Traditional and Roth IRAs can be relatively “safe” retirement-saving vehicles, though, depending on what they’re invested in, they limit your investment choices. For more flexibility in investment choices but also more risk, another option is a self-directed IRA. Gaining More Control A self-directed IRA is simply an IRA that provides greater control over investment decisions.…
Whether you’re operating a new company or an established business, losses can happen. The federal tax code may help soften the blow by allowing businesses to apply losses to offset taxable income in future years, subject to certain limitations. Qualifying for a Deduction The net operating loss (NOL) deduction addresses the tax inequities that can…
The IRS has announced over 60 revised annual tax provisions for 2024 due to inflation. This includes increased tax rates for various income levels, a new tax on oil & petroleum products, estate tax & gift exclusions, and more. These go into effect for returns filed in 2025 for the tax year of 2024. The…
Did you know that you can transfer funds directly from your IRA to a Health Savings Account (HSA) without taxes or penalties? Under current law, you’re permitted to make one such “qualified HSA funding distribution” during your lifetime. Typically, if you have an IRA and an HSA, it’s a good idea to contribute as…
If you may be eligible for disability income should you become disabled, it’s important to know whether that income will be taxable. As is often the case with tax questions, the answer is “it depends.” Key Factor The key factor is who paid it. If your employer will directly pay the disability income to…
Recently, the IRS halted processing of claims for the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), due to a high volume of fraudulent claims. The moratorium is through at least the end of 2023. ERC claims already filed are now subject to longer processing, including heightened scrutiny to weed out fraud. Now the IRS is creating a…
Is your business having trouble collecting payments from clients or vendors? You might be able to claim a bad debt deduction on your tax return. But if you hope to take the deduction on your 2023 return, you’ll have to get busy, because you must be able to show that you’ve made a “reasonable” effort…
Receiving a sudden and sizable influx of cash may seem like a dream come true. It can be, but many people get carried away and end up in worse financial shape. If you’re hit with a financial windfall, here are some points you should know. Risky Conditions You may be tempted to almost immediately…
The pandemic changed the landscape of work for a lot of people, including the numerous business owners who began running their businesses from their homes. Many are still working from their home offices, whether full-time or on a hybrid basis. If you’re self-employed and run your business from home, or perform certain functions there, you…
With so many people working remotely these days, thinking about moving to another state has become common — perhaps for better weather or to be closer to family. Business owners might contemplate selling their business as part of an out-of-state move. Many retirees also look at moving to a state with a lower cost of…