New baseline tariff announced

President Donald Trump has announced a new 10% baseline tariff on all goods imported into the United States. In addition, he announced custom tariffs of up to 49% on more than 50 countries. For example, there’s a new 20% tariff on imports from the European Union and a new 46% tariff on Vietnam. As part […]

Read More New baseline tariff announced

Employer provided childcare

Are you an employer seeking ways to attract and retain top talent? The IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) recently highlighted a tax-smart strategy for employers that provide childcare services to their staff members. They may qualify for a credit of up to $150,000. Qualifying expenditures include the purchase, construction, expansion, or rehabilitation of a childcare […]

Read More Employer provided childcare

Can Tariffs replace income tax?

President Trump has talked about bringing jobs back to the U.S. and replacing income tax revenue with foreign tariffs. However, income tax revenues average approximately $2 trillion annually, while the U.S. imports about $4 trillion in goods. This means that tariffs would need to be high or imports would need to increase significantly. The nonprofit […]

Read More Can Tariffs replace income tax?

Happy Birthday to the EITC

Happy 50th birthday to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)! The credit became effective in 1975 when President Ford signed it into law (as part of the Tax Reduction Act) to provide financial assistance to working families. Then, the maximum EITC amount was $400. In 2024, eligible taxpayers can claim a credit of up to […]

Read More Happy Birthday to the EITC

Is it ordinary and necessary?

Business owners can generally deduct ordinary and necessary expenses paid or incurred during the taxable year, provided they can substantiate them. In one case, the U.S. Tax Court denied depreciation deductions claimed by an engineering firm owner for the value of his own time spent developing a program. Self-performed labor isn’t “paid or incurred,” the […]

Read More Is it ordinary and necessary?