Most entrepreneurs are hands-on people. Because they are doers by nature, they often believe no one can perform a task as well as they can, so outsourcing doesn’t usually cross their minds. Small business owners end up doing everything themselves – even simple tasks that can be outsourced to subcontractors. Guess what happens? Plates overflow, nerves fray, and things fall through the cracks. Sometimes important things. Outsourcing can prevent all of this. What is Outsourcing? … [Read more...]
Why Are Tax Industry Experts Leary of Proposed Tax Cuts?
We don’t always agree and regardless the issue, there are always arguments on both sides, and discussions are often heated. Expect nothing less toward proposed tax cuts by the Treasury Department. They are bringing forth both anticipation and trepidation by a growing number of industry experts and economists. The plan is called unaffordable and unfair. A common concern is that capital gains and dividends are taxed at a lower rate than income earned through actual work. It’s also being … [Read more...]
Are Your Clients Taking Advantage of Sellable Tax Credits?
State governments realize the economic benefit of spending billions of dollars on tax credits. Are your clients taking advantage of this? Many are not due to low tax liability. Nonprofit organizations or start up businesses that generate very little income are among them. Some states have found a solution. They have created a secondary market by enticing these types of businesses with transferable or sellable tax credits. The secondary market incentives are sophisticated and growing at a … [Read more...]
Brace For the Impact Federal Tax Cap on State and Local Deductions
Will new charitable tax credits being considered by California and other states have any impact on the 2017 federal tax overhaul’s cap on state and local deductions? Some say yes, these will work with certain qualifications. Law professor David Gamage and seven tax law professors argue that federal law enables states to offer tax credits for charitable contributions to state programs in such a way that they could circumvent the SALT deduction cap. Gamage says when structuring a state-level … [Read more...]
Tax Changes Coming How Will You Handle Mass Confusion?
Heads up. Changes are coming. We know—old news. But as rapidly as tax laws have been changing, be sure to keep this top of mind. Already in place are the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The 100% bonus depreciation started for purchases from 9/27/17. More changes are on their way. Which ones, you ask? Here’s a hint: your divorced clients aren’t going to be happy. Alimony beginning after 1/1/19 will no longer be deductible. With these … [Read more...]
3 Ways to Heighten Your Visibility And Grow Your Tax Business
Would you like to generate more revenue in your tax business? Who wouldn’t? Just like many other businesses, the tax business is a numbers game. You gather leads and eventually some go from cold to HOT and new clients walk through your front door. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Well, there’s a little more to it than that. But if you’re willing to do what it takes to heighten your visibility, you can garner a fair amount of leads—not only to sustain your business but also to thrive. Here … [Read more...]
What To Do While You Wait on CPAs
You’ve been waiting and waiting for the perfect time to reach out to your list of CPAs so you can establish mutually-beneficial relationships with them. The wait is over. You’ve read our past blogs and have done everything you can to make their lives easier during this crazy time of year. And now, the time has finally come! Tax season is over! That means you’ve got every green light telling you this is the most appropriate time to reach out to them, right? Wrong. Keep in mind that while … [Read more...]
8 Ways to Legitimize Wacky Tax Deductions
We’re sure you’re aware that there is a right way and a wrong way to do your taxes. But sometimes, tax deductions aren’t as “cut and dry” as they seem. Take, for instance, the junkyard owner who had a rodent problem. Instead of hiring an exterminator, he bought cat food and put it out to attract feral cats. The cats took care of his problem and he claimed the cost of cat food as a business expense. Or how about the taxpayer who tried to claim the cost of a daily sitter for his dog? It … [Read more...]
How To Answer The Not-So-Quick Estimated Tax Payments Question
This month we’re focusing on answering some of the most common “quick questions” that clients asked. If you missed our previous posts in this series, you can find them here, here, and here. All caught up? Great! Let’s jump into our final quick question: “How much should I pay in estimated tax payments?” It may seem easy enough to take whatever your client paid last year, divide by 4, and turn that figure into your “estimated quarterly taxes" number. But before you do that, let’s back up just … [Read more...]
Surprising Tax Deductions For Financial Advisors
Last week we kicked off the month by giving you the information you need to decide which entity is best for you. This week, we want to talk about something that you might find to be a lot more fun—tax deductions! As a Financial Advisor, you can deduct your mileage and other auto expenses, office rental, employee wages and contract labor. But did you know there are a plethora of other things that you may be able to deduct on your taxes? Keep reading to learn about some truly surprising tax … [Read more...]
