Rental Property Owners: Know the Tax Rules for Advance Rent and Security Deposits

As year end approaches, rental property owners should review tenant payments carefully. Advance rent and security deposits may be taxed differently. Advance rent is generally taxable in the year received, regardless of the period covered or the landlord’s accounting method. By contrast, a refundable security deposit generally isn’t taxable when received if it’s held to […]

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New IRS Guidance Expands Retiree Health Benefits for Phased Retirement

Under new IRS guidance, a qualified pension plan may use surplus assets in its Section 401(h) retiree health account to pay medical benefits for eligible phased retirement participants (plus their spouses and dependents). Employees age 59½ or older who receive pension benefits under the program are considered retired for this purpose, even if they continue […]

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Debits and credits: A practical guide for business owners

Accurate books start with a basic understanding of how financial transactions flow through your accounts. Today’s accounting platforms automate much of the double-entry process, making bookkeeping faster and more efficient. But even with increasingly sophisticated software, understanding the fundamentals of debits and credits can help business owners make sense of their financial reports and spot […]

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Giving Back This Holiday Season? Your Volunteer Expenses May Be Tax Deductible

Giving back to your community this holiday season may come with an added benefit: tax deductions. If you itemize and volunteer for a qualified charitable organization, you may be eligible to deduct certain out-of-pocket expenses. Although your time and services don’t qualify, you may be able to write off transportation costs, including mileage at 14 […]

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