Dirty Dozen Tax Scams: 2020 Edition
Posted on August 5th, 2020
The “Dirty Dozen” is a list of common tax scams that target taxpayers. Compiled and issued annually every year by the IRS, this year it includes many aggressive and evolving schemes related to coronavirus tax relief, including Economic Impact Payments. The criminals behind these bogus schemes view everyone as potentially easy prey and everyone should be on guard, especially vulnerable populations such as the elderly.
While tax-related scams usually increase at tax time, this year, scam artists are using pandemic to try stealing money and information from honest taxpayers. As such, taxpayers should refrain from engaging potential scammers online or on the phone.
Here are this year’s “Dirty Dozen” tax scams: Read More…
Tags: Fraud Prevention, Tax Scam
What Is Form 1099-Nec? | Nonemployee Compensation
Posted on August 5th, 2020
Starting in tax year 2020, payers must complete Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation to report any payment of $600 or more to a payee. There is a new form that only applies to business taxpayers who pay or receive nonemployee compensation. Read More…
RIC Shareholder Dividends Qualify as Section 199A
Posted on August 4th, 2020
Section 199A, enacted as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), allows individual taxpayers and certain trusts and estates to deduct up to 20 percent of certain income (section 199A deduction). It is available to eligible taxpayers with qualified business income (QBI) from qualified trades or businesses operated as sole proprietorships or through partnerships, S corporations, trusts, or estates, as well as for qualified REIT dividends and income from publicly traded partnerships. The deduction is not available for C corporations. Read More…
Tags: Deductions, Tax Tips
Exiting a Business: Which Option Is Right for You?
Posted on August 4th, 2020
Selecting your business successor is a fundamental objective when planning your exit strategy and requires a careful assessment of what you want from the sale of your business and who can best give it to you.
There are only four ways to leave your business and the more you understand about each one, the better the chance is that you will leave your business on your terms and under the conditions you want. With that in mind, here’s what you need to know about each option: Read More…
Tags: Small Business
Protect Tax Records Before Disaster Strikes
Posted on August 3rd, 2020
As such, it’s always a good idea to plan for what to do in case of a disaster. Here are some simple steps you can take right now to prepare: Read More…
Tags: Record Keeping
Temporary Relief for Retirement Plan Participants Issued
Posted on August 3rd, 2020
Temporary administrative relief has been issued that helps certain retirement plan participants or beneficiaries who need to make participant elections by allowing flexibility for remote signatures. Generally, signatures of the individual making the election must be witnessed by a notary public or in the presence of a plan representative. This includes a spousal consent as well. Read More…
Tags: Retirement, Retirement Plan, Tax Tips
Filing an Amended Tax Return With IRS Form 1040X
Posted on August 2nd, 2020
If you discover a mistake on your tax return after you’ve already filed, don’t panic. In most cases, all you have to do is file an amended tax return. Here’s what you need to know:
Taxpayers should use Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to file an amended (corrected) tax return. An amended tax return should only be filed to correct errors or make changes to your original tax return. For example, you should amend your return if you need to change your filing status or correct your income, deductions, or credits. Read More…
Tags: Tax Return
Tax Facts to Know If You’re Selling Your Home This Year
Posted on August 2nd, 2020
In most cases, gains from sales are taxable. But did you know that if you sell your home, you may not have to pay taxes? Here are ten facts to keep in mind if you sell your home this year. Read More…
Tags: Real Estate, Tax Tips
Tax Breaks for Teachers and Educators
Posted on August 1st, 2020
While many schools are switching to hybrid or remote learning models, teachers and other educators should remember that they can still deduct certain unreimbursed expenses such as classroom supplies, training, and travel. Deducting these expenses helps reduce the amount of tax owed when filing a tax return.
To qualify for the deduction, the taxpayer must be a kindergarten through grade 12 teacher, instructor, counselor, principal, or aide. They must also work at least 900 hours a school year in a school that provides elementary or secondary education as determined under state law. Read More…
Tags: Deductions, Tax
Five Small Business Tax Tips: Payroll Expenses
Posted on August 1st, 2020
Federal law requires most employers to withhold federal taxes from their employees’ wages. Whether you’re a small business owner who’s just starting or one who has been in business a while and is ready to hire an employee or two, here are five things you should know about withholding, reporting, and paying employment taxes. Read More…
Tax Due Dates for August 2020
Posted on August 1st, 2020
AUGUST 10
Employees Who Work for Tips – If you received $20 or more in tips during July, report them to your employer. You can use Form 4070.
Employers – Social Security, Medicare, and withheld income tax. File Form 941 for the second quarter of 2020. This due date applies only if you deposited the tax for the quarter in full and on time.
AUGUST 17
Employers – Non-payroll withholding. If the monthly deposit rule applies, deposit the tax for payments in July.
Employers – Social Security, Medicare, and withheld income tax. If the monthly deposit rule applies, deposit the tax for payments in July.
Tags: Tax Due Dates