Avoiding the Self-Rental Trap
Let’s say you own a building. Now, let’s say that you rent this building to your business. With no tax planning, you have a self-rental, and that So, there you have it: a self-rental to your business with no tax planning, you will get the worst of both worlds. Yikes! Solution But wait—there’s a solution […]
Deducting Club Dues
Based on IRS regulations, club dues are generally not deductible if the organization’s principal purpose is to conduct entertainment activities for its members. However, there are exceptions for civic and public service organizations, such as the Lions, Rotary, Kiwanis, and Civitan clubs, which the IRS recognizes as not being primarily for entertainment. Deducting civic and […]
Worker Classifications & Why It Matters
The Department of Labor enforces the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the federal law that requires most employers to pay employees a minimum wage and non-exempt employees time-and-a-half for overtime. Understanding worker classifications is crucial for compliance with these regulations. The key word here is “employee.” FLSA does not apply to independent contractors. They need […]
Decreasing Your Social Security & Medicare Taxes
Here are some important updates and strategies regarding Social Security and Medicare taxes that may significantly impact your business. These strategies can help you reduce your self-employment taxes. Social Security update For 2024, the Social Security tax ceiling increased to $168,600, resulting in a maximum Social Security tax of $20,906 for high-earners. The Social Security […]
Your Guide to Deducting Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-term care costs can be substantial, and neither Medicare nor Medicaid provide comprehensive coverage for most people. Long-term care insurance can help protect your finances, and there may be ways to claim a long-term care insurance deduction for the premiums, depending on your business structure. Here are four key points to consider: If you want […]
Exceptions to Early IRA Withdrawals Penalty
Early withdrawals from a traditional IRA before age 59 1/2 generally incur a 10 percent penalty tax on the taxable portion of the withdrawal. There are several exceptions to this rule that can help you avoid the penalty under specific circumstances. Below, we have outlined the key exceptions that may apply to your situation. Substantially […]
Tax Rules For Free Meals and/or Lodging to Employees
If you’re wondering about tax-free treatment for employer-provided meals and lodging, you may find the following overview helpful. Under Section 119 of the Internal Revenue Code, businesses can offer employees tax-free meals and/or lodging, provided they meet certain conditions. Tax-free means that such benefits are not subject to federal income tax for the employee, nor […]
Tax Implications of Partnership Dissolution
As you consider winding down your partnership, here’s a concise overview of what you might expect under three typical scenarios of partnership dissolution. Scenario 1: One Partner Buys Out the Others If one partner buys out the others and continues the business, the exiting partners will likely recognize a capital gain or loss on the […]
How To Deduct Your Timeshare Stays
If you own a timeshare and use it only for personal and business lodging, you have a unique opportunity to maximize your tax benefits and deduct your timeshare stays. Big Benefit The IRS allows timeshare owners who do not rent their property to claim deductions for business-related lodging without being subjected to the grim vacation-home […]
Consider a Roth IRA for an Overfunded 529 Plan
Have you established, or are you considering, a Section 529 savings plan for a child, grandchild, or other family member? Such plans are a great way to help pay for a person’s college education. Contributions are not federally tax deductible, but they grow tax-free, and you can withdraw them tax-free to pay higher education expenses. […]