IRS rolled out a new tool to prevent nasty refund surprises at tax time This tax season a bunch of stories hit the press full of taxpayer grumbling about bigger bills and smaller refunds. If this happened to you, that might be a cue to adjust the amount that your employer (or you, if you’re
TIME FOR A WITHHOLDING CHECKUP? Read More »
Home- and Mortgage-Related Deductions Mortgage interest deductions capped In the past, homeowners who took itemized deductions could count interest payments on debt related to buying, building or “substantially improving” a home — on debt up to $1 million. That’s been capped at $750,000 and applies to homes purchased after Dec. 15, 2017. Homes bought prior
INVESTMENT-SPECIFIC INTEREST AND TAXES Read More »
Although nearly 200 million Americans file tax returns every year, not everyone has to. But new tax laws and other filing requirements may have changed. Whether some of these citizens who haven’t had to file before legally require to file a tax return now. Previously, your age, income level, and filing status (married, single, etc.)
DO I HAVE TO FILE TAXES? Read More »
If you borrow money to invest, the interest you pay may be deductible. The investment interest deduction can offset part of the tax on your investment income. Here is how it works and how to claim it. What counts for the investment interest deduction? Investment interest is interest on money you borrow to buy property
Using the Investment Interest Deduction (Form 4952) Read More »
W-4 allowances were removed in 2020. Here’s how the 2026 Form W-4 works, what’s new from the 2025 tax law, and why California’s DE 4 still uses allowances.
What Happened to W-4 Allowances? The 2026 Form W-4 Explained Read More »
You’ve submitted your tax return for the year, so now what do you do? Instead of shoving all your records into a disheveled pile in a closet, now is a good time to get organized. Here are some tips on organizing tax records after you file to make sure you’re ahead of the game next year.
Organized Your Tax Paperwork Read More »
Depending on your business type, there are different ways to prepare and file your taxes. When it’s time to file a federal income tax return for your small business, there are various ways you can do it, depending on whether you run the business as a sole proprietorship or use a legal entity such as
How to File Federal Income Taxes for Small Businesses Read More »
Every paycheck has two kinds of federal tax taken out: FICA tax and income tax withholding. They work very differently. This guide explains how FICA tax and withholding work in 2026, and what that means for salary, bonuses and equity pay. What is FICA tax? FICA stands for the Federal Insurance Contributions Act. FICA tax
How FICA Tax and Withholding Work in 2026 Read More »
What are restricted stock units (RSUs)? When companies offer equity to employees, they usually offer stock options (like ISOs or NSOs) or restricted stock units (RSUs). You typically don’t get to choose which type of stock you receive; instead, what you receive depends on your role and the size, stage, and preferences of your company. But regardless of
How do I verify capital gain for ESPP and RSU? Read More »
How to determine what your business is worth There are many reasons to have an up-to-date business valuation. For example: You may need to sell the business due to retirement, health, divorce, or family reasons. You may need debt or equity financing for expansion or due to cash flow problems. Potential financiers or investors will
3 Business Valuation Methods Read More »
Stock trading fees aren’t deductible on their own, but they still cut your tax. How commissions affect cost basis and what investment expenses count in 2026.
Are Stock Transaction Fees Tax Deductible? 2026 Rules Read More »
When it comes to personal service income, all wages and any other compensation for services performed in the United States are generally considered to be from sources in the United States. The place, where the personal services performed, generally determines the source of the personal service income. Regardless of where the contract was made, or
Do not pay tax to US if you perform your service outside US – Personal Service Income Read More »
How A/B/C and QTIP trusts work, and why the $15 million 2026 estate tax exemption, portability and basis step-up mean older trusts deserve a review.
A/B/C Trusts and QTIP Trusts After the $15 Million Estate Tax Exemption Read More »
Do You Need to File a Tax Return for the Estate? A deceased person’s estate is a separate legal entity for federal income tax purposes. If you’re the executor of someone’s estate, you may need to file an income tax return for the estate, as well as a final personal income tax return for the
Estate & Trust Tax Return Tips for the Clients Read More »
Have you ever thought about starting your own business? Starting a company today is both harder and easier than ever before. It is more challenging because a larger number of opportunities have been capitalized on, and a greater number of people appear to be trying. If you are thinking of starting a company, then one
Business Structures that Start-Up Companies and Small Business Should Know Read More »
Election to Treat Certain Payments of Estimated Tax as Paid by the Beneficiary A trustee may elect to treat any portion of a payment of estimated tax made by a trust as a payment made by a beneficiary of the trust. This election may also made by the executor of an estate in a tax
Two Timely Elections That Trustees and Executors Should Consider Now Read More »
Consultants and software engineers, especially early in their careers, often face tax issues that catch them by surprise. For example, travel can mean filing in several states, and bonuses and equity can throw off your withholding. This guide covers the main tax areas consultants and software engineers should watch. You may need to file in
What Consultants and Software Engineers Should Know About Their Taxes Read More »
If you receive company stock that vests over time, a Section 83(b) election could save you a lot of tax. However, you must file it within 30 days of receiving the stock, and there are no extensions. This guide explains what a Section 83(b) election is, when it helps and how to file one. What
What Is a Section 83(b) Election and Why Should You File One? Read More »
Starting a business is rewarding, but it can also feel overwhelming. Between business plans, marketing and taxes, there is a lot to think about. These tax tips can help new business owners get off to a good start. 1. Choose a business structure Your business structure decides which tax returns you file and how you
These tax tips can help new business owners find success Read More »
The maximum benefit an eligible company can claim against payroll taxes each year under the PATH Act is $250,000.
How the R&D Credit Can Help New Companies Offset Payroll Taxes Read More »
You have been operating your business as a sole proprietor for several years. Lower Your Employment Taxes by Operating as an S Corporation. Now, as the business is growing, you are thinking about incorporating as an S corporation in order to limit your liability, avoid double taxation of corporate profits, and to make it easier to obtain
Lower Your Employment Taxes by Operating as an S Corporation Read More »
Question: I am one of several members of an LLC taxed as a partnership, and we are selling the business. If we sell our membership interests to the buyer, is our gain a capital gain? Answer: Mostly, yes, but with important exceptions. Here is how the tax rules work on the sale of limited liability
Tax Consequences Upon Sale of Limited Liability Company Read More »
What Is Restricted Stock?
Restricted stock is, by definition, stock that has been granted to an executive that is nontransferable and subject to forfeiture under certain conditions, such as termination of employment or failure to meet either corporate or personal performance benchmarks. Restricted stock also generally becomes available to the recipient under a graded vesting schedule that lasts for several years.
How restricted stock and restricted stock units (RSUs) are taxed Read More »
If you work as an independent contractor, the IRS treats you as a business of one. No one withholds tax from your pay, so you handle your own income tax and self-employment tax. The good news is that you can also deduct business expenses. Here are ten 1099 tax deductions every contractor should know. Today,
Top Ten 1099 Tax Deductions for Independent Contractors Read More »
