There are two tax breaks that help eligible parents offset the expenses of adopting a child. In 2025, adoptive parents may be able to claim a credit against their federal tax for up to $17,280 of “qualified adoption expenses” for each child. This is up from $16,810 in 2024. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar […]
Intangible assets, such as patents, trademarks, copyrights and goodwill, play a crucial role in today’s businesses. The tax treatment of these assets can be complex, but businesses need to understand the issues involved. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions. What are intangible assets? The term “intangibles” covers many items. Determining whether an acquired […]
In one way or another, most small to midsize businesses have addressed employees using personal devices for work. In 2022, online career platform Zippia reported that 83% of companies surveyed had a bring your own device (BYOD) policy “of some kind.” That percentage has likely increased as even more businesses have recognized the inherent risks involved. […]
Understanding how to deduct transportation costs could significantly reduce the tax burden on your small business. You and your employees likely incur various local transportation expenses each year, and they have tax implications. Let’s start by defining “local transportation.” It refers to travel when you aren’t away from your tax home long enough to require […]
If you’ve reached age 70½, you can make cash donations directly from your IRA to IRS-approved charities. These qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) may help you gain tax advantages. QCD basics QCDs can be made from your traditional IRA(s) free of federal income tax. In contrast, other traditional IRA distributions are wholly or partially taxable, depending […]
Devising and executing the right succession plan is challenging for most business owners. In worst-case scenarios, succession planning is left to chance until the last minute. Chaos, or at least much confusion and uncertainty, often follows. The most foolproof way to make succession planning easier is to give yourself plenty of time to develop a […]
As a small business owner, managing health care costs for yourself and your employees can be challenging. One effective tool to consider adding is a Health Savings Account (HSA). HSAs offer a range of benefits that can help you save on health care expenses while providing valuable tax advantages. You may already have an HSA. […]
Inflation can have a significant impact on federal tax breaks. While recent inflation has come down since its peak in 2022, some tax amounts will still increase for 2025. The IRS recently announced next year’s inflation-adjusted amounts for several provisions. Here are the highlights. Standard deduction. What does an increased standard deduction mean for you? A […]
You’re not alone if you’re confused about the federal tax treatment of business-related meal and entertainment expenses. The rules have changed in recent years. Let’s take a look at what you can deduct in 2024. Current law The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act eliminated deductions for most business-related entertainment expenses. That means, for example, that […]
When start-ups launch, their focus is often on tightly controlling expenses. Most need to establish a brand and some semblance of stability before funding anything other than essential operating activities. For companies that make it past that tenuous initial stage, there comes a time when they must loosen up the purse strings and start investing […]