The CARES Act eases the rules for claiming certain business tax losses
To provide businesses and their owners with some relief from the financial effects of the COVID-19 crisis, the CARES Act eases the rules for claiming certain tax losses. This article provides an overview of modifications, which are mostly temporary. The ins and outs of the easing of loss limitation rules To provide businesses and their […]
There may be relief from tax liability for “innocent spouses”
If you file a joint tax return with your spouse, you should be aware of your individual liability. And if you’re getting divorced, you should know that there may be relief available if the IRS comes after you for certain past-due taxes. What’s “joint and several” liability? When a married couple files a joint tax […]
The easiest way to survive an IRS audit is to get ready in advance
IRS audit rates are historically low, according to the latest data, but that’s little consolation if your return is among those selected to be examined. But with proper preparation and planning, you should fare well. In fiscal year 2019, the IRS audited approximately 0.4% of individuals. Businesses, large corporations and high-income individuals are more likely […]
Relaxed limit on business interest deductions
To provide tax relief to businesses suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act temporarily relaxes the limitation on deductions for business interest expense. Here’s the story. TCJA created new limitation Before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), some corporations were subject to the so-called “earnings stripping” rules. […]
Why it’s important to plan for income taxes as part of your estate plan
As a result of the current estate tax exemption amount ($11.58 million in 2020), many estates no longer need to be concerned with federal estate tax. Before 2011, a much smaller amount resulted in estate plans attempting to avoid it. Now, because many estates won’t be subject to estate tax, more planning can be devoted […]
Reinforce protection of your company’s mobile devices
Whether it’s a smart phone, tablet or laptop, mobile devices have become the constant companions of today’s employees. And this relationship has only been further cemented by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has thousands working from home or other remote locations. From a productivity standpoint, this is a good thing. So many tasks that once kept […]
Business website costs: How to handle them for tax purposes
The business use of websites is widespread. But surprisingly, the IRS hasn’t yet issued formal guidance on when Internet website costs can be deducted. Fortunately, established rules that generally apply to the deductibility of business costs, and IRS guidance that applies to software costs, provide business taxpayers launching a website with some guidance as to […]
IRS announces per diem rates for business travel
In Notice 2020-71, the IRS recently announced per diem rates that can be used to substantiate the amount of business expenses incurred for travel away from home on or after October 1, 2020. Employers using these rates to set per diem allowances can treat the amount of certain categories of travel expenses as substantiated without […]
Tax implications of working from home and collecting unemployment
COVID-19 has changed our lives in many ways, and some of the changes have tax implications. Here is basic information about two common situations. 1. Working from home. Many employees have been told not to come into their workplaces due to the pandemic. If you’re an employee who “telecommutes” — that is, you work at […]
2020 Q4 tax calendar: Key deadlines for businesses and other employers
Here are some of the key tax-related deadlines affecting businesses and other employers during the fourth quarter of 2020. Keep in mind that this list isn’t all-inclusive, so there may be additional deadlines that apply to you. Contact OnTarget CPA to ensure you’re meeting all applicable deadlines and to learn more about the filing requirements. […]
