Category: Taxation-Individuals

3/20/20 update: Please note that on Friday, March 20, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin announced that the tax filing deadline, as well as the tax payment deadline, has been extended to July 15. Read more here. 3/19/20 update: Please note this post, originally published on March 18, has been updated to clarify the period during which any accrued tax liability that can be deferred, will be calculated.   While the particular details have not yet been finalized, the Treasury announced that… Read more ›

Several arms of the federal government have taken, or are weighing, significant steps to help the country deal with the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the implications for individuals and businesses. On March 14, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan 110-page bill that has received support from President Trump and, as of this writing, is expected to be taken up by the Senate this week. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act includes a wide range of… Read more ›

The IRS has released proposed regulations addressing the deductibility of meal and entertainment expenses in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. Among other things, the proposed regulations clear up lingering confusion regarding whether meals are considered entertainment and, therefore, generally nondeductible. TCJA rule changes Prior to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), Section 274 of the Internal Revenue Code generally prohibited deductions for expenses related to entertainment, amusement or recreation (commonly referred to as “entertainment” expenses). The tax… Read more ›

In late 2019, the first substantial legislation related to retirement savings since 2006 became law. The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act brings numerous changes to the retirement and estate planning landscape, and some of them should prompt careful review of your existing plans to ensure they’ll accomplish the desired outcomes, including minimizing taxes. The most significant provisions include the following changes: Later IRA contributions. Prior to the SECURE Act, you couldn’t contribute to traditional IRAs starting… Read more ›

In an era of uncertainty, you can count on one thing: Time marches on. While you can’t beat Father Time, you can prepare for these age-related tax and financial planning milestones as you and your loved ones grow older. Age 0-23: Beware of the Kiddie Tax The so-called “kiddie tax” rules can potentially apply to your child’s (or grandchild’s) investment income until the year he or she reaches age 24. Specifically, a child’s or young adult’s investment income in excess… Read more ›

2020 is a presidential election year. You’ll have an opportunity to cast a vote for your favored presidential candidate in November, but you can make several other key “elections” this year when filing your 2019 tax return. These elections may be influenced by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), as well as the year-end spending package that was signed late last year. Here are ten important choices that individuals and small business owners can make this tax season. 1…. Read more ›

The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act is the first significant retirement-related legislation in more than a dozen years. It brings many changes that affect employers of all sizes, including some that could be particularly beneficial for smaller employers that sponsor retirement plans. Some of the changes, however, may increase the burden on employers. Here are some of the most important developments for employers, many of which took effect for plan years beginning after December 31, 2019…. Read more ›

Councilor Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM)’s tax calendar below is current as of March 24, 2020.  To ensure you don’t miss any important 2020 dates, CBM offers the following summary of important upcoming tax-related payments and deadlines. Please review the calendar and reach out to CBM Tax Practice Director Richard Morris (click here to fill out our online form) if you have any questions about the deadlines or would like assistance in meeting them. Date Deadline for January 31 Individuals: Filing… Read more ›

With its winter recess looming before it, Congress has engaged in a flurry of activity. Most notably, it reached agreement on a massive governmentwide spending package titled the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020. The legislation extends certain income tax provisions that had expired, as well as some that were due to expire at the end of 2019. Congress traditionally passes so-called “extenders” annually, but it neglected to do so for 2018. As a result, several popular breaks for both individuals… Read more ›

On May 23, the House of Representatives passed the Setting Every Community Up For Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act, a bill endorsed by both Republicans and Democrats designed to improve the retirement system of our nation. Approximately one out of five working Americans has no savings for retirement. According to a survey conducted by Bankrate.com, not saving enough for retirement is Americans’ top financial regret. The proposed bill would bring significant changes to retirement plans. The bill includes 29 provisions, many… Read more ›