Medical Costs: Can I Really Get a Tax Break for That?
It's difficult for many people to write off medical expenses because of the limits imposed under the tax laws. But you may qualify by including every expense allowed. Some of [...]
Tax Implications When Lenders Cancel Debts in the Covid-19 Era
In the COVID-19-ravaged economy, debts can pile up beyond a borrower's ability to repay. Lenders sometimes may be willing to forgive (or cancel) debts that are owed by certain borrowers. While [...]
CARES Act Changes Rules for NOL Carrybacks and QIP
Consider these two favorable federal income tax rule changes included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act when deciding whether to take advantage of first-year depreciation breaks [...]
Can Investors Who Manage Their Own Portfolios Deduct Related Expenses?
In some cases, investors have significant related expenses, such as the cost of subscriptions to financial periodicals and clerical expenses. Are they tax deductible? Under the Tax Cut and Jobs [...]
Tax Implications of Working From Home and Collecting Unemployment
COVID-19 has changed our lives in many ways, and some of the changes have tax implications. Here is basic information about two common situations. Working from home. Many employees have [...]
Will You Have to Pay Tax on Your Social Security Benefits?
If you’re getting close to retirement, you may wonder: Are my Social Security benefits going to be taxed? And if so, how much will you have to pay? It depends [...]
Back-to-School Tax Breaks on the Books
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, students are going back to school this fall, either remotely, in-person or under a hybrid schedule. In any event, parents may be eligible for certain tax [...]
Evaluate the Effects of Selling a Subsidiary or Division
During the best and worst of times, your company may be tempted to sell a division or subsidiary. This can make sense for a number of reasons, including: Alternatives to [...]
Take Advantage of a “Stepped-Up Basis” When You Inherit Property
If you’re planning your estate, or you’ve recently inherited assets, you may be unsure of the “cost” (or “basis”) for tax purposes. Fair market value rules Under the fair market [...]
5 Mid-Year Tax Planning Ideas for Small Business Owners
The second half of 2020 has begun. What steps can small business owners take today to lower taxes for the current tax year? Alternatively, would it make more sense to maximize taxable income [...]
Changes to Retirement Plans Due to Covid-19
Information from IRS.gov Qualified individuals affected by COVID-19 may be able to withdraw up to $100,000 from their eligible retirement plans, including IRAs, between Jan. 1 and Dec. 30, 2020. [...]
Is Your Company Facing a Cash Flow Crunch?
Cash flow is always an important element in the smooth and successful operation of your business and is particularly key in meeting opportunities and demands. Generating sales and managing operations [...]
Mid-year Tax Planning for Individuals
The extended July 15 deadline for filing your 2019 federal income tax return is behind us. Now it's time to think about your current federal tax situation. Tax planning is especially complicated for [...]
Hobby or Business? How to Treat COVID-19 Sideline Activities for Taxes
Today, many people sell homemade products online or work on some unincorporated sideline venture outside of their regular day jobs. Such activities can generate extra spending money. This can be [...]
Rx for Itemizing Medical Expenses
Medical expenses can be costly — and they're not always covered by insurance. But there may be a silver lining: You may be able to claim an itemized deduction for [...]