Blogging Beyond the Numbers

There was talk of repealing the individual alternative minimum tax (AMT) as part of last year’s tax reform legislation. A repeal wasn’t included in the final version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), but the TCJA will reduce the number of taxpayers subject to the AMT. Now is a good time to familiarize yourself with the changes, assess your AMT risk and see if there are any steps you can take durin...

For those of you keeping up with this landmark sales and use tax case, changes are happening fast and furious across the country.  Since the end of June when the Wayfair decision was handed down by the Supreme Court (confirming South Dakota is right to require out of state online retailers who have no physical presence in South Dakota to register and collect South Dakota sales and use taxes) at least 12 o...

Once upon a time, some parents and grandparents would attempt to save tax by putting investments in the names of their young children or grandchildren in lower income tax brackets. To discourage such strategies, Congress created the “kiddie” tax back in 1986. Since then, this tax has gradually become more far-reaching. Now, under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), the kiddie tax has become more dangerous...

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) provides a valuable new tax break to noncorporate owners of pass-through entities: a deduction for a portion of qualified business income (QBI). The deduction generally applies to income from sole proprietorships, partnerships, S corporations and, typically, limited liability companies (LLCs). It can equal as much as 20% of QBI. But once taxable income exceeds $315,000 for m...

Because donations to charity of cash or property generally are tax deductible (if you itemize), it only seems logical that the donation of something even more valuable to you — your time — would also be deductible. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Donations of time or services aren’t deductible. It doesn’t matter if it’s simple administrative work, such as checking in attendees at a fundra...

“Going green” at home — whether it’s your principal residence or a second home — can reduce your tax bill in addition to your energy bill, all while helping the environment, too. The catch is that, to reap all three benefits, you need to buy and install certain types of renewable energy equipment in the home. Invest in green and save green For 2018 and 2019, you may be eligible for a tax credit ...

There continues to be much uncertainty about the Affordable Care Act and how such uncertainty will impact health care costs. So it’s critical to leverage all tax-advantaged ways to fund these expenses, including HSAs, FSAs and HRAs. Here’s how to make sense of this alphabet soup of health care accounts. HSAs If you’re covered by a qualified high-deductible health plan (HDHP), you can contribute pre...

The US Supreme Court just handed down their decision on the Wayfair case.  This case sets a precedence for major changes in sales & use tax filing requirements by retailers.  Based on several previous court decisions, retailers had to have physical presence (employees or other agents, property owned or leased in the state, or other factors) in a state to be required to register and collect that state ...

Here are some of the key tax-related deadlines affecting businesses and other employers during the third quarter of 2018. Keep in mind that this list isn’t all-inclusive, so there may be additional deadlines that apply to you. Contact us to ensure you’re meeting all applicable deadlines and to learn more about the filing requirements. July 31 Report income tax withholding and FICA taxes for second...

Question: What is the new Family and Medical Leave tax credit and how does it benefit my business? Answer: The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act recently introduced a new credit for employers who provide paid family and medical leave to their employees. Eligible employers can claim a general business credit equal to 12.5% to 25% of the wages paid to qualifying employees on paid leave. The credit is available for ...