April 3, 2025 / by Brett Hess / Tax
When we prepare your tax return, we’ll check one of the following filing statuses: single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household or qualifying widow(er). Only some people are eligible to file a return as a head of household. But if you’re one of them, it’s more favorable than filing as a single […]
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Digital assets and taxes: What you need to know
May 29, 2025 / by Brett Hess / Tax
As the use of digital assets like cryptocurrencies continues to grow, so does the IRS’s scrutiny of how taxpayers report these transactions on their federal income tax returns. The IRS has flagged this area as a key focus. To help you stay compliant and avoid tax-related complications, here are the basics of digital asset reporting. […]
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Hiring independent contractors? Make sure you’re doing it right
May 23, 2025 / by Brett Hess / Small Business
Many businesses turn to independent contractors to help manage costs, especially during times of staffing shortages and inflation. If you’re among them, ensuring these workers are properly classified for federal tax purposes is crucial. Misclassifying employees as independent contractors can result in expensive consequences if the IRS steps in and reclassifies them. It could lead […]
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The tax rules for legal awards and settlements: What recipients should know
May 20, 2025 / by Brett Hess / Tax
If you’ve recently received a settlement or award from a lawsuit, or you’re expecting one, you may be wondering how the IRS views this money. Will you need to pay taxes on it? The short answer: It depends on the type of damages you received. Understanding the basic rules can help you avoid surprises. Taxable […]
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The “wash sale” rule: Don’t let losses circle the drain
April 29, 2025 / by Brett Hess / Tax
Stock, mutual fund and ETF prices have bounced around lately. If you make what turns out to be an ill-fated investment in a taxable brokerage firm account, the good news is that you may be able to harvest a tax-saving capital loss by selling the loser security. However, for federal income tax purposes, the wash […]
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What tax documents can you safely shred? And which ones should you keep?
April 24, 2025 / by Brett Hess / Tax
Once your 2024 tax return is in the hands of the IRS, you may be tempted to clear out file cabinets and delete digital folders. But before reaching for the shredder or delete button, remember that some paperwork still has two important purposes: Protecting you if the IRS comes calling for an audit, and Helping […]
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Explore SEP and SIMPLE retirement plans for your small business
April 22, 2025 / by Brett Hess / Small Business
Suppose you’re thinking about setting up a retirement plan for yourself and your employees. However, you’re concerned about the financial commitment and administrative burdens involved. There are a couple of options to consider. Let’s take a look at a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) and a Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE). SEPs offer easy […]
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How companies can spot dangers by examining concentration
April 18, 2025 / by Brett Hess / Small Business
At first glance, the word “concentration” might seem to describe a positive quality for any business owner. You need to concentrate, right? Only through laser focus on the right strategic goals can your company reach that next level of success. In a business context, however, concentration can refer to various aspects of your company’s operations. […]
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An essential tax deadline is coming up — and it’s unrelated to your 2024 return filing
April 8, 2025 / by Brett Hess / Tax
Tuesday, April 15 is the deadline for filing your 2024 tax return. But another tax deadline is coming up the same day, and it’s essential for certain taxpayers. It’s the deadline for making the first quarterly estimated tax payment for 2025 if you’re required to make one. Basic details You may have to make estimated […]
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Discover if you qualify for “head of household” tax filing status
April 3, 2025 / by Brett Hess / Tax
When we prepare your tax return, we’ll check one of the following filing statuses: single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household or qualifying widow(er). Only some people are eligible to file a return as a head of household. But if you’re one of them, it’s more favorable than filing as a single […]
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Business owners should get comfortable with their financial statements
March 28, 2025 / by Brett Hess / Small Business
Financial statements can fascinate accountants, investors and lenders. However, for business owners, they may not be real page-turners. The truth is each of the three parts of your financial statements is a valuable tool that can guide you toward reasonable, beneficial business decisions. For this reason, it’s important to get comfortable with their respective purposes. […]
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