Archive for category: Monthly Newsletters

Many companies choose not to combine real estate and other assets into a single entity. There are justifiable legal reasons for doing so, but there are also potentially beneficial tax reasons for holding real estate in a separate entity. This article delves into the tax side, discussing how to avoid mistakes and maximize benefits. A sidebar looks at the advantages of separate entities for family businesses.

Today’s technology makes self-employment easier than ever. But the self-employed face some distinctive challenges when it comes to their taxes. This article suggests some important steps to take, including learning about liability and claiming the home office deduction.

Debt is a reality for many Americans. Underestimating or ignoring one’s obligations can delay or even prevent you from accomplishing many financial goals. This article discusses four myths about debt management, including whether it’s wise to shut down all credit cards and the sometimes pragmatic utility of bankruptcy.

Some years, taxpayers can’t reap the full value of tax breaks they’ve claimed in the past. This brief article discusses the personal exemption phaseout and itemized deduction reduction, which can affect those whose AGIs have exceeded the applicable threshold

No one wishes to lose money on an investment. But, if it happens, the investor may at least be able to lower his or her tax bill. This article explains how capital losses can save tax, looks into the wash sale rule and offers some potential coping strategies. A sidebar looks at special considerations related to mutual funds.

Because shareholder-employees of S corporations aren’t subject to self-employment taxes on their respective shares of the company’s income, many such businesses minimize shareholder-employee salaries (which are subject to payroll taxes) and compensate them mostly via “dividend” distributions. But the IRS views overly minimized salaries as an improper means of avoiding payroll taxes. This article discusses the “reasonable” salary issue and suggests ways companies can minimize the odds of an IRS investigation.

Individuals in their 50s or 60s are probably starting to think more and more about retirement. Those who are not completely comfortable with the size of their nest eggs shouldn’t forget about “catch-up” contributions. This article looks at these additional amounts that workers age 50 or older can contribute to certain retirement accounts.

The year may be quickly drawing to a close, but there’s still time for individuals to take steps to reduce their 2016 tax liability. This brief article offers up seven last-minute tax-saving tips to consider.