Teachers and others can deduct eligible educator expenses this year — and more next year and beyond
September 4, 2025 | Paula Kennedy, EA
New deductions available for teachers under the OBBBA. If you are a teacher you will want to read this!
Read MoreThe QBI deduction basics and a year-end tax tips
December 7, 2020 | Paula Kennedy, EA
If you own a business, you may wonder if you’re eligible to take the qualified business income (QBI) deduction. Sometimes this is referred to as the pass-through deduction or the Section 199A deduction. The QBI deduction: Is available to owners of sole proprietorships, single member limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and S corporations, as well […]
Maximize your 401(k) plan to save for retirement
December 7, 2020 | Brian Hare, CPA, CGMA
Contributing to a tax-advantaged retirement plan can help you reduce taxes and save for retirement. If your employer offers a 401(k) or Roth 401(k) plan, contributing to it is a smart way to build a substantial sum of money. If you’re not already contributing the maximum allowed, consider increasing your contribution rate. Because of tax-deferred […]
Family business owners: Succession and estate planning
December 4, 2020 | Brian Hare, CPA, CGMA
It’s been estimated that there are roughly 5 million family-owned businesses in the United States. Annually, these companies make substantial contributions to both employment figures and the gross domestic product. If you own a family business, one important issue to address is how to best weave together your succession plan and estate planning. Rise to […]
Cash in on depreciation tax savers
December 1, 2020 | Paula Kennedy, EA
As we approach the end of the year, it’s a good time to think about whether your business needs to buy business equipment and other depreciable property to cash in on depreciation tax savers. You may find benefits from the Section 179 depreciation tax deduction for business property. The election provides a tax windfall to […]
Steer clear of the “wash sale” rule when selling stocks
December 1, 2020 | Brian Hare, CPA, CGMA
Are you thinking about selling stock shares at a loss to offset gains that you’ve realized during 2020? If so, it’s important not to run afoul of the “wash sale” rule. IRS may disallow the loss Under this rule, if you sell stock or securities for a loss and buy substantially identical stock or securities […]
Employees: Don’t forget about your FSAs fund
November 30, 2020 | Brian Hare, CPA, CGMA
Many employees take advantage of the opportunity to save taxes by placing funds in their employer’s health or dependent care flexible spending arrangements (FSAs). As the end of 2020 nears, here are some rules and reminders to keep in mind. Health FSAs A pre-tax contribution of $2,750 to a health FSA is permitted in both […]
The importance of S Corporations elections
November 30, 2020 | Brian Hare, CPA, CGMA
S corporations can provide tax advantages over C corporations in the right circumstances. This is true if you expect that the business will incur losses in its early years because shareholders in a C corporation generally get no tax benefit from such losses. Conversely, as an S corporation shareholder, you can deduct your percentage share […]
Change management several lessons learned in 2020
November 30, 2020 | Brian Hare, CPA, CGMA
The year 2020 has taught businesses many lessons in change management. The sudden onset of the COVID-19 pandemic followed by drastic changes to the economy have forced companies to alter the size of their workforces, restructure work environments and revise sales models — just to name a few challenges. And what this has all meant […]
2021 budgets putting on the finishing touches
November 23, 2020 | Brian Hare, CPA, CGMA
By now, some businesses have completed their 2021 budgets while others are still crunching numbers and scrutinizing line items. As you put the finishing touches on your company’s spending plan for next year, be sure to cover the finer points of the process. This means not just creating a budget for the sake of doing […]
Health Savings Accounts for your small business
November 18, 2020 | Brian Hare, CPA, CGMA
Small business owners are well aware of the increasing cost of employee health care benefits. As a result, your business may be interested in providing some of these benefits through an employer-sponsored Health Savings Accounts (HSA). Or perhaps you already have an HSA. It’s a good time to review how these accounts work since the […]