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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…
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…
The following sequence of events is common to many new and expanding businesses. The Short-Term Squeeze You start your business with a limited amount of capital and an abundance of good ideas and ambition. The sales activity has been adequate to produce a net profit. Your inventory is about twice as large as you intended. Your accounts payable are past…
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…
Be aware that important tax consequences are often associated with some fairly common events involving your home. Here are some handy things to know. Home purchase. When purchasing a home, you may pay a portion of the mortgage interest in advance. This loan origination fee, or “points,” is a percentage of the total amount borrowed. If points are paid for…
Tax credits are one of the most powerful ways to lower your income taxes. A tax credit reduces your tax bill dollar for dollar. A tax deduction, on the other hand, only reduces your taxable income, so your benefit is determined by your tax bracket. For example, a tax deduction of $1,000 will lower your tax bill by $320 if…
With increasingly high costs of medications, doctor visits and hospital stays, remaining healthy has become an expensive proposition. In addition, it seems as though health insurers are passing along more and more costs in the form of higher deductibles, increased premiums and larger co-payments. Out-of-pocket costs for even one hospital stay could break a household budget. Fortunately, you can control…
Maybe you started a new business —solo or with a business partner. Now the business is growing and there’s just too much to do. You find yourself working long hours and still not keeping up. It may be time to make your first hire. Think of the hiring process in two stages: 1. Define your employee needs Long before you…
The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) and the Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) include timing rules for expense payments that you need to know if you plan on claiming either on your 2018 tax return. Know what year to pay school expenses You can claim the AOTC or LLC in the taxable year in with which the qualified school expenses are…
The Social Security Administration (SSA) made a 2.8 percent increase to monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for 2019. Take a look at some of the most significant changes as you create and update your financial plan for 2019: 2019 Social Security benefit highlights Up to $132,900 in wages will be subject to Social Security taxes (up…
You probably participated in many charity events and fundraisers during the holiday season. If you plan to give again during 2019, here are a handful of charitable donation strategies to consider if you want to boost your deductions: Audit-proof your claims. The IRS imposes strict substantiation rules for charitable donations. In fact, you’re required to keep records for all monetary…
When natural disasters occur, many people are often left with damaged or destroyed homes and businesses. Some lose everything they own. If you are affected by a disaster that is declared by the president to qualify for federal assistance, there are several provisions in the tax law that may provide relief: Extended tax deadline and interest abatement. The IRS is…
It’s not a big surprise if you found yourself reaching for your credit card more often around the holidays. The National Retail Federation projected that consumers would spend an average of $1,007 on gifts, decorations,and candy this season. However, if you’ve noticed your plastic habits don’t fluctuate throughout the year, it could mean you’re living beyond your means … and…
When big-box stores come to town, how can a small business successfully compete? That’s a tough question. While one answer doesn’t fit all cases, certain strategies have proven effective for many businesses. Consider these ideas: Compete on your own terms. As a small business, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to compete with larger competitors on the basis of price alone.…
There’s no doubt you’ve seen an email touting a too-good-to-be-true offer in your inbox every now and then. Random pleas from mysterious people who need your help recovering inheritances they promise to share with you probably makes you shake your head and hit delete.But what do you do when an email says it’s from the IRS and claims you’re about…
When it comes to taxes, being self-employed has some advantages. Whether you work for yourself on a full-time basis or just do a little moonlighting on the side, the government has provided you with a variety of tax breaks: Build up your retirement funds. When you’re self-employed, you’re allowed to set up a retirement plan for your business. Remember, contributing…
We are delighted to announce that our own L. Scott Elwell has been recognized as a “2018 Executive of the Year” by South Jersey Biz. Scott has been ranked one of twenty-two leaders who excel in shaping the future of business in South Jersey. This achievement is such an honor and our team couldn’t be more proud! Congratulations, Scott! Below…
As the end of the year approaches, take a closer look at your investment portfolio. There may be some tax-saving strategies worth considering. Check out the following areas: Wash sales. Thinking of selling a security before Dec. 31 to take advantage of a capital loss?To make sure the loss is deductible, refrain from buying a substantially identical security during the…
For many small businesses, office rent and inventory storage costs are perceived as fixed. But are such expenses truly inflexible? Oftentimes, no. Because rent and storage costs often constitute a significant portion of a business’s total expense budget, creative owners who find ways to minimize those costs may reap substantial rewards. Consider the following questions when trying to shave some…
Do you use a smart phone, tablet, or desktop computer to connect with friends and make purchases, as well as share health concerns with your doctor? If so, your privacy may be at risk. Companies called “data brokers” routinely compile information about your habits and preferences, including your favorite brands, recreational pursuits, and credit habits. Data brokers use this information…
We have been asked a ton of questions about the new NJ Sick Leave program, especially this most-asked question: when must the employer provide employees with the notice of employee rights? The answer is: Each employer shall provide each employee a written copy of the notification: 1. Not later than 30 days after the form of the notification is issued…
Because financial stress is a normal part of life for most people, learning to cope with money worries is important — vital, in fact — for maintaining positive relationships, job productivity, and personal health. If you’re dealing with excessive anxiety about your finances, consider implementing the following three policies: Move forward and control what you can. If you’ve been laid off…
