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 [...]
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 [...]
Tax Breaks for Home Improvements
Are you planning to make substantial renovations to your home? You may be adding a deck or patio, finishing a basement or attic or installing a pool. Despite some changes [...]
IRS Issues New Regs on Deducting Meal and Entertainment Expenses
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) permanently eliminated deductions for most business-related entertainment expenses paid or incurred after 2017. For example, you can no longer deduct 50% of the cost [...]
Home Is Where the Tax Breaks Might Be
If you own a home, the interest you pay on your home mortgage may provide a tax break. However, many people believe that any interest paid on their home mortgage [...]
The Tax Aspects of Selling Mutual Fund Shares
Perhaps you’re an investor in mutual funds or you’re interested in putting some money into them. You’re not alone. The Investment Company Institute estimates that 56.2 million households owned mutual [...]
Taxpayers Should Know the Difference Between Standard and Itemized Deductions
Information from irs.gov Should you file using the standard deduction, or should you itemize your deductions? Deductions reduce the amount of taxable income when filing a federal income tax return. [...]
10 Tax Elections to Save Money on Your 2019 Tax Return
Here are ten important tax choices that individuals and small business owners can make this tax season. Tax Filing Status Tax filing status has numerous ramifications, so it's important to [...]
Can You Deduct Charitable Gifts on Your Tax Return?
Many taxpayers make charitable gifts — because they’re generous and they want to save money on their federal tax bills. But with the tax law changes that went into effect [...]
There Still Might Be Time to Cut Your Tax Bill With IRAs
If you’re getting ready to file your 2019 tax return, and your tax bill is higher than you’d like, there may still be an opportunity to lower it. If you [...]
New Tax Provisions Passed by Congress
As part of a year-end budget bill, Congress just passed a package of tax provisions that will provide savings for some taxpayers. The White House has announced that President Trump [...]
IRS Updates Per-diem Guidance for Business Travelers and their Employers
Information form IRS.gov On November 26, 2019 the Internal Revenue Service issued guidance for business travelers, updated to include changes resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Revenue [...]
Beware of Deductions Claimed for Certain Business Expenses
To be deductible, a business expense must be both ordinary and necessary. An ordinary expense is one that is common and accepted in your field of business. A necessary expense [...]
Medical Expenses: What it Takes to Qualify for a Tax Deduction
As we all know, medical services and prescription drugs are expensive. You may be able to deduct some of your expenses on your tax return, but the rules make it [...]
Holiday Parties and Gifts Can Help Show Your Appreciation and Provide Tax Breaks
With Thanksgiving behind us, the holiday season is in full swing. At this time of year, your business may want to show its gratitude to employees and customers by giving [...]