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Don’t be surprised at tax time When it comes to retirement many Americans believe they can count on their full Social Security benefits as a core element of income. You can imagine the surprise at tax-time when some of these same benefits are returned to the Federal Government in the form of benefit reduction and taxation. Here is what you need to know. Social Security and Retirement Benefits can be

Beginning in 2013 there is a simplified way to take a home office expense for a portion of your home. This new ‘safe-harbor’ option greatly simplifies how to record valid expenses for business use of your home. Here is how it works. •    You may opt to take your office space square feet times $5 and use this as a valid home office expense up to $1,500 (300 sq. ft.).

You have until the end of January, 2013 to act Looking for a way to reduce your 2012 income?  Those who are older than 70 1/2 have an opportunity to make charitable contributions from their qualified individual retirement accounts and have it excluded from 2012 income.  Here is what you need to know. In Section 209 of the recently passed tax legislation there is a provision for qualified seniors to

Here is the late breaking news   During the wee hours of January 1, 2013 the final touches were made to 2012 tax laws. While the rest of us could not realistically make plans during 2012 for laws passed in 2013, perhaps there is a clause or two that may help you when you file your taxes in the next few months. Here is what you need to know: Alternative

Know your new take-home pay. When you receive your initial paycheck for 2013 you had better take a close look to see what the payroll department has done with your pay. If you do not, you may be in for a big tax bite at the end of the year. Background For years the Social Security tax was set at 12.4% of your earnings.  6.2% of the obligation was paid

How to ensure your business is not deemed a hobby   You’ve loved dogs all your life so you decide to breed them and start a dog training business. Is this a business in the eyes of the IRS or a hobby? Knowing what the IRS is looking for and properly positioning your small business can save taxes and headaches if you are ever questioned by the IRS. Why should

What to do about your need for documentation Year-end is a good time to ensure you have proper documentation to substantiate your tax deductions. This is important as many banks start deleting online documentation that is over one year old. Background Two things have happened over the past ten years that have greatly reduced the ability to have a canceled check as proof when the auditor comes calling. The first