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:
Reminder: Protect Yourself From Scammers
Understanding how the IRS communicates can help taxpayers protect themselves from scammers who pretend to be from the IRS with the goal of stealing personal information. For example, the IRS typically does not call a taxpayer, but if the IRS does call, it should not be a surprise because the agency will have sent a notice or letter first to alert the taxpayer of their intent.
Gross Receipts Safe Harbor for Employers Claiming ERC
Safe harbor is now available that allows employers to exclude certain items from their gross receipts solely for determining eligibility for the Employee Retention Credit (ERC). These amounts are:
What to Do If You’re Faced with an IRS Audit (8 Tips)
“I hoped this day wouldn’t come…but I need help with an IRS audit.”
Picture this: you own a small business. You just sent out invoices a week ago, and the checks are rolling in. As you walk to the mailbox, you have a smile on your face. You pull out the mail and see a half dozen checks…and an envelope from the IRS?
Loophole: Harvest Tax Losses on Bitcoin and other Cryptocurrency
ALERT: THE BIDEN INFRASTRUCTURE BILL INCLUDES PROVISIONS THAT INCREASE THE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR CRYPTOCURRENCY TRANSACTIONS. CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION
When it comes to tax losses on bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, you’ll find in this article an escape from a tax-loss rule that does not allow you to deduct a tax loss. Yes, you read that right! The tax code has rules that don’t allow current deductions for tax losses.
Start Planning Now for Next Year’s Tax Return
This year’s tax deadline may have come and gone, but it’s never too early to start planning for next year. With that in mind, here are five things you can do now to make next April 15 easier for everyone.
Opting Out of the Monthly Child Tax Credit Payment
Thanks to the advance payments of the Child Tax Credit, approximately 60 million children received $15 billion in July, according to the Department of Treasury and the IRS. While many of these families will benefit from the extra money deposited into their bank accounts, some families may want to opt out and instead take the credit when they file their tax return next spring.
Repaying Deferred Social Security Tax
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act allowed self-employed individuals and household employers to defer the payment of certain Social Security taxes on their Form 1040 for tax year 2020 over the next two years. Half of the deferred Social Security tax is due by December 31, 2021, and the remainder is due by December 31, 2022.
Which Educator Expenses Are Tax Deductible and Which are Not?
Teachers and other educators should remember that they can deduct certain unreimbursed expenses such as classroom supplies, training, and travel — even when schools switched to hybrid or remote learning models during the pandemic last spring. Deducting these expenses helps reduce the amount of tax owed when filing a tax return.