When should you start saving for retirement? Probably the best answer is “yesterday.” If you have not started putting aside funds yet, the next best answer is “now.” In other words, it is not too early to begin saving for retirement, nor is it generally too late, although the manner and method of savings [...]
This may be the last year you claim a medical expense deduction on your personal tax return. It all has to do with several changes in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Background: Among other provisions that are generally effective for 2018 through 2025, the TCJA cuts back or eliminates certain itemized deductions, while [...]
Are any of your children currently attending college or preparing to enter school in the fall? The tax law provides several special tax breaks that may benefit parents who help pay qualified expenses. In particular, you may be able to claim one of two tax credits for higher education, subject to certain restrictions. Following is [...]
Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), certain deductions have been eliminated or modified, including the write-off for state and local tax (SALT) payments. The changes are effective for 2018 through 2025. As a result, some taxpayers will be going on a SALT-free diet when they file their 2018 returns. Background: Previously, many middle-to-upper [...]
JamisonMoneyFarmer PC is pleased to announce that CPAs Kristi Moore and Rachel Taylor have been admitted as shareholders in the firm effective January 1, 2019. Managing Shareholder Scott Goldsmith of JamisonMoneyFarmer PC (“JMF”) is pleased to announce the promotions of Kristi Moore and Rachel Taylor as shareholders. Kristi and Rachel join twelve other shareholders at [...]
If your company maintains flexible spending arrangements (FSAs) for the healthcare expenses of employees, an important deadline may be looming: March 15, 2019. For many healthcare FSAs, this is the last day you can withdraw funds from the balance in your account for 2018. Background: An FSA is funded with pre-tax dollars, so there are [...]
In lieu of deducting actual expenses, the IRS permits qualified taxpayers to deduct a flat rate based on miles traveled, plus related tolls and parking fees. These standard mileage rates are updated annually. For 2019, the rates are: 58 cents per mile driven for business driving (up 3.5 cents from 2018); 20 cents per mile [...]
What’s the biggest tax deduction on your 2018 return? For many itemizers, it is the write-off for charitable donations on Schedule A. But these deductions are not automatic if you do not have the proper records to back up your claims. Here are several important reminders for this year’s tax filing season. Monetary contributions: Deductions [...]
The IRS has provided some estate planning comfort for well-to-do individuals. Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), the estate tax exclusion was raised to $10 million, indexed for inflation. That provides plenty of leeway for most families. However, like many other TCJA changes for individuals, this provision is scheduled to “sunset” after 2025. [...]
Form 1040 has a different look this year. Thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), the standard deduction has essentially been doubled while certain deductions have been modified or eliminated. Due to these changes, which are generally effective for 2018 through 2025, you may be better off claiming the standard deduction on your [...]