Author Archives: Cordasco
There still may be time to reduce your small business 2023 tax bill
In the midst of holiday parties and shopping for gifts, don’t forget to consider steps to cut the 2023 tax liability for your business. You still have time to take advantage of a few opportunities. Time deductions and income If … Continue reading
The Social Security wage base for employees and self-employed people is increasing in 2024
The Social Security Administration recently announced that the wage base for computing Social Security tax will increase to $168,600 for 2024 (up from $160,200 for 2023). Wages and self-employment income above this threshold aren’t subject to Social Security tax. Basic … Continue reading
Are you considering moving to a new state to minimize estate tax?
With the gift and estate tax exemption amount at $12.92 million for 2023, only a small percentage of families are subject to federal estate tax. While that’s certainly a relief, state estate tax also must be considered in estate planning. … Continue reading
Casualty loss tax deductions may help disaster victims in certain cases
This year, many Americans have been victimized by wildfires, severe storms, flooding, tornadoes and other disasters. No matter where you live, unexpected disasters may cause damage to your home or personal property. Before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), … Continue reading
Payable-on-death accounts require careful coordination with your estate plan
Payable-on-death (POD) accounts can provide a quick, simple and inexpensive way to transfer assets outside of probate. They can be used for bank accounts, certificates of deposit and even brokerage accounts. Setting one up is as easy as providing the … Continue reading
Facing a future emergency? Two new tax provisions may soon provide relief
Perhaps you’ve been in this situation before: You have a financial emergency and need to get your hands on some cash. You consider taking money out of a traditional IRA or 401(k) account but if you’re under age 59½, such … Continue reading
Keeping a trust a secret may not achieve the outcome you’d expect
When planning their estates, many affluent people agonize over the impact their wealth might have on their children. Bill Gates reportedly said, “I won’t leave a lot of money to my heirs because I don’t think it would be good … Continue reading
How IRS auditors learn about your business industry
Ever wonder how IRS examiners know about different industries so they can audit various businesses? They generally do research about specific industries and issues on tax returns by using IRS Audit Techniques Guides (ATGs). A little-known fact is that these … Continue reading
Are scholarships tax-free or taxable?
With the rising cost of college, many families are in search of scholarships to help pay the bills. If your child is awarded a scholarship, you may wonder about how it could affect your family’s taxes. Good news: Scholarships (and … Continue reading
IRS offers a withdrawal option to businesses that claimed ERTCs
Recent IRS warnings and announcements regarding the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) have raised some businesses’ concerns about the validity of their claims for this valuable, but complex, pandemic-related credit — and the potential consequences of an invalid claim. In … Continue reading