Posts Tagged ‘tax planning’
Taxes: These Basics are for Everyone
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, understanding the basics can help refine and define questions you may have. Many schools don’t…
Read MoreYou Know You Need Tax Planning If…
Effective tax planning helps you make smart decisions now to get the future outcome you desire – but you need to make sure you don’t miss anything. Forget to account for one of these situations and your tax plans will go off the rails in a hurry: Getting married or divorced. One plus one does…
Read MoreAl Capone, Aunt Becky, Tax Fraud and You! How you can learn from high-profile tax scandals.
The recent college admission scandal involving Lori Loughlin (who played Aunt Becky in the Full House TV series) and others is shedding light on just one way people allegedly cheat on their taxes. Here are examples of some famous people in tax trouble with the IRS and helpful hints to make sure it doesn’t happen…
Read MoreLeasing vs. Buying a Car
There are many reasons for you to lease a car versus buy a car, but too often it is the auto dealer’s profit motive that determines which method you use rather than what’s best for your budget and lifestyle. To help you make an informed decision, here are some things to consider: When to lease…
Read More2019 State Business Tax Climate Rankings
The tax climate for businesses varies dramatically depending on where your business is located. State business environments are constantly shifting; some states readily enact changes made at the federal level, while others do not. Each year the non-profit Tax Foundation organization announces a ranking of tax burdens for businesses. The results of its 2019 ranking…
Read MoreMajor Life Changes Ahead? Read This!
Too often major life decisions have tax implications attached to them. For the unwary, this can create a fairly large and unexpected tax bill. Here are four examples of major life changes that can have complicated tax implications: Changing jobs. Whether it’s a new, exciting opportunity or a result of being laid off, a job…
Read More7 Tax-Free Ideas to Bolster Your Business Benefits Package
The benefits package offered by your business is extremely important to your employees. How important? A survey performed by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that benefits are directly tied to overall job satisfaction for 92 percent of employees. Even more importantly, 29 percent of employees cited the overall benefits package at their…
Read MoreTips to Protect Yourself From Tax Scams
Too many people downplay the threat of identity theft because it hasn’t been witnessed or experienced firsthand. This false sense of security can leave you exposed, especially during tax season. Here are some tips to keep your identity safe from scammers: 1. Be naturally suspicious. Understand that there are people out there trying to get…
Read MoreIRS Announces 2019 Mileage Rates
Mileage rates for travel are now set for 2019. The standard business mileage rate increases by 3.5 cents to 58 cents per mile. The medical and moving mileage rates also increase by 2 cents to 20 cents per mile. Charitable mileage rates remain unchanged at 14 cents per mile. 2019 Standard Mileage Rates Standard Mileage…
Read MoreTaking a Home Office Deduction: A Great Tax Reduction Idea, If Done Right!
Cloud-based applications, extensive communication channels, and other new technologies make it easier to run your business out of your home. If you qualify, many home business expenses are deductible. Think you might qualify? You must first pass these tests. Trade or business use test. To qualify for business use of your home you must use…
Read More