January 12, 2021 / by Brett Hess / Deadlines, Newsletter, Small Business, Tax, Uncategorized
The new COVID-19 relief law that was signed on December 27, 2020, contains a multitude of provisions that may affect you. Here are some of the highlights of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which also contains two other laws: the COVID-related Tax Relief Act (COVIDTRA) and the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act (TCDTR). Direct […]
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Should your business add Roth contributions to its 401(k)?
April 8, 2021 / by Brett Hess / Newsletter, Small Business, Tax
If your business sponsors a 401(k) plan, you might someday consider adding designated Roth contributions. Here are some factors to explore when deciding whether such a feature would make sense for your company and its employees. Key differences Roth contributions differ from other elective deferrals in two key tax respects. First, they’re irrevocably designated to […]
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Retiring soon? Recent law changes may have an impact on your retirement savings
April 8, 2021 / by Brett Hess / Deadlines, Newsletter, Small Business, Tax, Uncategorized
Retiring soon? Recent law changes may have an impact on your retirement savings If you’re approaching retirement, you probably want to ensure the money you’ve saved in retirement plans lasts as long as possible. If so, be aware that a law was recently enacted that makes significant changes to retirement accounts. The SECURE Act, which […]
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Need a new business vehicle? Consider a heavy SUV
April 7, 2021 / by Brett Hess / Deadlines, Newsletter, Small Business, Tax, Uncategorized
Are you considering buying or replacing a vehicle that you’ll use in your business? If you choose a heavy sport utility vehicle (SUV), you may be able to benefit from lucrative tax rules for those vehicles. Bonus depreciation Under current law, 100% first-year bonus depreciation is available for qualified new and used property that’s acquired […]
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New law tax break may make child care less expensive
March 23, 2021 / by Brett Hess / Deadlines, Newsletter, Small Business, Tax, Uncategorized
The new American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provides eligible families with an enhanced child and dependent care credit for 2021. This is the credit available for expenses a taxpayer pays for the care of qualifying children under the age of 13 so that the taxpayer can be gainfully employed. Note that a credit reduces your […]
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One reason to file your 2020 tax return early
January 20, 2021 / by Brett Hess / Deadlines, Newsletter, Small Business, Tax, Uncategorized
The IRS announced it is opening the 2020 individual income tax return filing season on February 12. (This is later than in past years because of a new law that was enacted late in December.) Even if you typically don’t file until much closer to the April 15 deadline (or you file for an extension), […]
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The COVID-19 relief law: What’s in it for you?
January 12, 2021 / by Brett Hess / Deadlines, Newsletter, Small Business, Tax, Uncategorized
The new COVID-19 relief law that was signed on December 27, 2020, contains a multitude of provisions that may affect you. Here are some of the highlights of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which also contains two other laws: the COVID-related Tax Relief Act (COVIDTRA) and the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act (TCDTR). Direct […]
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Educate yourself about the revised tax benefits for higher education
January 12, 2021 / by Brett Hess / Deadlines, Newsletter, Small Business, Tax, Uncategorized
Attending college is one of the biggest investments that parents and students ever make. If you or your child (or grandchild) attends (or plans to attend) an institution of higher learning, you may be eligible for tax breaks to help foot the bill. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, which was enacted recently, made some changes to […]
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Employers have questions and concerns about deferring employees’ Social Security taxes
September 9, 2020 / by Brett Hess / Deadlines, Newsletter, Small Business, Tax, Uncategorized
The IRS has provided guidance to employers regarding the recent presidential action to allow employers to defer the withholding, deposit and payment of certain payroll tax obligations. The three-page guidance in Notice 2020-65 was issued to implement President Trump’s executive memorandum signed on August 8. Private employers still have questions and concerns about whether, and […]
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Subchapter V: A silver lining for small businesses mulling bankruptcy
May 14, 2020 / by Brett Hess / Newsletter, Small Business
Many small businesses continue to struggle in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Some have already closed their doors and are liquidating assets. Others, however, may have a relatively less onerous option: bankruptcy. Although bankruptcy obviously isn’t an optimal outcome for any small company, there may be a silver lining: A new bankruptcy law […]
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Answers to questions you may have about Economic Impact Payments
April 21, 2020 / by Brett Hess / Deadlines, Newsletter, Small Business, Tax, Uncategorized
Millions of eligible Americans have already received their Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) via direct deposit or paper checks, according to the IRS. Others are still waiting. The payments are part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Here are some answers to questions you may have about EIPs. Who’s eligible to get […]
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