Are you planning to give gifts to family members in 2021? As long as the gifts do not exceed the limits for the annual gift tax exclusion, you have no federal gift tax worries. Generally, you do not even have to file a gift tax return. However, there are times when you DO have to [...]
New legislation has enhanced the rules for flexible spending accounts (FSAs). Generally, participants in FSSAs will have more flexibility in managing their accounts, albeit temporarily. Key point: Employers may choose to implement the new law changes, but are not required to do so. Background: There are two types of FSAs that employers may offer to [...]
As you probably already know, there are two basic types of IRAs: the traditional IRA and the Roth IRA. With either one, the deadline for contributions for the 2020 tax year is May 17, 2021 (extended from April 15, 2021). There are no further extensions even if you obtain the regular “automatic extension” for [...]
Congress keeps raising the stakes for the Child Tax Credit (CTC). Following other recent tax law changes, the new American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) includes several significant enhancements to the CTC for 2021. What’s more, these tax breaks will start paying off in July—not when you file your 2021 tax return. Background: Prior to ARPA, [...]
The new American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) includes relief for both individuals and businesses. Case in point: A key provision in the new law provides tax-free COBRA subsidies to ex-employees for a limited period of time. To top things off, employers are entitled to a payroll tax credit for the resulting costs. Background: Under the [...]
The pandemic has seen a dramatic rise in the instances of Unemployment Fraud in the United States. The Alabama Department of Labor has confirmed nearly 30,000 cases throughout the state. We have seen plenty of this type of fraud as well. Businesses and employees are being targeted, with scammers using real names to file unemployment claims [...]
We have just learned that some balance due notices have been issued by the Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR) due to an error in their processing system. If your Alabama privilege tax return & payment were due March 15, and you sent your payment on or around that deadline, it is possible you will receive [...]
Do you own investment real estate—perhaps an apartment building—you rent out to tenants? Despite complications this year, the real estate may still be a valuable source of income. Of course, any rental income you receive is taxable, but the resulting tax liability may be offset by deductible expenses. In some cases, you might even qualify [...]
On March 17, the IRS bowed to pressure and postponed the due date for filing 2020 tax returns by one month, from April 15 to May 17. (May 15 falls on a Saturday.) Even better: The extension also applies to payments of tax liability. Subsequently, the IRS clarified that taxpayers have until May 17 to [...]
In the latest round of COVID-19 legislation, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 passed the Senate by a 50-49 vote on March 6, 2021. The bill had been subject to many changes in the Senate after passing in the House on February 27. The bill was signed into law by the President on [...]