2 min read
The pros and cons of turning your home into a rental
If you’re buying a new home, you may have thought about keeping your current home and renting it out. In March, average rents for one- and...
We have prepared a selection of frequently asked questions.
2 min read
If you’re buying a new home, you may have thought about keeping your current home and renting it out. In March, average rents for one- and...
2 min read
If your business doesn’t already have a retirement plan, it might be a good time to take the plunge. Current retirement plan rules allow for...
2 min read
If you operate a business, or you’re starting a new one, you know records of income and expenses need to be kept. Specifically, you should carefully...
2 min read
If you have a tax-favored retirement account, including a traditional IRA, you’ll become exposed to the federal income tax required minimum...
2 min read
Your business should generally maximize current year depreciation write-offs for newly acquired assets. Two federal tax breaks can be a big help in...
2 min read
Open enrollment for most health care plans is many months away. That makes now a good time for businesses to consider changing their...
2 min read
Are you dreaming of buying a vacation beach home, lakefront cottage or ski chalet? Or perhaps you’re fortunate enough to already own a vacation home....
2 min read
Some people mistakenly believe that Social Security benefits are always free from federal income tax. Unfortunately, that’s often not the case. In...
2 min read
The qualified business income (QBI) deduction is available to eligible businesses through 2025. After that, it’s scheduled to disappear. So if you’re...
2 min read
Unemployment has been holding steady recently at 3.7%. But there are still some people losing their jobs — particularly in certain industries...
2 min read
Few and far between are businesses that can either launch or grow without an infusion of outside capital. In some cases, that capital comes in the...
2 min read
With the high cost of college, many parents begin saving with 529 plans when their children are babies. Contributions to these plans aren’t tax...
2 min read
If you want to withdraw cash from your closely held corporation at a low tax cost, the easiest way is to distribute cash as a dividend. However, a...
2 min read
Many small business owners run their companies as leanly as possible. This often means not offering what are considered standard fringe benefits for...
2 min read
If you’re gathering documents to file your 2023 tax return and you’re concerned that your tax bill may be higher than you’d like, there might still...
2 min read
A recent report shows that post-pandemic global business travel is going strong. The market reached $665.3 billion in 2022 and is estimated to hit...
2 min read
When you file your tax return, a tax filing status must be chosen. This status is used to determine your standard deduction, tax rates, eligibility...
2 min read
When launching a small business, many entrepreneurs start out as sole proprietors. If you’re launching a venture as a sole proprietorship, you need...
2 min read
Although traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs have been around for decades, the rules involved have changed many times. The Secure 2.0 law, which was...
2 min read
The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) was introduced back when COVID-19 temporarily closed many businesses. The credit provided cash that helped...
1 min read
Did you donate to charity last year? Acknowledgment letters from the charities you gave to may have already shown up in your mailbox. But if you...
2 min read
Meet Alex, a high-level executive who's accumulated a significant amount of low-basis stock in his company. Alex is keen to diversify this...
2 min read
No one likes to make a mistake. This is especially true in business, where a wrong decision can cost money, time and resources. According to the...
2 min read
The so-called “kiddie tax” can cause some of a child’s unearned income to be taxed at the parent’s higher marginal federal income tax rates instead...
2 min read
The optional standard mileage rate used to calculate the deductible cost of operating an automobile for business will be going up by 1.5 cents per...
2 min read
The holiday season is here. During this festive season, your business may want to show its gratitude to employees and customers by giving them gifts...
2 min read
The job market remains relatively tight for businesses looking to fill open positions or simply add top talent when the fit is right. That means it’s...
2 min read
One of the most appreciated fringe benefits for owners and employees of small businesses is the use of a company car. This perk results in tax...
2 min read
If you have a tax-saving flexible spending account (FSA) with your employer to help pay for health or dependent care expenses, there’s an important...
2 min read
The IRS recently announced various 2024 inflation-adjusted federal tax amounts that affect individual taxpayers.
