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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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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.