October 7, 2020 / by Brett Hess / Deadlines, Small Business, Tax
IRS audit rates are historically low, according to the latest data, but that’s little consolation if your return is among those selected to be examined. But with proper preparation and planning, you should fare well. In fiscal year 2019, the IRS audited approximately 0.4% of individuals. Businesses, large corporations and high-income individuals are more likely […]
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ABLE accounts may help disabled or blind family members
August 20, 2021 / by Brett Hess / Small Business, Tax
There may be a tax-advantaged way for people to save for the needs of family members with disabilities — without having them lose eligibility for government benefits to which they’re entitled. It can be done though an Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account, which is a tax-free account that can be used for disability-related […]
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There’s currently a “stepped-up basis” if you inherit property — but will it last?
July 20, 2021 / by Brett Hess / Deadlines, Newsletter, Small Business, Tax, Uncategorized
If you’re planning your estate, or you’ve recently inherited assets, you may be unsure of the “cost” (or “basis”) for tax purposes. The current rules Under the current fair market value basis rules (also known as the “step-up and step-down” rules), an heir receives a basis in inherited property equal to its date-of-death value. So, […]
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Don’t assume your profitable company has strong cash flow
June 16, 2021 / by Brett Hess / Uncategorized
Most of us are taught from a young age never to assume anything. Why? Well, because when you assume, you make an … you probably know how the rest of the expression goes. A dangerous assumption that many business owners make is that, if their companies are profitable, their cash flow must also be strong. […]
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Still have questions after you file your tax return?
May 20, 2021 / by Brett Hess / Deadlines, Newsletter, Small Business, Tax
Even after your 2020 tax return has been successfully filed with the IRS, you may still have some questions about the return. Here are brief answers to three questions that we’re frequently asked at this time of year. Are you wondering when you will receive your refund? The IRS has an online tool that can […]
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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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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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Can you qualify for a medical expense tax deduction?
December 17, 2020 / by Brett Hess / Small Business, Tax
You may be able to deduct some of your medical expenses, including prescription drugs, on your federal tax return. However, the rules make it hard for many people to qualify. But with proper planning, you may be able to time discretionary medical expenses to your advantage for tax purposes. Itemizers must meet a threshold For […]
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The easiest way to survive an IRS audit is to get ready in advance
October 7, 2020 / by Brett Hess / Deadlines, Small Business, Tax
IRS audit rates are historically low, according to the latest data, but that’s little consolation if your return is among those selected to be examined. But with proper preparation and planning, you should fare well. In fiscal year 2019, the IRS audited approximately 0.4% of individuals. Businesses, large corporations and high-income individuals are more likely […]
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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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Give your 401(k) plan a checkup at least once a year
February 27, 2020 / by Brett Hess / Deadlines, Newsletter, Small Business, Tax
In many industries, offering a 401(k) plan is a competitive necessity. If you don’t offer one and a competitor does, it could mean the difference in a job candidate’s decision to accept their offer over yours. It could even send employees heading for the door. Assuming you do offer a 401(k), the challenge then becomes […]
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