Although tax season usually starts in late January, this year, the tax filing season is delayed until February 12, 2021. The delayed start date for individual tax return filers allowed the IRS time to do additional programming and testing of IRS systems following the December 27, 2020, tax law changes that provided a second round of Economic Impact Payments and other benefits to many taxpayers. This programming work is critical to ensuring IRS systems run smoothly to minimize refund delays and ensure that eligible people will receive any remaining stimulus money as a Recovery Rebate Credit when they file their 2020 tax return.
Employer Tax Credit Extended for Payroll Workers
The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020, enacted December 27, 2020, made several changes to employee retention tax credits. These tax credits were previously made available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The most notable change was the modification of the Employee Retention Credit (ERC). Several of the changes apply only to 2021, while others apply to both 2020 and 2021. As such, employers can take advantage of the newly-extended employee retention credit, designed to make it easier for businesses that choose to keep their employees on the payroll – despite challenges posed by COVID-19.
Five Tax Tips for Older Americans
Everyone wants to save money on their taxes, and older Americans are no exception. If you’re age 50 or older, here are five tax tips that could help you do just that.
New Year, New Withholding?
Whether you are starting a new job or reassessing your financial situation, a new year often means a fresh start. Why not get the new tax year off to a good start as well?
What is Taxable vs Nontaxable Income?
Are you wondering if there’s a hard and fast rule about what income is taxable and what income is not taxable? The quick answer is that all income is taxable unless the law specifically excludes it. But as you might have guessed, there’s more to it than that.
Who Qualifies for the Earned Income Credit
The earned income tax credit can give qualifying workers with low-to-moderate income a substantial financial boost. The credit not only reduces the amount of tax someone owes but may give them a refund even if they don’t owe any taxes or aren’t required to file a return. If you lost your job in 2020 or your earnings were significantly lower, you may qualify for the earned income tax credit; however, taxpayers must meet certain requirements and file a federal tax return in order to receive this credit. Here’s what you need to know
Tax Law for Real Estate Brokers: How You Can Benefit
The New TCJA Taxes for Real Estate Brokers: What You Need to Know
When the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) became law in December 2017, real estate professionals immediately began contacting us with questions. Are there new breaks on taxes for real estate brokers? Will the TCJA increase taxes for real estate brokers?
However, the most common question we’re getting here at Robert P. Russo CPA is this: How can I get that new 20% qualified business income (QBI) deduction? That’s what we’ll focus on now…
PPP Round 2: What You Need to Know to Cash In
The new tax law just signed by President Trump has significantly changed the current Paycheck Protection Program.
Most importantly, it provides a second round of additional PPP loan funding.
Here are the key changes — from forgiveness to the requirements for new PPP funding.
Identity Protection Pin Available To All Taxpayers
Starting in January 2021, the IRS Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program will be expanded to all taxpayers who can properly verify their identity. Previously, IP PINs were only available to identity theft victims.
What is the Excise Tax? Taxable Goods and Services
An excise tax is a tax that is generally imposed on the sale of specific goods or services, or on certain uses. Examples of things a federal excise tax is usually imposed on include the sale of fuel, airline tickets, heavy trucks and highway tractors, indoor tanning, tires, and tobacco, as well as other goods and services. Excise taxes are imposed on a wide variety of goods, services, and activities and may be imposed at the time of: