Posts by Caras & Shulman

Qualified Charitable Distributions From IRAs

Qualified Charitable Distributions From IRAs

by | Aug 4, 2022 |

If you’re a retiree aged 70 1/2 or older, consider taking advantage of legislation that allows you to reduce or eliminate the amount of income tax on IRA withdrawals transferred directly to a qualified charitable organization. You can use this tactic even though minimum distributions are no longer required until age 72. Referred to as Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), they can also be used to satisfy all or part of your required minimum distribution.

read more
Do You Need to File an Amended Return?

Do You Need to File an Amended Return?

by | Jul 25, 2022 |

If you discover a mistake on your tax return after you've already filed it, don't panic. In most cases, all you have to do is file an amended tax return. What Tax Form is Used to File an Amended Return? Taxpayers should use Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to file an amended (corrected) tax return. An amended tax return should only be filed to correct errors or make changes to your original tax return. For example, you should amend your return if you need to correct your...

read more
Reverse Mortgages: What To Know

Reverse Mortgages: What To Know

by | Jul 18, 2022 |

Home equity represents a significant portion of the average retiree's wealth. If you're 62 or older and house-rich but cash-poor, a reverse mortgage loan allows you to convert part of the equity in your home into cash - without having to sell your home. You can use this cash to finance a home improvement, pay off your current mortgage, supplement your retirement income, or pay for healthcare expenses. A reverse mortgage is not without risk, however. What Is A Reverse Mortgage? A reverse...

read more
Deducting Business-related Car Expenses

Deducting Business-related Car Expenses

by | Jul 11, 2022 |

If you're self-employed and use your car for business, you can deduct certain business-related car expenses. The first thing small business owners need to know is that there are two options for claiming deductions: Actual Expenses. To use the actual expense method, you need to figure out the actual costs of operating the car for business use. You are allowed to deduct the business-related portion of costs related to gas, oil, repairs, tires, insurance, registration fees, licenses, and...

read more
Dirty Dozen Tax Scams for 2022

Dirty Dozen Tax Scams for 2022

by | Jul 6, 2022 |

The "Dirty Dozen" is a list of common tax scams that target taxpayers. Compiled and issued annually by the IRS, it includes a number of aggressive and evolving schemes that taxpayers should avoid. Let's take a look at this year's "Dirty Dozen" tax scams: 1. Use of Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust (CRAT) to Eliminate Taxable Gain In this transaction, appreciated property is transferred to a CRAT. Taxpayers improperly claim the transfer of the appreciated assets to the CRAT in and of itself...

read more
Tax Withholding for Seasonal and Part-Time Employees

Tax Withholding for Seasonal and Part-Time Employees

by | Jun 27, 2022 |

Many businesses hire part-time or full-time workers, especially in the summer. The IRS classifies these employees as seasonal workers, defined as an employee who performs labor or services on a seasonal basis (i.e., six months or less). Examples of this seasonal work include retail workers employed exclusively during the holidays, sports events, or during the harvest or commercial fishing season. Part-time and seasonal employees are subject to the same tax withholding rules that apply to other...

read more
Tax Tips for Students with a Summer Job

Tax Tips for Students with a Summer Job

by | Jun 20, 2022 |

With teen employment expected to be plentiful this summer, with better pay and more opportunities, chances are good that your high school or college student will have a job this summer. Here's what they should know about summer jobs and taxes: Form W-4 When anyone gets a new job, they need to fill out a Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate. Employers use this form to calculate how much federal income tax to withhold from the new employee's pay. The Withholding Calculator on...

read more
Settling Tax Debt With an IRS Offer in Compromise

Settling Tax Debt With an IRS Offer in Compromise

by | Jun 13, 2022 |

An offer in compromise (OIC) is an agreement between a taxpayer and the Internal Revenue Service that settles a taxpayer's tax liabilities for less than the full amount owed. That's the good news. The bad news is that not everyone can use this option to settle tax debt; the IRS rejected nearly 60 percent of taxpayer-requested offers in compromise. If you owe money to the IRS and wonder if an IRS offer in compromise is the answer, here's what you need to know. Who is Eligible? If you can't pay...

read more
Common Small Business Budgeting Errors to Avoid

Common Small Business Budgeting Errors to Avoid

by | Jun 6, 2022 |

When creating a budget, it's essential to estimate your spending as realistically as possible. Here are five budget-related errors commonly made by small businesses and some tips for avoiding them. Not Setting Goals It's almost impossible to set spending priorities without clear goals for the coming year. It's important to identify, in detail, your business and financial goals and what you want or need to achieve in your business. Underestimating Costs Every business has ancillary or...

read more

Categories

Archived