The American Rescue Plan Passed!
The American Rescue Plan passed and will be signed into law at the end of the week. Here's a look at some of the provisions in the recently passed Act:
Yes! These Things May Be Taxable
You already know that your wages are taxable. Here are some other things that may be taxable. 1. Scholarships - If you receive a scholarship to cover tuition, fees, and books, you don't have to pay taxes on the money. But if your scholarship also covers room and board, travel, and other expenses, that portion of the award is taxable. 2. Gambling Winnings - The IRS expects you to report your gambling proceeds on your tax return even if you do not...
Employee or an Independent Contractor?
Employee or an Independent Contractor, sometimes it's hard to tell. Are you an independent contractor or an employee? As the pandemic continues, many long-time employees are now picking up jobs as contractors. States like California are trying to force the definition of employees upon companies. However, getting it wrong could cost you plenty in the way of Social Security, Medicare taxes, and other employment-related taxes. Here is what you need to know.
The basics:
As a contractor - If you are the worker and...
The IRS IP Pin Program is Open
The IRS IP Pin Program is Open! The IRS has expanded their pilot program that uses Identity Protection Personal Information Numbers (IP PINs) to provide an extra layer of security for all taxpayers.
Here is what you need to know about the IP PIN program:
The IRS's IP PIN program is an additional security layer to ensure your tax identity is not stolen. When you register in the program, the IRS will mail you a six-digit numeric IP PIN. You must enter...
Tax ID Theft. Don’t Be A Victim.
Tax ID Theft. Don’t Be A Victim. Here are 7 Tips to Reduce Your Chances of Becoming a Victim of Tax Identity Theft. Tax identity theft occurs when identity thieves obtain your Social Security number and file a fraudulent tax return on your behalf. According to the Federal Trade Commission, tax identity theft is the most common form of identity theft. The FTC estimates that it costs taxpayers over $5 billion a year. Consumer advocates believe that since Social Security numbers are...
It’s Your Salary!
It’s Your Salary so who decides how much your paycheck should be? You or the IRS? You are the business owner. Are you taking advantage of your S Corporation status? Who decides what your salary should be? Don't let the IRS determine what your salary is. You likely formed an S corporation to save on self-employment taxes. Consider this - is your S corporation salary nonexistent? Is it too low, too high or, just right? Getting the S corporation salary right is...
Stay Out of Tax Trouble
Stay Out of Tax Trouble By Avoiding These 5 Common Tax Filing Mistakes
Whether you file a simple 1040EZ or a complex 1040 and a slew of schedules, making a mistake on your tax form could lead to big tax trouble. Something as simple as a math error or unsigned form could invite unwanted attention from the IRS. The tax agency sees those mistakes every year, and IRS representatives warn taxpayers to be careful when filling out their forms. Even if you...
Ten Tax Facts to Know If You’re Selling Your Home
Selling Your Home? Here are Ten Tax Facts to Know Generally, the gain from the sale of the house is taxable but, you may not have to pay taxes. Here are ten tax facts to know: Exclusion of Gain. You may be able to exclude part or all of the gain from the sale of your home. This rule may apply if you meet the eligibility test. Parts of the test involve your ownership and use of the house. You...
Working From Home Best Practices
Tax Forms: How to Store Them, How to File Them and How to Reduce Your Liability
Working from home can be a dream come true, especially if you are self-employed. Opportunities for freelancers, gig workers, and other self-employed men and women have exploded in recent years. People are getting the freedom they crave without sacrificing the income they need. This is far more evident with the current COVID situation where millions of Americans are now commuting from their bedroom to the...
Newly Retired? You could be in for a tax surprise?
You've worked your entire life. You’ve got your retirement all planned out. Your retirement savings accounts are where you wanted them to be. You have started receiving Social Security benefits as wells your pension. is ready to go. Everything is planned including that extended vacation. What could go wrong?
