Federal Taxes

Still have tax questions? You’re not alone

Even after your 2024 federal return is submitted, a few nagging questions often remain. Below are quick answers to five of the most common questions we hear each spring. 1. When will my refund show up? Use the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tracker at IRS.gov. Have these three details ready: Enter them, and the tool will […]

Still have tax questions? You’re not alone Read More »

The “wash sale” rule: Don’t let losses circle the drain

Stock, mutual fund and ETF prices have bounced around lately. If you make what turns out to be an ill-fated investment in a taxable brokerage firm account, the good news is that you may be able to harvest a tax-saving capital loss by selling the loser security. However, for federal income tax purposes, the wash

The “wash sale” rule: Don’t let losses circle the drain Read More »

Small business alert: Watch out for the 100% penalty

Some tax sins are much worse than others. An example is failing to pay over federal income and employment taxes that have been withheld from employees’ paychecks. In this situation, the IRS can assess the trust fund recovery penalty, also called the 100% penalty, against any responsible person. It’s called the 100% penalty because the entire

Small business alert: Watch out for the 100% penalty Read More »

Are you a tax-favored real estate professional?

For federal income tax purposes, the general rule is that rental real estate losses are passive activity losses (PALs). An individual taxpayer can generally deduct PALs only to the extent of passive income from other sources, if any. For example, if you have positive taxable income from other rental properties, that generally counts as passive

Are you a tax-favored real estate professional? Read More »

Deduct a loss from making a personal loan to a relative or friend

Suppose your adult child or friend needs to borrow money. Maybe it’s to buy a first home or address a cash flow problem. You may want to help by making a personal loan. That’s a nice thought, but there are tax implications that you should understand and take into account. Get it in writing You

Deduct a loss from making a personal loan to a relative or friend Read More »

Turning stock downturns into tax advantages

Have you ever invested in a company only to see its stock value plummet? (This may become relevant in light of recent market volatility.) While such an investment might be something you’d rather forget, there’s a silver lining: you can claim a capital loss deduction on your tax return. Here are the rules when a

Turning stock downturns into tax advantages Read More »

Planning for the future: 5 business succession options and their tax implications

When it’s time to consider your business’s future, succession planning can protect your legacy and successfully set up the next generation of leaders or owners. Whether you’re ready to retire, you wish to step back your involvement or you want a solid contingency plan should you unexpectedly be unable to run the business, exploring different

Planning for the future: 5 business succession options and their tax implications Read More »

Questions about taxes and tips? Here are some answers for employers

Businesses in certain industries employ service workers who receive tips as a large part of their compensation. These businesses include restaurants, hotels and salons. Compliance with federal and state tax regulations is vital if your business has employees who receive tips. Are tips becoming tax-free? During the campaign, President Trump promised to end taxes on

Questions about taxes and tips? Here are some answers for employers Read More »

Businesses: The Form W-2 and 1099-NEC deadline is coming up fast

With the 2025 tax filing season underway, be aware that the deadline is coming up fast for businesses to submit certain information returns to the federal government and furnish them to workers. By January 31, 2025, employers must file these forms and furnish them to recipients: Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement. Form W-2 shows the wages

Businesses: The Form W-2 and 1099-NEC deadline is coming up fast Read More »