2024 Tax Considerations
Please click the heading below to jump to the section you like to read! Individual Income Tax Provisions Individual Tax Changes New income tax rates and brackets. For tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026, seven tax rates apply for individuals: 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%. The…
Run a business with your spouse? You may encounter unique tax issues
Do you and your spouse together operate a profitable unincorporated small business? If so, you face some challenging tax issues. The partnership issue An unincorporated business with your spouse is classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, unless you can avoid that treatment. Otherwise, you must file an annual partnership return using Form 1065….
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 to $25,000 of annual qualified tip income. It begins to…
New rules could boost your R&E tax savings in 2025
A major tax change is here for businesses with research and experimental (R&E) expenses. On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) reinstated the immediate deduction for U.S.-based R&E expenses, reversing rules under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) that required businesses to capitalize and amortize these costs over five years (15 years…
Teachers and others can deduct eligible educator expenses this year — and more next year and beyond
At back-to-school time, much of the focus is on the students returning to the classroom — and on their parents buying them school supplies, backpacks, clothes, etc., for the new school year. But teachers are also buying school supplies for their classrooms. And in many cases, they don’t receive reimbursement. Fortunately, they may be able…
Investing in qualified small business stock now offers expanded tax benefits
By purchasing stock in certain small businesses, you can diversify your investment portfolio. You also may enjoy preferential tax treatment, some of which is getting even better under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that was signed into law in July: Qualified small business (QSB) stock now offers more tax-saving opportunities. QSB defined A…
Lower your self-employment tax bill by switching to an S corporation
If you own an unincorporated small business, you may be frustrated with high self-employment (SE) tax bills. One way to lower your SE tax liability is to convert your business to an S corporation. SE tax basics Sole proprietorship income, as well as partnership income that flows through to partners (except certain limited partners), is subject…
The next estimated tax payment deadline is coming up soon
If you make quarterly estimated tax payments, the amount you owe may be affected by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The law, which was enacted on July 4, 2025, introduces new deductions, credits and tax provisions that could shift your income tax liability this year. Tax basics Federal estimated tax payments are designed to ensure…
A tax guide to choosing the right business entity
One of the most critical decisions entrepreneurs make when starting or restructuring a business is choosing the right entity type. This choice directly impacts how the business is taxed, the level of administrative complexity and regulatory compliance obligations. While legal liability considerations also matter, we will focus on tax implications. For liability advice, consult a…
No tax on car loan interest under the new law? Not exactly
Under current federal income tax rules, so-called personal interest expense generally can’t be deducted. One big exception is qualified residence interest or home mortgage interest, which can be deducted, subject to some limitations, if you itemize deductions on your tax return. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) adds another exception for eligible car loan…
The new law includes a game-changer for business payment reporting
The One, Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) contains a major overhaul to an outdated IRS requirement. Beginning with payments made in 2026, the new law raises the threshold for information reporting on certain business payments from $600 to $2,000. Beginning in 2027, the threshold amount will be adjusted for inflation. The current requirement: $600 threshold…
