Individual | Business Management Company

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 […]

Taking distributions from a traditional IRA

November 19, 2020 / by Brett Hess / Uncategorized

Although planning is needed to help build the biggest possible nest egg in your traditional IRA (including a SEP-IRA and SIMPLE-IRA), it’s even more critical that you plan for withdrawals from these tax-deferred retirement vehicles. There are three areas where knowing the fine points of the IRA distribution rules can make a big difference in […]

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 […]

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 […]

Hiring independent contractors? Make sure they’re properly classified

April 30, 2020 / by Brett Hess / Uncategorized

As a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, your business may be using independent contractors to keep costs low. But you should be careful that these workers are properly classified for federal tax purposes. If the IRS reclassifies them as employees, it can be an expensive mistake. The question of whether a worker is an […]

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 […]

Do you run your business from home? You might be eligible for home office deductions

February 27, 2020 / by Brett Hess / Uncategorized

If you’re self-employed and work out of an office in your home, you may be entitled to home office deductions. However, you must satisfy strict rules. If you qualify, you can deduct the “direct expenses” of the home office. This includes the costs of painting or repairing the home office and depreciation deductions for furniture […]

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 […]

The tax aspects of selling mutual fund shares

February 11, 2020 / by Brett Hess / Uncategorized

Perhaps you’re an investor in mutual funds or you’re interested in putting some money into them. You’re not alone. The Investment Company Institute estimates that 56.2 million households owned mutual funds in mid-2017. But despite their popularity, the tax rules involved in selling mutual fund shares can be complex. Tax basics If you sell appreciated […]

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