October Newsletter

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TAKE THE WORRY OUT OF BUSINESS VALUATIONS

Appraisals can inspire anxiety for — and excuses from — many business owners. Yet there are some legitimate reasons to obtain an appraisal regularly or, at the very least, to familiarize oneself with the process. This article describes good reasons to obtain a valuation and three “pillars” of the process.

OWNER-EMPLOYEES FACE DISTINCTIVE TAX PLANNING CHALLENGES

Many business owners launch their companies from the front lines — as an employee. Come tax time, owner-employees face a variety of distinctive tax planning challenges. This article reviews the tax treatment of owner-employees, particularly as it relates to the business structure of the company in question.

TAX CALENDAR

This feature offers important tax deadlines for the fourth quarter of 2016.

HAVE A PENSION? BE SURE TO PLAN CAREFULLY

The traditional pension may seem like a thing of the past. But many workers are still counting on payouts from one of these “defined benefit” plans in retirement. This article discusses important issues involved in choosing how to receive pension payouts.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING: YOUR INCOME AND EXPENSES

They say timing is everything. It certainly holds true for income and expenses related to year-end tax planning. This brief article explains how to time the reporting of income and expenses for best results and which income and expense items may qualify.

 

 

 

 

September Newsletter

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AMT AWARENESS: BE READY FOR ANYTHING

When it comes to tax planning, everyone needs to be ready for anything. For example, many taxpayers may not know whether they’re likely to be subject to the AMT. This article explains the purpose of this alternative tax system and offers some steps that may help minimize liability. A sidebar looks at factors that may trigger the AMT.

 

5 TIPS FOR SAFE INTRAFAMILY LOANS

If a relative needs financial help, offering an intrafamily loan might seem like a good idea. But if not properly executed, such loans can carry substantial negative tax consequences. This article presents five simple steps that would-be lenders should consider before making such an arrangement.

 

FUNDING A COLLEGE EDUCATION? DON’T FORGET THE 529

When 529 plans first hit the scene, circa 1996, they were big news. Nowadays, they’re a common part of the college-funding landscape. This article serves as an informative reminder of both the benefits and risks of these arrangements.

 

BARTERING BUSINESSES CAN’T CUT UNCLE SAM OUT OF THE DEAL

Bartering may seem like something that happened only in ancient times, but the practice is still common today. As one might expect, businesses conducting such arrangements can’t cut Uncle Sam out of the deal. This brief article covers a few key points regarding the tax impact.

March Newsletter

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Many taxpayers expect to encounter a few roadblocks while traversing their preferred tax-saving avenues. Fortunately, tax extenders legislation signed into law this past December may make filing a little easier this year. This article walks through just a few highlights of the PATH Act — including pertinent provisions for both individuals and businesses. A sidebar notes that the provision allowing older taxpayers to make direct contributions from their IRA to qualified charities is now permanent.
Walk the PATH to Tax Savings

There are virtually countless charitable organizations to which one might donate. But, no matter the donation, the individual making the contribution will need documentation. This article provides five important points about substantiating donations.
5 Things to Know About Substantiating Donations

Understandably, many parents get in the habit of claiming their children as dependents on their federal tax returns. But there is a valid reason to break the habit. This article explores the concept of not claiming a child as a dependent so he or she can qualify for a valuable tax credit related to higher education.
Why you might want to not claim your child as a dependent

A business that’s run “on the side” might not be a business at all in the eyes of the IRS. To ensure some pursuits are really businesses — and not mere hobbies intended primarily to offset other income — the IRS enforces what are commonly referred to as the “hobby loss” rules. This brief article looks at the details.
Run a business “on the side”? Make sure it’s no hobby