The 2019 tax season, during which most 2018 tax returns are prepared, will soon peak at the April 15 deadline. One key trend is that more people are taking the standard deduction, which has increased significantly, and fewer people are claiming itemized deductions, which have been restricted. These changes result from passage of the TaxRead more about The Standard Deduction’s Double Standard[…]

The Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) created a new deduction for small business owners who operate pass-through entities. That includes domestic companies operated as sole proprietorships or through S corporations, partnerships, certain LLCs, trusts, and estates. Income from such entities may allow business owners to deduct 20% of their qualified business incomeRead more about Deducting Qualified Business Income[…]

As the filing season for 2018 tax returns reaches a peak, many people will learn that they’re no longer itemizing deductions. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) placed limits on some deductions and increased the standard deduction significantly, so most taxpayers are taking the standard deduction, rather than itemizing. One result isRead more about Handling Qualified Charitable Contributions[…]

Many owners of private companies have been leery of operating as a regular C corporation because it exposes them to double-taxation of business income. First, a corporate income tax applies to the company’s profits. Second, any dividends that pass to shareholders are subject to personal income taxes. Making matters even more expensive, C corporations don’tRead more about New Tax Law Enhances the Appeal of C Corporations[…]

Many owners of private companies have been leery of operating as a regular C corporation because it exposes them to double-taxation of business income. First, a corporate income tax applies to the company’s profits. Second, any dividends that pass to shareholders are subject to personal income taxes. Making matters even more expensive, C corporations don’tRead more about New Tax Law Enhances the Appeal of C Corporations[…]

Patient investors have generally prospered over the long term. Nevertheless, there are many reasons for selling stocks. Knowing the basics can help improve your tax position. Selling shares held in a taxable account will trigger taxable capital gains or losses, unless the sale proceeds are exactly the same as your basis ― your cost forRead more about Making Stock Sales Less Taxing[…]

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 generally disallowed all deductions for business entertainment, amusement, and recreation. However, the TCJA did not specifically turn thumbs up or down on the deductibility of business meal expenses. Under the old law, business meals were partially tax deductible, but some questioned whether that was still theRead more about IRS Says Business Meal Deductions Still Apply[…]

The start of each year might be considered “Double IRA” season. Until mid-April (the 15th, in 2019), you can still make contributions to an IRA for 2018, if you have funds you’d like to save for retirement. Most workers and their spouses may each contribute up to $5,500, or $6,500 for those who were 50Read more about Double IRA Season is Here[…]

Rewarding employees at the end of the year can brighten up their holidays and set the stage for your company to enjoy a good start to 2019. Some forethought and careful communications can avoid problems. A key first step is to check your company’s financial condition. Year-end bonuses can boost morale, but you shouldn’t payRead more about How to Handle Year-End Bonuses[…]

Most people realize the importance of a will to help direct the transfer of assets after death, but during your lifetime, you also may also want to have a power of attorney (POA) for convenience and asset protection. Before we cover the different types of POA that you might consider, it might be useful toRead more about Powers of Attorney Can Be Vital Documents[…]