It’s sad, but true: Half of all new businesses fail within the first five years. Although lots of factors contribute to business failure, a common culprit is poor cash management. All businesses must deal with the uncertainty of fluctuating sales, inventories and expenses, but managing these risks is especially important for small businesses with limited
-> Continue reading Cash Flow Tips for Small Businesses
One of the basics in retirement is to be as tax efficient with your income as possible. In 2019, income tax rates range from 0% to 37%, plus a potential 3.8% net investment tax. Understanding how these progressive tax rates apply to ordinary income creates planning opportunities in retirement. The basic concept Many retirees have
-> Continue reading Retirement Basics: Understanding Tax Efficiency
With summertime activities in full swing, tax planning is probably not on the top of your to-do list. But putting it off can create problems at the end of the year when there’s little time for changes to take effect. If you take the time to plan now, you’ll have six months for your actions
-> Continue reading Effective Tax Planning Starts Now
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged savings account whose funds can be used to pay qualified health care costs for you, your spouse and your dependents. The account is a great way to pay for qualified health care costs with pre-tax dollars. In fact any investment gains on your funds are also tax-free
-> Continue reading 2020 Health Savings Account Limits
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TJCA) made significant changes to how most people calculate their taxes, including a doubling of the standard deduction. One of the results of these changes is that a lot of people are under the impression that there are no longer any tax benefits given for charitable contributions.
-> Continue reading Three Ideas for Charitable Deductions
Business travel is still tax-deductible, under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA), but there is a major difference now. Relatively few individuals will be able to claim such deductions; for the most part, deductions can be taken only at the company level. How is this different from prior law? Before the TCJA
-> Continue reading New Rules for Business Travel Deductions
Year-end tax planning is on the agenda for many taxpayers, with good reason. That said, you don’t have to wait for November or December to make some smart moves. Planning in June or July can lead to tax savings that could be reduced or lost altogether if you wait for late fall to act. Here
-> Continue reading Mid-Year Tax Planning
If you are looking for tax-free income and more flexibility during retirement, one option to consider is investing in a Roth IRA. While Roth IRA contributions are not sheltered from current taxes like contributions to traditional IRAs, they do offer other tax benefits during retirement. The Roth IRA advantage Retirement withdrawals (including earnings) are tax-free.
-> Continue reading The Roth IRA: Tax-Free Retirement Savings
Whether you receive a big refund or pay taxes on tax day, taking action now can ensure next year’s tax bill is optimized by not paying more than necessary. Update paycheck withholdings and forecast estimated tax payments. Reviewing and updating withholdings now gives you several months to spread out the tax impact on your daily
-> Continue reading Improve Next Year’s Tax Situation Now
The IRS recently published final regulations regarding Section 199A of the Internal Revenue Code. That section, created by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, offers a 20% deduction for qualified business income (QBI). This deduction may be available to non-C-corporation taxpayers such as sole proprietors, business partners, certain LLC members, S corporation shareholders,
-> Continue reading Final Regulations Clarify QBI Deduction