2023 Last-Minute Section 199A Tax Reduction Strategies
Remember to consider your Section 199A deduction in your year-end tax planning. If you don’t, you could end up with an undesirable $0 for your deduction amount.Here are three possible year-end moves that could, in the right circumstances, simultaneously (a) reduce your income taxes and (b) boost your Section 199A deduction. First Things First If […]
2023 Last-Minute Year-End General Business Income Tax Deductions
Here are six powerful business tax deduction strategies you can easily understand and implement before the end of 2023. 1. Prepay Expenses Using the IRS Safe Harbor You just have to thank the IRS for its tax-deduction safe harbors. IRS regulations contain a safe-harbor rule that allows cash-basis taxpayers to prepay and deduct qualifying expenses […]
2023 Last-Minute Year-End Tax Strategies for Your Stock Portfolio
When you take advantage of the tax code’s offset game, your stock market portfolio can represent a little gold mine of opportunities to reduce your 2023 income taxes. The tax code contains the basic rules for this game, and once you know the rules, you can apply the correct strategies. Here’s the basic gist: Avoid […]
2023 Last-Minute Year-End Retirement Deductions
The clock continues to tick. Your retirement is one year closer. You have time before December 31 to take steps that will help you fund the retirement you desire. Here are five things to consider. 1. Establish Your 2023 Retirement Plan First, a question: Do you have your (or your corporation’s) retirement plan in place? […]
Want to Leave the U.S.? You May Have to Pay These Taxes
When you leave the U.S. to live in another country, you essentially have two choices from a tax perspective, both of which can cost you a pretty penny. First, you can simply leave the country and take up residence elsewhere. But if you choose this option, beware: the U.S. continues to tax you on your […]
Defining “Real Estate Investor” and “Real Estate Dealer”
I have great news! You can have in your real estate portfolio both investor and dealer properties. This distinction is significant for tax purposes. Here’s a snapshot of the potential tax differences: Suppose you profit $90,000 from a property sale: As a dealer, your tax could be up to $46,017 if you’re […]
Act Now! Get Your Safe-Harbor Expensing in Place
For 2024, you can elect the de minimis safe harbor to expense assets costing $2,500 or less ($5,000 with audited financial statements or similar). The term “safe harbor” means that the IRS will accept your expensing of the qualified assets if you properly abided by the safe harbor rules. The de minimis safe harbor, when […]
Test Your Tax IQ: Deducting More Than One Business Vehicle
Contrary to popular belief, the IRS does not limit business owners to claiming deductions on only one business vehicle. You might maximize tax benefits by using multiple vehicles for business purposes. This is particularly true when you use the vehicles predominantly (more than 50 percent) for business, you drive more business miles than your spouse, […]
Uncertain Tax Position? File Form 8275 to Avoid Penalties
Are you considering a bold tax position that may significantly reduce your taxes? If approved by the IRS, it’s a win. But if disapproved, be prepared to face a considerable tax penalty. The IRS imposes a 20 percent penalty for substantial tax underpayment. For instance, if the IRS finds you underpaid your taxes by $50,000, […]
Don’t Expose Yourself with Improper Use of the $75 Rule
The $75 rule applies to certain business expenses where you do not need a receipt. But I emphasize that this rule does not apply to all tax deductions. Many taxpayers mistakenly apply the $75 rule to all their tax deductions, which can result in a significant loss of deductions and penalties. I encourage you to […]
When Your Income Is Subject to Self-Employment Taxes
If you own an unincorporated business, you likely pay at least three different federal taxes. In addition to federal income taxes, you must pay Social Security and Medicare taxes, also called the self-employment tax. Self-employment taxes are not insubstantial. Indeed, many business owners pay more in self-employment taxes than in income tax. The self-employment […]
The IRS Wants to Know about Your Crypto
Cryptocurrency such as bitcoin is all the rage these days. Crypto is not legal money. It is property, similar to gold. Like gold, its use can result in taxable income. The IRS is concerned that you and millions of Americans are using crypto without paying tax on the earnings. To clarify that it expects you […]