Missed the Tax Deadline? Know the Late Penalties
April 18 was this year’s deadline for most people to file their federal tax return and pay any tax they owe. If you are due a refund there is no penalty if you file a late tax return. If you owe tax, and you failed to file and pay on time, you will most likely […]
Using the Simplified Home Office Deduction
The Internal Revenue Service today reminded people with home-based businesses completing their 2015 federal income tax returns that they can use the simplified home office deduction when claiming a deduction for business use of a home. In tax year 2013, the most recent year for which figures are available, more than 3.4 million taxpayers claimed […]
Breaking Down the Higher Education Tax Credits
Money you paid for higher education in 2015 can mean tax savings in 2016. If you, your spouse, or your dependent took post-high school coursework last year, there may be a tax credit or deduction for you. Here are some facts from the IRS about key higher education tax credits. The American Opportunity Credit (AOTC) […]
Claiming a Tax Deduction for Medical Expenses
Your medical expenses may save you money at tax time, but a few key rules apply. Here are some tax tips to help you determine if you can deduct medical and dental expenses on your tax return: Itemize. You can only claim your medical expenses that you paid for in 2015 if you itemize deductions […]
What is the Additional Medicare Tax and Who Pays It?
On Nov. 26, 2013, the IRS issued final regulations implementing the Additional Medicare Tax (AMT) as added by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Some taxpayers may be required to pay an Additional Medicare Tax if their income exceeds certain limits. Here are some things that you should know about this tax: Tax Rate. The Additional […]
The Sales Tax Deduction: What You Need to Know
Most states and cities get a good portion of their operating revenue from sales taxes tagged onto just about everything you buy. But on the federal level, Uncle Sam lets taxpayers use those taxes to help reduce their IRS bills. The sales tax deduction is particularly welcomed by taxpayers in states that do not collect […]
The 5 Biggest Tax Mistakes Small Business Owners Make
Owning your own business can be rewarding, but as most entrepreneurs know, it also means a lot of work, much more than a traditional salary-based job working for someone else. With all the responsibilities, a well-meaning business owner is still at risk of making a regrettable tax mistake. Whether a business is incorporated and files […]
PATH Act Increases and Makes the Child Tax Credit Permanent
The new “extenders law” enacted late in 2015 retains several key tax provisions and makes them permanent with certain modifications. One of the most important ones to middle class families is the child tax credit. It can costs hundreds of thousands of dollars to raise a child these days, but at least the tax law […]
The Top 5 Accounting Mistakes By Small Business Owners
Small business owners face numerous everyday challenges, and they usually conquer them with their entrepreneurial strength. Unfortunately, keeping the books on their growing business is not a skill someone can simply persevere through and get it right. The potential consequences of messing up on the accounting functions can be serious when it comes to the […]
Does Your Company Need to File Form 1095-B?
A company is responsible for filing IRS Form 1095-B only if two conditions apply: It offers health coverage to its employees, and it is “self-insured.” This means that the company itself pays its employees’ medical bills, rather than an insurance company. A company that doesn’t meet both conditions won’t have to deal with Form 1095-B. […]
Filing Taxes Early Can Help Prevent Tax Return Identity Theft
Tax return identity theft is becoming increasing more common—the latest General Accounting Office (GAO) report says that IRS paid out over $5.8 billion in fraudulent returns in 2013. The IRS does have security measures in place to verify the accuracy of tax returns and the validity of Social Security numbers submitted, but that hasn’t stopped […]
Claim the Premium Tax Credit & Reconcile Advance Credit Payments on Your 2015 Income Tax Return
Filing your taxes according to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes extra steps that didn’t exist prior to 2014 tax returns. Many people who had health insurance either through the Marketplace or their employer may have made small mistakes on 2014 taxes, causing the need to file an amended return. Below, we explain the premium […]
2016 Standard Mileage Rates for Business, Medical and Moving
The Internal Revenue Service has issued the 2016 standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2016, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: 54 cents per mile […]
Avoid Identity Theft: Tips to Protect Yourself Online
The Internal Revenue Service and your Dallas CPA urge you to be safe online and remind you to take important steps to help protect yourself against identity theft. Scammers, hackers and identity thieves are looking to steal your personal information – and your money. But there are simple steps you can take to help protect […]
The 5 Most Common Payroll Mistakes by New Businesses
There are payroll mistakes that benefit employees, as well as those that benefit employers. But either way, a mistake is a mistake. If you come across any type of mistake, such as overpaying or underpaying employees, it is imperative to act fast, discuss the situation with your workers, and provide a remedy that will allow […]
Year End Tax Tips for Businesses
The National Society of Accountants is offering some year end tax tips for businesses. Consider several general strategies, such as use of traditional timing techniques for income and deductions and the role of the tax extenders, as well as strategies targeted to your particular business. As in past years, planning is uncertain because of the […]
Top Ten Year End Tax Planning Tips
The end of the year is a good time to evaluate your tax obligations so there are no surprises come filing time. Check out these top ten year end tax planning tips for what to keep in mind as you review your finances. Check on Congress The most important thing you can do this year […]
Expecting a Baby? Tax Tips for New Parents
In simpler times, all you needed to welcome a new baby into your family was love and an empty drawer in which he or she could sleep. In 2015, babies are expensive and modern parents need a lot of gear: diapers, cribs, strollers and car seats—not to mention child care. The list can seem endless. […]
Most Retirees Need to Take Required Retirement Plan Distributions (RMDs) by Dec. 31
The Internal Revenue Service wants to remind taxpayers born before July 1, 1945, that they generally must receive payments from their individual retirement arrangements (IRAs) and workplace retirement plans by December 31. “The Special Rule” Known as required minimum distributions (RMDs), these payments normally must be made by the end of 2015. But a special […]
Tax Tips for Your Rental Property or Vacation Home Rental
Owning a rental property is one way to boost your income and secure your financial landscape. You may also have a golden opportunity for some serious tax breaks. Rental properties – both full time, part time, and vacation homes – can be a wealth of tax savings. Is This Tax Deductible? The key to saving […]
