As a small-business owner, you probably incur work-related education expenses from time to time. You may even decide to pursue an advanced degree, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA). You likely want your employees to be on a path of continuous improvement. There’s much to know about how such business deductions work for Read more about Update on Claiming Business Deductions for Work-Related Education[…]
Starting now, this year (2018), you have to consider your Section 199A deduction in your year-end tax planning. If you don’t, you could end up with a big fat $0 for your deduction amount. If your taxable income is above $157,500 (or $315,000 on a joint return), then your type of business, wages paid, and Read more about 2018 Last-Minute Section 199A Strategies[…]
Your year-end tax planning doesn’t have to be hard. I have outlined below five strategies that will increase your tax deductions or reduce your taxable income so that Uncle Sam gets less of your 2018 cash. Prepaying your 2018 expenses right now reduces your taxes this year, without question. While it’s true you kicked the Read more about 2018 Last Minute Year End General Business Deductions[…]
The IRS, in its new proposed Section 199A regulations, defines when a rental property qualifies for the 20 percent tax deduction under new tax code Section 199A. One part of the good news on this clarification is that it does not require that we learn any new regulations or rules. Existing rules govern. The existing Read more about Does Your Rental Qualify for a 199A Deduction?[…]
You can plan your tax-deductible business life to avoid cold winters and hot summers. Spend a moment examining the following four short paragraphs that contain the basic facts from the Andrews case. For six months of the year, from May through October, Edward Andrews lived in Lynnfield, Massachusetts, where he owned and operated Andrews Gunite Read more about Tax Planning to Winter in Florida and Summer in Massachusetts[…]
As you likely know by now, your travel meals continue under tax reform as tax-deductible meals subject to the 50 percent cut. And tax reform did not change the rules that apply to your other travel expense deductions. One beauty of being in business for yourself is the ability to pick your travel destinations and Read more about Proving Travel Expenses after Tax Reform[…]
Fringe benefits are usually a good thing—but there’s a catch when you own more than 2 percent of an S corporation. The good news? Federal tax law allows the cost of these fringes as deductible expenses for your S corporation. The bad news? You, the shareholder-employee who owns more than 2 percent, may suffer additional Read more about S Corporation Fringe Benefits after the Recent Tax Reform[…]
In recent days, we learned that lawmakers did not intend to eliminate business meals with clients and prospects. We’re not exactly sure how lawmakers can undo what they’ve done to the tax code in this area, but experience says that if there’s a will, there’s a way. We think it may take a technical correction Read more about Did Tax Reform Goof When Disallowing Deductions for Client Meals?[…]
The recent tax reform, known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), added some good benefits to your real estate rentals, both commercial and residential. Notably, your qualified business income from your real estate rentals creates a possible 20 percent tax deduction with no effort on your part. And if you want less taxable Read more about Tax Reform and how it helps your Real Estate[…]
Tax Reform Puts Screws to Hobbies The tax law (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act) has mistreated hobbies for a long time. But the most recent tax reform brings the grim reaper to the party, and it’s not pleasant. This means you need to focus on making your activity a business and not a hobby. Under Read more about Tax Reform Puts Screws to Hobbies[…]