2 min read
If you’re facing a serious cash shortfall, one possible solution is to take an early withdrawal from your traditional IRA. That means one before...
2 min read
Restricted stock awards are a popular way for companies to offer equity-oriented executive compensation. Some businesses offer them instead of stock...
2 min read
If you’re planning to start a business or thinking about changing your business entity, you need to determine what will work best for you. Should you...
2 min read
Are employees at your business traveling and frustrated about documenting expenses? Or perhaps you’re annoyed at the time and energy that goes into...
2 min read
Perhaps you’ve been in this situation before: You have a financial emergency and need to get your hands on some cash. You consider taking money out...
2 min read
Do you use an automobile in your trade or business? If so, you may question how depreciation tax deductions are determined. The rules are...
2 min read
Many Americans own a vacation home or aspire to purchase one. If you own a second home in a waterfront community, in the mountains, or in a resort...
2 min read
It’s not uncommon for employees to grumble about having to attend too many meetings. Sometimes they have a point; an excessive number of meetings can...
2 min read
If your investments have fluctuated wildly this year, you may have already recognized some significant gains and losses. But nothing is decided...
2 min read
Do you and your spouse together operate a profitable unincorporated small business? If so, you face some challenging tax issues.
2 min read
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act liberalized the rules for depreciating business assets. However, the amounts change every year due to inflation...
2 min read
Many homeowners across the country have seen their home values increase in recent years. According to the National Association of Realtors, the...
2 min read
If your employer provides life insurance, you probably find it to be a desirable fringe benefit. However, if group term life insurance is part of...
2 min read
An estimated 190 million Americans have recently been under heat advisory alerts, according to the National Weather Service. That may have spurred...
2 min read
If you operate your small business as a sole proprietorship, you may have thought about forming a limited liability company (LLC) to protect your...
2 min read
More than a million Americans live in nursing homes, according to various reports. If you have a parent entering one, you’re probably not thinking...
2 min read
Let’s say you own highly appreciated land that’s now ripe for development. If you subdivide it, develop the resulting parcels and sell them off for a...
1 min read
If you play a major role in a closely held corporation, you may sometimes spend money on corporate expenses personally. These costs may end up being...
2 min read
“Thousands of people have lost millions of dollars and their personal information to tax scams,” according to the IRS. The scams may come in through...
2 min read
If you own a successful small business with no employees, you might be ready to set up a retirement plan. Now a 401(k) might seem way out of your...
2 min read
Government officials saw a large increase in the number of new businesses launched during the COVID-19 pandemic. And the U.S. Census Bureau reports...
2 min read
If you and your employees are traveling for business this summer, there are a number of considerations to keep in mind. Under tax law, in order to...
2 min read
Your business may be able to claim big first-year depreciation tax deductions for eligible real estate expenditures rather than depreciate them over...
1 min read
Here are some of the key tax-related deadlines affecting businesses and other employers during the third quarter of 2023. Keep in mind that this list...
2 min read
Whether you’re operating a new company or an established business, losses can happen. The federal tax code may help soften the blow by allowing...
2 min read
If you’ve successfully filed your 2022 tax return with the IRS, you may think you’re done with taxes for another year. But some questions may still...
2 min read
If you’ve received, or will soon receive a significant inheritance, it may be tempting to view it as “found money” that can be spent freely. But...
2 min read
Many businesses use independent contractors to help keep their costs down — especially in these times of staff shortages and inflationary pressures....
2 min read
4 tax challenges you may encounter if you’re retiring soon Are you getting ready to retire? If so, you’ll soon experience changes in your lifestyle...
2 min read
If you’re claiming deductions for business meals or auto expenses, expect the IRS to closely review them. In some cases, taxpayers have incomplete...
2 min read
If you itemize deductions on your tax return, you may wonder: What medical expenses can I include? The IRS recently issued some frequently asked...
2 min read
One popular fringe benefit is an education assistance program that allows employees to continue learning and perhaps earn a degree with financial...
