Net Operating Loss (NOL) Opportunities The CARES Act now allows NOLs arising in tax years 2018, 2019, and 2020 to be carried back 5 years and claim refunds against the taxes already paid. Say for example, a taxpayer that had net operating losses in 2018 and/or 2019, and may have losses in 2020 as well,… Continue reading Understanding The Tax Benefits From COVID-19 (CARES Act)
Put Your Children on Your Payroll If your kids are under 18, you can hire them to take care of business chores and save on federal self-employment taxes of up to 15.3%. As long as the total wages you’re paying your child are less than $12,400 for the year, the child doesn’t have to pay… Continue reading Tax Saving Strategies For Sole Proprietors
Here is a list of strategies to reduce taxes on capital gains. Sell stocks that will give you short term gains (up to 40%) to mitigate the gain against any long-term losses (up to 23.8%) In other words, make the high taxes wash out by netting them against low-taxed losses, and keep the difference. Sell long-term trades… Continue reading Last Minute Year-End Strategies To Reduce Taxes On Capital Gains
Year-end is approaching, so let’s do some tax planning. Check out some tax-saving strategies below that can save you $$$: Put your retirement plan in place by December 31st and make sure you make a tax-deductible contribution. Converting traditional IRA to a Roth IRA can provide huge tax savings in the long-term. Make sure you leave… Continue reading 6 Year-End Tax Saving Strategies
Imagine selling your business (C-corporation only) for a gain of around $7 million and paying no taxes. That’s right – as long as you operated your business as a Qualified Small Business Corporation (QSBC) and you owned the business for more than five years, you don’t have to pay any federal income tax on the… Continue reading Tax Savings On Sale Of Business
Congress has introduced several provisions to help businesses with their taxes during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Some of these provisions apply to S corporations and can be very helpful in reducing their tax liability. Payroll Tax Deferral S corporations can defer their share of Social Security tax on federal tax deposits with this program. Instead… Continue reading Covid-19 Tax Relief for S-corporations
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM SECOND DRAW LOANS The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) now allows certain eligible borrowers that previously received a PPP loan to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan with the same general loan terms as their First Draw PPP Loan. Second Draw PPP Loans can be used to help fund payroll costs, including… Continue reading Eligibility for 2nd Round of PPP Loans
Did you miss out on the first and second rounds of PPP loans provided by the US Government as stimulus checks for small businesses because you assumed it was a loan, right? What if I tell you that the PPP loans aren’t just tax-free monies but can also be 100% forgiven if you are eligible… Continue reading Updates on PPP
An entrepreneur is acutely conscious of how important it is to keep track of money for a small business. Bookkeeping is a way of doing that since it is the practice of recording and documenting all financial transactions that take place in a business. As crucial bookkeeping is, the owner seldom has time to manage… Continue reading Top 5 Reasons to Have an Outsourced Bookkeeper for Your Business
Amended Tax Return Status 866-464-2050 www.irs.gov/filing/wheres-my-amended-return Apply for an EIN 800-829-4933 www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employer-id-numbers Estate and Gift Taxes 866-699-4083 Excise Tax Help 866-699-4096 FBAR Online Filing https://bsaefiling.fincen.treas.gov/NoRegFBARFiler.html Get Tax Transcript for Individuals 800-908-9946 www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript Identity Theft 800-908-4490 Power of Attorney (Form 2848) Fax: 855-214-7519 for Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana,… Continue reading IRS Key Contact Information and Helpful Links
Understanding Tax Relief Options for Individuals
Individuals seeking to reduce their tax burden can benefit significantly from understanding various tax relief options available to them. Tax relief measures can include deductions, credits, and exemptions that lower taxable income, ultimately leading to reduced tax liability.
For example, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a valuable benefit for low to moderate-income workers, providing a substantial credit that can increase a taxpayer's refund. Similarly, deductions for mortgage interest and student loan interest can also alleviate some financial pressure during tax season.
Impact of COVID-19 on Tax Regulations
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant changes in tax regulations, affecting both individuals and businesses. Understanding these changes is crucial for taxpayers to ensure compliance and maximize available benefits.
For instance, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act introduced various provisions, including the deferral of payroll taxes and expanded unemployment benefits. Staying informed about these changes can help taxpayers navigate their financial obligations more effectively.
Common Tax Mistakes to Avoid
Many taxpayers make common mistakes that can lead to missed opportunities for savings or, worse, penalties. Identifying these pitfalls can help individuals and businesses file their taxes more accurately and efficiently.
Some frequent errors include incorrect filing status, failing to report all income, and overlooking eligible deductions. By being aware of these common mistakes, taxpayers can take proactive steps to ensure their returns are correct and complete, thus avoiding costly repercussions.
The Importance of Tax Planning Throughout the Year
Tax planning is not just a year-end activity; it should be an ongoing process that helps individuals and businesses optimize their tax situations. Engaging in proactive tax planning can lead to significant savings and a better understanding of financial obligations.
For example, regularly reviewing financial status and adjusting withholdings can prevent underpayment penalties. Additionally, making strategic decisions about investments and retirement contributions throughout the year can enhance tax efficiency and overall financial health.