The IRS is opening the 2020 individual income tax return filing season on Feb. 12. (This is later than in the past because of a law that was recently enacted.) Even if you usually don’t file until closer to the April 15 deadline (or you file an extension), consider filing early. It can potentially protect […]
Author Archive | James B. Reynolds
Educate Yourself About the Revised Tax Benefits for Higher Education
If you or your child attends (or plans to attend) college, you may be eligible for tax breaks to help foot the bill. The new Consolidated Appropriations Act made some changes. The law repeals the Tuition and Fees Deduction for 2021 and later years. In addition, for 2021 and beyond, the new law aligns the […]
The COVID-19 relief law: What’s in it for you?
The COVID-19 relief law that was signed recently contains many provisions that may affect you. The law provides for direct payments of $600 per eligible individual ($1,200 for a married couple filing jointly), plus $600 per qualifying child. The government has already started making bank direct deposits or mailing checks. Another provision extends a charitable […]
Prevent and Detect Insider Cyberattacks
Dishonest workers can initiate a cyberattack by stealing valuable information from your company’s computer network and using it for personal gain. They could be working for a competitor, seeking revenge for perceived wrongs or they may need money to pay gambling debts. You can prevent insider cybercrime by monitoring IT use, removing network access as […]
Your Taxpayer Filing Status: You May be Eligible to Use More Than One
For tax purposes, Dec. 31 is more than just New Year’s Eve. It will affect the filing status box that will be checked on your tax return. When filing a return, you do so with one of 5 tax filing statuses. The box checked on your return generally depends in part on whether you’re unmarried […]
The Next Estimated Tax Deadline is January 15 if You Have to Make a Payment
If you’re self-employed and don’t have paycheck withholding, you probably have to make estimated tax payments. These payments must be sent to the IRS on a quarterly basis. The 4th 2020 estimated tax payment deadline for individuals is Friday, Jan. 15. Even if you do have some withholding from paychecks or other payments, you may […]
Can You Qualify for a Medical Expense Tax Deduction?
Medical services and prescriptions are expensive. You may be able to deduct some expenses on your tax return but the rules make it difficult for many people to qualify. You may be able to time certain medical expenses to your tax advantage. For 2020, the medical expense deduction can only be claimed to the extent […]
Maximize Your 401(k) Plan to Save for Retirement
Are you thinking about selling stock at a loss to offset gains that have been realized during 2020? If so, it’s important not to run afoul of the “wash sale” rule. Under this rule, if you sell stock or securities for a loss and buy substantially identical stock or securities back within the 30-day period […]
Steer clear of the wash sale rule if you’re selling stock by year end
Are you thinking about selling stock at a loss to offset gains that have been realized during 2020? If so, it’s important not to run afoul of the “wash sale” rule. Under this rule, if you sell stock or securities for a loss and buy substantially identical stock or securities back within the 30-day period […]
Employees Don’t forget about your FSA funds
Many employees save taxes by placing funds in their employer’s health or dependent care flexible spending arrangements (FSAs). It’s a good time to review 2020 expenditures and project amounts to be set aside for 2021. A pre-tax contribution of $2,750 to a health FSA is permitted in 2020. To avoid forfeiture of your health FSA […]
