Avoid the Hidden Dangers of the Accumulated Earnings Penalty Tax
If you run your business through a regular “C” corporation, beware of the accumulated earnings tax (AET). The IRS can use the AET to penalize C corporations that retain earnings in the business rather than pay them to shareholders as taxable dividends. To retain earnings, the C corporation first pays the corporate tax of 21 […]
Smart Solutions That Decrease Social Security and Medicare Taxes
Here are some important updates and strategies regarding Social Security and Medicare taxes that may significantly impact your business. 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 Administration projects this ceiling to rise annually, reaching $242,700 or more by […]
Tax Reform Doubles Down on S Corporation Reasonable Compensation
From 2018 to 2025, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is offering a 20 percent deduction on pass-through business income, with specific eligibility criteria. This deduction impacts the choice of entity. For instance, should you operate as a sole proprietorship or an S corporation? The Importance of Reasonable Compensation When operating your business as an […]
Businesses and Rentals Existing on Jan. 1 Trigger FinCEN Filings
For existing businesses, the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) has come into force as of January 1, 2024, and imposes a brand-new federal filing requirement on most corporations, limited liability companies, and limited partnerships and on certain other business entities. No later than December 31, 2024, all non-exempt business entities must file a beneficial owner information […]
Create Tax-Free Fringe Benefit Deductions for your Smartphone
I hope you can benefit from this fringe benefit opportunity related to business smartphones. The IRS allows businesses to provide smartphones and tablets such as iPads as a tax-free fringe benefit, simplifying tax implications and eliminating the need for detailed usage records. Eligibility. This benefit applies to corporations, partnerships, and other entities, and it can […]
Tax Rules for Providing 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 […]
Young Adults Should Take Advantage of IRAs
As we navigate the complexities of financial planning, one opportunity stands out for young adults: individual retirement accounts (IRAs). With the 2023 tax-year contributions deadline fast approaching, on April 15, 2024, now is the perfect time to consider how you can leverage an IRA. Traditional and Roth IRAs: A Brief Overview Both traditional and Roth […]
Q&A: Deducting a loss from an Airbnb Bedroom Rental
When you rent a bedroom in your home and that rental unit creates a tax loss, can you deduct the loss? Yes, if you meet the four technical requirements listed below: You used the bedroom as a hotel unit because it was regularly available on a vacation rental site like Airbnb for occupancy by paying […]
2023 Last-Minute Vehicle Purchases to Save on Taxes
Here’s an easy question: Do you need more 2023 tax deductions? If the answer is yes, continue reading. Next easy question: Do you need a replacement business vehicle? If so, you can simultaneously solve or mitigate the first problem (needing more deductions) and the second problem (needing a replacement vehicle) if you can get your […]
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 […]