Tax Planning

The following chart provides some important federal tax information for 2024, as compared with 2023. Social Security/ Medicare 2024 2023 Social Security Tax Wage Base $168,600 $160,200 Medicare Tax Wage Base No limit No limit Employee portion of Social Security 6.2% 6.2% Employee portion of Medicare 1.45% 1.45% Individual Retirement Accounts 2024 2023 Roth IRA Individual, […]

The IRS announced it will open the 2024 income tax return filing season on January 29. That’s when the tax agency will begin accepting and processing 2023 tax year returns. Here are answers to seven tax season questions we receive at this time of year. 1.What are this year’s deadlines? The filing deadline to submit […]

The so-called “kiddie tax” can cause some of a child’s unearned income to be taxed at the parent’s higher marginal federal income tax rates instead of at the usually much lower rates that a child would otherwise pay. For purposes of this federal income tax provision, a “child” can be up to 23 years old. […]

Once the 2023 tax year is over and the numbers are generally set in stone, you can itemize deductions on your federal income tax return if your total allowable itemized write-offs for the year exceeds your standard deduction allowance for the year. Otherwise, for 2023, you will claim the standard deduction, which is relatively high […]

The IRS has announced the 2024 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating a vehicle for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Background: If you use a vehicle for business driving, you can generally deduct the actual expenses attributable to your business use. This includes expenses such as gas, oil, tires, insurance, […]

You may have heard of the “nanny tax.” But if you don’t employ a nanny, you may think it doesn’t apply to you. Check again. Hiring a housekeeper, gardener or other household employee (who isn’t an independent contractor) may make you liable for federal income and other taxes. You may also have state tax obligations. […]

If you’re concerned about your 2023 tax bill, there may still be time to reduce it. Here are four quick strategies that may help you trim your taxes before year end. Accelerate deductions and/or defer income. Certain tax deductions are claimed for the year of payment, such as the mortgage interest deduction. So, if you make […]

As the holidays approach, it’s time to consider tax planning moves that will help lower this year’s tax bill, as well as set you up for tax savings in future years. The good news is that it appears there won’t be any significant unfavorable federal tax changes that will take effect next year. Assuming that’s an […]

Restricted stock awards are a popular way for companies to offer equity-oriented executive compensation. Some businesses offer them instead of stock option awards. The reason: Options can lose most or all of their value if the price of the underlying stock takes a dive. But with restricted stock, if the stock price goes down, your […]

Do you use an automobile in your trade or business? If so, you may question how depreciation tax deductions are determined. The rules are complicated, and special limitations that apply to vehicles classified as passenger autos (which include many pickups and SUVs) can result in it taking longer than expected to fully depreciate a vehicle. […]