Article Highlights Coverdell Education Savings Accounts Qualified State Tuition Programs (Sec 529 plans) Savings Contribution Limits Gift Tax Issues The tax code provides two primary advantageous ways of saving for your children's education. We frequently get questions about the differences between the programs and about which program is best suited for a family's particular needs. The Coverdell Education Savings Account and the Qualified Tuition Plan (frequently referred to as a Sec 529 Plan) are similar; neither provides tax-deductible contributions, but both plans' earnings are tax-free if ..read more

When it comes to managing your small business finances, establishing a consistent routine is important. This is especially true when using QuickBooks, a powerful accounting software system that can help you stay organized and make informed decisions about your finances daily. Here are five key steps you should take every time you open QuickBooks: 1. Look at the Income Tracker Start each QuickBooks session by taking a look at the Income Tracker. Located under the Customers tab, the Income Tracker provides a quick overview of the status of your receivables. With colored bars indicating various t ..read more

In a move aimed at safeguarding its markets and supporting Ukraine, the European Commission (EU) has proposed a tariff increase on grain imports from Russia and Belarus. The proposal, issued on March 22, 2024, seeks to address several pressing concerns and challenges the European Union faces. European Union President Ursula von der Leyen spoke about the necessity of the tariffs, stating, "We propose the imposition of tariffs on these Russian imports to mitigate the growing risk to our markets and our farmers." She also noted the EU's commitment to upholding global food security while supportin ..read more

Individuals have many options when they cannot pay their tax liability by the April due date, including setting up an IRS payment plan, making a payment by credit card, tapping a retirement plan, and borrowing money from a friend or relative. Each option has negative implications, and some have substantial fees, penalties and/or interest. .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100 ..read more

Article Highlights: Noncash Charitable Contributions Establishing Donation Value Fair Market Value Documentation Requirements Appraisal Requirements Tax legislation passed in late 2017 nearly doubled the standard deduction for years 2018 through 2025, and now about 90% of individuals filing a tax return are taking advantage of the higher standard amount and are not itemizing their deductions. For the 10% of filers still itemizing, one of the most common tax-deductible charitable contributions that can be claimed is the donation of household goods and used clothing to qualified charities. The m ..read more

Article Highlights: 2020 refunds are in jeopardy Filing deadline Lost benefits Mailing instructions If you have not yet filed your 2020 federal tax return and have a refund coming, time is running out! The IRS estimates that there are about 940,000 taxpayers who have not filed their 2020 tax returns and that there is over $1 billion dollars of unclaimed refunds available for those taxpayers. If you fall in this category, you need to act quickly because the return must be filed by May 17, 2024 to claim a refund for 2020. Otherwise, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury. The averag ..read more

The deadline for most taxpayers to file a federal tax return is Monday, April 15, 2024. Because of the observances of Patriot's Day (April 15) and Emancipation Day (April 16), taxpayers living in Maine and Massachusetts have until Wednesday, April 17, 2024, to file ..read more

In the bustling world of small businesses, where every decision can significantly impact your bottom line, overstaffing can be a major problem. One of the main reasons for this is that hiring too many employees can happen before you even realize it – you might be trying to overcompensate for prior staffing issues but end up with too many people on your payroll instead. In short, your team grows larger than your business demands, leading to myriad challenges that can hinder your growth and sustainability. This guide will not only help you identify and solve overstaffing issues but also ensure y ..read more

As the current tax season continues, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has ushered in a new era of tax enforcement thanks to the power of artificial intelligence (AI). AI tools have taken nearly every industry by storm recently, and even federal tax authorities have realized that these resources can be invaluable in catching tax evaders. Bolstered by funding from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the IRS is improving its audit processes, particularly in areas where audit coverage has dwindled. Large partnerships, large corporations, and employment tax returns are all under the microscope a ..read more

As Millennials continue to navigate their financial journeys, understanding key tax and personal finance topics is crucial for achieving long-term prosperity. In this article, we'll explore some of the most important issues facing Millennials today, providing valuable insights and strategies to help them make informed decisions about their finances. 1. The Importance of Time Value of Money: Understanding the concept of the time value of money is fundamental for Millennials looking to build wealth over time. Time value of money emphasizes the principle that money available today is worth more t ..read more