If you are age 70½ or older, you may be able to exclude a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) of up to $100,000 from your income each year. A QCD is a taxable distribution paid directly from an IRA (other than an ongoing SEP or SIMPLE IRA) to a qualified charity. It cannot be paid toRead more about Reducing Taxes with Qualified Charitable Contributions[…]

The Internal Revenue Service has issued the 2024 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2024, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: 67 cents perRead more about Standard Mileage Rates for 2024[…]

The IRS has announced a delay of the new $600 Form 1099-K reporting threshold for third party settlement organizations for calendar year 2023. Instead, the agency will treat 2023 as an additional transition year. As a result, reporting will not be required unless the taxpayer receives over $20,000 and has more than 200 transactions inRead more about Increased 1099-K Reporting Threshold Delayed[…]

The IRS has announced the annual inflation adjustments for more than 60 tax provisions for tax year 2024, including the tax rate schedules and other tax changes. Here are some highlights: The standard deduction for married couples filing jointly for tax year 2024 rises to $29,200, an increase of $1,500 from tax year 2023. ForRead more about Tax-Related Inflation Adjustments for 2024[…]

The contribution limit for employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), and most 457 plans, as well as the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan is increased to $23,000, up from $22,500. Additionally, the limit on annual contributions to an IRA increased to $7,000, up from $6,500. The IRA catch‑up contribution limit for individuals aged 50 andRead more about 401k and IRA Limits for 2024[…]

If you own a business, you have probably been targeted by a scam trying to get you to claim the Employee Retention Credit (ERC). These scams have run rampant over the last year and have solicited business owners via email, telephone, and postal mail. Unfortunately some business owners have been tricked into improperly claiming anRead more about IRS Announces ERC Withdrawal Process[…]

It’s never too early to begin planning for retirement. Individual retirement accounts provide tax incentives for people to make investments that can provide financial security when they retire. These accounts can be with a bank or other financial institution, a life insurance company, mutual fund or stockbroker. A traditional IRA is the most common typeRead more about IRAs and Retirement Planning[…]

Due to rising concerns about a flood of improper Employee Retention Credit claims, the IRS has announced an immediate moratorium through at least the end of the year on processing new claims for the pandemic-era relief program in order to protect honest small business owners from scams. The IRS Commissioner ordered the immediate moratorium, toRead more about Moratorium on Processing ERC Claims Declared[…]

Natural disasters can strike without warning, and sometimes even the most diligent taxpayers are left without the important personal and financial records they need. People may need documentation for tax purposes, federal or state assistance programs or insurance claims. Here are some steps that can help you reconstruct your important records if you’re confronted withRead more about Reconstructing Financial Records After a Disaster[…]

It’s back to school season, which is also a good time to remind teachers, principals, and other educators about the educator expense deduction which they may be eligible for. If you are an educator, you may be able to deduct up to $300 of out-of-pocket classroom expenses for 2023 when you file your federal incomeRead more about Educator Expense Deduction in 2023[…]