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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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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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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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 […]
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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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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 […]
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The Tax Impact of the TCJA on Estate Planning
July 5, 2018 / by bmc_admin / Tax
The massive changes the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) made to income taxes have garnered the most attention. But the new law also made major changes to gift and estate taxes. While the TCJA didn’t repeal these taxes, it did significantly reduce the number of taxpayers who’ll be subject to them, at least for […]
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