The tax law permits you to deduct home office expenses if you “regularly and exclusively” use an area of your home as either:

-Your principal place of business.

-A place to meet or deal with clients, customers or patients in the normal course of business.

These restrictions mean that no personal activities can be conducted from a deductible home office. If you qualify to take write-offs, you can deduct a proportionate share of expenses including mortgage interest, depreciation deductions, utilities, insurance, security systems and repairs. (more…)

Despite its name, the “kiddie tax” is anything but child’s play. If you’re not careful, this provision of the tax code can result in children having to pay significant extra tax dollars on their investment income. But your family may be able to downsize the kiddie tax for 2023 by making the right tax moves before year end. (more…)

Whether you’re getting married for the first or fifth time, it’s common for one spouse (or both) to come into the union with homes that they’ve owned for a while. And that premarital home could have amassed a significant capital gain over time. (more…)

If you rent out a second home — or part of your main residence — you may be unclear about whether you need to pay self-employment (SE) tax on your net rental income. In fact, the federal tax rules on this topic are somewhat confusing. The IRS recently published guidance on this issue that may apply to your situation — or not, depending on the circumstances. (more…)

If you own assets that have appreciated significantly over the years, you may be able to profit more by giving them away than by selling them.

By setting up a charitable remainder trust (CRT), you can transform a future tax liability into a current tax break, receive a steady source of income for the rest of your life and leave a gift to your favorite charity. (more…)

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) limits itemized deductions for state and local tax (SALT) payments for 2018 through 2025. This unfavorable tax law change is especially unpopular in states with high income or property taxes (or both). The limitation remains in effect, despite repeated calls to repeal it. (See “How Will the SALT Rules Shake Out?” at right.) (more…)

In a statement posted to its website on February 3, 2023, the IRS asked certain taxpayers to temporarily hold off on filing their 2022 returns until it could issue guidance on how to treat special tax refunds and payments made by approximately 20 states in 2022. The IRS published additional guidance to resolve this issue a week later — clarifying that most taxpayers needn’t report state relief payments as income on their 2022 returns. (more…)

Every tax season, business owners must familiarize themselves with tax law changes that went into effect for that tax year. Fortunately, businesses don’t have to contend with sweeping changes for 2022. But there are three major ones that could affect business taxpayers as they file federal income tax returns this year for 2022. (more…)

Seniors who must take withdrawals from their IRAs may be able to benefit from a special tax provision for qualified charitable distributions (QCDs). Briefly stated, this provision allows people in their 70s and older to transfer funds directly from an IRA to a charity without any adverse tax consequences. The new SECURE 2.0 law enhances these tax benefits, beginning in 2023. (more…)

The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement 2.0 Act (SECURE 2.0) includes important changes that will affect employer-sponsored retirement plans and self-employed people looking to save for retirement. Here’s an overview of key provisions for small business owners who currently offer a retirement plan — or want to add retirement saving benefits in the future. (more…)