The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provided more than 11.7 million forgivable loans totaling nearly $800 billion to small businesses and other eligible entities hurt by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost $400 billion has been forgiven. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), loans of $150,000 or less account for 93% of outstandingRead more about SBA Streamlines Forgiveness of PPP Loans of $150,000 or Less[…]
Car and Truck Depreciation Limits Updated for 2021
Whether their business has one company car or a fleet of vehicles, many business owners find company-owned passenger vehicles to be an indispensible tool for running their businesses. Purchasing or leasing a vehicle can be a large expense, but this expense can be somewhat mitigated by depreciating the vehicle over the first several years thatRead more about Car and Truck Depreciation Limits Updated for 2021[…]
Do You Have a Household Employee? Are You Sure?
In an effort to capture income from household employees, the tax code requires you to obtain employee information, pay the related state and federal taxes, and withhold taxes for anyone you employ around the house. The requirement for this “nanny tax” comes into play if you pay any one individual $2,300 or more (in 2021).Read more about Do You Have a Household Employee? Are You Sure?[…]
Child Tax Credit Payments Have Begun
The first advance payment from the newly expanded child tax credit was recently sent out by the IRS. Payments are scheduled to be made on the 15th of each month through December. The idea of advance payments made for a refundable credit confuses a lot of people, so here’s what you need to know. BackgroundRead more about Child Tax Credit Payments Have Begun[…]
Plan Now to Lower Your 2021 Tax Bill
Now is the time to begin tax planning for your 2021 return. Here are some ideas: Contribute to retirement accounts. Tally up all your 2021 contributions to retirement accounts so far, and estimate how much more you can save between now and December 31. If you are able, consider investing in an IRA or increasingRead more about Plan Now to Lower Your 2021 Tax Bill[…]
Advance Child Credit Payments Update
The American Rescue plan signed in March, 2021 requires the IRS to pay out one half of enhanced Child Tax Credits (CTC) to eligible taxpayers beginning this month. If you or someone you know have children, here’s what you need to know: Current status IRS web-sites. The IRS has created two web sites to helpRead more about Advance Child Credit Payments Update[…]
2020 Unemployment Compensation Refunds Are On Their Way
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) retroactively excluded up to $10,200 in unemployment compensation per taxpayer paid in 2020. Since this new law was signed after some tax returns had already been filed, some people who received unemployment compensation in 2020 paid too much tax and were due a refund. After the lawRead more about 2020 Unemployment Compensation Refunds Are On Their Way[…]
Required Minimum Distributions in 2021
Tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs are convenient ways to save for your retirement. These types of accounts allow to you defer paying taxes on the amount you save until you start withdrawing your savings. The government does want to see that tax revenue eventually, though. To ensure that the government receives its share ofRead more about Required Minimum Distributions in 2021[…]
American Rescue Plan and the Child Tax Credit
The American Rescue Plan signed by President Biden in March 2021 made significant changes to the Child Tax Credit (CTC). These changes expand the CTC to cover roughly 39 million households, covering 88% of children in the United States, and make the CTC directly payable to eligible recipients on a monthly basis. For tax yearRead more about American Rescue Plan and the Child Tax Credit[…]
A Return to Pre-Pandemic Tax Rules
In response to the pandemic that has affected us all, several temporary changes were made to the rules that govern our tax obligations. Many of these temporary changes are due to expire in 2021, so you may need to adjust your plans in the upcoming year. Here are some changes to be aware of. RequiredRead more about A Return to Pre-Pandemic Tax Rules[…]