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Home Equity Tax Deductions

Home Equity Tax Deductions

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 affected home equity tax deductions as of 2018.  Under prior law, you could deduct interest on up to $100,000 of home equity debt, no matter how you used the money.  The old rule is scheduled to return in 2026.  The bad news is, you now can’t deduct interest on home equity loans or home equity lines of credit if you use the money for college bills, medical expenses, paying down credit card debt, and so on.  For home loan interest to be tax deductible, the taxpayer that secures the loan must use the money to buy, build, or substantially improve his or her home.

Small Business: Coping With Summer Vacations

During the summer, it may be true that “the living is easy,” as the old song goes.  However, the midyear season is often not so easy at small businesses because many employees are taking vacations.  Total work hours often shrink and so may company productivity.

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Tax Calendar

June 15th – If not withholding, second installment of estimated 2018 tax due.

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New Tax Law Changes Divorce Tactics

New Tax Law Changes Divorce Tactics

Financial negotiations in a divorce often involve alimony.  The new tax law changes divorce tactics regarding alimony, but grandfather existing agreements. In addition, old rules will remain in effect for divorce and separation agreements executed during 2018 but next year, the rules will change and the roles will be reversed.

Small Business: No Deduction for Business Entertaining

The TCJA of 2017 lowered corporate tax rates from a graduated schedule that reached 35% to a 21% flat rate.  However, the bad news is many business expenses are no longer tax deductible. That list includes all outlays which might be considered entertainment or recreation.

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Tax Calendar

No “Individual” Deadline This Month – Click above for Corporate Due Dates

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Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017

Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 – Special Report

A lot may be on your mind since the announcement of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) and how it will affect you.  This issue provides readers with great information on being patient, knowing your true tax rate, retirement contributions, Roth conversions, medical deductions, and so much more.  Take a look inside to start easing some of your worries and planning for the future!

Small Business: New Deduction for Pass-Through Entities

As a business owner, you could be in the spotlight if allegations of improper behavior arise, especially if they are brought by one or more employees.

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Tax Calendar

April 17th – Tax Due Day! File your return!

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Weighing Bond Fund Risks

Weighing Bond Fund Risks

This issue explores weighing bond fund risks as part of a healthy investment plan.  Most portfolio allocations call for a mix of stocks (equities) and bonds (fixed income).  As we’ve seen in recent years, stocks can be extremely risky but have recovered from periodic setbacks. Bonds offer low yields in today’s environment. Therefore, one main reason for holding bonds is to dampen overall portfolio swings and holding down losses when stocks sag. This may help keep investors in the stock market and allow them to benefit in the next cyclical move to the upside.

Small Business: Addressing Harassment Issues

As a business owner, you could be in the spotlight if allegations of improper behavior arise, especially if they are brought by one or more employees.

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Tax Calendar

No “Individual” Deadline This Month – Click above for Corporate Due Dates

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Understanding Annuities

Understanding Annuities

Find out what you need to know for understanding annuities.  Americans hold billions of dollars in annuities; however, they are widely misunderstood. When used properly, an annuity can serve valuable personal financial planning purposes. On the other hand, some financial advisers widely criticized, and even scorn, certain types of annuities.  Learn from some examples about how annuities could be a part of your strategy for retirement.

Small Business: Deducting Employee Expenses and Insurance

Find out what deductions are allowed, what’s not and what forms you need to complete.  Also, you have a small business and your budget is tight, you still need to make sure key employees have the proper insurance coverage.

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Tax Calendar

February 15th – File a new W-4 with your employer.

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2018 Investing Strategies

2018 Investing Strategies

Dividend Stocks and Defensive Funds are highlighted this month as options for your 2018 Investing Strategies.  Learn about floors and ceilings, why you should go with a quality pro, why there is safety in numbers, and finally, how to reduce stress.

Small Business: Natural Disaster Plan

Are you covered by the right insurance, do you have an online business? Hope for the best but Plan for the Worst.

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Tax Calendar

January 16th – Final 2017 Estimated Tax Payment

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Asset Management Fees

Asset Management Fees

With title shifts happening at investment firms, the Asset Management Fees structure is changing to meet the new titles.  While the titles are not important, the method to compensate these individuals is crucial and something you should watch for so you don’t lose out.

Roth IRA Reversal

Partial conversions will help avoid long term Required Minimum Distributions but could trigger high tax implications. Read to learn more about planning for this.

Small Business: Year End Thank You Gifts

Thank your employees before the year is over but think about what to give them and how it affects their income.

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Financial Independence for Kids

Financial Independence for Kids

An AICPA survey discovered that parents are more likely to talk with their children about manners, eating habits, school grades, and substance abuse than about finances.  All these topics are important, but it’s
also vital to prepare kids for financial independence by teaching them the basics of handling money.

New IRS Ruling May Rescue Estate Plans

The “death tax” still exists, and it continues to be a major concern for high net-worth taxpayers, including the owners of successful small companies.  IRS Revenue Procedure 2017-34, effective June 9, 2017, provides relief when a deceased spouse’s executor fails to make a timely portability election.

Small Business: 100% Meal Deduction

This is great news but your meal must meet 5 tests to be fully deductible.

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Tax Calendar

October 16th – Tax Filing Extension Deadline

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Ginnie Mae Funds

Ginnie Mae Funds for Your Retirement

Everyone says real estate investing is a great way to build wealth.  Did you know Ginnie Mae funds, or mortgage bonds, are the only mortgage securities with full federal backing?  Learn more about how the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) agency can help add security to your retirement funds.

Tax Credits Beat Tax Deductions

Tax Credits are a dollar-for-dollar reduction of the tax you owe whereas deductions are only a partial relief by reducing your income.  We take a look at some of the most common credits.

Small Business: R&D Tax Credits

R&D Costs may not be immediately deductible, so we provide some examples to think about when planning your tax/expense year.

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Tax Calendar

September 15th – Third installment of estimated tax