Weekly Tax Brief

Real estate investor vs. professional: Why it matters

Details: Published: 16 May 2017 16 May 2017

Income and losses from investment real estate or rental property are passive by definition — unless you’re a real estate professional. Why does this matter? Passive income may be subject to the 3.8% net investment income tax (NIIT), and passive losses generally are deductible only against passive income, with the excess being carried forward.

Operating across state lines presents tax risks — or possibly rewards

Details: Published: 10 May 2017 10 May 2017

It’s a smaller business world after all. With the ease and popularity of e-commerce, as well as the incredible efficiency of many supply chains, companies of all sorts are finding it easier than ever to widen their markets. Doing so has become so much more feasible that many businesses quickly find themselves crossing state lines.

Turning next year’s tax refund into cash in your pocket now

Details: Published: 03 May 2017 03 May 2017

Each year, millions of taxpayers claim an income tax refund. To be sure, receiving a payment from the IRS for a few thousand dollars can be a pleasant influx of cash. But it means you were essentially giving the government an interest-free loan for close to a year, which isn’t the best use of your money.

Pennsylvania 2017 Tax Amnesty Program

Details: Published: 26 April 2017 26 April 2017

Pennsylvania Tax Amnesty Program Offers Individuals & Businesses an Opportunity for a Limited Amount of Time

Individual tax calendar: Key deadlines for the remainder of 2017

Details: Published: 18 April 2017 18 April 2017

While April 15 (April 18 this year) is the main tax deadline on most individual taxpayers’ minds, there are others through the rest of the year that are important to be aware of. To help you make sure you don’t miss any important 2017 deadlines, here’s a look at when some key tax-related forms, payments and other actions are due. Keep in mind that this list isn’t all-inclusive, so there may be additional deadlines that apply to you.

A timely postmark on your tax return may not be enough to avoid late-filing penalties

Details: Published: 11 April 2017 11 April 2017

Because of a weekend and a Washington, D.C., holiday, the 2016 tax return filing deadline for individual taxpayers is Tuesday, April 18. The IRS considers a paper return that’s due April 18 to be timely filed if it’s postmarked by midnight. But dropping your return in a mailbox on the 18th may not be sufficient.

Saving tax with home-related deductions and exclusions

Details: Published: 06 April 2017 06 April 2017

Currently, home ownership comes with many tax-saving opportunities. Consider both deductions and exclusions when you’re filing your 2016 return and tax planning for 2017:

2017 Q2 tax calendar: Key deadlines for businesses and other employers

Details: Published: 29 March 2017 29 March 2017

Here are some of the key tax-related deadlines affecting businesses and other employers during the second 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.

Who can — and who should — take the American Opportunity credit?

Details: Published: 23 March 2017 23 March 2017

If you have a child in college, you may be eligible to claim the American Opportunity credit on your 2016 income tax return. If, however, your income is too high, you won’t qualify for the credit — but your child might. There’s one potential downside: If your dependent child claims the credit, you must forgo your dependency exemption for him or her. And the child can’t take the exemption.

When an elderly parent might qualify as your dependent

Details: Published: 16 March 2017 16 March 2017

It’s not uncommon for adult children to help support their aging parents. If you’re in this position, you might qualify for the adult-dependent exemption. It allows eligible taxpayers to deduct up to $4,050 for each adult dependent claimed on their 2016 tax return.

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