INSIGHTS
We See Things Differently
When we’re not addressing clients’ needs for business and financial advisory, assurance or tax matters, we’re researching, learning and thinking about related subjects. Check out some of our thinking on a broad variety of topics that may impact your organization. And if you’d like to learn more about any of these topics, we’re always happy to talk.
Individual Tax Prep Checklist
We’ve put together a checklist of everything you may need to make this year’s taxes fast and easy.
Hiring? You May Be Eligible for a Valuable Tax Credit, the WOTC
Business owners who need to hire should be aware of a valuable tax credit that’s available to employers hiring individuals from one or more targeted groups. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is generally worth $2,400 for each eligible employee but can be worth more — in some cases much more. This article provides an overview of WOTC eligibility and potential tax savings.
Beware the Five-Year Rule for Roth IRA Withdrawals
What makes Roth IRAs so appealing, primarily, is the ability to withdraw money from them tax-free. But to enjoy this benefit, there are a few rules taxpayers must follow, including the widely misunderstood “five-year rule.” This article explains the ins and outs of this rule.
10 Red Flags for IRS Audits
Even though the overall IRS audit rate is currently low historically, it’s expected to increase as a result of provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act signed into law in August. So it’s more important than ever for taxpayers to follow the rules to minimize their chances of being subject to an audit. This article discusses some of the tax return items that might trigger scrutiny from the IRS.
Selling your home?
High demand for homes has created a seller’s market. Those thinking about selling their homes will want to determine whether they qualify for the home sale gain exclusion. This article details the exclusion’s requirements.
Pump up tax savings with the fuel credit
Companies that wish to reduce their tax bills or increase their refunds shouldn’t overlook the fuel tax credit. Many businesses qualify for it and it’s relatively easy to calculate. This article explores the potential savings and how to go about claiming this often-overlooked tax break.
First-year bonus depreciation and Sec. 179 expensing: Watch out for the pitfalls
Many companies are eligible for tax write-offs for certain equipment purchases and building improvements. These write-offs can do wonders for a business’s cash flow, but whether to claim them isn’t always an easy decision. In some cases, there are advantages to the regular depreciation rules. This article reviews why it’s critical to look at the big picture and develop a strategy that aligns with a company’s overall tax planning objectives.
What a difference six months can make
Those who have money invested in the stock market are well aware of potential volatility. Needless to say, this volatility can affect a person’s net worth. Something many investors might not think about is the potential effect on estate tax liability. Specifically, if the value of stocks or other assets drops precipitously after a person’s death, estate tax could be owed on value that has disappeared. This article details how an executor can ease estate tax liability in this situation by electing to use an alternate valuation date.
Deferring a tax hit with a Sec. 1031 exchange
A Section 1031 exchange (also known as a like-kind exchange) allows commercial or investment real estate owners to avoid capital gains tax when selling the property by swapping qualifying properties. This article notes that recent legislation has cracked down on Sec. 1031 exchanges, but currently it’s still possible to use this technique for qualified real estate transactions. A sidebar explains multiple-party transactions.
