The 2018 gift tax return deadline is almost here
Did you make large gifts to your heirs in 2018? If so, it’s important to determine whether you’re required to file a gift tax return by April 15 (Oct. 15 if you file for an extension). Generally, you’ll need to file one if you made 2018 gifts that exceeded the $15,000-per-recipient gift tax annual exclusion (unless to your U.S. citizen spouse) and in certain other situations. But sometimes it’s desirable to file a gift tax return even if you aren’t required to. If you’re not sure whether you must (or should) file a 2018 gift tax return, contact us.
Will leasing equipment or buying it be more tax efficient for your business?
Recent changes to tax law and accounting rules may affect whether you decide to lease or buy equipment or other fixed assets. Many businesses that have typically leased assets are now buying them instead. Lease payments generally are deductible, but buying allows you to take advantage of expanded Section 179 and bonus depreciation deductions to potentially write off the full cost of equipment in the year it’s purchased. Also, the accounting advantages of leases generally are disappearing. We can help you determine whether leasing or buying is better for you.
Vehicle-expense deduction ins and outs for individual taxpayers
It’s not just businesses that can deduct vehicle-related expenses. Individuals also can deduct them in certain circumstances. But the TCJA might reduce your deduction compared to your 2017 return. For 2017, miles driven for business, moving, medical and charitable purposes were potentially deductible. For 2018 through 2025, business and moving miles are deductible only in much more limited circumstances. The near-doubling of the standard deduction may also affect the tax benefit. Questions? Contact us. We can help you with your 2018 return and 2019 tax planning.
Are your employees ignoring their 401(k)s?
Employees often grow so accustomed to having a 401(k) that they don’t pay much attention to it. Keeping your employees engaged will help them value this benefit more, which can pay dividends for you in productivity and retention. Remind them that a 401(k) remains one of the most tax-efficient ways to save for retirement. Explain that, if they’re invested appropriately, their accounts will likely rebound from any market volatility. Consider providing outside financial advisors to help employees devise appropriate investment strategies. Contact us for more info.
Careful tax planning required for incentive stock options
Incentive stock options (ISOs) allow you to buy your employer’s stock in the future at a fixed price equal to or greater than the stock’s fair market value on the ISO grant date. If the stock appreciates, you can buy shares at a price below what they’re then trading for. But complex tax rules apply. If you were granted ISOs in 2018, there likely isn’t any impact on your 2018 income tax return. But if in 2018 you exercised ISOs or sold stock you acquired via exercising ISOs, then it could affect your 2018 tax liability. Need help tax planning for ISOs? Contact us.
Beware the Ides of March — if you own a pass-through entity
Pass-through entity owners: Beware the Ides of March. Shakespeare’s words don’t apply just to Julius Caesar; they also apply to calendar-year partnerships, S corporations and limited liability companies treated as partnerships or S corporations for tax purposes. Why? The Ides of March, better known as March 15, is the federal income tax filing deadline for these entities. If you haven’t filed your return and are worried about having sufficient time to complete it, you can avoid the tragedy of a late return by filing for an extension. Contact us with questions.
Don’t Overlook Affordable Housing Investment
When smartly executed, these real estate plays offer investors and developers solid returns and the opportunity to create social capital.
HUD Announces Dramatically Reduced Timelines for Subsidized Housing Inspections
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), announced changes to the advance notice they provide to public housing authorities and private owners of HUD-subsidized properties on February 20.
Fastest-Growing Renter Segment: High-Income Earners
RENTCafé study shows more than 1.35 million wealthy households became renters between 2007 and 2017.
Rent vs. Buy 2019
Renting a 3BR apartment is more affordable than the median-priced home in 59% of U.S. markets, Attom Data Solutions finds.