Six Education Tax Breaks on the Books
It costs a pretty penny to send a child to college or private school these days. But at least the federal tax code may provide some relief, within certain limits. Can [...]
Vacation Home: How Is Your Tax Bill Affected If You Rent It Out?
If you’re fortunate enough to own a vacation home, you may want to rent it out for part of the year. What are the tax consequences? The tax treatment can [...]
Do Not Take Tax Chances on Gambling
At the slots or online, remember to keep records. Gambling at the casino or the racetrack can be entertaining for many people. If you're one of them, you should obviously risk [...]
Planning for Year-End Gifts With the Gift Tax Annual Exclusion
As we approach the holidays and the end of the year, many people may want to make gifts of cash or stock to their loved ones. By properly using the [...]
You Can Only Claim A Casualty Loss Tax Deduction in Certain Situations
In recent weeks, some Americans have been victimized by hurricanes, severe storms, flooding, wildfires and other disasters. No matter where you live, unexpected disasters may cause damage to your home [...]
Scholarships Are Usually Tax Free But May Result in Taxable Income
If your child is fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship, you may wonder about the tax implications. Fortunately, scholarships (and fellowships) are generally tax free for students at elementary, [...]
5 Possible Tax Aspects of a Parent Moving Into a Nursing Home
If you have a parent entering a nursing home, you may not be thinking about taxes. But there are a number of possible tax implications. Here are five. 1. Long-term [...]
Should You Consider an Employer Roth 401(k) Account?
Nowadays, many employer retirement plans give employees the option of contributing to designated Roth accounts (DRAs). According to a 2020 survey, 75% of employer plans now offer DRAs, which are also [...]
There’s currently a “Stepped-Up Basis” If You Inherit Property — But Will It Last?
If you’re planning your estate, or you’ve recently inherited assets, you may be unsure of the “cost” (or “basis”) for tax purposes. The current rules Under the current fair market [...]
Can Taxpayers Who Manage Their Own Investment Portfolios Deduct Related Expenses
Do you have significant investment-related expenses, including the cost of subscriptions to financial services, home office expenses and clerical costs? Under current tax law, these expenses aren’t deductible through 2025 [...]
Spotlight on Executive Compensation in Divorce
Executive compensation can become an issue for private companies and their owners, especially if an owner is getting divorced. Owning a business complicates the divorce process. When either spouse owns a private business interest, [...]
Notify the IRS if You Change Your Address
It's important to notify the IRS if you move and change your address. Under tax law regulations, a taxpayer's last known address is the one that appears on the tax return you [...]
IRS Audits May Be Increasing, So Be Prepared
The IRS just released its audit statistics for the 2020 fiscal year and fewer taxpayers had their returns examined as compared with prior years. But even though a small percentage [...]
Seniors May be Able to Write Off Medicare Premiums on Their Tax Returns
Are you age 65 and older and have basic Medicare insurance? You may need to pay additional premiums to get the level of coverage you want. The premiums can be [...]
Do You Owe the Nanny Tax?
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the dynamics of many households. In most cases, schools stopped or limited in-person instruction, causing many children to engage in at-home learning. Some families moved disabled [...]