How Is Tax Filing Season Going?
The IRS has already processed 62 million tax returns and refunded more than $135 billion this tax season. These early-bird taxpayers have received an average tax refund of $3,145, which is 5.8% higher than the same period a year ago. “The bigger average refund marks a reversal from the dip that the typical taxpayer experienced […]
Giving to Charities Abroad
With war, natural disasters, and other tragedies happening worldwide, you may want to donate to the global causes you believe in. But what are the tax implications of giving to charities abroad? Donating to charity has its own rewards, well above and beyond tax breaks. However, those tax breaks can sweeten the pot, allowing you […]
IRS Urges “Paycheck Checkups” With New W-4s
Starting in 2020, your newly hired employees will need to submit redesigned Form W-4s. According to the IRS, the new design replaces complicated worksheets with more straightforward questions. The forms, coupled with the agency’s new Tax Withholding Estimator, are designed to help taxpayers get closer to their correct withholding each year. New employees and those […]
Problems Linger With 100% Bonus Depreciation
Since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) raised bonus depreciation from 50% to 100% for the first year property is placed in service, many business owners have benefitted. The IRS also extended the definition of qualified property to include assets like used property. However, there are still businesses left out in the cold. Some […]
Prepaid Forward Contracts: Litigation Financing With Significant Tax Advantages
U.S. for about a decade. As MarketWatch reports, third-party investors are pouring up to $100 billion into funding lawsuits as a way to seek returns that can far surpass equity and fixed-income investments. Plus, as Forbes Tax Contributor Robert W. Wood points out, “Litigation funders help to level the playing field, just as contingent fee […]
Taxes, Gig Workers, And Your Seasonal Help
Did you hear the big employment law news out of California? The state’s businesses are facing strict new limits on using independent contractors. It’s a valuable reminder that not all workers are equal in the eyes of the government, especially those considered independent contractors versus employees. Under a new ruling, slated to take effect January […]
Behold This CEO’s “Sick” Tax Crimes
A CEO of two Denver-area technology companies was found guilty on a host of charges, including impeding the administration of tax laws, conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government, and conspiracy to steal employee benefit plan funds. He’s been sentenced to over six years in federal prison. More tragically, however, his deception led to his employees […]
You Can’t Beat The IRS With A Dead Horse
Some people seem to think the IRS will overlook just about anything. But a dead horse? That’s hard to miss. When a California-based horse enthusiast and IT business owner’s last horse died in 2008, being horseless didn’t stop her from continuing to claim business deductions for her horse-related endeavors. The IRS noticed and took a […]
Joe Biden’s Bold Tax Loophole
In case you missed it, presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden released his tax returns this summer. He makes a lot, but that’s not what has business owners and accountants talking. Biden and his wife Jill made $15.6 million in 2017 and 2018, which is impressive considering that, while still serving in the […]
Bonus Depreciation Relief For Some 2017-18 Purchases
The IRS will now permit taxpayers to change their bonus depreciation treatment for property acquired after Sept. 27, 2017, and placed in service during a tax year that includes Sept. 28, 2017. Business owners rejoiced when Section 168 of the tax code was changed in 2018, doubling the bonus depreciation allowed, expanding the definition for […]