Blog
IRS continues warning on impersonation scams
With tax season completed, the Internal Revenue Service today warned taxpayers to remain vigilant for phishing emails and telephone scams. Summertime tends to be a favorite period for scammers because many taxpayers have recently filed a return and may be waiting for a response from the IRS. The IRS and its Security Summit partners – the state […]
Tips to keep in mind on income taxes and selling a home
Taxpayers who sell a home may qualify to exclude from their income all or part of any gain from the sale. Below are some things taxpayers should keep in mind when selling a home: Ownership and use. To claim the exclusion, the homeowner must meet the ownership and use tests. During a five-year period ending on […]
Tips for teenage taxpayers starting a summer job
Now that school’s out, many students will be starting summer jobs…from working at a summer camp to being an office intern. The IRS reminds students that not all the money they earn may make it to their pocket. That’s because employers must withhold taxes from the employee’s paycheck. Here are a few things these workers […]
Law change affects moving, mileage and travel expenses
The Internal Revenue Service today provided information to taxpayers and employers about changes from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that affect: Move related vehicle expenses Un-reimbursed employee expenses Vehicle expensing Changes to the deduction for move-related vehicle expenses The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act suspends the deduction for moving expenses for tax years beginning […]
Taxpayers working multiple jobs should check withholding amount
The Internal Revenue Service urges two-income families and those who work multiple jobs to complete a “paycheck checkup” to verify they are having the right amount of tax withheld from their paychecks. The IRS Withholding Calculator can help them navigate the complexities of multiple employer tax situations and determine the correct amount of tax for each of […]
Plan ahead for vacation home rentals
During the summer, taxpayers often rent out their property. They usually think about things such as cleanup and maintenance, but owners also need to be aware of the tax implications of residential and vacation home rentals. If taxpayers receive money for the use of a house that’s also used as a taxpayer’s personal residence, it […]
Businesses can immediately expense more under the new law
A taxpayer may elect to expense the cost of any section 179 property and deduct it in the year the property is placed in service. The new law increased the maximum deduction from $500,000 to $1 million. It also increased the phase-out threshold from $2 million to $2.5 million. The new law also expands the […]
When it comes to charitable deductions
As you file your 2016 return and plan your charitable giving for 2017, it’s important to keep in mind the available deduction. It can vary significantly depending on a variety of factors. What you give Other than the actual amount you donate, one of the biggest factors that can affect your deduction is what you […]
Looking for a retirement plan for your business?
Has your small business procrastinated in setting up a retirement plan? You might want to take a look at a SIMPLE IRA. SIMPLE stands for “savings incentive match plan for employees.” If you decide you’re interested in a SIMPLE IRA, you must establish it by no later than October 1 of the year for which […]
Deduct all of the mileage you’re entitled to — but not more
Rather than keeping track of the actual cost of operating a vehicle, employees and self-employed taxpayers can use a standard mileage rate to compute their deduction related to using a vehicle for business. But you might also be able to deduct miles driven for other purposes, including medical, moving and charitable purposes. What are the […]