Individual Tax

Hiring household help, whether you employ a nanny, housekeeper or gardener, can significantly ease the burden of childcare and daily chores. However, as a household employer, it’s critical to understand your tax obligations, commonly called the “nanny tax.” If you hire a household employee who isn’t an independent contractor, you may be liable for federal income tax and other taxes (including state tax obligations). If [...]

When you think about tax deductions for vehicle-related expenses, business driving may come to mind. However, businesses aren’t the only taxpayers that can deduct driving expenses on their returns. Individuals may also be able to deduct them in certain circumstances. Unfortunately, under current law, you may be unable to deduct as much as you could years ago. How the TCJA changed deductions For years before [...]

As the end of the year approaches, many people start to think about their finances and tax strategies. One effective way to reduce potential estate taxes and show generosity to loved ones is by giving cash gifts before December 31. Under tax law, you can gift a certain amount each year without incurring gift taxes or requiring a gift tax return. Taking advantage of this rule [...]

Let’s say you have an unincorporated sideline activity that you consider a business. Perhaps you offer photography services, create custom artwork or sell handmade items online. Will the IRS agree that your venture is a business, not a hobby? It’s an essential question for tax purposes. If the expenses from an activity exceed the revenues, you have a net loss. You may think you can [...]

If you have a child or grandchild planning to attend college, you’ve probably heard about qualified tuition programs, also known as 529 plans. These plans, named for the Internal Revenue Code section that provides for them, allow prepayment of higher education costs on a tax-favored basis. There are two types of programs: Prepaid plans, which allow you to buy tuition credits or certificates at present tuition [...]

The recent drop in interest rates has created a buzz in the real estate market. Potential homebuyers may now have an opportunity to attain their dreams of purchasing property. “The recent development of lower mortgage rates coupled with increasing inventory is a powerful combination that will provide the environment for sales to move higher in future months,” said National Association of Realtors Chief Economist Lawrence [...]

With the arrival of fall, it’s an ideal time to begin implementing strategies that could reduce your tax burden for both this year and next. One of the first planning steps is to ascertain whether you’ll take the standard deduction or itemize deductions for 2024. You may not itemize because of the high 2024 standard deduction amounts ($29,200 for joint filers, $14,600 for singles and [...]

Working from home has become increasingly common. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that about one out of five workers conducts business from home for pay. The numbers are even higher in certain occupational groups. About one in three people in management, professional and related occupations works from home. Your status matters If you work from a home office, you probably want to [...]

Electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular. According to Kelley Blue Book estimates, the EV share of the vehicle market in the U.S. was 7.6% in 2023, up from 5.9% in 2022. To incentivize the purchase of EVs, there’s a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 for eligible vehicles. The tax break for EVs and fuel cell vehicles is called the Clean Vehicle Tax [...]

Believe it or not, there are ways to collect tax-free income and gains. Here are some of the best opportunities to put money in your pocket without current federal income tax implications: Roth IRAs offer tax-free income accumulation and withdrawals. Unlike withdrawals from traditional IRAs, qualified Roth IRA withdrawals are free from federal income tax. A qualified withdrawal is one that’s taken after you’ve reached [...]

Many employees began working remotely during the pandemic and continue doing so today. Remote work has many advantages for employers and employees, and as a result, it’s here to stay in many industries. But it may also lead to some tax surprises, especially if workers cross state lines. Double taxation may occur It’s not unusual for employees to work remotely for an employer in another [...]

Many Americans receive disability income. Are you one of them, or will you soon be? If so, you may ask: Is the income taxed and if it is, how? It depends on the type of disability benefit and your overall income. The key issue is: Who paid for the benefit? If the income is paid directly to you by your employer, it’s taxable to you [...]

The current estate tax exemption amount ($13.61 million in 2024) has led many people to feel they no longer need to be concerned about federal estate tax. Before 2011, a much smaller exemption resulted in many people with more modest estates attempting to avoid it. But since many estates won’t currently be subject to estate tax, it’s a good time to devote more planning to [...]

Divorce entails difficult personal issues, and taxes are probably the farthest thing from your mind. However, several tax concerns may need to be addressed to ensure that taxes are kept to a minimum and that important tax-related decisions are properly made. Here are six issues to be aware of if you’re in the process of getting a divorce. 1. Personal residence sale In general, if [...]