Exemptions Vs. Deductions: What’s the Difference?

The amounts for exemptions and deductions usually change from year to year. Each type of tax savings has its own rules for who may or may not take the exemption or deduction. Exemptions and deductions reduce taxable income and take effect before Line 43, which is your taxable income. Tax credits are figured after Line […]

How Early Should be Filing Taxes?

Some people wait until the last minute to file their tax returns and other want to get it over with as soon as possible, especially those getting a refund. However, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will not process any tax returns earlier than the date that it decides to open. Last year, the IRS started […]

What You Should Know About Gift Taxation

 

The estate tax, commonly referred to as the death tax, was made permanent in the Internal Revenue Code as part of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. The tax passed on Jan. 1, 2013. The tax exemption amount changes every year and the change is based on inflation. When it was first made into […]

Tips on Organizing Taxes for Your Business

If you normally throw receipts away, start keeping them for the business. While it’s not mandatory to provide receipts for your taxes, you have a better chance of ‘winning’ against the IRS in an audit. Part of organizing your business taxes is the organization of receipts, including those for services, entertainment and goods.
Start Using Accounting […]

Starting a New Business? Avoid These 3 Common Legal Mistakes

You’ve come up with a brilliant business concept and you are in a hurry to get it going. That is the biggest mistake you could make, as that leads to many other “mistakes” that could cost you success. Business planning takes time, and ensuring that it is done correctly takes a little money – but […]

When to Start an Estate Plan

It’s never too early to start gathering an estate plan. Even young adults that do not have many assets should begin working with an estate lawyer to begin the process of drafting an estate plan, especially if they have children. Many people think that death is so far off that they don’t plan. However, anything […]

Best Practices When Deducting Donations

When you make charitable donations, be sure they are deductible by following the rules the Internal Revenue Service sets forth. Certain rules apply to donations less than $250, more than $250 but less than $500 and over $500. Regardless of value, every donation must be made to a qualified charity in order for you to […]

Why You Should Plan Gift Taxation Strategically

The gift tax may have a severe financial impact on your finances, depending on the size of the gift, the size of your estate and other factors. While many do not have to worry about gift taxes, some do, as there are limits to how much you are able to gift. Keep in mind that […]

How Young Is Too Young to Write a Will?

You are never too young to make a will, as long as you are emancipated, which means you are on your own. Florida Statutes §732.501 states that you must be 18 years of age or an “emancipated minor,” and must be of sound mind. Florida statutes also provide the circumstances in which a minor may […]

What You Can and Can’t Write Off Of Your Taxes

Each year the tax code changes, so you should retain a professional to help you, especially if you have a business. However, even accountants can make mistakes and you might find yourself in need of a tax attorney. You may also wish to consult a tax attorney on major life changes, such as selling a […]