Year-End Tax Planning for Individuals
As the holidays approach, it’s time to consider tax planning moves that will help lower your 2024 taxes, as well as set you up for tax savings in future years. Here are seven year-end tax planning ideas to consider. 1. Strategize on the Standard Deduction vs. Itemizing This is a tried-and-true year-end tax planning strategy. […]
Is Employer-Paid Life Insurance Taxable?
If the fringe benefits of your job include employer-paid group term life insurance, a portion of the premiums for the coverage may be taxable. And that could result in undesirable income tax consequences for you. The cost of the first $50,000 of group term life insurance paid by your employer is excluded from taxable income. […]
Check Kiting and Other Check Fraud On Rise
While the use of paper checks has greatly diminished, thieves still view them as a source for stealing revenue. In fact, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network warns that many thieves are returning to old-fashioned financial theft, using paper checks. That’s one reason why the U.S. Postal Service urges us to not send checks through the […]
Selling Your Home This Year? What to Know If You Are
As the saying goes, there’s nothing certain in life except for death and taxes. But when it comes to selling your home, proactive tax planning can help you reduce your federal income tax bill. A Costly Mistake to Avoid Let’s say Tom is a soon-to-be married homeowner who’s looking to sell his principal residence. If […]
Tax Breaks for Teachers and Educators
Teachers who are getting ready for a new school year often pay for some of their classroom supplies out-of-pocket. They may be able to get some of that cost back by taking advantage of a special tax break for educators. History of the Deduction Before 2018, employees who had unreimbursed out-of-pocket expenses could potentially deduct […]
Tax Considerations When Choosing a Business Entity
Are you in the process of starting a business or contemplating changing your business entity? If so, you’ll need to decide how to organize your company. Should you operate as a C corporation or as a pass-through entity such as a partnership, limited liability company (LLC) or S corporation? Among the important factors to consider […]
Renting to Family Members
As rents continue to rise in many areas, you may decide to help your financially challenged family members by renting a property to them at a discount. But this can lead to the loss of significant tax deductions. Here’s a look at the tax treatment that applies when you rent to unrelated parties and how […]
Kids’ Day Camp Expenses May Qualify for a Tax Credit
Among the many challenges of parenthood is childcare for kids when school lets out. Babysitters are one option, or you might consider sending them to a day camp. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but if you do choose a day camp, you could be eligible for a tax break. (Unfortunately, overnight camps don’t qualify.) Dollar-for-dollar Savings […]
