October 7, 2020 / by Sherie Johnson / Deadlines, Small Business, Tax
IRS audit rates are historically low, according to the latest data, but that’s little consolation if your return is among those selected to be examined. But with proper preparation and planning, you should fare well. In fiscal year 2019, the IRS audited approximately 0.4% of individuals. Businesses, large corporations and high-income individuals are more likely […]
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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 […]
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Need a new business vehicle? Consider a heavy SUV
April 7, 2021 / by Sherie Johnson / Deadlines, Newsletter, Small Business, Tax, Uncategorized / 0 comments
Are you considering buying or replacing a vehicle that you’ll use in your business? If you choose a heavy sport utility vehicle (SUV), you may be able to benefit from lucrative tax rules for those vehicles. Bonus depreciation Under current law, 100% first-year bonus depreciation is available for qualified new and used property that’s acquired […]
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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), […]
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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 […]
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The easiest way to survive an IRS audit is to get ready in advance
October 7, 2020 / by Sherie Johnson / Deadlines, Small Business, Tax
IRS audit rates are historically low, according to the latest data, but that’s little consolation if your return is among those selected to be examined. But with proper preparation and planning, you should fare well. In fiscal year 2019, the IRS audited approximately 0.4% of individuals. Businesses, large corporations and high-income individuals are more likely […]
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Hiring independent contractors? Make sure they’re properly classified
April 30, 2020 / by Sherie Johnson / Uncategorized
As a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, your business may be using independent contractors to keep costs low. But you should be careful that these workers are properly classified for federal tax purposes. If the IRS reclassifies them as employees, it can be an expensive mistake. The question of whether a worker is an […]
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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 […]
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CARES ACT changes retirement plan and charitable contribution rules
April 9, 2020 / by Sherie Johnson / Newsletter, Small Business
As we all try to keep ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities safe from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, you may be wondering about some of the recent tax changes that were part of a tax law passed on March 27. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act contains a variety of relief, […]
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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 […]
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The tax aspects of selling mutual fund shares
February 11, 2020 / by Sherie Johnson / Uncategorized
Perhaps you’re an investor in mutual funds or you’re interested in putting some money into them. You’re not alone. The Investment Company Institute estimates that 56.2 million households owned mutual funds in mid-2017. But despite their popularity, the tax rules involved in selling mutual fund shares can be complex. Tax basics If you sell appreciated […]
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