouble collecting 100% of your accounts receivable in the short term. But don’t overlook clients whose cash flow or revenue…
With the COVID-19 pandemic dominating the news and creating havoc in many sectors of the economy, companies are going to need to be on their “A” game to survive and thrive. Here are five essential tasks to help you do this. 1. Bring financial statements up to date A clear understanding of your company’s current cash flows, revenues, expenses, assets,…
You’re not alone in trying to navigate the financial uncertainty during the coronavirus pandemic. 10 million+ American workers who lost their paycheck because of COVID-19 need to find creative ways to pay bills. Here are 6 ways to get cash to help pay for your monthly expenses. Apply for state unemployment benefits. Recent federal legislation expands traditional state unemployment payments…
Thieves are getting creative with different ways to gain access to your checking account and personal information during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some of the reported schemes: Mandatory online COVID-19 Test Individuals posing as workers from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or other federal departments use text messages to instruct you to click on a link…
You work hard providing for your loved ones during your life. You can also provide for them when you are gone with a simple estate plan that legally conveys your desires to all your heirs. Here is a short list of some of the basic documents you should consider including in your estate plan. Information memo. Keep a list of…
You can check your credit rating from all three of the major credit reporting agencies for free to ensure the accuracy of your report. Simply log onto the Internet and go to www.annualcreditreport.com. Alternatively, you can receive your free report if you call 1-877-322-8228. You are allowed to obtain one free report from each agency annually. Why bother to get…
Beginning April 3, 2020, your small business can apply for a PPP loan funded as part of the coronavirus CARES Act. The great thing about these loans, is that they are low cost and some or all of it can be forgiven. The problem The rush to get this program up is understandably confusing and chaotic. If you wish to…
In addition to filing delays and a one-time stimulus payment, the IRS is implementing many changes in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Here are some of the major topics that could affect you and your family. Early distribution penalty waived The 10% early distribution penalty on up to $100,000 of retirement withdrawals for coronavirus-related reasons is waived during 2020. New…
While most of us are never audited, when it happens it can feel a lot like a lamb thrown in the room with a lion. The IRS auditor does these audits every day. They know what to look for and can ask leading questions that you may easily answer incorrectly. So what are some good tips when you are in…
Many clients like to keep their Federal Tax Withholdings as low as possible to avoid the IRS having their funds interest-free throughout the year. Other taxpayers, especially those with non-payroll income, must make quarterly payments to the IRS. As long as these quarterly payments are made timely and the amount of the payments is sufficient in the eyes of the…
This often overlooked bookkeeping and payroll tax requirement can cause a tangle of tax problems if not handled correctly. It ended a run for Congress by Caroline Kennedy (JFK’s daughter) and killed a U.S. Attorney General nominee’s chances for appointment. Could you be impacted? This is what you need to know. Nanny Tax Explained In an effort to capture income…
Planning to move? As you scan apartment listings on Craigslist, you spy a great deal. The rental unit comes with amenities galore and lease payments well below market rates. You’re in a time crunch, so you make an appointment to tour the apartment. Unbeknownst to you, the “landlord” (AKA the guy who’s leading you on a tour of the property)…
There are some basic financial arrangements that all individuals should consider making, no matter what their age or circumstances. But if you have a family, these basic documents become essential. A Will. As you know, a will lets you, rather than the state, control how your assets will be split among your heirs. More importantly, a will allows you to…
Capital Gains and Dividends are subject to a number of different tax rates. Because of this, know the rules can be a great way to cut your tax bill. Dividends For most taxpayers, qualifying dividends are currently taxed at a maximum rate of 15%. If you’re in the 10% or 15% ordinary income tax bracket, the dividend tax rate is…
When it comes to taxes, growing older can have its advantages. But older individuals may also have additional tax-related requirements. Here’s a quick overview of the tax and financial breaks available as you reach a certain age. Higher standard deductions. You’re eligible for a higher standard deduction once you reach age 65. Tax credit for the elderly. You may qualify…
Most successful business managers use financial statements and other special reports to generate higher profits. If you haven’t been using all the financial tools available to you, here are some ideas to get you started. There is no need to feel intimidated by financial statements. If your company’s record system is properly designed, you should be getting regular financial reports…
