Hobby or Business? It Makes a Difference for Taxes – Now More than Ever

Hobby or Business? It Makes a Difference for Taxes – Now More than Ever

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Taxpayers are often confused by the differences in tax treatment between businesses that are entered into for profit and those that are not, commonly referred to as hobbies. Recent tax law changes have added to the confusion. The differences…
Learn what factors determine whether a household worker qualifies as an employee or an independent contractor.

Household Help: Employee or Contractor?

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Taxpayers often will hire an individual or firm to provide services at the taxpayer’s home. Because the IRS requires employers to withhold taxes for employees and issue them W-2s at the end of the year, the big question is whether or not that…
How Does Combining a Vacation with a Foreign Business Trip Affect the Tax Deduction for Travel Expenses of a Self-Employed Individual?

How Does Combining a Vacation with a Foreign Business Trip Affect the Tax Deduction for Travel Expenses of a Self-Employed Individual?

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Note: effective for years 2018 through 2025, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 suspended the deduction of miscellaneous itemized expenses that must be reduced by 2% of the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income. Employee business expenses, including…
June Estimated Tax Payments Are Just Around the Corner

June Estimated Tax Payments Are Just Around the Corner

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June 15th falls on the weekend this year, so the due date for the second installment of estimated taxes is the next business day, June 17, which is just around the corner. So, it is time to determine if your estimated tax payment should be lowered…
School’s Out - Who Is Going to Take Care of the Kids?

School’s Out - Who Is Going to Take Care of the Kids?

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Summer has just arrived, and there is a tax break that working parents should know about. Many working parents must arrange for care of their children under 13 years of age (or any age if disabled) during the school vacation period. A popular…
Donor Advised Funds Provide Tax Benefits

Donor Advised Funds Provide Tax Benefits

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If you would like to make a substantial tax-deductible charitable donation this year, but have the ability to spread the actual distribution of funds to specific charities over a number of years, a donor-advised fund (DAF) may fill that need.…
Gift Tax Treatment of Tuition Plans

Gift Tax Treatment of Tuition Plans

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Qualified tuition plans (QTPs) provide a means for family members and others to save for the future educational needs of children. Investment earnings within a QTP account are tax deferred and not taxable when withdrawn if used to pay qualified…
Top 10 Startup Business Questions Every Entrepreneur Should Answer

Top 10 Startup Business Questions Every Entrepreneur Should Answer

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Starting a small business can be one of the most exciting and rewarding events in someone’s life. But it can also be extremely stressful. If you’re thinking about becoming an entrepreneur, you might have more questions swirling around…
Eldercare Can Be a Medical Deduction

Eldercare Can Be a Medical Deduction

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Because people are living longer now than ever before, many individuals are serving as care providers for loved ones (such as parents or spouses) who cannot live independently. Such individuals often have questions regarding the tax ramifications…
Planning for the Transition to a Single Income Household

Planning for the Transition to a Single Income Household

Going from two stable income streams to one can prove challenging, but it is a necessary step if you, or your spouse, want to stay home with your kids, go back to school or even start your own business. To avoid ending up in a pinch when the…