Tax Planning vs. Tax Preparation
What is Tax Preparation? Tax preparation is the process of preparing and filing a tax return. Generally, it is a one-time event that culminates in signing your return and finding out whether you owe the IRS money or will be receiving a refund. For most people, tax preparation involves one or two trips to your […]
Important Information About Charitable Giving This Year
For many nonprofits and taxpayers alike, Giving Tuesday is the start of the charitable giving season. While most organizations are legitimate, taxpayers should always research charities before donating. It is also a good idea to understand the expanded tax benefits of giving to causes that mean something to you personally. Taxpayers should also know that […]
Individual Taxpayers: Year-end Tax Planning Strategies
With the end of the year fast approaching, now is the time to take a closer look at tax planning strategies that could reduce your tax bill for 2021. General Tax Planning Strategies General tax planning strategies for individuals include accelerating or deferring income and deductions, as well as careful consideration of timing-related tax planning […]
Tax Benefits of Health Savings Accounts
While similar to FSAs (Flexible Savings Plans) in that both allow pretax contributions, Health Savings Accounts or HSAs offer taxpayers several additional tax benefits. Let’s take a look: What is a Health Savings Account? A Health Savings Account is a type of savings account that allows you to set aside money pretax to pay for […]
Reporting Gambling Income and Losses
If you aren’t in the trade or business of gambling, you should be aware that gambling winnings are fully taxable and must be reported as income on your tax return. Gambling income includes but isn’t limited to winnings from lotteries, raffles, horse races, and casinos, and also includes cash winnings and the fair market value […]
Strategies To Pass on Wealth to Heirs
Individuals with significant assets should take advantage of proven tax strategies such as gifting and direct payments to educational institutions to transfer wealth to heirs tax-free, as well as minimize estate taxes. Additional opportunities are available as well, thanks to low interest rates and a volatile stock market. Let’s take a look at some of […]
Six Things To Know Before You Start a Business
Starting your own business is an exciting prospect, but there is more to it than simply writing a business plan. Understanding the tax responsibilities of starting a business venture can save taxpayers money and help set them up for success. That’s where a tax professional can help. Here is what you need to know before […]
Tax Rules for Divorce and Alimony Payments
Divorce is a painful reality for many people, both emotionally and financially. Quite often, the last thing on anyone’s mind is the effect a divorce or separation will have on their tax situation. To make matters worse, most court decisions do not consider the effects divorce or separation has on your tax situation, which is […]
