Filing for an extension isn’t without perils Yes, the federal income tax filing deadline is slightly later than usual this year — April 18 — but it’s now nearly upon us. So, if you haven’t filed your return yet, you may be thinking about an extension. Extension deadlines Filing for an extension allows you to delay filing your return until the applicable extension deadline: Individuals — October 17, 2016 Trusts and … Read more
Congress passes “extenders” legislation reviving expired tax breaks for 2015 Many valuable tax breaks expired December 31, 2014. For them to be available for 2015, Congress had to pass legislation extending them — which it now has done, with the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 (PATH Act), signed into law by the President on December 18. The PATH Act not only revives expired breaks for 2015 but … Read more
7 highly suggested last-minute tax-saving tips The year is quickly drawing to a close, but there’s still time to take steps to reduce your 2015 tax liability — here are some tips you must act on by December 31: Pay your 2015 property tax bill that’s due in early 2016. Make your January 1 mortgage payment. Incur deductible medical expenses (if your deductible medical expenses for the year … Read more
Reduce taxes on your investments with these year-end strategies While tax consequences should never drive investment decisions, it’s critical that they be considered — especially by higher-income taxpayers, who may be facing the 39.6% short-term capital gains rate, the 20% long-term capital gains rate and the 3.8% net investment income tax (NIIT). Holding on to an investment until you’ve owned it more than one year so the gains qualify for … Read more
Your exec comp could be subject to the 0.9% additional Medicare tax or the 3.8% NIIT The additional Medicare tax and net investment income tax (NIIT) apply when certain income exceeds the applicable threshold: $250,000 for married filing jointly, $125,000 for married filing separately, and $200,000 for other taxpayers. The following types of executive compensation could be subject to the 0.9% additional Medicare tax if your earned income exceeds the … Read more
All income investments aren’t alike when it comes to taxes The tax treatment of investment income varies, and not just based on whether the income is in the form of dividends or interest. Qualified dividends are taxed at the favorable long-term capital gains tax rate (generally 15% or 20%) rather than at the applicable ordinary-income tax rate (which might be as high as 39.6%). Interest income generally is taxed at … Read more
Tread carefully when determining compensation for S corp. shareholder-employees Determining Compensation for S corp. Shareholder-Employees: By distributing profits in the form of dividends rather than salary. An S corporation and its owners can avoid payroll taxes on these amounts. Because of the additional 0.9% Medicare tax on wages in excess of $200,000 ($250,000 for joint filers and $125,000 for married filing separately). The potential tax savings may be even greater … Read more
