Insights: Tax Services
When does a hobby become taxable?
Do you have a hobby that pays the bills? During the uncertainty of the last year and a half, many people have turned a hobby into a source of income. If so, that income must be reported on tax returns. Deductions & Reporting The extent to which you can deduct expenses related to the activity…
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Employee Retention Credit Summary
2020 Highlights: An employer becomes eligible if they: can demonstrate a 50% or more decline in gross receipts in any quarter of 2020, compared to the same quarter in 2019 eligibility ends the last day of the first subsequent quarter when gross receipts return to at least 80% compared to the same quarter in 2019…
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Tax-favored ways to build up a college fund
If you’re a parent with a college-bound child, you may be concerned about being able to fund future tuition and other higher education costs. You want to take maximum advantage of tax benefits to minimize your expenses. Here are some possible options. Savings bonds Series EE U.S. savings bonds offer two tax-saving opportunities for eligible…
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Plan ahead for the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax
High-income taxpayers face a 3.8% net investment income tax (NIIT) that’s imposed in addition to regular income tax. Fortunately, there are some steps you may be able to take to reduce its impact. The NIIT applies to you only if modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds: $250,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly and surviving spouses…
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Recordkeeping DOs and DON’Ts for business meal and vehicle expenses
If you’re claiming deductions for business meals or auto expenses, expect the IRS to closely review them. In some cases, taxpayers have incomplete documentation or try to create records months (or years) later. In doing so, they fail to meet the strict substantiation requirements set forth under tax law. Tax auditors are adept at rooting…
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Hiring your minor children this summer? Reap tax and nontax benefits
If you’re a business owner and you hire your children this summer, you can obtain tax breaks and other nontax benefits. The kids can gain on-the-job experience, spend time with you, save for college and learn how to manage money. And you may be able to: Shift your high-taxed income into tax-free or low-taxed income,…
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Who qualifies for “head of household” tax filing status?
When you file your tax return, you must check one of the following filing statuses: Single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household or qualifying widow(er). Who qualifies to file a return as a head of household, which is more favorable than single? To qualify, you must maintain a household, which for more…
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The 2020 tax filing deadline is coming up: Do you need an extension?
“Tax day” is just around the corner. This year, the deadline for filing 2020 individual tax returns is Monday, May 17, 2021. The IRS postponed the usual April 15 due date due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you still aren’t ready to file your return, you should request a 2020 tax filing extension. Anyone can…
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Help ensure the IRS doesn’t reclassify independent contractors as employees
Many businesses use independent contractors to help keep their costs down. If you’re among them, make sure that these workers are properly classified for federal tax purposes. If the IRS reclassifies them as employees, it can be a costly error. It can be complex to determine whether a worker is an independent contractor or an…
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Did you make donations in 2020? There’s still time to get a deduction
If you’re like many Americans, letters from your favorite charities may be appearing in your mailbox acknowledging your 2020 donations. But what happens if you haven’t received such a letter — can you still claim a deduction for the gift on your 2020 income tax return? It depends. What is required To support a charitable…
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