Taxes are like vehicles in that they sometimes need a periodic check-up to make sure they are performing as expected, and if ignored, can cost you money. That is true of taxes as well, especially for 2021, as the pandemic benefits begin to wane and President Biden’s tax proposals loom. The following is a list…
We tend to fall into the same old patterns once we’ve learned how to make a computer application work for us. We learn the features we need and rarely venture beyond those unless we find we need the software or website to do more. QuickBooks Online is no exception. It makes its capabilities known through…
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRS was getting refunds out swiftly and responded to calls and correspondence in a reasonable amount of time. However, COVID-19 brought about a perfect storm of delays, initially caused by employees having to stay home because lockdowns prevented processing centers from operating and workers from going to their offices. And…
For years, politicians have been talking about simplifying the process of filing federal taxes, but despite the promises, the process continues to be complicated and stressful. But as bad as preparing taxes can be, it pales in comparison to the sinking sensation of receiving an IRS notification telling you that you’ve done something wrong. The…
Like many small business owners, you probably find yourself very busy in the wake of the COVID slowdown and are getting back up to speed. But don’t forget about your future. There are a number of retirement plans available, including Keogh plans and 401(k)s. However, a simplified employee pension plan (SEP) may be your best…
If you have children under the age of 18, by now you likely have gotten your first advance child tax credit payment, either by check or by direct deposit. Be aware, this is money you would have gotten credit for on your 2021 tax return when you file it next year anyway. You are just…
No matter what type of business you operate, you rely on having a predictable flow of income to keep your bills paid. If you only have a single source of income and it suddenly falters, you’re going to be in trouble. Having more than one income stream is an insurance policy against economic disaster. It…
As more employers bring employees back to the workplace and navigate new CDC guidance on mask-wearing, they may have questions about whether they can ask about an employee or applicant’s COVID-19 vaccination status. Here are answers to frequently asked questions about vaccination inquiries. Q: Would asking employees to show proof that they received the COVID-19…
If you’re thinking about moving from your current locale, you’re not alone. Americans are on the move for many different reasons: Remote work is increasingly popular and allows employees to live wherever they have access to WiFi, while tax changes introduced by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) limited the important SALT (State…
This is an overview of the several tax benefits that were included in the American Rescue Plan Act recently passed by Congress that will impact families with children and lower-income taxpayers during 2021. These include increased child care benefits plus an increased child tax credit, including advanced monthly payments for some. Child and Dependent Care…
