Taxes

Shift income to take advantage of the 0% long-term capital gains rate

Are you thinking about making financial gifts to loved ones? Would you also like to reduce your capital gains tax? If so, consider giving appreciated stock instead of cash. You might be able to eliminate all federal tax liability on the appreciation — or at…

How the Social Security wage base will affect your payroll taxes in 2026

The 2026 Social Security wage base has been released. What’s the tax impact on employees and the self-employed? Let’s take a look. FICA tax 101 The Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) imposes two payroll taxes on wages and self-employment income — one for Old-Age, Survivors,…

Review your business expenses before year end

Now is a good time to review your business’s expenses for deductibility. Accelerating deductible expenses into this year generally will reduce 2025 taxes and might even provide permanent tax savings. Also consider the impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). It makes permanent…

The 2025 SALT deduction cap increase might save you substantial taxes

If you pay more than $10,000 in state and local taxes (SALT), a provision of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) could significantly reduce your 2025 federal income tax liability. However, you need to be aware of income-based limits, and you may need to…

Boost your tax savings by donating appreciated stock instead of cash

Saving taxes probably isn’t your primary reason for supporting your favorite charities. But tax deductions can be a valuable added benefit. If you donate long-term appreciated stock, you potentially can save even more. Not just a deduction Appreciated publicly traded stock you’ve held more than…

Making the most of the new deduction for seniors

For 2025 through 2028, individuals age 65 or older generally can claim a new “senior” deduction of up to $6,000 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). But an income-based phaseout could reduce or eliminate your deduction. Fortunately, if your income is high enough…

5 potential tax breaks to know before moving a parent into a nursing home

Approximately 1.3 million Americans live in nursing homes, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. If you have a parent moving into one, taxes are probably not on your mind. But there may be tax implications. Here are five possible tax breaks. Long-term medical…

Tax Court case provides lessons on best recordkeeping practices for businesses

Running a successful business requires more than delivering great products or services. Behind the scenes, meticulous recordkeeping plays a crucial role in financial health, compliance and tax savings. Good records can mean the difference between successfully defending a deduction and losing valuable tax breaks. A…

The power of catch-up retirement account contributions after 50

Are you age 50 or older? You’ve earned the right to supercharge your retirement savings with extra “catch-up” contributions to your tax-favored retirement account(s). And these contributions are more valuable than you may think. IRA contribution amounts For 2025, eligible taxpayers can make contributions to…

Payroll tax implications of new tax breaks on tips and overtime

Before the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), tip income and overtime income were fully taxable for federal income tax purposes. The new law changes that. Tip income deduction For 2025–2028, the OBBBA creates a new temporary federal income tax deduction that can offset up…