2 min read
If you’re a crypto investor or user, you may have noticed something new on your tax return this year. And you may soon notice a new form reporting...
2 min read
If you’re the owner of an incorporated business, you know there’s a tax advantage to taking money out of a C corporation as compensation rather than...
2 min read
If you’re thinking about setting up a retirement plan for yourself and your employees, but you’re worried about the financial commitment and...
2 min read
Building flexibility into your estate plan using various strategies is generally advised. The reason is that life circumstances change over time,...
2 min read
If you’re starting a business with some partners and wondering what type of entity to form, an S corporation may be the most suitable form of...
1 min read
Here are some of the key tax-related deadlines that apply to businesses and other employers during the second quarter of 2023. Keep in mind that this...
2 min read
If you’re buying or replacing a vehicle that you’ll use in your business, be aware that a heavy SUV may provide a more generous tax break this year...
2 min read
You generally must pay federal tax on all income you receive but there are some exceptions when you can exclude it. For example, compensatory awards...
2 min read
Under tax law, businesses can generally deduct advertising and marketing expenses that help keep existing customers and bring in new ones. This...
2 min read
Have you bought stock in a company that later dropped in value? While you may prefer to forget such an ill-fated investment, at least you can claim a...
2 min read
Many people are more concerned about their 2022 tax bills right now than they are about their 2023 tax situations. That’s understandable because your...
2 min read
Most retirement plan distributions are subject to income tax and may be subject to an additional penalty if you take an early withdrawal. What’s...
1 min read
An array of tax-related limits that affect businesses are indexed annually, and due to high inflation, many have increased more than usual for 2023....
1 min read
A revocable trust — sometimes known as a “living trust” — can provide significant benefits. They include the ability to avoid probate of the assets...
1 min read
Are you charitably inclined? If so, you probably know that donations of long-term appreciated assets, such as stocks, have an advantage over cash...
2 min read
Although the national price of gas is a bit lower than it was a year ago, the optional standard mileage rate used to calculate the deductible cost of...
2 min read
A new law was recently signed to help Americans save more for retirement, although many of the provisions don’t kick in for a few years. The Setting...
1 min read
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced that the IRS will allow taxpayers to defer payments for 2019 tax returns until July 15, subject to...
2 min read
As a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, your business may be using independent contractors to keep costs low. But you should be careful...
2 min read
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused the value of some retirement accounts to decrease because of the stock market downturn. But if you...
1 min read
Many people’s estates typically include IRAs. Be aware that two major laws passed into law recently, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement...
2 min read
Millions of eligible Americans have already received their Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) via direct deposit or paper checks, according to the IRS....
1 min read
The law providing relief due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic contains a beneficial change in the tax rules for many improvements to interior...
2 min read
Your legacy: Charitable giving is vital during the COVID-19 crisis The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the resulting economic fallout is...
2 min read
In the midst of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Americans are focusing on their health and financial well-being. To help with the impact facing...
2 min read
The IRS has issued guidance providing relief from failure to make employment tax deposits for employers that are entitled to the refundable tax...
2 min read
Generally, it’s recommended that you review your estate plan at year’s end. It’s a good time to check whether any life events have taken place in the...
2 min read
As we all try to keep ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities safe from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, you may be wondering about some...
2 min read
The recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides a refundable payroll tax credit for 50% of wages paid by...
2 min read
On March 27, President Trump signed into law another coronavirus (COVID-19) law, which provides extensive relief for businesses and employers. Here...
2 min read
Many people assume that a Section 529 plan is the ideal college savings tool. But the Roth IRA can also help parents save for college expenses. This...
2 min read
2 min read
Determining how much to withdraw from a retirement nest egg annually can be stressful. As this article argues, the 4% rule can help reduce...
2 min read
2 min read
1 min read
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act generally reduced individual tax rates through 2025, but some taxpayers have actually seen their taxes go up because of...
