October 14, 2019 / by Brett Hess / Newsletter, Tax
We all know the cost of college is expensive. The latest figures from the College Board show that the average annual cost of tuition and fees was $10,230 for in-state students at public four-year universities — and $35,830 for students at private not-for-profit four-year institutions. These amounts don’t include room and board, books, supplies, transportation […]
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6 ways to ensure your marketing plan drives sales
October 16, 2019 / by Brett Hess / Newsletter, Uncategorized
“Love and marriage,” goes the old song: “…You can’t have one without the other.” This also holds true for sales and marketing. Even the best of sales staffs will struggle if not supported by a well-researched and carefully executed marketing plan. Here are six ways to ensure your marketing plan is likely to drive strong […]
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When is tax due on Series EE savings bonds?
October 16, 2019 / by Brett Hess / Tax
You may have Series EE savings bonds that were bought many years ago. Perhaps you store them in a file cabinet or safe deposit box and rarely think about them. You may wonder how the interest you earn on EE bonds is taxed. And if they reach final maturity, you may need to take action […]
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Take advantage of the gift tax exclusion rules
October 16, 2019 / by Brett Hess / Newsletter, Tax
As we head toward the gift-giving season, you may be considering giving gifts of cash or securities to your loved ones. Taxpayers can transfer substantial amounts free of gift taxes to their children and others each year through the use of the annual federal gift tax exclusion. The amount is adjusted for inflation annually. For […]
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Capital gains tax can take a bite out of your investments.
October 16, 2019 / by Brett Hess / Newsletter, Tax
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Uncle Sam may provide relief from college costs on your tax return
October 14, 2019 / by Brett Hess / Newsletter, Tax
We all know the cost of college is expensive. The latest figures from the College Board show that the average annual cost of tuition and fees was $10,230 for in-state students at public four-year universities — and $35,830 for students at private not-for-profit four-year institutions. These amounts don’t include room and board, books, supplies, transportation […]
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Putting together the succession planning and retirement planning puzzle
October 7, 2019 / by Brett Hess / Newsletter
Everyone needs to plan for retirement. But as a business owner, you face a distinctive challenge in that you must save for your golden years while also creating, updating and eventually executing a succession plan. This is no easy task, but you can put the puzzle pieces together by answering some fundamental questions: When […]
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2019 Q4 tax calendar: Key deadlines for businesses and other employers
September 10, 2019 / by Brett Hess / Deadlines, Tax
Here are some of the key tax-related deadlines affecting businesses and other employers during the fourth quarter of 2019. Keep in mind that this list isn’t all-inclusive, so there may be additional deadlines that apply to you. Contact us to ensure you’re meeting all applicable deadlines and to learn more about the filing requirements. October […]
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The next estimated tax deadline is September 16: Do you have to make a payment?
September 3, 2019 / by Brett Hess / Uncategorized
If you’re self-employed and don’t have withholding from paychecks, you probably have to make estimated tax payments. These payments must be sent to the IRS on a quarterly basis. The third 2019 estimated tax payment deadline for individuals is Monday, September 16. Even if you do have some withholding from paychecks or payments you receive, […]
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Some business owners can’t participate in their own companies’ HRAs
August 28, 2019 / by Brett Hess / Newsletter, Small Business
Many companies now offer Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) in conjunction with high-deductible health plans (HDHPs). HRAs offer some advantages over the perhaps better-known HDHP companion account, the Health Savings Account (HSA). If you’re considering adding an HRA, you might assume that, as a business owner, you can participate in the HRA. But this may […]
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Expenses that teachers can and can’t deduct on their tax returns
August 27, 2019 / by Brett Hess / Newsletter, Tax
As teachers head back for a new school year, they often pay for various expenses for which they don’t receive reimbursement. Fortunately, they may be able to deduct them on their tax returns. However, there are limits on this special deduction, and some expenses can’t be written off. For 2019, qualifying educators can deduct […]
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