December 27, 2018 / by Brett Hess / Newsletter, Tax
Retirement plan contribution limits are indexed for inflation, and many have gone up for 2019, giving you opportunities to increase your retirement savings: Elective deferrals to 401(k), 403(b), 457(b)(2) and 457(c)(1) plans: $19,000 (up from $18,500) Contributions to defined contribution plans: $56,000 (up from $55,000) Contributions to SIMPLEs: $13,000 (up from $12,500) Contributions to IRAs: […]
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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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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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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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Three questions you may have after you file your return
April 25, 2019 / by Brett Hess / Tax
Once your 2018 tax return has been successfully filed with the IRS, you may still have some questions. Here are brief answers to three questions that we’re frequently asked at this time of year. Question #1: What tax records can I throw away now? At a minimum, keep tax records related to your return for […]
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Financial statements tell your business’s story, inside and out
February 21, 2019 / by Brett Hess / Newsletter, Tax
Ask many entrepreneurs and small business owners to show you their financial statements and they’ll likely open a laptop and show you their bookkeeping software. Although tracking financial transactions is critical, spreadsheets aren’t financial statements. In short, financial statements are detailed and carefully organized reports about the financial activities and overall position of a business. […]
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You may be able to save more for retirement in 2019
December 27, 2018 / by Brett Hess / Newsletter, Tax
Retirement plan contribution limits are indexed for inflation, and many have gone up for 2019, giving you opportunities to increase your retirement savings: Elective deferrals to 401(k), 403(b), 457(b)(2) and 457(c)(1) plans: $19,000 (up from $18,500) Contributions to defined contribution plans: $56,000 (up from $55,000) Contributions to SIMPLEs: $13,000 (up from $12,500) Contributions to IRAs: […]
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Does prepaying property taxes make sense anymore?
December 10, 2018 / by Brett Hess / Newsletter, Tax
Prepaying property taxes related to the current year but due the following year has long been one of the most popular and effective year-end tax-planning strategies. But does it still make sense in 2018? The answer, for some people, is yes — accelerating this expense will increase their itemized deductions, reducing their tax bills. But […]
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