Tax Tips

RUSSO CPA Blog: Standard vs. itemized deductions

Business Meals Fully Deductible in 2021 and 2022

Beginning January 1, 2021, and extending through December 31, 2022, businesses can claim 100% of their food or beverage expenses paid to restaurants as long as the business owner (or an employee of the business) is present when food or beverages are provided, and the expense is not lavish or extravagant under the circumstances.

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The Facts: 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.

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RUSSO CPA Tax Tips, how filing status affects your tax return 2022

Non-Profits: Electronic Filing of Form 1024

Starting January 3, 2022, nonprofit organizations applying for recognition of exemption must submit Form 1024, Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(a) or Section 521 of the Internal Revenue Code, electronically online at Pay.gov. Form 1024, which was previously filed using a paper version, has been revised by the IRS to allow electronic filing. There is, however, a 90-day grace period during which the IRS will continue to accept paper versions of Form 1024 (Rev. 01-2018) and letter applications.

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Important Information About Economic Impact Letters

The IRS began issuing Letter 6475, Your Third Economic Impact Payment, to EIP recipients in late January. This letter helps Economic Impact Payment recipients determine if they are entitled to and should claim the recovery rebate credit on their 2021 tax returns when they file in 2022. It contains information that can reduce errors and delays and help taxpayers or tax professionals prepare their 2021 federal tax returns.

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Eight Facts About the Adoption Credit

Taxpayers who adopted or started the adoption process in 2021 may qualify for the adoption credit. This credit can be applied to international, domestic private, and public foster care adoption; however, taxpayers who adopt their spouse’s child cannot claim this credit.

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RUSSO CPA Tax Tips, how filing status affects your tax return 2022

Why Using the Correct Filing Status Matters

As taxpayers get ready for the upcoming filing season, one needs to know their correct filing status. A taxpayer’s filing status defines the type of tax return form they should use when filing their taxes. Filing status can affect the amount of tax they owe, and it may even determine if they have to file a tax return at all.

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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.

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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.

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RUSSO CPA Blog: Standard vs. itemized deductions

Tips To Avoid Fraud and Scams After a Disaster

Criminals and fraudsters often see disasters as an opportunity to take advantage of victims when they are the most vulnerable, as well as the generous taxpayers who want to help with relief efforts. Generally, these disaster scams start with unsolicited contact – typically a phone call, on social media, by email, or even in person. Reviewing the tips listed below will help taxpayers recognize a scam and avoid becoming a victim.

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