Weekly Tax Brief

Warning: QuickBooks Phishing Scam

Details: Published: 28 January 2017 28 January 2017

The Better Business Bureau has issued a warning about a new phishing scam targeting small businesses. The message looks like an email alert from accounting software QuickBooks with the subject line “QuickBooks Support: Change Request.”

The email is worded to “confirm” that you have changed your business name with Intuit, QuickBooks’ manufacturer. Though you haven’t make such a request, the email contains a link to cancel. DO NOT click this “Cancel” link. It is used as bait. When clicked, the link will download malware onto your device, which scammers use to capture passwords or hunt for sensitive information on your machine. This can ultimately open you up to identity theft.

Deduction for state and local sales tax benefits some, but not all, taxpayers

Details: Published: 19 January 2017 19 January 2017

The break allowing taxpayers to take an itemized deduction for state and local sales taxes in lieu of state and local income taxes was made “permanent” a little over a year ago. This break can be valuable to those residing in states with no or low income taxes or who purchase major items, such as a car or boat.

2017 Q1 tax calendar: Key deadlines for businesses and other employers

Details: Published: 04 January 2017 04 January 2017

Here are some of the key tax-related deadlines affecting businesses and other employers during the first quarter of 2017. Keep in mind that this list isn’t all-inclusive, so there may be additional deadlines that apply to you. Contact us to ensure you’re meeting all applicable deadlines and to learn more about the filing requirements.

Want to save for education? Make 2016 ESA contributions by December 31

Details: Published: 20 December 2016 20 December 2016

There are many ways to save for a child’s or grandchild’s education. But one has annual contribution limits, and if you don’t make a 2016 contribution by December 31, the opportunity will be lost forever. We’re talking about Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs).

Ensure your year-end donations will be deductible on your 2016 return

Details: Published: 08 December 2016 08 December 2016

Donations to qualified charities are generally fully deductible, and they may be the easiest deductible expense to time to your tax advantage. After all, you control exactly when and how much you give. To ensure your donations will be deductible on your 2016 return, you must make them by year end to qualified charities.

Year-end tax strategies for accrual-basis taxpayers

Details: Published: 28 November 2016 28 November 2016

The last month or so of the year offers accrual-basis taxpayers an opportunity to make some timely moves that might enable them to save money on their 2016 tax bill.

A brief overview of the President-elect’s tax plan for individuals

Details: Published: 15 November 2016 15 November 2016

Now that Donald Trump has been elected President of the United States and Republicans have retained control of both chambers of Congress, an overhaul of the U.S. tax code next year is likely. President-elect Trump’s tax reform plan, released earlier this year, includes the following changes that would affect individuals:

There’s still time to set up a retirement plan for 2016

Details: Published: 09 November 2016 09 November 2016

Saving for retirement can be tough if you’re putting most of your money and time into operating a small business. However, many retirement plans aren’t difficult to set up and it’s important to start saving so you can enjoy a comfortable future.

It’s critical to be aware of the tax rules surrounding your NQDC plan

Details: Published: 02 November 2016 02 November 2016

Nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plans pay executives at some time in the future for services to be currently performed. They differ from qualified plans, such as 401(k)s, in that:

Beware of income-based limits on itemized deductions and personal exemptions

Details: Published: 28 October 2016 28 October 2016

Many tax breaks are reduced or eliminated for higher-income taxpayers. Two of particular note are the itemized deduction reduction and the personal exemption phaseout.

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