The IRS just released its audit statistics for the 2020 fiscal year and fewer taxpayers had their returns examined as compared with prior years. But even though a small percentage of returns are being chosen for audit these days, that will be little consolation if yours is one of them. Latest statistics Overall, just 0.5% of individual tax returns were audited in 2020. However, as in the past, those with higher incomes were audited at higher rates. For example, in 2020, 2.2% of taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes (AGIs) of between $1 million and $5 million were audited. Among the richest taxpayers, those with AGIs of $10 million and more, 7% of returns were audited in 2020. These are among the lowest percentages of audits Read More...
The SECURE Act Brings Retirement Plan Changes
On December 20, 2019, President Trump signed a year-end spending package that included the long-awaited Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (the “SECURE Act”), ushering in the most sweeping reform to retirement saving in the U.S. since the Pension Protection Act of 2006. The SECURE Act became effective on January 1, 2020, and it will inevitably affect many retirement savers, for better or worse. This act could have wide-ranging effects on the retirement planning landscape in the United States and here are a few of the most significant provisions that you should be aware of: Small Employer Credits to Expand Under the previous law, employers with 100 or fewer employees were entitled to an annual tax credit of up Read More...
More Pandemic Assistance for Dairy Farmers, Biofuel Producers, and Livestock Producers
The USDA is continuing its rollout of aid to segments of the agriculture industry impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Last month, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced additional aid to agricultural producers and businesses as part of the USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Since January, USDA has allocated $11 billion to producers, as well as food and ag businesses. The USDA is committed to providing financial assistance to producers and critical agricultural businesses, especially those left out or underserved by previous COVID aid, this new round of funds will focus on several gaps and disparities in previous rounds of aid. These investments through USDA Pandemic Assistance will help our food, agriculture and Read More...
Child Tax Credit Monthly Payments Update
Update as of 7/1/2021 The IRS has updated the Child Tax Credit Portal and you are now able to add and update banking information. We have also been hearing feedback that creating an accounting within the Child Tax Credit Portal can be frustrating and time consuming. We recommend that you create an IRS account here and then access the Child Tax Credit Portal from that account. ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Recently, there were changes made to the child tax credit as part of the American Rescue Plan Act enacted in March 2021, that will benefit many taxpayers. You can read more about the specific changes and program qualifications in our previous article. Though Read More...
American Family Plan Child Tax Credit Monthly Payments
There have been important changes to the Child Tax Credit that will help many families this summer. The American Rescue Plan ACT of 2021 expands the Child Tax Credit for tax year 2021 only, the legislation not only temporarily increases the amount each parent will receive, from $2,000 to $3,600 for children under 6 and $3,000 for children 6 and up, it also made the credit fully refundable and turned half of the credit into the advanced payments. The monthly direct payments will begin starting this upcoming July 15. These payments are not an extra monthly payment, but rather a reduction of how much child tax credit parents will receive when they file their 2021 tax return. This monthly payment is simply an “advance” on what you would Read More...
Daycare Tax Savings
Are You Making the Right Election? While many parents are still shoring up their 2020 tax filing, they are probably passing up major savings in 2021 that will need a decision now before it's too late. Not only did the pre-tax maximum Dependent Care Flex amount increase from $5,000 to $10,500 for 2021 (if employers choose to participate), but as of this March's tax reform, there's an adjusted Dependent Care Credit that might outweigh flexing this year. By potentially forgoing the pre-tax flex option, families could qualify for up to an $8,000 refundable credit on their tax return. But you cannot do both. There are a variety of factors that go into the calculation, which will be unique to each taxpayer, including income level and Read More...
Federal Tax Deadline Extended
Breaking News: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) said Wednesday that the 2021 Federal tax-filing deadline would be extended from April 15 to May 17. With the challenges of the pandemic, and the multiple COVID relief bills, an extra month is being provided to help taxpayers have the time necessary to file an accurate tax return. The extended deadline applies only to federal income returns and taxes, meaning that taxpayers will need to check to see if due dates for state taxes have been changed. Not all states follow the same filing deadline as the federal government. Estimated quarterly payments are still due on April 15. At this time, Minnesota state taxes have not extended, and are still due April 15th. For this reason we encourage Read More...
2020 Tax Planning Considerations for Businesses
There has been a lot of changes when it comes to your taxes this year – How will you take advantage? These are some things you may want to consider as you schedule your 2020 business tax planning meeting: Like Kind exchange treatment no longer applies to any property except real property. Trades are taxable in the year of exchange. 20% 199A Business Deduction - Owners of sole proprietorships, S corporations, or partnerships can deduct up to 20% of net income (excluding investment income and wages/guaranteed payments paid to owners). The 20% deduction is in effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026 CARES Act and Paycheck Protection Payments Did your business sign-up for an Read More...
2020 Tax Planning Considerations for Individuals
How will you take advantage of all of your options during tax time this year? These are some things you may want to consider as you schedule your 2020 individual tax planning meeting: The IRS has launched an improved tool to help taxpayers check their withholding by doing a “Paycheck Checkup.” You will need your most recent paystubs and your most recent income tax return. Visit the IRS website to learn more. Maximize contributions to Health Savings Accounts. 2020 contribution limits are $3,550 for individuals and $7,100 for families. 2021 limits will be $3,600 for individuals and $7,200 for families. Individuals 55 and older can make an additional $1,000 catch up contribution. You can maximize your HSA contributions even if you did Read More...
Guidance for PPP Loans and Expense Deductions
11/19/2020: U.S. Treasury and IRS issue Guidance for PPP Loans and Expense Deductions The U.S. Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released guidance yesterday, November 18th clarifying the deductibility of expenses where a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan has not been forgiven by the end of the year. PPP loan forgiveness will not be considered taxable income, so any expenses paid with PPP loan funds will not be deductible. The result is neither a tax benefit nor tax harm because the taxpayer has not paid the expenses out of pocket. If a business reasonably believes that a PPP loan will be forgiven (even if the forgiveness takes place in the next tax year and/or the business has not filed for loan forgiveness) the Read More...
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