Consider a 529 Plan for education costs

While students may be in summer mode, many parents are already thinking ahead to fall education costs. One smart, tax-advantaged tool to consider is a Section 529 savings plan. 529 plans aren’t new, but they’ve grown more versatile over the years. Originally limited to college expenses, they now also cover up to $10,000 per year […]

Miss the Deadline?

The second quarter estimated tax payment deadline arrived. If you make quarterly payments, you have until June 16 to pay and avoid possible underpayment penalties. If you don’t currently make estimated payments, should you? In general, individuals should make payments if they expect to owe $1,000 or more ($500 for corporations) when they file their […]

The tax rules for legal awards and settlements: What recipients should know

If you’ve recently received a settlement or award from a lawsuit, or you’re expecting one, you may be wondering how the IRS views this money. Will you need to pay taxes on it? The short answer: It depends on the type of damages you received. Understanding the basic rules can help you avoid surprises. Taxable […]

Will my summer job come with a tax obligation?

Teenagers with summer jobs may not think they’re being paid enough to have tax obligations. But anyone with self-employed income over $400 (earned, for example, by babysitting or mowing lawns) is required to file an income tax return and pay self-employment tax. If a teen has a job through an employer who withholds payroll taxes, […]

IRS audit rates

During his administration, former President Biden repeatedly promised higher IRS audit rates for wealthy, but not middle-income, taxpayers. Recently released IRS data suggests he kept his word. For tax returns filed in 2023 and audited in 2024, the audit rate was 0.8% for all taxpayers. But those making over $500,000 were audited at twice the […]

Hiring independent contractors? Make sure you’re doing it right

Many businesses turn to independent contractors to help manage costs, especially during times of staffing shortages and inflation. If you’re among them, ensuring these workers are properly classified for federal tax purposes is crucial. Misclassifying employees as independent contractors can result in expensive consequences if the IRS steps in and reclassifies them. It could lead […]

House Bill permanently increases Estate exemption threshold

The One, Big, Beautiful Bill, recently passed by the U.S. House, would provide wealthy families some certainty regarding their estates if it’s enacted. The current unified federal gift and estate tax exemption amount, adjusted annually for inflation, is set to expire after 2025. This year, it allows individuals to shelter $13.99 million from gift and […]

SALT limit a sticking point in the Senate

The U.S. House passed The One, Big, Beautiful Bill in May. Senate Republicans are currently debating their version of the tax and spending bill. With slim majorities in both the House and Senate, Republicans can’t afford to lose too many votes. So, what provisions of the bill are proving to be sticking points? One major […]

6 inventory management tips in an uncertain tariff landscape

With new tariff structures looming and global trade relationships in flux, businesses face rising uncertainty in supply chain costs and inventory planning. As countries iron out the details of future U.S. trade agreements, companies must proactively manage their inventory to avoid margin erosion and supply disruptions. Here are six smart strategies to help safeguard your […]

1099-K threshold changes in House Bill

While Congress continues to debate The One, Big, Beautiful Bill, one provision has gotten little attention. Generally, taxpayers who sell goods and services will receive a Form 1099-K (Payment Card and Third Party Network Transactions) from platforms they use. A previous law, the American Rescue Plan Act, significantly lowered the threshold that triggers issuance of […]