Standard Mileage Rates for 2020
Starting January 1, 2020, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car, van, pickup or panel truck are as follows: 57.5 cents per mile driven for business use, down one half of a cent from the rate for 2019 17 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes, down three cents from […]
Setting up Sales Tax in QuickBooks, Part 2
Last month, the focus was on the process of setting up sales taxes in QuickBooks. As you may recall, the first step is to go to Edit | Preferences | Sales Tax and make sure the software is set up correctly for this use. Before you do this, however, you will need to know what your state […]
Updated Rules: Deductible Business & Other Expenses
Taxpayers using optional standard mileage rates in computing the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving expense purposes should be aware of an updated set of rules. The updated rules reflect changes to certain deductible expenses resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Also updated, are tax rules […]
Setting up Sales Taxes in QuickBooks, Part 1
Next to payroll, state sales taxes represent probably the most complex element of your accounting tasks. QuickBooks can help with the mechanics, but there is a lot you need to learn before you can start charging and paying them. Here is an example: Is your company located in a destination-based or origin-based state where taxes are concerned (do you […]
Tax Treatment of Virtual Currency Transactions
If you’ve invested in Bitcoin and decide to sell you need to consider the impact of virtual currency transactions on your taxes. Here’s what you should know: Background Prior to 2014, there was no IRS guidance and many people did not understand that selling virtual currency was a reportable transaction. They may have found themselves […]
Solar Technology Tax Credits Still Available for 2019
Certain energy-efficient home improvements can cut your energy bills and save you money at tax time. While many of these tax credits expired at the end of 2016, tax credits for residential and non-business energy-efficient solar technologies do not expire until December 31, 2021. Here are some key facts that you should know about these […]
New Twist on the Social Security Number (SSN) Scam
New variations of tax-related scams show up at regular intervals, the most recent one related to Social Security numbers. Don’t be fooled, however; it’s nothing more than a new twist on an old scam and yet another attempt to frighten people into returning “robocall” voicemails. How the Scam Works Con artists claim to be able […]
Rental Real Estate Qualifies as a Business
A safe harbor is now available for taxpayers seeking to claim the section 199A deduction with respect to a “rental real estate enterprise.” What this means is that certain interests in rental real estate – including interests in mixed-use property – are allowed to be treated as a trade or business for purposes of the […]