3 min read
2 min read
2 min read
Practice efficiency is tied to practice profitability — and it can help physicians and staff members continue to provide good health care over time....
3 min read
4 min read
2 min read
2 min read
Bank loans come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but most fall into one of several broad categories. This article sums up lines of credit, term...
2 min read
Traditionally, important financial and tax documents have been stored in paper form in a filing cabinet, fireproof safe or bank safe deposit box. But...
3 min read
3 min read
1 min read
2 min read
Many business owners ask: How can I avoid an IRS audit? The good news is that the odds against being audited are in your favor. In fiscal year 2018,...
2 min read
Fewer people currently are subject to transfer taxes than ever before. But gift, estate and generation-skipping transfer (GST) taxes continue to...
2 min read
You may have Series EE savings bonds that were bought many years ago. Perhaps you store them in a file cabinet or safe deposit box and rarely think...
2 min read
2 min read
Traditionally, trusts used in estate planning contain “Crummey” withdrawal powers to ensure that contributions qualify for the annual gift tax...
2 min read
We all know the cost of college is expensive. The latest figures from the College Board show that the average annual cost of tuition and fees was...
2 min read
Do you want to withdraw cash from your closely held corporation at a low tax cost? The easiest way is to distribute cash as a dividend. However, a...
2 min read
A primary estate planning goal for most people is to hold on to as much of their wealth as possible to pass on to their children and other loved...
2 min read
In addition to the difficult personal issues that divorce entails, several tax concerns need to be addressed to ensure that taxes are kept to a...
What is Lorem Ipsum? Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy...
What is Lorem Ipsum? Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy...
What is Lorem Ipsum? Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy...
What is Lorem Ipsum? Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy...
What is Lorem Ipsum? Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy...
What is Lorem Ipsum? Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy...
What is Lorem Ipsum? Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy...
What is Lorem Ipsum? Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy...
What is Lorem Ipsum? Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy...
What is Lorem Ipsum? Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy...
What is Lorem Ipsum? Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy...
1 min read
In the past few months, many businesses and employers nationwide have received “no-match” letters from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The...
2 min read
You probably don’t have to be told about the need for a will. But do you know what provisions should be included and what’s best to leave out? The...
2 min read
If you’re lucky enough to be a winner at gambling or the lottery, congratulations! After you celebrate, be ready to deal with the tax consequences of...
2 min read
Bitcoin and other forms of virtual currency are gaining popularity. But many businesses, consumers, employees and investors are still confused about...
2 min read
When drafting your estate plan, you and your attorney must account for what happens to your children and your assets after you die. But your plan...
3 min read
When IRS auditors begin the task of examining a company, they must first learn the in-house terminology utilized by the firm, as well as how records...
1 min read
Is it better to buy or lease business assets? The answer can be complicated. One rule of thumb: It's generally better to lease assets that will...
2 min read
Years ago, Congress enacted the “kiddie tax” rules to prevent parents and grandparents in high tax brackets from shifting income (especially from...
2 min read
Working from home has its perks. Not only can you skip the commute, but you also might be eligible to deduct home office expenses on your tax return....
2 min read
When it comes to estate planning, trusts are appealing for many reasons. They can enable you to hold and transfer assets for beneficiaries, avoid...
1 min read
If you’re considering buying or selling a business — or you’re in the process of a merger or acquisition — it’s important that both parties report...
As risk management consultants, we don't sell insurance. Instead, we analyze a company's exposure to loss and recommend the best procedures and...
Like business executives, you may have expertise in marketing, production and sales. Yet the short and long-term profitability of your company relies...
1 min read
When planning your estate, you’re likely focused on major assets, such as real estate, investments and retirement plans. But it’s also important to...
2 min read
Small businesses may find it beneficial to barter for goods and services instead of paying cash for them. If your business engages in bartering, be...
1 min read
Sooner or later, it will be time to "hand over the reins" to the younger generation. But it's not as simple as walking out the door at retirement...
1 min read
When starting a new venture, there are a variety of entity choices -- although some will be easily ruled out based on your operation. Most entities...