Independent contractor and employee —Do you know the difference between the two classifications? As you prepare your third-quarter 2018 payroll reports, take time to review the status of your workers to help you stay away from misclassification issues down the road. Knowing the difference is crucial Often, figuring out if a worker should be classified as an independent contractor or…
2018 is filled with more dramatic tax changes than we’ve faced in over 20 years! Here’s a quick video that goes through the highlights and remember, you can always reach out to use to schedule a meeting if you want to go over these changes and how they affect you and your business specifically. Business Accounting Systems, P.C.: Client Videos
If you do volunteer work for a charitable organization and have not kept track of your out-of-pocket expenses, you might be passing up an excellent opportunity to lower your tax bill. How to get a tax break To qualify, your unreimbursed expenses must relate directly to the charity, and you must itemize your deductions on your tax return. Here is…
Teaching your child about money and finances is easiest when you start early. Here’s a quick review of what you should teach your children at each age if you want them to become financially competent adults: Preschool Identify coins and bills, and learn what each is worth. Understand that you can’t buy everything (choices are necessary). Save money in a…
While many people find estate planning important, those with small children may find it especially critical. An estate plan can be a helpful planning tool to ensure your children are protected in the event that something happens to you. You may use your estate plan to appoint guardians for your minor children, as well as provide for their financial well-being.…
Succession planning is very important for business owners, especially those with a family-owned business. Before you sit down with your tax and legal advisors to draw up a succession plan, you should think through three important issues: Who: The question of who will succeed you in the business can be the toughest of all. Most owners want to pass the…
Tax law change can be good — but it can also be messy. Make sure you’re keeping track of everything you need for the 2018 tax season (and beyond) using these pro-approved tips: 1. Create a separate bank account for all self-employed business activity. This will greatly minimize confusion come tax time by giving you just one place to look…
After all the advice you’ve received about saving for retirement, taking money out of your traditional IRAs and other qualified retirement plans may feel strange. Yet once you reach 70½, the required minimum distribution (RMD) rules say you have to do just that. Under these rules, you must withdraw at least a minimum amount from your retirement plans each year.…
Has your child asked for your help with starting a business? If the answer’s yes, chances are you may not know where to start. Since the failure rate for new businesses is high, it would be supportive for you to do whatever you can to increase your child’s chances of success. That includes considering the following: Find out what groundwork…
Participating in a 401(k) or similar retirement plan is a tax-advantaged way to save for retirement. If you have the option of participating in a 401(k) plan, avoid these five common mistakes: Not taking full advantage. Too many employees opt out of the plan or don’t contribute as much as they can afford. At a minimum, try to set aside…
If you’ve gone back and forth about whether or not it’s a good idea to send your child to college with a credit card, you aren’t alone. Opinions are divided, both among parents and financial advisors. The outcome depends on the kids and the parents. On one hand, there’s a potential that everyone will benefit. If your child uses the…
Staying out of debt is simple, but it’s not easy. It requires resilience — forgoing impulsive purchases in exchange for long-term financial freedom. Personal debt can be categorized as necessary or unnecessary. Necessary debt can generally be linked to assets such as your home mortgage, a basic car for getting to work, or a college degree. Unnecessary debt, on the…
Your customer is satisfied — but a month has gone by, and your invoice is still outstanding. You’d like to work with the customer in the future. So how do you get your money without losing the customer? Here are two strategies that may help: Make it a habit to clearly and promptly communicate with your customers. On the day…
Need to save more for retirement? Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you get started and stay on track: How much money do you need? The number of years you have before retirement will help determine how much you will need to invest each month to reach your financial goal. Is your retirement savings goal realistic?Make sure…
As you look forward to starting your new job, it’s important to keep in mind how your employment change will affect your taxes. Here are three tax-smart tips that’ll put you in the best position come tax season: 1. Roll over your retirement plan. You may be tempted to cash out the balance in an employer-sponsored plan such as a…
A lot of people consider self-employment because they’ve lost their seemingly stable jobs in the corporate world. Others just dream of making it on their own. As online marketing becomes easier and more accessible, and employees discover the advantages of telecommuting, home-based work alternatives are becoming increasingly attractive. If running a business out of your home sounds good to you,…
Even with the best of intentions, many companies talk up customer service but don’t actually deliver. In order to really provide great customer service, every employee needs to be tuned in to how he or she can contribute to keep customers coming back again and again. This ultimately affects the net profit of any business. Customer service includes every element…
If you’re a business owner and your company lends you money, you’ll enter it in the books as a shareholder loan. However, if your return is audited, the IRS will scrutinize the loan to see whether it is really disguised wages or a dividend taxable to you as income. Knowing what the IRS might look at may be useful when…
It’s tempting to take a break from everything this summer, but you may regret it come tax season if you push off tax planning. Here are some tips to help you keep your head in the game even when your feet are in the pool: If you are a sole proprietor with children, consider putting them on the payroll during…
Credit cards should be a convenient short-term way to pay, not a source of regular spending. Unfortunately, some people have a hard time staying true to this concept. Instead of paying off the entire balance due on the card each month, they let it grow and pay only the minimum amounts. If this sounds all too familiar, it’s time to…