We typically advise clients to think of the value of the gift before making gifts. Let's take a look at why. Value of the Gift Although the annual exclusion from Federal gift taxes is $15,000, this doesn’t mean that you…
You can give to a charity whenever you are able and willing to make a donation. However, for tax purposes, if you want the contribution to be tax-deductible in a given year you must make the donation by the end…
Scams are on the rise! Whether it be in the form of a phone call, email, or direct mailing, scam artists are trying to steal your personal information. The IRS has continuously warned taxpayers to think twice before providing any…
There are important 2017 tax deadlines to be aware of. The 2017 tax filing season will begin on Monday, Jan. 23, 2017, and taxpayers claiming certain tax credits should expect a longer wait for federal refunds. The IRS will begin…
Tax season is fast approaching and many taxpayers are reviewing their paperwork to figure out what documents are necessary and what can be discarded. This can be a daunting experience that leaves many with the question: how long should I keep my tax returns?
The length of time you should keep a tax-related document typically depends on the action, expense, or event which the document records. Generally, you should keep your records until the statute of limitations runs out.
Taxes are a part of life (and death) in the United States. If you earn sufficient income, then you must report that income and pay a tax on the income if it exceeds allowable deductions. One such deduction is a capital loss.
In the simplest sense, a capital loss occurs when you sell property (stock, personal property, real estate property, etc.) for less than it cost, or its basis. This loss can either offset capital gains in the year they are incurred or can be used as a deduction up to $3,000 against your ordinary income. If the capital loss is not used to offset your gains, and is greater than $3,000, then you can carry it over to the next year to either off-set gains derived in that year, or it can be used again as a deduction against your ordinary income up to $3,000.