Tax Advice
Taxes: Knowing the Basics is Key
It’s the starting point to saving money Understanding how our tax system works can be tricky for anyone. Whether you’re an adult who never paid much attention to the taxes being withheld from your paycheck or a kid who just got his or her first job, the starting point to reducing your tax is knowing…
Read MoreMultiple Jobs: Be Prepared for Tax Surprises
Working more than one job can help maximize income, but also potentially create a tax surprise. Here are several be aware of: Social Security Surprise: As a full-time employee, the most you’ll have to pay in Social Security taxes in 2023 is $9,932. The problem is each employer you work for will withhold Social Security taxes…
Read MoreBudgeting Basics
During inflationary periods, it is harder to balance your income with the rising cost of housing, food, fuel, health care and insurance. One of the biggest tools to fight raising costs is creating a budget and measuring it throughout the year. Here are some suggestions to help create a budget that actually works. Keep it…
Read MoreKeys to Keeping Great Business Records
Your bookkeeping system is the financial heart and lifeblood of your business. When set up and operating properly, your books help you make smart decisions and seamlessly turn your financial data into useful information. Here are four key characteristics to building and maintaining a healthy bookkeeping system: Select the proper accounting method. There are two different…
Read MoreUnderstanding Tax Credits Versus Deductions
Tax credits are some of the most valuable tools around to help cut your tax bill. But figuring out how to use these credits on your tax return can get complicated very quickly. Here’s what you need to know. Understanding the difference To help illustrate the difference between a credit and a deduction, here is…
Read MoreDebt: Gone But Not Forgotten by the IRS
With the ups and downs of our economy over the last 2 years, you may have had a loan or credit card balance forgiven or cancelled by a financial institution. You would think that the cancellation of debt by a credit card company or mortgage company would be a good thing for you and your…
Read MoreMake Payroll Taxes Easy in 2022
Handling employment taxes can be complicated, especially when you’re required to file important tax documents throughout the year. Here’s a quick recap of the most vital payroll tax forms and what you can do to make your payroll life easier heading into 2022. Important Payroll Tax Forms Form 941 — Employer’s quarterly federal tax…
Read MoreTips to Maximize the Value of a Car Donation: A little mistake could cost you plenty
At the end of the year you will be inundated with commercials to donate a vehicle to charity. While it is one of the biggest contributions a taxpayer can make, if not done carefully, the tax deduction of a donated vehicle could be a lot lower than you think. The Rule When you donate a…
Read MoreThe Power of Comparative Financial Statements
Your business has a story to tell. One of the ways to hear your business’s story is by reading through comparative financial statements. The importance of comparative financial statements An up-to-date balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows are essential financial reports you should consistently analyze. But these financial statements by themselves don’t…
Read MoreFive Tax-Loss Harvesting Tips
Though the markets have been up strongly this year, your investment portfolio could have a few lemons in it. Using the tax strategy of tax-loss harvesting, you may be able to turn those lemons into lemonade. Here are five tips: Tip #1: Separate short-term and long-term Your investments are divided into short-term and long-term buckets.…
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