While the recently passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act primarily addresses infrastructure-related issues, it includes several tax provisions affecting individuals and small business taxpayers. Let’s take a look:
IRS Charges Fee for Estate Closing Letters
Starting October 28, a new $67 user fee will apply to any estate that requests an estate tax closing letter for its federal estate tax return. This closing letter is formally referred to as IRS Letter 627.
Shared Custody and Advance Child Tax Credit Payments
Parents who share custody of their children may be confused about how the advance child tax credit payments are distributed. As such, the first step is to remember that these are advance payments of a tax credit that taxpayers expect to claim on their 2021 tax return. Understanding how the payments work will allow parents to unenroll, if they choose, and possibly avoid a possible tax bill when they file next year.
Deferred Tax on Gains From Forced Sales of Livestock
Farmers and ranchers forced to sell livestock due to drought may have an additional year to replace the livestock and defer tax on any gains from the forced sales. Here are some important facts to help farmers understand how the deferral works and their eligibility.
Tax Benefits of Health Savings Accounts
While similar to FSAs (Flexible Savings Plans) in that both allow pretax contributions, Health Savings Accounts or HSAs offer taxpayers several additional tax benefits. Let’s take a look:
Per Diem Rates Updated for FY 2021-22
Per diem rates have been updated for FY 2021-22 and are effective October 1, 2021. These allowances substantiate the amount of ordinary and necessary business expenses paid or incurred while traveling away from home and include lodging, meal, and incidental expenses, as well as meal and incidental expenses only.
IRAs: Terms to Know
IRAs, or Individual Retirement Arrangements, provide tax incentives for people to make investments that can provide financial security for their retirement. To help people better understand this type of retirement savings account, here’s a basic overview of terms to know:
E-Signatures Extended for Many Tax Forms
To help reduce the burden to taxpayers brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, the use of electronic or digital signatures on certain paper forms they normally cannot file electronically have been extended through December 31, 2021. Let’s take a look at what this means for taxpayers:
Reporting Gambling Income and Losses on Your Tax Return
If you aren’t in the trade or business of gambling, you should be aware that gambling winnings are fully taxable and must be reported as income on your tax return. Gambling income includes but isn’t limited to winnings from lotteries, raffles, horse races, and casinos, and also includes cash winnings and the fair market value of prizes, such as cars and trips. Here is what you need to know:
Tax Relief for Those Affected by Natural Disasters
Recovery efforts after natural disasters can be costly. With floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters affecting so many people throughout the U.S. this year, many have been left wondering how they’re going to pay for the cleanup or when their businesses will be able to reopen. The good news is that there is relief for taxpayers – but only if you meet certain conditions. Let’s take a look: