Category: Tax Planning

The IRS has announced the 2024 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating a vehicle for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Background: If you use a vehicle for business driving, you can generally deduct the actual expenses attributable to your business use. This includes expenses such as gas, oil, […]

If you lose money on a stock investment in a taxable brokerage firm account, the good news is that you can usually harvest a tax-saving capital loss deduction by selling that stock before year end. However, the wash sale rule might come into play, causing your anticipated tax loss to be disallowed. As the end […]

As the holidays approach, it’s time to consider tax planning moves that will help lower this year’s tax bill, as well as set you up for tax savings in future years. The good news is that it appears there won’t be any significant unfavorable federal tax changes that will take effect next year. Assuming that’s […]

The mileage deduction has become a hot button issue with the IRS.  I have seen a few IRS audit inquiries into the mileage deduction this year.  It is very important to follow the guidelines and suggestions in this article to keep you compliant and out of the IRS crosshairs. Many business owners fail to follow […]

Requested an Extension? Avoid Last-Minute Filing Did you request an extension to file your tax return after the standard April 18, 2023, deadline? If so, you now have until Oct. 16 to prepare and file it with the IRS. Don’t wait until the last minute! As soon as possible, gather your records for the 2022 tax year […]

Are you considering inviting an employee or an outsider to participate in your existing partnership? Before making any commitments, it’s important for you and the prospective partner to understand the potential federal tax implications. Important: A limited liability company (LLC) with multiple members (owners) is classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes — unless you […]

The Complex Rules Surrounding Mortgages and Taxes The home mortgage interest deduction is as American as apple pie, but since 2017 when the tax law for this deduction was passed, there have been some changes. For starters, and most notably, the maximum mortgage principal that made homeowners eligible for the interest deduction has been lowered. […]

Under IRS and Department of Labor rules, employers whose 401(k) plans have over 120 eligible participants on the first day of the plan year must hire an Independent Qualified Public Accountant (IQPA) to audit the plan for that year. (This is part of the so-called 80-120 rule, which governs plans with between 80 and 120 […]

Tax planning is a 12-month activity. It’s not something you try to fix fast as Dec. 31 approaches or a task to panic about right before April 15. Below are some items you can address throughout the year, in conjunction with your tax adviser. Personal tax issues Delay taxation where appropriate. The individual income tax rates […]

The step-up tax adjustment has been under siege for decades but has so far survived the onslaughts. The provision, which reduces capital gains tax for estates, has been controversial since the 1970s. Policymakers would still love to get their hands on the bonanza in tax revenues it represents. There is a counterargument: If the law […]