Tips to Help You Figure Out if Your Gift is Taxable

If you’ve given money or property to someone as a gift, you may owe federal gift tax, but in many cases, you will not. For example, there is usually no tax if you make a gift to your spouse or a charity. If you make a gift to someone else, the gift tax usually does […]

Deductions for Food or Beverages From Restaurants

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Beginning January 1, 2021, and extending through December 31, 2022, businesses can claim 100% of their food or beverage expenses paid to restaurants as long as the business owner (or an employee of the business) is present when food or beverages are provided, and the expense is not lavish or extravagant under the circumstances. In […]

Retiring Overseas? Avoid Tax Surprises

Retiring Overseas? Avoid Tax Surprises.

Are you approaching retirement age and wondering where you can retire to make your retirement nest egg last longer? Retiring abroad may be the answer. But first, it’s important to look at the tax implications because not all retirement country destinations are created equal. Taxes on Worldwide Income Leaving the United States does not exempt […]

Donating a Car To Charity as a Tax Write-Off

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If you donate a car to a qualified charitable organization and intend to claim a deduction, you should be aware of the special rules that apply to vehicle donations. Charities typically sell donated vehicles. If the charitable organization sells the vehicle you donated it to, the deduction claimed by the donor (you) may not exceed […]

Self-Employed Can Claim Sick & Family Leave Tax Credit

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A new form is available for self-employed individuals to claim sick and family leave tax credits under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The FFCRA, passed in March 2020, allows eligible self-employed individuals who, due to COVID-19, are unable to work or telework for reasons relating to their own health or to care for […]

Q & A: The $10,200 Unemployment Tax Break

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Generally, unemployment compensation received under the unemployment compensation laws of the United States or a state is considered taxable income and must be reported on your federal tax return. However, a new tax break – in effect only for the 2020 tax year – lets you exclude the first $10,200 from taxable income. Here’s what […]

Five Tax Tips for Older Americans

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Everyone wants to save money on their taxes, and older Americans are no exception. If you’re age 50 or older, here are five tax tips that could help you do just that. 1. Standard Deduction for Seniors. If you and/or your spouse are 65 years old or older and do not itemize your deductions, you can […]

Social Security Benefits and Taxes: The Facts

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Social Security benefits include monthly retirement, survivor, and disability benefits; they do not include Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, which are not taxable. Generally, you pay federal income taxes on your Social Security benefits only if you have other substantial income in addition to your benefits. Examples include wages, self-employment, interest, dividends, and other taxable […]