If you are looking for cash for a specific purpose, your retirement piggy bank may be a tempting source. However, if you are under age 59½ and plan to withdraw money from your Traditional IRA or qualified retirement account, you will likely pay both income tax and a 10% early distribution tax (also referred to [...]
Article Highlights: Pay-as-you-go tax system Tax law changes affecting estimates Underpayment penalties Safe harbor estimates Our tax system is a “pay-as-you-go” system, and if your pre-paid amount is not enough, you become liable for non-deductible interest penalties. To facilitate that concept, the government has provided several means of assisting taxpayers in meeting the “pay-as-you-go” requirement. [...]
It’s unfortunate but every once in a while I get a call or an email asking if a request is legitimate from the IRS. Most of the time, a taxpayer’s hunch is that they are not real and no information was given. Billions of U.S. tax monies are refunded due to these criminals ability to [...]
Are you going back to school or have a student starting college? College is expensive. Here is a way to reduce those costs. The tax code provides tax credits for post-secondary (college) education tuition paid during the year for a taxpayer, spouse, or dependents. Taxpayers should make every attempt to take advantage of these benefits. [...]
As a newlywed you have likely experienced some wonderful and euphoric moments….. so why spoil it? Well reality has to set in sometime soon so here are a few moves that will help reduce your tax filing issues in the new year!!! If you got married during 2013, don’t forget to notify the Social Security [...]
Customer whole big picture view is not an easy task. We as CPA’s spend a ton of time trying to see what was done, by whom and when to put together facts for the whole picture. Sometimes we are missing relevant information that is held onto by the “bookkeeper” or even the owner who prepares [...]
There is nothing worse than paying a penalty when you could plan better, right? That’s exactly what this is all about. There are several ways they creep up on you so beware below……. Article Highlights Taxpayers can be hit with underpayment penalties if their withholding and estimated payments are too low. Underpayment penalties can be [...]
It’s that time of the year! Yes, it’s the holiday season. I think the holidays start earlier and earlier every year but I don’t mind. I say bring on the Hallmark Christmas movies….. but before we really get into the holiday spirit let’s discuss one thing. Preparation Generally, those who plan well in November rarely [...]
Can you all say “yeah for simplification?” Anytime the IRS gives us an opportunity to simplify the current system I get excited! All those who have a home office will to. Effective for tax years beginning in 2013, taxpayers can elect a simplified deduction for the business use of their home. The deduction is $5 [...]
Clarification on this subject is never a terrible idea since it has changed in recent years. We get asked this all the time so here is the skinny on Child and Dependent Care Tax Credits. The Child and Dependent Care Credit can help offset some of the costs you pay for the care of your [...]