Author - SFS Tax & Accounting

Tab books-6 Tips That May Lower Your Taxes

6 Tips You Can Use To Lower Your Taxes in 2021

Here are 6 Tips You Can Use To Lower Your Taxes in 2021. Leverage pre-tax savings. Take advantage of opportunities to set aside income on a pre-tax basis. Participation in your employer's retirement savings program. Fully funding Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and "Flex Benefits" accounts that allow using pre-tax earnings to pay for childcare and out-of-pocket medical costs. Remember, unlike HSAs, it is important to use up any funds in your Flex health care accounts and dependent care accounts before the...

June 16, 2022Read more...
Tax Benefits for the Military

Tax Benefits for the Military

Tax Benefits for the Military - Members of the various military service branches may qualify for tax benefits not available to civilians. For example, they don't have to pay taxes on some types of income. In addition, special rules may lower the tax they owe or allow them more time to file and pay their federal taxes. Here are some of these special tax benefits: Combat pay exclusion: Part or all their pay is tax-free if someone serves in a combat...

May 24, 2022Read more...
Is it a business or a Hobby- hands stringing beads

Is it a Business or Hobby?

Jewelry making, baking cookies, teaching yoga, freelancer, and social media manager are a few home-based businesses that have become popular over the past few years. About 50% of all small businesses in the United States are considered home-based. However, that number jumps to 60.1% when looking specifically at companies with no employees. In addition, 69% of startups begin in the home as home-based businesses. Here's how to tell the difference between a hobby and a business for tax purposes A hobby is any...

April 13, 2022Read more...
faded out image of man at laptop -Ghost Tax Preparers -

Have You Heard About “Ghost” Tax Preparers?

What is a Ghost” Tax Preparer? Some taxpayers are a bit savvier than the average person and take great pains in selecting their tax preparer. They look at credentials, experience, reviews, and the cost of tax preparation. Other folks might strictly be interested in the cheapest price for tax preparation and due very little due diligence.  Regardless of your approach to selecting a tax pro, it is vital that you be smart about checking the legitimacy of whoever prepares your taxes....

March 11, 2022Read more...
Woman- Loaning money

How To Correctly Loan Money

Cousin Freddy needs a quick loan, and you graciously say, "How much?" and later, you wonder, what have I gotten myself into. Here's what you should know before you loan money to friends and family to make sure you avoid any potential tax traps. Loaning money can be tricky. Not only because of the stress it could put on your interpersonal relationships, but because there could be tax ramifications. If you must lend money to someone close to you, here are some...

February 17, 2022Read more...
House-Rent Your Property Tax-Free

Rent Your Property Tax-Free!

Rent Your Property Tax-Free! Most income you receive is reported to the federal and state tax authorities as taxable income. However, renting out your home or vacation property on a short-term basis can be tax-free if you follow specific IRS rules. If you receive rental income for less than 15 days per year, that income is generally not taxable. In addition to tax-free rental income, you may still deduct your mortgage interest expense and property taxes as itemized deductions. However, neither of these...

February 17, 2022Read more...
Woman with megaphone- Theses Five Items Are Taxable

Surprise! These Five Items Are Taxable.

Surprise! These five items are taxable. Of course, you already know that wages and self-employment earnings are taxable, but what about the miscellaneous cash or other financial benefits you receive? If something valuable passes from one person to another, you know the IRS will consider it taxable. Here are five taxable items that might surprise you: 1. Scholarships and financial aid. Applying for scholarships and financial assistance are top priorities for parents of college-bound children. But be careful — if any part...

February 17, 2022Read more...
A 2022 Tax Surprise

A 2022 Tax Surprise!

A 2022 tax surprise… your tax liability may have increased. Check this out. For the past several years, your tax preparer has handed you a prepared tax return showing a modest refund, but still, it's a refund. Now, take a deep breath; a refund might not happen this year! You may OWE the IRS money. Here are some things to watch for that can increase your tax liability and cause a hefty tax bill. The new tax laws. Multiple bills were passed to pay...

February 17, 2022Read more...
Man on computer-All Income Must Be Reported

All Income Must Be Reported

Filing taxes? Then you must include all income in your tax preparation. Here is a partial list of the types of income you need to report: Government issued photo IDs (e.g., your driver's license) or ITIN Social Security card(s) (if you are a new client) Prior year's tax return (if you are a new client) W-2 - if you are employed Foreign earned income 1099-G - received government payments 1099-NEC - if you are self-employed  1099-R - is used to report...

January 19, 2022Read more...
Tax return images - 15 Year-End Tax Tips

15 Year End Tax Tips

There are just 22 days left of 2021, and there is still some time left to consider these 15 Year-End Tax Tips and act on them. Additionally, they may have a positive impact on your 2021 taxes. Here are the tips for you to act on: Make last-minute charitable donations. Review and maximize use of the $15,000 annual gift-giving limit. It will increase to $16,000 in 2022. Review your investment portfolio for capital gain and loss planning. ...

December 2, 2021Read more...