5 12, 2024

Tax Shifting Ideas to Reduce Your Bill to Uncle Sam

Is there a taxable income reduction idea you can use? Many tax experts talk about shifting your tax burden from one year to the next. While in theory it may make sense, how can you make it work for you in practice? The concept Since the tax code is complex in its construction, there are

21 11, 2024

Taxable or Not Taxable?

Some of these items may surprise you. There are a number of areas in the tax code that cause confusion as to the taxability of money received. Here are some of the most common areas of confusion. Unemployment compensation. Unemployment compensation is typically required to be reported as taxable income. So you could be facing a

17 11, 2024

Corporate Transparency Act — Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting

The Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”) was enacted January 1, 2021, as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, representing the most significant reformation of the Bank Secrecy Act and related anti–money laundering rules since the U.S. Patriot Act.  The CTA is intended to address and guard against money laundering, terrorism

8 11, 2024

Elections. Elections. Elections.

Tax savings can be found in the elections you make! Every year is an election year when it comes to making decisions on your annual income tax return. Here are four common examples that can create tax savings opportunities if you elect the correct option. 1. Tax filing status. Typically, filing a joint tax return

17 10, 2024

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 most recent change is scheduled to take place after 2025. The best approach for

16 10, 2024

Those Pesky Records!

What do I need to keep? Each of us needs to keep records that substantiate our tax return or other important life events for as long as they are needed. So what does this mean? The basic retention period. Federal tax return substantiation is generally three years from the later of the tax return filing

26 09, 2024

Tax Surprises for the Newly Retired

You’ve got it all planned out. Your retirement savings accounts are full, you have started receiving Social Security benefits and your pension is ready to go. Everything is planned. What could go wrong? Here are five surprises that can turn your plan on a dime. 1. Health emergencies and long-term care. When a simple procedure

13 09, 2024

Reminder: Third Quarter Estimated Taxes are Due

Now is the time to make your estimated tax payment If you have not already done so, now is the time to review your tax situation and make an estimated quarterly tax payment using Form 1040-ES. The third quarter due date is now here. Due date: Monday, Sept. 16, 2024 You are required to withhold

28 08, 2024

Play the Match Game. Or Else… A great tip to stay out of the audit spotlight.

One of the best audit tips available can be summed up in one simple word – Match. Spend a minute or two pretending you work for the IRS. What would you do to identify tax returns worth auditing? If you suggest matching information on filed tax returns with the information provided about that taxpayer from

16 08, 2024

Deductions for Non-Itemizers

Can't itemize? There are still tax breaks for you. A common misconception in tax filing has been that if you use the standard deduction versus itemizing your deductions you have few additional benefits available to reduce your tax bill. This is often not the case. Standard or Itemize? Every taxpayer can take the standard deduction to