26 Nov 2023
0

Tax Tips for New Parents

Roger Rossmeisl, CPA
Individual Tax Briefs
Tax Tips for New Parents

As reported via IRS Tax Tip 2023-89 in October 2019 Kids are expensive. Whether someone just brought a bundle of joy home from the hospital, adopted a teen from foster care, or is raising their grandchild. There are several tax breaks that can help. Here are some tax tips for new parents Get the child a Social Security or Individual Tax Identification number To claim parental tax breaks, the taxpayer must have their child or dependent's Social Security number, Adoption Tax Identification Number or Individual Tax Identification number. Confirming a child's birth is the only way the IRS can verify that the parent is eligible for the credits and deductions they claim on their tax return.   Check withholding A new family member might make taxpayers eligible for new credits...

26 Nov 2023
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Is Your Side Hustle a Hobby or a Business?

Roger Rossmeisl, CPA
Individual Tax Briefs
Is Your Side Hustle a Hobby or a Business?

As reported via IRS Tax Tip 2023-61  on 5/3/2023 Sometimes the line between having a hobby and running a business can be confusing, but knowing the difference is important because hobbies and businesses are treated differently when it's time to file a tax return. The biggest difference between the two is that businesses operate to make a profit while hobbies are for pleasure or recreation. Whether someone is having fun with a hobby or running a business, if they accept more than $600 for goods and services using online marketplaces or payment apps, they could receive a Form 1099-K. Profits from the sale of goods, including personal items, and services is taxable income that must be reported on tax returns. There are a few other things people should...

25 Nov 2023
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An Offer in Compromise Can Help Certain Taxpayers Resolve Tax Debt

Roger Rossmeisl, CPA
Individual Tax Briefs, Small Business Tax Briefs
An Offer in Compromise Can Help Certain Taxpayers Resolve Tax Debt

As reported via IRS Tax Tip 2023-58  on 4/27/2023 When a taxpayer can't pay their full tax liability or if paying would cause financial hardship, they may want to consider applying for an Offer in Compromise. This agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS settles a tax debt for less than the full amount owed. The goal is a compromise that's in the best interest of both the taxpayer and the agency. The application fee for an offer in compromise is $205. Low-income taxpayers don't have to pay this fee, and they should check if they meet the definition of low-income in the instructions for Form 656, Offer in Compromise. When reviewing applications, the IRS considers the taxpayer's unique set of facts and special circumstances affecting their...

25 Nov 2023
0

Understanding Digital Asset Reporting and Tax Requirements

Roger Rossmeisl, CPA
Individual Tax Briefs
Understanding Digital Asset Reporting and Tax Requirements

As reported via IRS Tax Tip 2023-45  on 4/5/2023 All taxpayers that filed a 2022 tax year Forms 1040 and 1040-SR were required to check a box indicating whether they received digital assets as a reward, award or payment for property or services or disposed of any digital asset that was held as a capital asset through a sale, exchange or transfer. Examples of digital assets transactions include: A sale of digital assets. The receipt of digital assets as payment for goods or services provided. The receipt or transfer of digital assets for free, without providing any consideration, that does not qualify as a bona fide gift. The receipt of new digital assets as a result of mining and staking activities. The receipt of new digital assets...

25 Nov 2023
0

How to Treat Tips for Tax Purposes

Roger Rossmeisl, CPA
Individual Tax Briefs
How to Treat Tips for Tax Purposes

As reported via IRS Fact Sheet 2022-37  in October 2022 Tip income is taxable and must be reported People who work in restaurants, salons, hotels and similar industries often receive tips for the customer service they provide. Tips can be taxable income, but it's important for people working in these areas to understand important details involving tips. What are tips?  Tips are optional cash or non-cash payments that customers make to employees. Cash tips include: those received directly from customers, electronically paid tips distributed to the employee by their employer and tips received from other employees under any tip-sharing arrangement. All cash tips must be reported to the employer. Non-cash tips are those of value received in any other medium than cash, such as: tickets, passes or other...

