Navigating a Business Tax Audit
If your business is being audited, take a deep breath and understand the reasons behind it. Audits may be random or triggered by issues specific to small businesses, such as excessive expenses, misclassified employees or questionable deductions. While an audit doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve done something wrong, it is the IRS’s way of verifying your […]
Tax Implications of Home Improvements
For any renovation or repair to qualify for a tax deduction, the work must qualify under IRS rules as a home (or capital) improvement. Examples of projects that may qualify include new additions, new roofs, whole room renovations, new siding, new heating or air conditioning systems and certain interior renovations such as new floors. In […]
Trusts Versus Wills: What’s Right for You?
A will is a legal document that takes effect after your death. It specifies how you want your assets distributed and allows you to name a guardian for minor children. Wills must be signed and witnessed according to your state’s laws, and they are filed with a probate court after your death. Probate is a […]
Is a Roth IRA Conversion Right for You?
There may be circumstances under which you would want to move assets from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Only people who already have a Roth IRA can complete a Roth IRA conversion, but the conversion can be made even if your current income makes you ineligible for direct contributions to the Roth IRA. […]
Feds Make Retirement Dollars Available In Disasters Like L.A. Fires
The IRS has sent out a notice explaining how the SECURE 2.0 Act makes it easier for qualified individuals impacted by a federally declared major disaster to access their retirement savings. Who is eligible? A taxpayer may be eligible for relief that provides for expanded access to their retirement funds if their principal residence was […]
Form W-2: The Basics
In many ways, Form W-2 is simple and straightforward: You enter information that is already available from payroll and personnel records. You then use your employer identification number and, in most cases, a state ID number to complete most of the form. The main challenge comes when entering this data accurately into the fields on […]
IRS: Time To Gear Up!
In a December 2024 release, the IRS said it was continuing to improve taxpayer services to help people prepare for tax season with more digital tools and options available. Even though you’re working with a tax pro, there are things you can do in advance to help yourself. The IRS’s Get Ready page on IRS.gov offers practical […]
Is Your Side Hustle a Business or a Hobby?
Your side hustle brings in a bit of money, but you still consider it a hobby. Which is it — business or recreation? It is important to make the right choice when you file your taxes. Below are some of the factors to consider, all of which should be weighted equally, in trying to decide […]
Important Tax Tips for 2024
The U.S. tax code is complicated and often hard to understand, with many provisions, credits and disallowances. Let’s review a few credits that many people are interested in, as well as how to respond to the IRS if you get married — or get a taxes-due notice. The Employee Retention Credit The ERC was implemented […]
The IRS Announces Inflation Changes for 2025
The following is not a comprehensive list of all changes, but a summary of key adjustments that will affect a wide range of taxpayers: Unchanged for tax year 2025 Not everything changes. By statute, certain items that were indexed for inflation in the past are currently not adjusted: Again, this is just a summary. […]
