Tax and other financial consequences of tax-free bonds
If you’re interested in investing in tax-free municipal bonds, you may wonder if there are any tax consequences. In general, interest received on tax-free municipal bonds isn’t included in gross income for federal (and possible state) tax purposes. However, it may be included for alternative minimum tax purposes. Keep in mind that a municipal bond may pay a lower interest rate than an otherwise equivalent taxable investment. The after-tax yield is what counts. In addition, if you receive Social Security benefits, municipal bond investing could increase the tax you must pay with respect to the benefits. Contact us if you have questions about how the tax rules apply to your situation.
What local transportation costs can your business deduct?
You and your small business are likely to incur a variety of local transportation costs each year. Commuting costs aren’t deductible but the cost of any local trips you take for business purposes is a deductible business expense. Your deduction can be computed using actual expenses or a standard mileage rate (58.5¢ per business mile driven between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2022, and 62.5¢ per business mile driven between July 1 and Dec. 31, 2022) plus tolls and parking. Actual expenses include depreciation (subject to limitations), gas, repairs, maintenance, insurance, tolls, parking, loan interest and any other related costs allocable to the business portion of using the vehicle.
Shine a light on sales prospects to brighten the days ahead
Perhaps the most discernible way a sales department can help boost a company’s bottom line is to win over new buyers consistently and manageably. How to do so? First, continually work on lead generation. Actively involve your marketing department and leverage customer relationship management software. Reduce wasted time and effort by qualifying prospects according to criteria such as fulfillable needs and a timely desire to buy. Develop questions to encourage prospects’ interest and train salespeople to actively listen to the responses. Above all, position yourself as a problem solver by investing in industry and market research, as well as continually educating your sales staff.
Worried about an IRS audit? Prepare in advance
IRS audit rates are historically low, according to a recent GAO report (https://bit.ly/3SLZ9Sb). That’s little consolation if your return is selected. But with proper preparation, you should fare well. It helps to know what might catch the attention of the IRS. For example, some audit “red flags” are unusually high deductions, major inconsistencies between previous years’ tax returns and the current one, profit margins and expenses markedly different from those of similar businesses. The IRS normally has three years in which to conduct an audit. If the IRS selects you for an audit, we can help you understand the issues, gather the needed documents and respond to the inquiries effectively.
Investing in the future with a 529 education plan
If you have a child or grandchild who’s heading to college in the future, you may wonder about investing in a qualified tuition program or 529 plan. You don’t get a federal tax deduction for a contribution, but the earnings aren’t taxed while the funds are in the program. (There may be a state deduction in your state.) You can change the beneficiary without income tax consequences. Distributions are tax-free up to the amount of the qualified higher education expenses. These include tuition (including up to $10,000 in tuition for an elementary or secondary public school), fees, books, supplies and required equipment. Room and board is also a qualified expense if enrolled at least half time.
Formalizing your business’s BYOD policy
Many businesses have established bring your own device (BYOD) policies regarding employees’ use of personal phones, tablets, laptops and other tech. It’s a good idea to regularly review and, if necessary, formalize yours. A comprehensive BYOD policy needs to anticipate a multitude of situations, such as voluntary or involuntary terminations and what to do if a device is lost, shared or recycled. Clarify who pays the bill for voice and data usage, as well as whether you or the employee owns the cell phone number in question. Above all, formalizing your BYOD policy should mean having all participants sign a written user’s agreement carefully drafted in consultation with a qualified attorney.
Year-end tax planning ideas for individuals
It’s time to think about steps to lower your tax bill for this year and next. If you itemize deductions, you may be able to deduct medical expenses, state and local taxes up to $10,000, charitable donations and eligible mortgage interest. But these deductions won’t save taxes unless they’re more than your standard deduction ($25,900 for joint filers, $12,950 for singles and $19,400 for heads of household). You may be able to work around the deduction limits by bunching discretionary medical expenses and charitable donations into the year where they’ll do some tax good. For example, if you itemize for 2022 but not 2023, you may want to make two years of charitable contributions this year.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit provides help to employers
In today’s tough job market and economy, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) may help business owners. The WOTC is available to employers that hire workers from targeted groups who face significant barriers to employment. The credit is worth as much as $2,400 for each eligible employee. The maximum credit amounts are different for some employees ($4,800, $5,600 and $9,600 for certain veterans; $9,000 for long-term family assistance recipients; and $1,200 for summer youth employees). The IRS recently issued information on the pre-screening and certification processes. A pre-screening notice must be completed by the job applicant and the employer on or before the day a job offer is made.
How to handle evidence in a fraud investigation at your business
Every business owner should be prepared to act if any indication of fraud arises. How you handle the evidence could determine whether you’ll be able to prove the charges brought against the alleged perpetrator. Place paper documents in a secure location and don’t mark them up. The fewer people who touch them, the better. Digital evidence generally presents more challenges. Train IT staff to respond quickly and appropriately when fraud is suspected. This includes stopping any routine data destruction immediately. Consider engaging a qualified forensic expert who can restore deleted and altered records, identify digital forgeries, and access password-protected files. Contact us for help.
Don’t forget income taxes when planning your estate
The current federal estate tax exemption ($12.06 million in 2022) means that many people aren’t concerned with estate tax. But they should still plan to save income taxes. For example, be careful making lifetime transfers of appreciated assets. It’s true that the assets and future appreciation generated by them are removed from your estate. But the gift carries a potential income tax cost because the recipient receives your basis upon transfer. He or she could face capital gains tax on the sale of the gifted property in the future. If the appreciated property is held until death, under current law, the heir will get a “step-up” in basis that will reduce or wipe out the capital gains tax.