Several significant federal tax breaks are set to expire at the end of 2020, unless Congress renews them. Lawmakers customarily extend these so-called "extender" provisions for another year or two, sometimes retroactively. However, in this tumultuous time, nothing is certain. In…
Most business travel was temporarily suspended during the spring and summer months. Now some people have started traveling for business purposes again, albeit less than before the COVID-19 pandemic began. With travel cutbacks, now may be a good time to review…
IRS audit rates are historically low, according to the latest data, but that’s little consolation if your return is among those selected to be examined. But with proper preparation and planning, you should fare well. In fiscal year 2019, the…
As a result of the current estate tax exemption amount ($11.58 million in 2020), many estates no longer need to be concerned with federal estate tax. Before 2011, a much smaller amount resulted in estate plans attempting to avoid it.…
In some cases, investors have significant related expenses, such as the cost of subscriptions to financial periodicals and clerical expenses. Are they tax deductible? Under the Tax Cut and Jobs Act, these expenses aren’t deductible through 2025 if they’re considered…
COVID-19 has changed our lives in many ways, and some of the changes have tax implications. Here is basic information about two common situations. 1. Working from home. Many employees have been told not to come into their workplaces due…
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, students are going back to school this fall, either remotely, in-person or under a hybrid schedule. In any event, parents may be eligible for certain tax breaks to help defray the cost of education. Here is…
In the near future, you may notice a small payment in your bank account or you may receive a check from the IRS. The tax agency recently announced that it will send interest payments to about 13.9 million individual taxpayers who…
If you’re getting close to retirement, you may wonder: Are my Social Security benefits going to be taxed? And if so, how much will I have to pay? It depends on your other income. If you’re taxed, between 50% and…
Just as other American businesses are struggling to stay open, the IRS too faces many of the same challenges. Managing a virtual workforce, social distancing, live telephone and online assistance to taxpayers are notable examples of how COVID-19 is impacting…