Dear Clients and Friends (and Blog Readers!): With the first tax season under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) behind us, we have a better understanding of the practical applications on the tax law changes. As expected, the law changes had a profound impact on many taxpayers and created new planning opportunities. There [...]
As you are probably aware if you read this blog consistently, we think Opportunity Zones have great potential for taxpayers/investors. In fact, since last fall, many of the uncertainties around Opportunity Zones have been cleared up through IRS regulations. Most people are not expecting any more official IRS guidance release so the rules of [...]
The massive tax legislation signed over a year ago, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), authorized a brand-new deduction for qualified business income (QBI) of pass-through entities and sole proprietors. This deduction under Section 199A of the tax code provides opportunities for a wide range of taxpayers, but has also caused confusion, especially as [...]
Generally, when you rent out a vacation home to strangers, you must pay tax on the rental income, but you are then entitled to some offsetting deductions. Special rule: There are no tax consequences for a rental lasting two weeks or less. In other words, you do not owe any tax, but you cannot [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]