Seniors: Medicare premiums could lower your tax bill
Medicare premiums and supplemental insurance can be more expensive than seniors expect. However, some taxpayers may be able to lower their tax bills by deducting Medicare premiums and other qualifying medical expenses. However, it can be difficult to qualify to claim medical expenses on your tax return. For 2019, you can deduct medical expenses only if you itemize deductions and only to the extent that total qualifying expenses exceeded 10% of adjusted gross income. Contact us if you have questions about writing off medical expenses, including Medicare premiums.
Divorcing business owners need to pay attention to tax implications
If you’re getting a divorce, you know it’s a highly stressful time. But if you’re a business owner, tax issues can complicate matters more. For example, you can generally divide most assets, including business ownership interests, between you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse without any federal income or gift tax consequences. When an asset falls under the tax-free transfer rule, the spouse who receives the asset takes over its existing tax basis and existing holding period. Contact us. We can help minimize the adverse tax consequences of settling your divorce.
Make a deductible IRA contribution for 2018. It’s not too late!
You still have time to make your 2018 traditional and Roth IRA contributions. The deadline for most taxpayers is April 15, 2019. If you qualify, deductible contributions to traditional IRAs can lower your 2018 tax bill. Even nondeductible contributions can be beneficial because of tax-deferred growth. The 2018 contribution limit is $5,500 (plus $1,000 for those age 50 or older on Dec. 31, 2018). However, your deduction or contribution may be reduced or eliminated based on your income. Contact us to learn more about retirement saving in your situation.
Understanding how taxes factor into an M&A transaction
If your company is merging with or acquiring another business, it’s important to understand how the transaction will be taxed. For tax purposes, a transaction can basically be structured in two ways: stock (or ownership interest) or assets. For tax and nontax reasons, buyers usually prefer to purchase assets, while sellers generally prefer stock sales. Buying or selling a business may be the most important deal you’ll ever make, so seek professional tax advice as you negotiate. After a deal is done, it may be too late to get the best tax results. Contact us.
Be vigilant about your business credit score
Most people know they’ll face financial difficulties with a subpar personal credit score. Your business credit score is important for the same reason. Various reporting agencies use proprietary algorithms along with other data associated with your employer identification number to calculate this score. Important factors include your bill-payment history, annual revenues and entity choice. Be sure to build a strong credit history and monitor your score for inaccuracies. Contact us for help in using credit to maintain your cash flow and build the bottom line.
Still working after age 70½? You may not have to begin 401(k) withdrawals
If you participate in a qualified retirement plan, such as a 401(k), you must generally begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) no later than April 1 of the year after which you turn age 70½. The penalty for withdrawing less than the RMD is 50% of the portion that should have been withdrawn but wasn’t. However, there’s an exception that may apply to certain people if they’re still working for the entire year in which they turn 70½. The RMD rules are complex. Contact us to customize a plan based on your individual retirement and estate planning goals.
2019 Q2 tax calendar: Key deadlines for businesses and other employers
Here are a few key tax deadlines for businesses during Q2 of 2019. APR. 1: File with the IRS if you’re an employer that will electronically file 2018 Forms 1097, 1098, certain Forms 1099 and/or Form W-2G. APR. 15: If you’re a calendar-year corporation, file a 2018 income tax return (Form 1120) or file for a six-month extension (Form 7004) and pay any tax due. APR. 30: Employers report income tax withholding and FICA taxes for Q1 2019 (Form 941) and pay any tax due. Contact us to learn more about filing requirements and ensure you meet all applicable deadlines.
FAQs about Michigan’s new Paid Medical Leave Act
Employers of 50 or more employees, but not including the U.S. government, another state, or an agency of another state. A covered employer must provide paid medical leave to all of its eligible employees in the State of Michigan.
An implementation plan is key to making strategic goals a reality
Strategic planning comprises two primary tasks: establishing goals and achieving them. The key to that all-important second task is establishing an implementation plan. First, appoint a leader to communicate and champion your objectives. Next, establish teams of employees to complete goal-related projects. Ensure each team’s members represent a cross-section of your company’s departments. Also, regularly monitor the implementation plan’s financial feasibility, considering your company’s budget, revenue projections, and economic forecasts. Contact us for help.
Stretch your college student’s spending money with the dependent tax credit
If you’re the parent of a child age 17 to 23, and you pay all (or most) of his or her expenses, you may be surprised to learn you’re not eligible for the child tax credit. But there’s a $500 dependent tax credit that may be available to you. That can provide some extra spending money! To qualify, you and your child must pass certain tests. These include: The child lives with you for over half the year; the child is over age 16 and up to age 23 if he or she is a student; and you provide over half of the child’s support for the year. Contact us for more details.