Insights: Tax Services
Getting a new business off the ground: How start-up expenses are handled on your tax return
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, government officials are seeing a large increase in the number of new businesses being launched. From June 2020 through June 2021, the U.S. Census Bureau reports that business applications are up 18.6%. The Bureau measures this by the number of businesses applying for an Employer Identification Number. Entrepreneurs often don’t know…
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2021 Q3 Tax Calendar
2021 Q3 tax calendar: Key deadlines for businesses and other employers Here are some of the key tax-related deadlines affecting businesses and other employers during the third quarter of 2021. Keep in mind that this list isn’t all-inclusive, so there may be additional deadlines that apply to you. Contact us to ensure you’re meeting all…
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Claiming the Employee Retention Tax Credit
The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) is a valuable tax break that was extended and modified by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), enacted in March of 2021. Here’s a rundown of the rules. Background Back in March of 2020, Congress originally enacted the Employee Retention Tax Credit in the CARES Act to encourage employers…
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“Dirty Dozen” Tax Scams for 2021
The IRS is releasing its “Dirty Dozen” Tax Scams for 2021. See below for information from the IRS on the top tax scams and how to recognize them. For more information visit the complete Dirty Dozen list. Fake charities Scams requesting donations for disaster relief efforts are especially common on the phone. Taxpayers should always…
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When does a hobby become taxable?
Do you have a hobby that pays the bills? During the uncertainty of the last year and a half, many people have turned a hobby into a source of income. If so, that income must be reported on tax returns. Deductions & Reporting The extent to which you can deduct expenses related to the activity…
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Employee Retention Credit Summary
2020 Highlights: An employer becomes eligible if they: can demonstrate a 50% or more decline in gross receipts in any quarter of 2020, compared to the same quarter in 2019 eligibility ends the last day of the first subsequent quarter when gross receipts return to at least 80% compared to the same quarter in 2019…
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Tax-favored ways to build up a college fund
If you’re a parent with a college-bound child, you may be concerned about being able to fund future tuition and other higher education costs. You want to take maximum advantage of tax benefits to minimize your expenses. Here are some possible options. Savings bonds Series EE U.S. savings bonds offer two tax-saving opportunities for eligible…
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Plan ahead for the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax
High-income taxpayers face a 3.8% net investment income tax (NIIT) that’s imposed in addition to regular income tax. Fortunately, there are some steps you may be able to take to reduce its impact. The NIIT applies to you only if modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds: $250,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly and surviving spouses…
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Recordkeeping DOs and DON’Ts for business meal and vehicle expenses
If you’re claiming deductions for business meals or auto expenses, expect the IRS to closely review them. In some cases, taxpayers have incomplete documentation or try to create records months (or years) later. In doing so, they fail to meet the strict substantiation requirements set forth under tax law. Tax auditors are adept at rooting…
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Hiring your minor children this summer? Reap tax and nontax benefits
If you’re a business owner and you hire your children this summer, you can obtain tax breaks and other nontax benefits. The kids can gain on-the-job experience, spend time with you, save for college and learn how to manage money. And you may be able to: Shift your high-taxed income into tax-free or low-taxed income,…
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