Tax filing time is an ideal time to review your financial affairs. You have to gather information to prepare your tax return at this time. Why not take one more step and do something positive for your financial well-being? The following suggestions will get you started on your financial review: Discuss with your family. Spouses and children need to share…
Every year taxpayers are hit with tax surprises that could be avoided if they just knew the rules. Here are five big ones that are easy to avoid with some simple planning. Mistake #1. Withholding too little. This results in a tax surprise when filing your income tax. Don’t be too hard on yourself if this happens to you. Social…
Here is a tax planning tip for those who file their tax returns early and wish to contribute to a tax deductibleIRA, but do not have the funds to do so. Say you want to pay into an IRA to get a tax break but you don’t have the money? Take heart, there are ways to get around this. The…
If you have children younger than 19 years old (or 24 if a full-time student) coordinate the filing of their taxes with yours. How they file is a matter of tax law. The problem Your child is away for college. You prepare and try to file your tax return on April 14th after finally receiving all the required documentation. Unfortunately,…
Banks are a necessary tool to navigate our daily financial lives. Unfortunately, there are aggravating practices at many banks that drive us crazy or cost us money. Here are five tips to get more out of your bank and pay less. Remove cash from the right place. Never use an ATM machine that is not in your bank’s network. In-network…
We have witnessed such volatile activity in the stock market in recent years that the old stock selection rules are not always applicable. Seasoned investors and new investors alike want a sure-fire way to pick the winners. Well, no one can offer any guarantees, but smart investors do have certain characteristics they associate with a winning stock. A crucial key…
You’re starting to feel overwhelmed with debt and you’re not sure how to make even the minimum payments on all those accounts. That’s when you realize that credit card companies are eager to come to your aid. They offer balance transfers to help you consolidate high interest accounts. They provide “one low monthly payment” to simplify your finances. With their…
Looking for a way to tackle insomnia? Read your homeowner’s insurance policy. Kidding aside, it’s worth the effort. As many families have learned the hard way, failing to evaluate policy details can lead to unanticipated expenses when disaster strikes. Sweat the fine print, especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer, and don’t make these three blunders: Underinsuring. If your policy covers…
If you want to make a profit by investing in rental real estate, you must be willing to commit more resources to this property than you would to an investment made at your bank, through a broker, or in a mutual fund. Someone has to collect rents, find good tenants, and maintain the property. If you hire help to do…
You’ve got it all planned out. Your retirement savings plans are full, you have started receiving Social Security benefits, and your Pension is ready to go. Everything is planned, what could go wrong? If you plan to retire in 2020, here are five surprises that can turn your plan on a dime: 1. Health emergency and long-term care. When a…
The earlier the better when it comes to adopting a strategy to reduce your taxes. But even if time gets away from you, there are some year-end actions you can take to cut your taxes. Here are some last-minute tax cutters you might consider: 1. Review income and deductions. It’s all in the timing. The most fundamental year-end tax moveis…
If you’re a sole proprietor, you have probably wondered at some point whether you’d be better off if you incorporated your business. Here are some facts for you to consider. The single biggest benefit of incorporating a business is limiting an owner’s liability. In theory, a stockholder in a corporation risks only his or her investment in the corporation stock.…
If you’re age 35 or more and haven’t made a serious effort to plan for retirement, your dreams of a comfortable and active retirement could turn into the nightmare of being old and poor. Scare tactics, you say? Consider this: most experts say you need at least 66% of pre-retirement income to live comfortably when you retire. But an active…
Since 1975, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) has provided a tax break to millions of Americans each year. The credit was originally established to give low and medium income taxpayers a break on their Social Security taxes while providing an incentive to work. The EITC is often the subject of missed opportunity as the IRS estimates as many as…
If someone manipulates cash transactions to avoid required bank reporting to the Treasury Department, they are using the technique of structuring their transactions. Knowing what is reported and the power given to the IRS to seize related assets can be important. Background To identify questionable illegal transactions, financial institutions are required to report any monetary amounts over $10,000 to the…
When a pet disappears, owners can become distraught, calling animal shelters, advertising in local papers, posting photos on every telephone pole and fence post all in the hope of hearing news of their lost animal. At such times, pet owners are also more vulnerable to fraud. Consider the following scenarios: The truck passerby: You get a call from a truck…
