Ideas & Insight

The IRS announced it is opening the 2021 individual income tax return filing season on January 24. (Business returns are already being accepted.) Even if you typically don’t file until much closer to the April deadline (or you file for an extension until October), consider filing earlier this year. Why? You can potentially protect yourself […]

Companies that sell products or services primarily to other businesses face a tough challenge when it comes to marketing. Your customers are likely well-versed and experienced in what they do, so you must not only persuade them to buy from you, but also communicate that you’re an expert in your industry or field. If you […]

If you received advanced child tax credit payments last year, the IRS will send you a “Letter 6419,” which will include the total amount of monthly child tax credit payments you received in 2021. Don’t throw the letter away – you’ll need it when you file your 2021 federal income tax return.  You’ll have to […]

For many businesses, technology has changed from something they use to something they do. When a company reaches a point where IT plays a central role in operations and productivity, ownership might want to create one or more IT leadership positions to specifically oversee tech-related matters and strategy. Often, this means a Chief Information Officer […]

If you’re an employer with a business where tipping is customary for providing food and beverages, you may qualify for a federal tax credit involving the Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes that you pay on your employees’ tip income. Basics of the credit The FICA credit applies with respect to tips that your employees […]

While Congress didn’t pass the Build Back Better Act in 2021, there are still revised tax limits that may affect your tax situation for this year. That’s because some tax figures are adjusted annually for inflation. If you’re like most people, you’re probably more concerned about your 2021 tax bill right now than you are […]

Do you want to sell commercial or investment real estate that has appreciated significantly? One way to defer a tax bill on the gain is with a Section 1031 “like-kind” exchange where you exchange the property rather than sell it. With real estate prices up in some markets (and higher resulting tax bills), the like-kind […]

After two years of no increases, the optional standard mileage rate used to calculate the deductible cost of operating an automobile for business will be going up in 2022 by 2.5 cents per mile. The IRS recently announced that the cents-per-mile rate for the business use of a car, van, pickup or panel truck will […]

You may pay out a bundle in out-of-pocket medical expenses each year. But can you deduct them on your tax return? It’s possible but not easy. Medical expenses can be claimed as a deduction only to the extent your unreimbursed costs exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. Plus, medical expenses are deductible only if […]

The number of people engaged in the “gig workers” or sharing economy has grown in recent years. In an August 2021 survey, the Pew Research Center found that 16% of Americans have earned money at some time through online gig platforms. This includes providing car rides, shopping for groceries, walking dogs, performing household tasks, running […]