We’ve reached 2021, but it has already been an eventful January. Tax season is in full swing, so we want to share a few things:
As you know, there is another round of stimulus payments. Many have already received them. The 2020 stimulus payments will be reconciled on the tax return. These payments are not income.
We will need to know the amount of 2020 stimulus payment you received. At this time, the IRS website only tells us if you received a payment, not how much the payment was. You may not have received the correct amount due to you. For example, if you had a child in 2020, you qualify for an additional $500. If you want to check on your stimulus payment go to this IRS website.
If you do not itemize deductions, you may qualify for a $600 charitable contribution deduction. This must be a cash donation, not a donation of goods typically given to Goodwill, etc.
Medical expense deduction starts at 7.5% of income, not 10% previously allowed. Keep in mind most people do not qualify for this deduction due to income levels or insurance payments.
Educator expenses now include protective equipment expenses. The maximum credit remains at $250.
Private mortgage insurance premiums can be deductible again for the 2020 tax season.
The standard mileage rate is .56 per mile in 2021.
Did you take a distribution from your qualified retirement plan or IRA? If so, and it was for COVID-19 reasons you will not incur the 10% early withdrawal penalty. Also, you have options on how much to report on your tax return. For example, if you withdrew $60,000 from your IRA you can report the entire amount in 2020 or spread this out over three years.
If you repay the loan within three years amended returns can be filed to refund the tax paid on the distribution. Contact us for the COVID-19 rules on this distribution.
Does your business receive large amounts of cash or cash equivalents? You may be required to submit forms to the IRS to report these transactions.
Each person engaged in a trade or business who, in the course of operating, receives more than $10,000 in cash in one transaction, or in two or more related transactions, must file Form 8300.
Any transactions conducted in a 24-hour period are considered related transactions. Transactions are also considered related even if they occur over a period of more than 24 hours if the recipient knows, or has reason to know, that each transaction is one of a series of connected transactions.
To complete a Form 8300, you will need personal information about the person making the cash payment, including a Social Security or taxpayer identification number.
You should keep a copy of each Form 8300 for five years from the date you file it, according to the IRS.
Although many of the transactions are legitimate, the IRS explains that “information reported on (Form 8300) can help stop those who evade taxes, profit from the drug trade, engage in terrorist financing and conduct other criminal activities. The government can often trace money from these illegal activities through the payments reported on Form 8300 and other cash reporting forms.”
For Form 8300 reporting, cash includes U.S. currency and coins, as well as foreign money. It also includes cash equivalents such as cashier’s checks (sometimes called bank checks), bank drafts, traveler’s checks and money orders.
Money orders and cashier’s checks under $10,000, when used in combination with other forms of cash for a single transaction that exceeds $10,000, are defined as cash for Form 8300 reporting purposes.
Note: Under a separate reporting requirement, banks and other financial institutions report cash purchases of cashier’s checks, treasurer’s checks and/or bank checks, bank drafts, traveler’s checks and money orders with a face value of more than $10,000 by filing currency transaction reports.
Businesses required to file reports of large cash transactions on Form 8300 should know that in addition to filing on paper, e-filing is an option.
The form is due 15 days after a transaction and there’s no charge for the e-file option. Businesses that file electronically get an automatic acknowledgment of receipt when they file.
The IRS also reminds businesses that they can “batch file” their reports, which is especially helpful to those required to file many forms.
To file Form 8300 electronically, a business must set up an account with FinCEN’s BSA E-Filing System. For more information, interested businesses can also call the BSA E-Filing Help Desk at 866-346-9478 (Monday through Friday from 8 am to 6 pm EST) or email them at BSAEFilingHelp@fincen.gov.
At David Mills, CPA, LLC, we’re small business tax experts. Contact us with any questions or for assistance.
April 15th is behind us and if you’ve filed your tax return you’ve probably had the chance to see how the Tax Act affected you. Here are some thoughts on this past tax season and about the tax seasons going forward:
If you are 70 ½ or older consider charitable contributions directly from your IRA required minimum distribution (RMD). This reduces your taxable income and is a much more tax effective way than the usual cash contributions. This distribution must be from your account-do not take the money first and give to the charity.There are some big changes that are happening and it will be interesting to see their effects. It’s best to stay on top of the changes. We can help you there! Contact us about your financial needs.
This tax season, make sure you are getting the tax return you deserve with our help. Taxes are a complex system and having a knowledgeable and experienced professional at your back can be the best way to improve your return. We offer tax planning and preparation for both individuals and small to medium-sized businesses.
For business owners, your personal and businesses taxes are closely linked. It’s especially important for business owners to have proper tax preparation. One issue many business owners face is that sometimes business owners think only of yearly taxes, but they are subject to many more such as:
Federal and state payroll withholding and taxesWe have the experience and knowledge required to guide you through the many regulations and laws. Minimizing these taxes is a goal of every business. We can help you and your business through our advising!
Many individuals believe that their tax return is relatively simple. You can go the simple route, but you are likely making mistakes and missing out on deductions you are able to claim. We can help you get the most out of your tax return.
If you are a new client, we review your last 2-3 years tax returns to check for accuracy.Get the most out of your tax return, call us today so we can provide you with professional tax preparation. You’ll see the difference for yourself and your business.
If you are like most people when it comes to taxes, you don’t feel confident in what you are doing. A tax consultant can help relieve stress and reduce mistakes while filing taxes. Check out five reasons why you should consider hiring a tax consultant.
Have you found a mistake on a previous tax return in the past three years? You can work with a tax constant to file an amended return. A consultant can help to minimize any damage that may have been caused. It can also provide you with peace of mind in knowing that your tax return will be properly handled.
Have you gotten married or divorced in the last year? If so, your tax filing may be affected.
Filling Your taxes can be time-consuming. A tax consultant will be able to work quickly and efficiently. They will be able to save you the stress of making sure your taxes are done right.
Taxes can become confusing if you live and work in different states. If you’ve recently moved to a new state it can be confusing as well.
A tax consultant will be able to assist you in the different states’ tax rules and can help you sort out any issues that arise.
A common mistake of new business owners is waiting to hire a tax professional. How you file your taxes the first year can impact future tax filings. It is important to start off right.
David Mills is proud to assist our customers with their taxes and make recommendations that fit your needs. If you need assistance with your taxes, contact David Mills today. We look forward to working with you!
With tax season approaching, it is time to start planning and preparing for taxes. In order to effectively plan for taxes, it is important to plan with an experienced professional. Continue reading to learn about David Mills’ approach to tax planning and tax preparation.
How does David Mills help you and your company with effective tax planning? We take into consideration the following things:
If you are a business owner, we take into consideration both your personal and business objectives. At David Mills, we take a long-term approach to planning. Our team will provide several planning scenarios that consider both your short and long term goals.
In recent years, there have been over 300 tax law changes and revisions. Several of the laws have limited time frames. The David Mill’s team keeps up with all of the current tax law developments that affect you and your business.
We also can answer any questions about any returns that you have prepared yourself or by someone else who prepared them for you. Our team can review your past tax returns to ensure they are accurate and provide you with advice. Learn more about our tax preparation service.
As tax season approaches, it is time to call David Mills. Our team will be happy to help you with both planning and preparation for taxes. Contact our team today for all of your tax needs!