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…
It’s a good idea to close redundant or unused accounts you do not consider necessary. Here are a few reasons why: If credit is easily available, you may be tempted to use it. Any impulsive purchases could quickly mount up and result in serious debt problems. Open accounts may be used fraudulently if your account…
This is a common question: How long must taxpayers keep copies of their tax returns and supporting documents? Generally, taxpayers should hold on to their tax records for at least 3 years after the due date of the return to which those records apply. However, if the original return was filed later than the due…
There are two types of rollovers: direct and indirect. A direct rollover is paid from your plan directly to your IRA or to your new employer’s retirement plan. The funds are never payable to you. An indirect (60-day) rollover is a payment made to you that you later roll over to an IRA or an…
Most small business owners are an expert in their field, but not necessarily in the accounting aspects of building a business. And, with this comes a few common mistakes. Yet, even simple small business accounting mistakes can prove to be financially limiting and costly down the road. With the help of an accounting professional, it…
Your 20s 1. Living beyond your means. It’s tempting to splurge on gadgets, entertainment, and travel, but if you can’t pay for most of your wants up front, then you need to rein in your lifestyle, especially if you have student loans to repay. 2. Not paying yourself first. Save a portion of every paycheck first…
In addition to the below, there may also be tax benefits under state law. Mortgage Interest Deduction One of the most important tax benefits of owning a home is that you may be able to deduct the mortgage interest you pay. If you itemize deductions on your federal income tax return, you can deduct the…
Each year, the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) conducts its Retirement Confidence Survey to assess both worker and retiree confidence in financial aspects of retirement. In 2018, as in years past, retirees expressed a higher level of confidence than today’s workers (perhaps because “retirement” is less of an abstract concept to those actually living it).…
When you sell your business to a family member, your objective may be to keep the business within the family and make it as easy as possible for your relative to make the purchase. When you sell your business to nonfamily, however, your primary objective may be to get the highest possible price for the…
To the federal government the annual cost of college means the cost of attendance. Twice per year, the federal government calculates the cost of attendance for each college, adjusts the figure for inflation, and, if you or your child is applying for financial aid, uses this number to determine the financial need. Five categories of…
