The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) ushered in significant changes to familiar business expenses . . . expenditures for meals and entertainment.  This Tax Planning Letter, as well as Part 1 (#356), seeks to demonstrate that, while the deductibility of many entertainment expenses have been terminated after 2017, some do remain.  A number of meal expenses also evade the clampdown. Part 2 covers: the rules for the deduction of employer-provided employee meals on company premises, and genres of expenses exempt from statutory restrictions on meals and entertainment See Part 1 (#356) for an overview of TCJA changes and a discussion of whether a so-called ''business meal'' (one in which a substantial and bona fide business discussion is present during the event) continues to be deductible...

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) provides a valuable new tax break to non-corporate owners of pass-through entities: a deduction for a portion of qualified business income (QBI). The deduction generally applies to income from sole proprietorships, partnerships, S corporations and, typically, limited liability companies (LLCs). It can equal as much as 20% of QBI. But once taxable income exceeds $315,000 for married couples filing jointly or $157,500 for other filers, a wage limit begins to phase in. Full vs. partial phase-in When the wage limit is fully phased in, at $415,000 for joint filers and $207,500 for other filers, the QBI deduction generally can’t exceed the greater of the owner’s share of: 50% of the amount of W-2 wages paid to employees during the tax...

Because donations to charity of cash or property generally are tax deductible (if you itemize), it only seems logical that the donation of something even more valuable to you — your time — would also be deductible. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Donations of time or services aren’t deductible. It doesn’t matter if it’s simple administrative work, such as checking in attendees at a fundraising event, or if it’s work requiring significant experience and expertise that would be much more costly to the charity if it had to pay for it, such as skilled carpentry or legal counsel. However, you potentially can deduct out-of-pocket costs associated with your volunteer work. The basic rules As with any charitable donation, for you to be able to deduct your volunteer expenses, the...

As  posted on the Peak Prosperity.com and the Chris Martenson's Peak Prosperity YouTube Channel Background The Crash Course has provided millions of viewers with the context for the massive changes now underway, as economic growth as we've known it is ending due to depleting resources.  But it also offers real hope. Those individuals who take informed action today, while we still have time, can lower their exposure to these coming trends -- and even discover a better way of life in the process. In this Blog, I am presenting the 27 (inclusive of the introduction) installments of The Crash Course, one per week. Previous installments of "The Crash Course" can be found here: Blog (#311) Introducing "The Crash Course" Blog (#314) Chapter 1: Three Beliefs Blog (#319) Chapter 2: "The Three 'Es'" Blog...

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) ushered in significant changes to familiar business expenses . . . expenditures for meals and entertainment.  This Tax Planning Letter, as well as next month’s Part 2, seeks to demonstrate that, while the deductibility of many entertainment expenses have been terminated after 2017, some do remain. Likewise, while some meal expenses are also spared non-deductbility, questions linger as to the deductibility of the most familiar type of meal expense . . . that being the so-called "business meals" during which a meaningful and authentic discussion of business is present during the meal. Part 1 provides an overview of the changes brought about by TCJA and analyzes whether a "business meal" can continue to be deducted under TCJA. Part 2...

For small businesses, managing payroll can be one of the most arduous tasks. Adding to the burden earlier this year was adjusting income tax withholding based on the new tables issued by the IRS. (Those tables account for changes under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.) But it’s crucial not only to withhold the appropriate taxes — including both income tax and employment taxes — but also to remit them on time to the federal government. If you don’t, you, personally, could face harsh penalties. This is true even if your business is an entity that normally shields owners from personal liability, such as a corporation or limited liability company. The 100% penalty Employers must withhold federal income and employment taxes (such as Social Security) as well as...

As posted to the GoldSilver YouTube Channel on 10/5/16 In Episode 7 of Hidden Secrets of Money, Mike Maloney glimpses into the near future to show you how fast the U.S. dollar and economy could collapse. You’ll learn about the velocity of currency, a concept economists try to complicate but is actually quite simple when you realize it has more to do with psychology than numbers. You’ll also see all the potential moves the Federal Reserve will attempt to prevent disaster and how they will all fail. Mike also takes you back to the 1920s to show you the astonishing parallels to today and what life could be like in the years ahead. He is joined by Jim Rickards and Rick Rule who provide further insights into the bond...

“Going green” at home — whether it’s your principal residence or a second home — can reduce your tax bill in addition to your energy bill, all while helping the environment, too. The catch is that, to reap all three benefits, you need to buy and install certain types of renewable energy equipment in the home. Invest in green and save green For 2018 and 2019, you may be eligible for a tax credit of 30% of expenditures (including costs for site preparation, assembly, installation, piping, and wiring) for installing the following types of renewable energy equipment: Qualified solar electricity generating equipment and solar water heating equipment, Qualified wind energy equipment, Qualified geothermal heat pump equipment, and Qualified fuel cell electricity generating equipment (limited to $500 for...