January 12, 2021 / by Sherie Johnson / Deadlines, Newsletter, Small Business, Tax, Uncategorized
The new COVID-19 relief law that was signed on December 27, 2020, contains a multitude of provisions that may affect you. Here are some of the highlights of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which also contains two other laws: the COVID-related Tax Relief Act (COVIDTRA) and the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act (TCDTR). Direct […]
Read more
Should your business add Roth contributions to its 401(k)?
April 8, 2021 / by Sherie Johnson / Newsletter, Small Business, Tax / 0 comments
If your business sponsors a 401(k) plan, you might someday consider adding designated Roth contributions. Here are some factors to explore when deciding whether such a feature would make sense for your company and its employees. Key differences Roth contributions differ from other elective deferrals in two key tax respects. First, they’re irrevocably designated to […]
Read more
New law tax break may make child care less expensive
March 23, 2021 / by Sherie Johnson / Deadlines, Newsletter, Small Business, Tax, Uncategorized
The new American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provides eligible families with an enhanced child and dependent care credit for 2021. This is the credit available for expenses a taxpayer pays for the care of qualifying children under the age of 13 so that the taxpayer can be gainfully employed. Note that a credit reduces your […]
Read more
One reason to file your 2020 tax return early
January 20, 2021 / by Sherie Johnson / Deadlines, Newsletter, Small Business, Tax, Uncategorized
The IRS announced it is opening the 2020 individual income tax return filing season on February 12. (This is later than in past years because of a new law that was enacted late in December.) Even if you typically don’t file until much closer to the April 15 deadline (or you file for an extension), […]
Read more
The COVID-19 relief law: What’s in it for you?
January 12, 2021 / by Sherie Johnson / Deadlines, Newsletter, Small Business, Tax, Uncategorized
The new COVID-19 relief law that was signed on December 27, 2020, contains a multitude of provisions that may affect you. Here are some of the highlights of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which also contains two other laws: the COVID-related Tax Relief Act (COVIDTRA) and the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act (TCDTR). Direct […]
Read more
Educate yourself about the revised tax benefits for higher education
January 12, 2021 / by Sherie Johnson / Deadlines, Newsletter, Small Business, Tax, Uncategorized
Attending college is one of the biggest investments that parents and students ever make. If you or your child (or grandchild) attends (or plans to attend) an institution of higher learning, you may be eligible for tax breaks to help foot the bill. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, which was enacted recently, made some changes to […]
Read more
Can you qualify for a medical expense tax deduction?
December 17, 2020 / by Sherie Johnson / Small Business, Tax
You may be able to deduct some of your medical expenses, including prescription drugs, on your federal tax return. However, the rules make it hard for many people to qualify. But with proper planning, you may be able to time discretionary medical expenses to your advantage for tax purposes. Itemizers must meet a threshold For […]
Read more
Taking distributions from a traditional IRA
November 19, 2020 / by Sherie Johnson / Uncategorized
Although planning is needed to help build the biggest possible nest egg in your traditional IRA (including a SEP-IRA and SIMPLE-IRA), it’s even more critical that you plan for withdrawals from these tax-deferred retirement vehicles. There are three areas where knowing the fine points of the IRA distribution rules can make a big difference in […]
Read more
Subchapter V: A silver lining for small businesses mulling bankruptcy
May 14, 2020 / by Sherie Johnson / Newsletter, Small Business
Many small businesses continue to struggle in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Some have already closed their doors and are liquidating assets. Others, however, may have a relatively less onerous option: bankruptcy. Although bankruptcy obviously isn’t an optimal outcome for any small company, there may be a silver lining: A new bankruptcy law […]
Read more
COVID-19: IRS announces more relief and details
April 20, 2020 / by Sherie Johnson / Deadlines, Newsletter, Small Business, Tax, Uncategorized
In the midst of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Americans are focusing on their health and financial well-being. To help with the impact facing many people, the government has provided a range of relief. Here are some new announcements made by the IRS. More deadlines extended As you probably know, the IRS postponed the due dates […]
Read more
Do you run your business from home? You might be eligible for home office deductions
February 27, 2020 / by Sherie Johnson / Uncategorized
If you’re self-employed and work out of an office in your home, you may be entitled to home office deductions. However, you must satisfy strict rules. If you qualify, you can deduct the “direct expenses” of the home office. This includes the costs of painting or repairing the home office and depreciation deductions for furniture […]
Read more