Weekly Tax Brief

Expenses that teachers can and can’t deduct on their tax returns

Details: Published: 03 September 2019 03 September 2019

As teachers head back to school, they often pay expenses for which they don’t receive reimbursement. Fortunately, they may be able to deduct some of them on their tax returns. You don’t have to itemize your deductions to claim this “above-the-line” tax break.

What to do if your business receives a “no-match” letter

Details: Published: 30 August 2019 30 August 2019

In recent months, many businesses and employers have received “no-match” letters from the Social Security Administration (SSA). These letters alert employers if employees’ names and Social Security numbers (SSNs) don’t match the data reported on W-2 forms, which are given to employees and filed with the IRS. If you receive a no-match letter, check to see if your information matches the name and SSN on the employee’s Social Security card. If the information matches, ask him or her to check with the local Social Security office to resolve the issue.

Taking distributions from your traditional IRA

Details: Published: 26 August 2019 26 August 2019

If you’re like many people, you’ve worked hard to accumulate a large nest egg in your traditional IRA (or a SEP-IRA). It’s critical to carefully plan for withdrawals. For example, if you need to take money out of your traditional IRA before age 59-1/2, the distribution will generally be taxable. In addition, distributions before age 59-1/2 may be subject to a 10% penalty tax. (However, several exceptions may allow you to avoid the penalty tax but not the regular income tax.) And once you reach age 70-1/2, distributions from a traditional IRA must begin. If you don’t withdraw the minimum amount each year, you may have to pay a 50% penalty tax on what should have been taken but wasn’t.

The tax implications of being a winner

Details: Published: 06 August 2019 06 August 2019

If you’re lucky enough to be a winner at gambling or the lottery, congratulations! But be aware there are tax consequences. You must report 100% of your winnings as taxable income. If you itemize deductions, you can deduct losses but only up to the amount of winnings. You report lottery winnings as income in the year you actually receive them. In the case of non-cash prizes (such as a car), this would be the year the prize is received. With cash, if you take the winnings in annual installments, you only report each year’s installment as income for that year. These are just the basic rules. Contact us with questions. We can help you minimize taxes and stay in compliance with all requirements.

The “nanny tax” must be paid for more than just nannies

Details: Published: 29 July 2019 29 July 2019

You may have heard of the “nanny tax.” But even if you don’t employ a nanny, it may apply to you. Hiring a housekeeper or other household employee (who isn’t an independent contractor) may make you liable for federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare (FICA) tax and federal unemployment tax. You may also have state tax obligations. Employment taxes are then reported on your tax return. Contact us for assistance.

Thinking about moving to another state in retirement? Don’t forget about taxes

Details: Published: 24 June 2019 24 June 2019

If you’re thinking about relocating to another state in retirement, consider the impact of state and local taxes. It may seem like a state with no income tax is a smart choice, but you also have to factor in property and sales taxes, as well as any state estate tax. If you make a move to a new state and want to escape taxes in the state you came from, it’s important to establish legal domicile in the new location. How? Take steps such as buying a new home, changing your mailing address, registering to vote and getting a driver’s license in the new state. Before deciding where to live in retirement, do some research and contact us. We can help you avoid unpleasant tax surprises.

The chances of IRS audit are down but you should still be prepared

Details: Published: 18 June 2019 18 June 2019

The IRS just released its audit statistics for the 2018 fiscal year, and fewer taxpayers had their returns examined compared with prior years. Overall, just 0.59% of individual tax returns were audited (down from 0.62% in 2017). This was the smallest number of audits conducted since 2002. However, even though a small percentage of returns are being chosen for audit these days, that will be little consolation if yours is one of them. The easiest way to survive an IRS audit is to prepare. On an ongoing basis, systematically maintain documentation (invoices, bills, canceled checks, receipts, or other proof) for all items reported on your returns. Contact us if you receive an IRS audit letter.

Hire your children this summer: Everyone wins

Details: Published: 07 June 2019 07 June 2019

If you’re a business owner with children, hiring them for the summer can provide many benefits. One is tax savings. By shifting business income to a child as wages for services performed, you can turn your high-taxed income into tax-free or low-taxed income. You may also be able to realize payroll tax savings (depending on the child’s age and how your business is organized) and enable retirement plan contributions for the children. Everybody wins! Many rules apply. Contact us to learn more.

Consider all the tax consequences before making gifts to loved ones

Details: Published: 28 May 2019 28 May 2019

Many people choose to pass assets to the next generation during life, whether to reduce the size of their taxable estate, to help out family members or simply to see their loved ones enjoy the gifts. If you’re considering lifetime gifts, be aware that which assets you give can affect the tax consequences. For example, to minimize your heir’s income tax, gift property that hasn’t appreciated significantly while you’ve owned it. The heir can sell the property at a minimal income tax cost. Contact us to discuss the tax consequences of any gifts you’d like to make.

What type of expenses can’t be written off by your business?

Details: Published: 24 May 2019 24 May 2019

If you spend money in the course of doing business, you want to be able to deduct it on your tax return. But in order to write off expenses, they must meet certain requirements. Under federal tax law, you can deduct “ordinary and necessary” business expenses. In general, an expense is considered ordinary if it’s common or customary in the particular trade or business. A necessary expense is defined as being helpful or appropriate. In order to be deductible, an expense must also be reasonable in relation to the benefit expected. Consult with us for guidance.

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