10 Mistakes Most Small Business Owners Miss When Starting Out
Unfortunately, it’s also easy to overlook some important details and steps when you’re starting a small business.
What information is on my credit report?
Your credit report contains information about your past and present credit transactions. It’s used primarily by potential lenders to evaluate your creditworthiness. So if you’re about to apply for credit, especially for something significant like a mortgage, you’ll want to get and review a copy of your credit report. You Can See What They See:…
Taxpayers Find Gift Tax Reporting Confusing
Gift taxes were created to prevent wealthy taxpayers from transferring their estates to their beneficiaries via gifts and thus avoid estate taxes when they pass away. But that does not mean only wealthy taxpayers need to be concerned with the gift tax provisions as, under many circumstances, even lower-income taxpayers may find they are liable…
COBRA Coverage: Health Care During Transitional Periods
The term “COBRA” is commonly used to refer to certain provisions of Title X of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986. This law provides an opportunity for employees and their dependents who have been covered by an employer-sponsored health insurance plan to continue coverage under circumstances where such coverage might otherwise have been…
Five QuickBooks Online Reports You Should Run Regularly
QuickBooks Online’s Dashboard, the first screen you see when you log in, provides an effective overview of your company’s finances. It contains at-a-glance information about your recent expenses, your sales, and the status of your invoices. It displays a simple Profit and Loss graph and a list of your account balances. Scroll down and click…
Are my student loan payments tax deductible?
Your actual student loan payments aren’t deductible, but the interest portion might be, thanks to the student loan interest deduction. In 2018, the maximum deduction is $2,500. You don’t need to itemize to claim this deduction. To qualify, you must meet a few requirements: First, the student loan on which you’re paying interest must be…
Taxation of Legal Settlements or Awards
The tax treatment of awards received as the result of a lawsuit could result in taxable or non-taxable income, depending upon a number of issues. The laws are often complex and sometimes seemingly discriminatory. The actual taxation of an award is primarily based on the following factors: The nature of the legal action, The type…
403 (b) Plans: The Basics
Retirement plans established under Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, commonly referred to as “403(b) plans or “tax-sheltered annuities,” have become a popular type of employer-sponsored retirement plan. What is a 403(b) plan? A 403(b) plan is a retirement savings plan, sponsored by a tax-exempt organization or public school, that offers significant tax benefits…
In the News: Being Present When You Are Financial Planning
In today’s Marietta Daily Journal, Bil Lako, CFP®, explains why it is important for both spouses to develop a fundamental understanding of your finances should something happen to the other spouse.
Credit for Family and Medical Leave Benefits
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that was passed last year included a new tax credit for employers that allows them to claim a credit based on wages paid to qualifying employees while they are on family and medical leave. To qualify for the credit, an employer must have a written policy that provides at…