Taxes

Riding the tax break train: Maximizing employee transportation fringe benefits

There are some nice tax breaks for transportation-related employee fringe benefits. If your employer offers these tax-favored fringes, you should probably take advantage of them by signing up. Here’s a quick summary of the current federal tax treatment of transportation-related benefits. Mass transit passes For…

Can I itemize deductions on my tax return?

You may wonder if you can claim itemized deductions on your tax return. Perhaps you made charitable contributions and were told in the past they couldn’t be claimed because you didn’t have enough deductions to itemize. How much do you need? You can itemize deductions…

Looking ahead to 2025 tax limits as you prepare to file your 2024 return

Chances are, you’re more concerned about your 2024 tax return right now than you are about your 2025 tax situation. That’s understandable because your 2024 individual tax return is due to be filed by April 15 (unless you file for an extension). However, it’s a…

The standard business mileage rate increased in 2025

The nationwide price of gas is slightly higher than it was a year ago and the 2025 optional standard mileage rate used to calculate the deductible cost of operating an automobile for business has also gone up. The IRS recently announced that the 2025 cents-per-mile…

Adoption tax credits: Easing the financial journey of parenthood

There are two tax breaks that help eligible parents offset the expenses of adopting a child. In 2025, adoptive parents may be able to claim a credit against their federal tax for up to $17,280 of “qualified adoption expenses” for each child. This is up…

Is your home office a tax haven? Here are the rules for deductions

Working from home has become increasingly common. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that about one out of five workers conducts business from home for pay. The numbers are even higher in certain occupational groups. About one in three people in management, professional…

Wondering What Will Happen with Your Assets After Death? Avoid Probate and Learn More Here.

We do not typically think about what will happen when we are gone but there are some instances where thinking ahead is beneficial. This article will provide you with a brief, not all-inclusive, explanation of probate, the types of assets, ways you can avoid probate…

The Home Office Deduction: an overview of the requirements and deductible expenses

Have you ever wondered whether you qualify for the home office deduction? This article is intended to serve as a brief, not all-inclusive, explanation as to who is eligible for the deduction, various expenses that can be deducted, and other IRS reporting requirements. What is…

Do you owe estimated taxes? If so, when is the next one due?

Federal estimated tax payments are designed to ensure that certain individuals pay their fair share of taxes throughout the year. If you don’t have enough federal tax withheld from your paychecks and other payments, you may have to make estimated tax payments. This is the…

Still thinking about becoming a landlord? There are some other things that you should know.

Our last article on real estate investment focused on the passive activity loss rules but there are other tax implications to being a landlord that should be considered in addition to this. A main concern for investors in real estate not held for personal use…