2 min read
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) has changed the landscape for business taxpayers. That’s because the law introduced a flat 21% federal income tax...
2 min read
Now that most schools are out for the summer, you might be sending your children to day camp. It’s often a significant expense. The good news: You...
1 min read
Merging with another company can be the most efficient way to grow -- if you plan carefully. Failed mergers and acquisitions are often the result of...
2 min read
If a prime objective of your estate plan is to leave a lasting legacy, a dynasty trust may be the right estate planning vehicle for you. And, thanks...
2 min read
Due to the massive changes in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), the 2019 filing season resulted in surprises. Some filers who have gotten a refund in...
2 min read
If you’re a business owner and you hire your children (or grandchildren) this summer, you can obtain tax breaks and other nontax benefits. The kids...
1 min read
Planning your estate around specific assets is risky and, in most cases, should be avoided. If you leave specific assets — such as homes, cars or...
2 min read
Spring and summer are the optimum seasons for selling a home. And interest rates are currently attractive, so buyers may be out in full force in your...
2 min read
Roth 401(k) accounts have been around for 13 years now. Studies show that more employers are offering them each year. A recent study by the Plan...
2 min read
Estate planning isn’t just about what happens to your assets after you die. It’s also about protecting yourself and your loved ones. This includes...
2 min read
It’s that time of year when many people who filed their tax returns in April are checking their mail or bank accounts to see if their refunds have...
1 min read
The gift and estate tax exemption is higher than it’s ever been, thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which temporarily doubled the exemption...
2 min read
While the number of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) is still small compared with other cars on the road, it’s growing — especially in certain parts...
2 min read
Many employers prefer to classify workers as independent contractors to lower costs, even if it means having less control over a worker’s day-to-day...
2 min read
Here’s a fast fact: The percentage of U.S. children who live with an unmarried parent has jumped from 13% in 1968 to 32% in 2017, according to Pew...
2 min read
Have you recently started a new business? Or are you contemplating starting one? Launching a new venture is a hectic, exciting time. And as you know,...
2 min read
Unforeseen disasters happen all the time and they may cause damage to your home or personal property. Before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, eligible...
2 min read
Recent changes to federal tax law and accounting rules could affect whether you decide to lease or buy equipment or other fixed assets. Although...
1 min read
If your estate plan includes a revocable trust — also known as a “living” trust — it’s critical to ensure that the trust is properly funded....
1 min read
If you participate in a qualified retirement plan, such as a 401(k), you must generally begin taking required withdrawals from the plan no later than...
3 min read
Despite record-breaking low unemployment rates, "age discrimination remains a significant and costly problem for workers, their families and our...
2 min read
Consider these facts on aging from the 2010 Census¹: The highest growth rate for a 10-year age group within the older population (age 65+) was for...
1 min read
In the past, retirement has been portrayed as an ending, a grand exit from your years in the workplace. But the rules are shifting. Labor force...
1 min read
As you likely know by now, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) reduced or eliminated many deductions for individuals. One itemized deduction the TCJA...
2 min read
The right estate planning strategy for you likely is the one that will produce the greatest tax savings for your family. Unfortunately, there can be...
2 min read
Limited liability company (LLC) members commonly claim that their distributive shares of LLC income — after deducting compensation for services in...
1 min read
No matter how much effort you’ve invested in designing your estate plan, your will, trusts and other official documents may not be enough. Consider...
2 min read
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act created a new federal tax credit for employers that provide qualified paid family and medical leave to their employees....
1 min read
If you’re the parent of a child who is age 17 to 23, and you pay all (or most) of his or her expenses, you may be surprised to learn you’re not...
1 min read
Did you make large gifts to your children, grandchildren or other heirs last year? If so, it’s important to determine whether you’re required to file...
1 min read
If you own a business and don’t have a tax-advantaged retirement plan, it’s not too late to establish one and reduce your 2018 tax bill. A Simplified...