Is it a repair or an improvement?
How to nail down current deductions If your business completes minor repairs by December 31, you can deduct those costs on your 2023 tax return. But different tax rules apply to improvements. As opposed to repairs, improvements are capital expenditures that must be written off over time. Safe harbors How can you tell whether work…
Planning for Net Investment Income Taxes
The 3.8% net investment income tax (NIIT) is an additional tax that applies to some higher-income taxpayers on top of capital gains tax or ordinary income tax. Fortunately, there are strategies you can use to soften the blow of the NIIT. Are you subject to the NIIT? You’re potentially liable for the NIIT if your…
Shield life insurance proceeds from estate tax with an ILIT
Life insurance can provide peace of mind, but if your estate will be large enough that estate taxes will be a concern, it’s important to not own the policy at death. The policy’s proceeds will be included in your taxable estate and may be subject to estate tax. To avoid this result, a common estate…
Planning an exit strategy for your business
Tips to maximize value and minimize taxes Every business owner should have an exit strategy that helps recoup the maximum amount for his or her investment. Understanding the tax implications of a business sale will help you plan for — and, in some cases, reduce — the tax impact. One option is to sell your…
Private Foundations vs. Donor-Advised Funds
Weighing your charitable giving options If leaving a charitable legacy is important to you, you may be thinking about establishing a private foundation or other vehicle for managing your philanthropic activities. Private foundations can be highly effective, but they’re expensive to set up and operate. Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are popular alternatives, but they also have…
Can you deduct 2024 bonuses this year?
You may be familiar with the rule that permits a business to deduct employee bonuses this year if it pays them within 2½ months after the end of the tax year. It’s an attractive year-end planning technique that benefits your business and your employees: You enjoy a tax deduction this year, while your employees needn’t…
Introducing TaxCaddy
You’ve relied on the professionals at Lewis & Knopf for years to offer tax and accounting services and expert guidance. We also want to offer a software solution that makes tax season simpler and less stressful for you. That’s why we’re excited to introduce TaxCaddy. TaxCaddy makes it easier and more convenient to share important…
IRS Announces Record High Bumps to HSA Contribution Limits
If you’ve been thinking about ways to save on medical expenses, now may be the perfect time to open a Health Savings Account (HSA). Thanks to persistent inflation, the IRS recently announced historic bumps to contribution limits for HSAs, making planning for health savings more beneficial than ever! What is an HSA? Established in 2003…