Obtaining a legitimate college degree is an expensive proposition. Many will be paying off student loans —month after month, year after year —for decades. With smart financial management, graduates can liquidate their college debt in a reasonable time, freeing up cash for other priorities. Here are four tips for paying off loans quickly and efficiently: Build a budget. Get a…
The savings limits for the ever-popular health savings accounts (HSA) are now set for 2020. The new limits are outlined here with current year amounts noted for comparison. What is an HSA? An HSA is a tax-advantaged savings account whose funds can be used to pay qualified health care costs for you, your spouse and your dependents. The account is…
When you buy shares of a mutual fund, your money is pooled with other shareholders’ money and invested in a portfolio of securities (stocks, bonds, etc.) An investment in a mutual fund offers you diversification and management by professionals. Mutual funds have no guarantee of good returns or safety of your investment; they go up and down just like the…
With the dramatic increase in identity theft, what can be done to protect your Social Security Number (SSN) from these would-be thieves? Here are some ideas. Do not carry your Social Security Card with you. Your parents were encouraged to do this, but times have changed. You will need to provide it to a new employer, but that is about it.…
When faced with questions on your tax return deductions, it is getting all too common for tax authorities to deny everything and then make you prove that your deductions are valid. Do not let this happen to you. Here are some suggestions. The one-two punch To prove your deduction most auditors are looking for two key documents. Miss one of…
There is no magic to making money by investing. It requires discipline, determination, perseverance, and hard work. In deciding what investments are suitable for you, you must first understand the nine basic rules of investing. 1. Risk versus return. The greater the risk that you will lose not only the return on your investment but your original investment as well,…
Selling a stock is an important decision – almost as important as the decision to buy. Unfortunately, while the world is full of buy recommendations, there is very little advice on when to sell. Many investors make the mistake of holding onto losing stocks too long. Sometimes they compound this error by selling their winners too soon. The results? A…
Lending to friends and relatives is a tricky business, and not only because of the stress it can place on your relationships. There are tax issues involved as well. If you have to lend money to someone close, here are some tips to do it right in the eyes of the tax code. Charge interest Yes, you should charge interest,…
It is one thing to be taxed on retirement contributions and their related earnings when you withdraw funds from your Traditional IRA, it is quite another when you pay the tax PLUS a 10% penalty for early withdrawal. Need funds prior to retirement and want to avoid the early withdrawal penalty? There are cases when this can be done: Medical…
Did you know… 40% of the workers in the Sharing Economy are unaware of their tax responsibilities and over 60% of the service provider companies are not training their new workers on their tax responsibilities. Source: Written statement of Nina E. Olson, National Taxpayer Advocate given at the Hearing on “The Sharing Economy” to the Committee on Small Business, U.S.…
One of the more popular provisions in the tax code is the $250,000 capital gain exclusion ($500,000 for a married couple) of any profit made when selling your home. As long as you follow the rules, most home sales transactions are not a taxable event. But what if the tax law is changed? What if you rent out your home?…
Employee theft happens frequently enough for it to be a concern of every business. It makes no difference whether your business is a one-employee medical office or a forty-employee retail outlet. Absentee business owners should be even more alert to the problem of employee theft. Busy managers find it easy to turn the record keeping over to a qualified employee.…
One way to reduce your tax bill this year is to donate appreciated stock to a charity of your choice versus writing a check. This part of the tax code provides a tax benefit to you in two ways: Higher deduction. Your charitable gift deduction is the higher Fair Market Value of the appreciated stock on the date of your…
When it comes to taking qualified deductions on your Federal Tax return three things must happen. First, you must recognize that an expense might be deductible on your tax return. Second, you must keep a record of the expense in an organized fashion. Third, you must have the proper (and timely) documentation to support your deduction. While this may seem…
The word “audit” is enough to raise anyone’s blood pressure. If the IRS agent then tells you they want to see bank accounts and personal records you may need a heart monitor. Should this happen to you, you could be in a process known as a lifestyle audit. Background The lifestyle audit was a tool used by auditor’s to ascertain…
Wouldn’t it be nice to check out of the workforce early and not have to worry about having enough for retirement? While good financial planning can help you get there, leveraging the tax code as part of your retirement plan is also a good idea. Here are some tax tips that could help you reach your early retirement goal. Maximize…
