There are several ways to save for your child’s or grandchild’s education, including with a Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA). Although for federal tax purposes there’s no upfront deduction for contributions made to an ESA, the earnings on the contributions grow tax-free. In addition, no tax is due when the funds in the account are[ … ]
Category: Tax Bites
The DOL announces final overtime rule impacting Arizona businesses
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released a long-anticipated final ruling on September 24, 2019, which revises federal overtime regulations. Changes will be effective January 1, 2020, resulting in the eligibility of overtime pay for approximately 1.3 million workers. As many business owners may recall, a similar overtime regulation update was initiated by the Obama[ … ]
Understanding and controlling the unemployment tax costs of your business
As an employer, you must pay federal unemployment (FUTA) tax on amounts up to $7,000 paid to each employee as wages during the calendar year. The rate of tax imposed is 6% but can be reduced by a credit (described below). Most employers end up paying an effective FUTA tax rate of 0.6%. An employer[ … ]
Take advantage of the gift tax exclusion rules
As we head toward the gift-giving season, you may be considering giving gifts of cash or securities to your loved ones. Taxpayers can transfer substantial amounts free of gift taxes to their children and others each year through the use of the annual federal gift tax exclusion. The amount is adjusted for inflation annually. For[ … ]
DOL Final Rule on Association Retirement Plans (ARPs) Benefiting Small and Mid-size Businesses
According to a 2018 study by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “approximately 38 million private-sector employees in the United States do not have access to a retirement savings plan through their employers.” On July 29, 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor announced a new rule that allows small and mid-size businesses to gain access[ … ]
When is tax due on Series EE savings bonds
You may have Series EE savings bonds that were bought many years ago. Perhaps you store them in a file cabinet or safe deposit box and rarely think about them. You may wonder how the interest you earn on EE bonds is taxed. And if they reach final maturity, you may need to take action[ … ]
Department of Labor Issues Final Overtime Rule
Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) proposed a new overtime-pay exemption trigger, which would make more than one million American workers eligible for overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA). On September 24, 2019, the final overtime rule was issued to be effective on January 1, 2020. Below are a[ … ]
Uncle Sam may provide relief from college costs on your tax return
We all know the cost of college is expensive. The latest figures from the College Board show that the average annual cost of tuition and fees was $10,230 for in-state students at public four-year universities — and $35,830 for students at private not-for-profit four-year institutions. These amounts don’t include room and board, books, supplies, transportation[ … ]
2019 Q4 tax calendar: Key deadlines for businesses and other employers
Here are some of the key tax-related deadlines affecting businesses and other employers during the fourth quarter of 2019. Keep in mind that this list isn’t all-inclusive, so there may be additional deadlines that apply to you. Contact us to ensure you’re meeting all applicable deadlines and to learn more about the filing requirements. October[ … ]
The next estimated tax deadline is September 16: Do you have to make a payment?
If you’re self-employed and don’t have withholding from paychecks, you probably have to make estimated tax payments. These payments must be sent to the IRS on a quarterly basis. The third 2019 estimated tax payment deadline for individuals is Monday, September 16. Even if you do have some withholding from paychecks or payments you receive,[ … ]