25 Nov 2023
0

Key 2024 Inflation-Adjusted Tax Amounts for Individuals

Roger Rossmeisl, CPA
Individual Tax Briefs
Key 2024 Inflation-Adjusted Tax Amounts for Individuals

The IRS recently announced various 2024 inflation-adjusted federal tax amounts that affect individual taxpayers. Most of the federal income tax rate bracket thresholds are about 5.4% higher than for 2023. That means that you can generally have about 5.4% more income next year without owing more to the federal government. Standard deduction  Here are the inflation-adjusted standard deduction numbers for 2024 for those who don’t itemize: $14,600 if you’re single or use married filing separate status (up from $13,850 in 2023). $29,200 if you’re married and file jointly (up from $27,700). $21,900 if you’re a head of household (up from $20,800). Older taxpayers and those who are blind are entitled to additional standard deduction allowances. In 2024 for those age 65 or older or blind, the amounts will be: $1,550...

19 Nov 2023
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11 Exceptions to the 10% Penalty Tax on Early IRA Withdrawals

Roger Rossmeisl, CPA
Individual Tax Briefs
11 Exceptions to the 10% Penalty Tax on Early IRA Withdrawals

If you’re facing a serious cash shortfall, one possible solution is to take an early withdrawal from your traditional IRA. That means one before you’ve reached age 59½. For this purpose, traditional IRAs include simplified employee pension (SEP-IRA) and SIMPLE-IRA accounts. Here’s what you need to know about the tax implications, including when the 10% early withdrawal penalty tax might apply. Penalty may be avoided  In almost all cases, all or part of a withdrawal from a traditional IRA will constitute taxable income. The taxable percentage depends on whether you’ve made any nondeductible contributions to your traditional IRAs. If you have, each withdrawal from a traditional IRA consists of a proportionate amount of your total nondeductible contributions. That part is tax-free. The proportionate amount of each withdrawal that...

19 Nov 2023
0

What You Need to Know About Restricted Stock Awards

Roger Rossmeisl, CPA
Individual Tax Briefs
What You Need to Know About Restricted Stock Awards and Taxes

Restricted stock awards are a popular way for companies to offer equity-oriented executive compensation. Some businesses offer them instead of stock option awards. The reason: Options can lose most or all of their value if the price of the underlying stock takes a dive. But with restricted stock, if the stock price goes down, your company can issue you additional restricted shares to make up the difference. Restricted stock basics In a typical restricted stock deal, you receive company stock subject to one or more restrictions. The most common restriction is that you must continue working for the company until a certain date. If you leave before then, you forfeit the restricted shares, which are usually issued at minimal or no cost to you. To be clear, the...

12 Nov 2023
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Facing a Future Emergency? Two New Tax Provisions May Soon Provide Relief

Roger Rossmeisl, CPA
Individual Tax Briefs
Facing a Future Emergency? Two New Tax Provisions May Soon Provide Relief

Perhaps you’ve been in this situation before: You have a financial emergency and need to get your hands on some cash. You consider taking money out of a traditional IRA or 401(k) account but if you’re under age 59½, such distributions are not only taxable but also are generally subject to a 10% penalty tax. There are exceptions to the 10% early withdrawal penalty, but they don’t cover many types of emergencies. Good news: Beginning in 2024, there will be new relief for some taxpayers facing emergencies. The SECURE 2.0 law, which was enacted late last year, contains two different relevant provisions: Pension-linked emergency savings accounts. Employers with 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) plans can opt to offer these emergency savings accounts to non-highly compensated employees. For...

12 Nov 2023
0

Are Scholarships Tax-Free or Taxable?

Roger Rossmeisl, CPA
Individual Tax Briefs
Are Scholarships Tax-Free or Taxable?

With the rising cost of college, many families are in search of scholarships to help pay the bills. If your child is awarded a scholarship, you may wonder about how it could affect your family’s taxes. Good news: Scholarships (and fellowships) are generally tax-free for students at elementary, middle and high schools, as well as those attending college, graduate school or an accredited vocational school. It doesn’t matter if the scholarship makes a direct payment to the individual or reduces tuition. Requirements for tax-free treatment Despite this generally favorable treatment, scholarships aren’t always tax-free. Certain requirements must be met. A scholarship is tax-free only if it’s used to pay for: Tuition and fees required to attend the school, and Fees, books, supplies and equipment required of all...

ROGER ROSSMEISL, CPA

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

(714) 325-0442
roger@khopatel.com

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