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Deductibility of Student Loan Interest
The economic impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is unprecedented and many taxpayers with student loans have been hard hit. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act contains some assistance to borrowers with federal student loans. Notably, federal loans were automatically placed in an administrative forbearance, which allows borrowers to temporarily stop making monthly [...]
Ways to Chip Away at Your 2019 Business Tax Bill
The extended federal income tax deadline is coming up fast. As you know, the IRS postponed until July 15 the payment and filing deadlines that otherwise would have fallen on or after April 1, 2020, and before July 15. Here's some ways to chip away at your 2019 business tax bill. Retroactive COVID-19 business relief [...]
Making COVID-19 Less Taxing for Retailers
(This is Blog Post #842)
Efforts to Corral Coronavirus Fraud
The COVID-19 pandemic has opened the floodgates to scam artists attempting to profit from sick, anxious and financially vulnerable Americans. Frontline efforts to corral Coronavirus fraud are being headed up by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) and other government agencies. Here are some of the fraud schemes they’re actively investigating — [...]
Business Charitable Contribution Rule Changes Under the CARES Act
In light of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many businesses are interested in donating to charity. In order to incentivize charitable giving, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act made some liberalizations to the rules governing charitable deductions. Here are two changes that affect businesses: The limit on charitable deductions for corporations has [...]
There’s Still Time to Make a 2019 IRA Contribution
Do you want to save more for retirement on a tax-favored basis? If so, and if you qualify, you can make a 2019 IRA contribution for the 2019 tax year between now and the extended tax filing deadline and claim the write-off on your 2019 return. Or you can contribute to a Roth IRA and [...]
IRS Payment Options for Those Owing Taxes
In a News Release (IR 2020-48), the IRS has provided a list of payment options available to taxpayers who need to make a tax payment or who owe taxes they can’t pay. Taxpayers who owe taxes Taxpayers who owe taxes can choose among the following payment options: Electronic funds withdrawal (EFW) Taxpayers who electronically file [...]
2021 HSA Inflation Adjusted Amounts
The IRS recently released the 2021 HSA inflation adjusted amounts. Health Savings Accounts (HSA) basics An HSA is a trust created or organized exclusively for the purpose of paying the “qualified medical expenses” of an “account beneficiary.” An HSA can only be established for the benefit of an “eligible individual” who is covered under a [...]
Non-GAAP Measures Can Be Misleading
Not all companies follow U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Many smaller businesses, for example, have adopted the AICPA’s Financial Reporting Framework for Small and Medium-Sized Entities because it’s easier to follow. Other businesses may use non-GAAP measures because they don’t believe GAAP provides readers of financial reports with enough information to make informed decisions. Non-GAAP [...]
What Qualifies as a “Coronavirus-Related Distribution”?
As you may have heard, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act allows “qualified” people to take certain “coronavirus-related distributions” from their retirement plans without paying tax. So how do you qualify? In other words, what’s a coronavirus-related distribution? Early distribution basics In general, if you withdraw money from an IRA or eligible [...]
COVID-19 Individual Tax Questions Answered
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected many Americans’ finances. Here are some COVID-19 individual tax questions answered. My employer closed the office and I’m working from home. Can I deduct any of the related expenses? Unfortunately, no. If you’re an employee who telecommutes, there are strict rules that govern whether you can deduct home office [...]
CARES Act Liberalizes NOLs
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act eliminates some of the tax-revenue-generating provisions included in a previous tax law. Here’s a look at how the CARES Act liberalizes NOLs, providing businesses with relief from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. NOL deductions Basically, you may be able to benefit by carrying a net operating loss [...]
Give Employees a Voice to Report Fraud
Before the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic struck, employees who suspected occupational fraud in their organizations had multiple options for notifying their employers. For example, they could use interoffice mail to send information anonymously or meet with HR personnel in person. In today's work from home environment, do you give employees a voice to report fraud? [...]
Are Your Independent Contractors Properly Classified?
As a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, your business may be using independent contractors to keep costs low. That said, are your independent contractors properly classified for federal tax purposes? If the IRS reclassifies them as employees, it can be an expensive mistake. The question of whether a worker is an independent contractor or [...]
Protecting Remote Workers From Cyberattacks
Many businesses were unprepared when the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic required them to close their physical offices and shift to remote operations. Your company, for example, may have had to scramble to set up a virtual private network (VPN) or move files to the cloud. And while adapting to working from home, employees may have [...]
Disclaimer
This blog is designed to provide competent and reliable information regarding the subject matter covered. However, it is being provided with the understanding that the blogmaster is not engaged in rendering investment advice. Laws and practices often vary from state to state and if investment assistance is required, the services of a licensed investment professional should be sought. The blogmaster resolutely encourages the reader/viewer to do their own research and due diligence before acting on any information contained herein. As such, Roger Rossmeisl specifically disclaims any liability that is incurred from the use or application of the contents of this blog. It should also be noted that the views contained in this blog are not necessarily representative of the opinions/beliefs of the other owners, management and/or employees of Kho & Patel CPAs.
