Insights: Tax Services
Reasons why married couples might want to file separate tax returns
Married couples often wonder whether they should file joint or separate tax returns. The answer depends on your individual tax situation. It generally depends on which filing status results in the lowest tax. But keep in mind that, if you and your spouse file a joint return, each of you is “jointly and severally” liable for…
Read MoreDo you want to go into business for yourself?
Many people who launch small businesses start as sole proprietors. Here are nine tax rules and considerations involved in operating as that entity. 1. You may qualify for the pass-through deduction. To the extent your business generates qualified business income, you are eligible to claim the 20% pass-through deduction, subject to limitations. The deduction is…
Read MoreDo your employees receive tips? You may be eligible for a tax credit
Are you an employer who owns a business where tipping is customary for providing food and beverages? You may qualify for a tax credit involving the Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes that you pay on your employees’ tip income. How the credit works The FICA credit applies with respect to tips that your employees…
Read MoreNumerous tax limits affecting businesses have increased for 2020
An array of tax-related limits that affect businesses are annually indexed for inflation, and many have increased for 2020. Here are some that may be important to you and your business. Social Security tax The amount of employees’ earnings that are subject to Social Security tax is capped for 2020 at $137,700 (up from $132,900…
Read MoreContingency Funding Plans: What to Expect from Examiners
With liquidity remaining a regulatory hot button, many examiners are taking a harder look at the areas of Contingency Funding Plans (CFPs) and the stress testing of those plans. This article discusses the key elements that go into developing an effective CFP along with some of the more common exam findings in this area. The…
Read More4 new law changes that may affect your retirement plan
If you save for retirement with an IRA or other plan, you’ll be interested to know that Congress recently passed a law that makes significant modifications to these accounts. The SECURE Act, which was signed into law on December 20, 2019, made these four changes. Change #1: The maximum age for making traditional IRA contributions is…
Read MoreWhy You Need to Know the Value of Your Business
According to The Exit Planning Institute (EPI), a national educator for those who specialize in helping business owners sell or transition their businesses, an estimated 4.5 million businesses representing more than $10 trillion in value will transition over the next decade or so. Of those 4.5 million businesses, only 20% to 30% of them that…
Read MoreNew law helps businesses make their employees’ retirement secure
A significant law was recently passed that adds tax breaks and makes changes to employer-provided retirement plans. If your small business has a current plan for employees or if you’re thinking about adding one, you should familiarize yourself with the new rules. The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act) was signed…
Read MoreYour home office expenses may be tax deductible
Technology has made it easier to work from home so lots of people now commute each morning to an office down the hall. However, just because you have a home office space doesn’t mean you can deduct expenses associated with it. Regularly and exclusively In order to be deductible for 2019 and 2020, you must…
Read MoreCost management: A budget’s best friend
If your company comes up over budget year after year, you may want to consider cost management. This is a formalized, systematic review of operations and resources with the stated goal of reducing costs at every level and controlling them going forward. As part of this effort, you’ll answer questions such as: Are we operating…
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