18 Feb 2024
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IRAs: Build a Tax-Favored Retirement Nest Egg

Roger Rossmeisl, CPA
Individual Tax Briefs
IRAs: Build a Tax-Favored Retirement Nest Egg

Although traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs have been around for decades, the rules involved have changed many times. The Secure 2.0 law, which was enacted at the end of 2022, brought even more changes that made IRAs more advantageous for many taxpayers. What hasn’t changed is that they can help you save for retirement on a tax-favored basis. Here’s an overview of the basic rules and some of the recent changes. Rules for traditional IRAs You can make an annual deductible contribution to a traditional IRA if: You (and your spouse) aren’t active participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans, or You (or your spouse) are active participants in an employer plan, and your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) doesn’t exceed certain levels that vary annually by filing status. For...

18 Feb 2024
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Answers to Your Tax Season Questions

Roger Rossmeisl, CPA
Individual Tax Briefs
Answers to Your Tax Season Questions

The IRS announced it opened the 2024 income tax return filing season on January 29. That’s when the tax agency began accepting and processing 2023 tax year returns. Here are answers to seven tax season questions we receive at this time of year. (1)  What are this year’s deadlines? The filing deadline to submit 2023 returns or file an extension is Monday, April 15, 2024, for most taxpayers. Taxpayers living in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 17, due to state holidays. If taxpayers reside in a federally declared disaster area, they may have additional time to file. (2) When is my return due if I request an extension? If you’re requesting an extension, you’ll have until October 15, 2024, to file. Keep in mind that an extension of time...

13 Feb 2024
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The Kiddie Tax Could Affect Your Children Until They’re Young Adults

Roger Rossmeisl, CPA
Individual Tax Briefs
The Kiddie Tax Could Affect Your Children Until They're Young Adults

The so-called “kiddie tax” can cause some of a child’s unearned income to be taxed at the parent’s higher marginal federal income tax rates instead of at the usually much lower rates that a child would otherwise pay. For purposes of this federal income tax provision, a “child” can be up to 23 years old. So, the kiddie tax can potentially affect young adults as well as kids. Kiddie tax basics Perhaps the most important thing to know about this poorly understood provision is that, for a student, the kiddie tax can be an issue until the year that he or she turns age 24. For that year and future years, your child is finally kiddie-tax-exempt. The kiddie tax is only assessed on a child’s (or young adult’s)...

04 Feb 2024
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It’s Possible (But Not Easy) to Claim a Medical Expense Tax Deduction

Roger Rossmeisl, CPA
Individual Tax Briefs
It's Possible (But Not Easy) to Claim a Medical Expense Tax Deduction

One of your New Year’s resolutions may be to pay more attention to your health. Of course, that may cost you. Can you deduct your out-of-pocket medical costs on your tax return? It depends. Many expenses are tax deductible, but there are several requirements and limitations that make it difficult for many taxpayers to actually claim a deduction. The rules Medical expenses can be claimed as a deduction only to the extent your unreimbursed costs exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. Plus, medical expenses are deductible only if you itemize, which means that your itemized deductions must exceed your standard deduction. Due to changes in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which generally went into effect in 2018, many taxpayers no longer itemize. Eligible medical costs include...

01 Jan 2024
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Don’t Overlook Taxes When Contemplating a Move to Another State

Roger Rossmeisl, CPA
Individual Tax Briefs
Don't Overlook Taxes When Contemplating a Move to Another State

When you retire, you may think about moving to another state — perhaps because the weather is more temperate or because you want to be closer to family members. Don’t forget to factor state and local taxes into the equation. Establishing residency for state tax purposes may be more complex than you think. Pinpoint all applicable taxes It may seem like a smart idea to simply move to a state with no personal income tax. But, to make a wise and informed decision, you must consider all taxes that can potentially apply to a state resident. In addition to income taxes, these may include property taxes, sales taxes and estate taxes. If the state you’re considering has an income tax, look at the types of income it taxes....

01 Jan 2024
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Court Awards and Out-of-Court Settlements May (or May Not) Be Taxed

Roger Rossmeisl, CPA
Individual Tax Briefs
Court Awards and Out-of-Court Settlements May (or May Not) be Taxed

Monetary awards and settlements are often provided for an array of reasons. For example, a person could receive compensatory and punitive damage payments for personal injury, discrimination or harassment. Some of this money is taxed by the federal government, and perhaps by state governments. Hopefully, you’ll never need to know how payments for personal injuries are taxed. But here are the basic rules — just in case you or a loved one does receive an award or settlement and needs to understand them. Under tax law, individuals are permitted to exclude from gross income damages that are received on account of a personal physical injury or a physical sickness. It doesn’t matter if the compensation is from a court-ordered award or an out-of-court settlement, and it...

31 Dec 2023
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The “Nanny Tax” Must be Paid for Nannies and Other Household Workers

Roger Rossmeisl, CPA
Individual Tax Briefs
The Nanny Tax Must be Paid for Nannies and Other Household Workers

You may have heard of the “nanny tax.” But if you don’t employ a nanny, you may think it doesn’t apply to you. Check again. Hiring a housekeeper, gardener or other household employee (who isn’t an independent contractor) may make you liable for federal income and other taxes. You may also have state tax obligations. If you employ a household worker, you aren’t required to withhold federal income taxes from pay. However, you may choose to withhold if the worker requests it. In that case, ask the worker to fill out a Form W-4. However, you may be required to withhold Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes and to pay federal unemployment (FUTA) tax. Threshold increasing in 2024 In 2023, you must withhold and pay FICA taxes if...

26 Nov 2023
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Filing a Final Return for a Deceased Taxpayer

Roger Rossmeisl, CPA
Individual Tax Briefs
Filing a Final Return for a Deceased Taxpayer

As reported via IRS Tax Tip 2023-51 4/17/2023 After someone with a filing requirement passes away, their surviving spouse or representative should file the deceased person's final tax return. On the final tax return, the surviving spouse or representative should note that the person has died. The IRS doesn't need a copy of the death certificate or other proof of death. Usually, the representative filing the final tax return is named in the person's will or appointed by a court. Sometimes when there isn't a surviving spouse or appointed representative, a personal representative will file the final return and attach Form 1310, Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased Taxpayer. Things to know about filing the final tax return Generally, the final individual income tax return of a deceased...

26 Nov 2023
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Individual Home Energy Tax Credits for 2023

Roger Rossmeisl, CPA
Individual Tax Briefs
Individual Home Energy Tax Credits for 2023

Taxpayers who make home energy improvements in 2023 may be able to benefit from tax credits for a portion of the qualifying expenses. The credit amounts have been increased, and types of qualifying expenses were expanded, by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This post is intended to assist taxpayers in comparing the tax credits available for making energy home improvements.  Who can claim energy credits There are two energy-related credits available to taxpayers who make qualifying improvements to their home: the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit,or the Residential Energy Clean Property Credit. A taxpayer may claim these credits in the year the qualifying improvement has been made to their primary home. Ordinarily, a taxpayer's primary home is where the taxpayer spends most of their time. Additionally, qualification...

ROGER ROSSMEISL, CPA

Kho & Patel CPAs
160 E. Arrow Highway
San Dimas, CA 91773

(714) 325-0442
roger@khopatel.com

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