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a source of nontaxable income? You may be more fortunate than you realize. Listed here are a number of income items that the IRS does not tax. Tax-Free Interest. Municipal bond interest is federal tax-free. This includes bonds issued by a state or municipality. The tax-free benefit increases the higher your income, but caution…
There are many ways to save for college, but one thing is certain: it is never too early to start. One way to save for college is with a “Section 529” plan. These plans offer a way to pay for college expenses with some nice tax advantages. What are they? Section 529 plans allow you to set up a tax-advantaged…
To keep your insurance costs down, don’t buy insurance to pay for every small medical bill, auto repair, or financial loss. Build a savings account to handle life’s small financial inconveniences. Think of insurance as protection against catastrophes. You can lower your insurance premiums significantly by taking larger deductibles. Also, look for comprehensive insurance, not coverage for one specific event.…
Consider the following ideas for saving time and money and making your business more profitable. 1. Develop tight controls over billing and collections. To speed up cash flow, reduce the time between shipping your product and sending an invoice. Consider semimonthly instead of monthly billing, and send second notices more quickly. 2. Collect past-due receivables. Almost every business has past-due…
What records should your business keep, and how long should you keep them? There are several categories of records that are important to a business, some for internal purposes and some for tax returns and other government requirements. Let’s take a look at these by category. Tax records. First, consider the records you need to substantiate your annual income tax…
Tax law changes so frequently that you must be concerned with tax planning year-round, or you’ll miss opportunities to lower your tax bill. Here are some common areas that can mean big money savings with proper planning. 1. Familiarize yourself with the income levels at which various tax breaks phase out. While it doesn’t make sense to make less income…
Tax and business planning is important for the success of any organization, but especially for the family-owned enterprise. Here are some important questions that owners of family businesses need to address. 1. Do you have a plan? Without a plan, your business has no direction and possibly no future. You can be sure your strong competitors have written plans. Write…
There are big moments in everyone’s life. A new birth is one of them. The irony is that most life events also have tax consequences attached to them. When a new member is added to your family or someone you know, here are some tips to consider. Get A Social Security Number. Obtain a Social Security number for your new…
Building a nest egg to give you a secure financial future doesn’t require a degree in economics, just a degree of common sense. The rules are easy and time-tested, and the smart players always abide by them. 1. It’s never too late or too early to start. Think back five or ten years and say to yourself, “Where would I…
Your home. Your office. Are they one and the same? If so, you may be able to take a home-office deduction that can save income and self-employment taxes. The deduction gives you the opportunity to claim expenses related to the business use of your home, such as utilities, repairs, and insurance. Meet the requirements, and you’re eligible whether you rent…
If you want certain individuals to receive property from your estate, there may be advantages to making those gifts while you are still alive. Consider these facts about making lifetime gifts: Gifts to spouses. The tax law permits a married individual to make gifts of any amount to a spouse without incurring any gift tax. The value of these gifts is…
If you donate a used vehicle to charity, you are allowed to take a tax deduction for your generosity, but only if you itemize deductions on your tax return. Here’s the current rule governing donated vehicles. Tax law: The charity must inform the taxpayer of the price the donated vehicle sold for at auction. This is the amount the taxpayer…
In your tax planning, don’t overlook how your tax-saving strategies might be impacted by the alternative minimum tax. What is the alternative minimum tax? Enacted back in 1969, the alternative minimum tax (AMT) is a separate income tax calculation that was designed to make sure that high-income taxpayers pay a minimum amount of taxes, even if they have sufficient deductions…
Being a parent brings tremendous rewards, but also the challenge and responsibility of supporting and educating your child. Fortunately, the tax code has many ways to help ease a parent’s financial burden. Here’s an overview of the many ways that taxes can affect your decisions as a parent. Exemptions and credits Most parents can claim a child tax credit for…
Out of sight, out of mind. When it comes to old tax returns,that’s an approach many people like to follow. But before you completely forget about your old tax forms, you may wish to consider filing an amended return. Why file an amended return? If you made a mistake on a prior-year tax return, an amended return is the way…