Among the many challenges of parenthood is childcare for kids when school lets out. Babysitters are one option, or you might consider sending them to a day camp. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but if you do choose a day camp, you could be eligible for a tax break. (Unfortunately, overnight camps don’t qualify.)
If you check the Internal Revenue Code, you may be surprised to find that most business deductions aren’t specifically listed there. For example, the tax law doesn’t explicitly state that you can deduct office supplies and certain other expenses. Some expenses are detailed in the tax code, but the general rule is contained in the first sentence of Section 162, which states you can write off “all the ordinary and necessary expenses paid or incurred during the taxable year in carrying on any trade or business.”
Under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), many businesses are subject to new reporting requirements that went into effect on January 1, 2024. That means certain companies are required to provide information related to their “beneficial owners,” that is, the individuals who ultimately own or control the company, to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Failure to submit a beneficial ownership information (BOI) report may result in civil or criminal penalties, or both.
Click on the links below to jump to each section in this article: Help Prevent Financial Scams Aimed at Older People Boost Your Home Improvements with Tax Credits Tax Breaks for Increasing Accessibility Help Prevent Financial Scams Aimed at Older People In any season, scam artists are seeking new ways to steal financial data and money from vulnerable people. Such fraudulent activities often target older adults. Here are three ways to help prevent elder financial abuse and fraud, whether you’re in this age bracket or you share them with senior loved ones: Exercise caution when making financial decisions. If someone exerts pressure or promises unreasonably high or guaranteed returns, walk away. Be alert for phony phone calls. The IRS doesn’t collect money this way. Another scam...
Every business wants to cut costs, but it isn’t easy. We’re talking about clear and substantial ways to lower expenses, thereby strengthening cash flow and giving you a better shot at strong profitability.
If you received a large refund this year, you may want to adjust your withholding. Each year, millions of taxpayers claim an income tax refund. To be sure, receiving a payment from the IRS for a few thousand dollars can be a pleasant influx of cash. But it means you were essentially giving the government an interest-free loan for close to a year, which isn’t the best use of your money.
If you’re a small-business owner and you hire your children this summer, you may be able to secure tax breaks and other nontax benefits. The kids can gain bona fide on-the-job experience, save for college and learn how to manage money. You may be able to shift some of your high-taxed income into tax-free or low-taxed income, and, depending on the situation, you may realize payroll tax savings. Perhaps best of all, your kids will spend time with you.
Click on the links below to jump to each section in this article: The “Nanny Tax” Must Be Paid for Nannies and Other Household Employees Discovering a Mistake After Your Tax Return Is Filed What to Do if Your Business’s Data Security Is Breached The “Nanny Tax” Must Be Paid for Nannies and Other Household Employees If you employ a household worker who isn’t an independent contractor, you may be required to pay employment taxes on the worker’s cash wages. This is commonly referred to as the “nanny tax.” In 2024, when a household employee’s cash wages reach at least $2,700, you must pay the employer share of Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) taxes and withhold the employee share of these taxes (also 6.2% and 1.45%, respectively). You aren’t required to withhold federal...
Businesses shut down for many reasons. Examples include an owner’s retirement, a lease expiration, staffing shortages, partner conflicts and increased supply costs. If you’ve decided to close your business, you might need assistance with some steps in the process, including handling various tax obligations.
If you own a C corporation, you know there’s a tax advantage to taking money out as compensation rather than as dividends. The reason: A corporation can deduct the salaries and bonuses that it pays executives, but it can’t deduct dividend payments. Therefore, if funds are paid as dividends, they’re taxed twice, once to the corporation and once to the recipient. Money paid out as compensation is taxed only once, to the recipient employee.
