What are the most common mistakes made on a tax return?
- April 20th, 2021
- David Greene
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Here are the most common mistakes the IRS sees from self-prepared returns: (1) Math errors – be sure to check your math twice; (2) Misspelled name or changed name not updated (be sure the name on the return matches the…
Are stimulus checks taxable? What if you don’t receive it?
- April 8th, 2021
- David Greene
- Comments Off on Are stimulus checks taxable? What if you don’t receive it?
If you have not received your check, first be sure you are eligible. Eligibility is based on your earnings as shown on your 2019 return. For a single person, if your Adjusted Gross Income is more than $87,000, you are…
What are the IRA contribution and withdrawal rules for 2020?
- April 6th, 2021
- David Greene
- Comments Off on What are the IRA contribution and withdrawal rules for 2020?
First I want to let everyone know that the 2020 tax return filing deadline has been extended until May 17. The CARES Act changed many rules related to IRAs for 2020. First one can withdraw up to $100,000 without incurring…
Highlights of the relief bill signed by President Trump in December.
- March 10th, 2021
- David Greene
- Comments Off on Highlights of the relief bill signed by President Trump in December.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 signed by the President on December 27 is a very comprehensive relief law but here are some of the highlights: (1) It provides a $600 stimulus check for eligible individuals, which have already been issued;…
What to know about gifting stock to a charity.
- March 3rd, 2021
- David Greene
- Comments Off on What to know about gifting stock to a charity.
There are many alternative ways to donate other than money. One I want to discuss today is the gift of stocks. If you have been holding some stocks for a good while they have probably increased in value with substantial…
Is cryptocurrency taxable? How is it taxed?
- February 18th, 2021
- David Greene
- Comments Off on Is cryptocurrency taxable? How is it taxed?
Cryptocurrency is a new medium of exchange that is rapidly growing in popularity. Before investing in any one of the types of cryptocurrency (bitcoin being the most popular) you should realize that it is not backed by or protected by…
Can a self-employed taxpayer still use the home office deduction?
- August 27th, 2020
- David Greene
- Comments Off on Can a self-employed taxpayer still use the home office deduction?
In a recent blog I discussed that unreimbursed employee expenses for a W-2 employee were no longer allowed as a miscellaneous deduction after 2017. However, that is not true for self-employed taxpayers who report their business on a Schedule C…
Is unemployment income taxable?
- August 24th, 2020
- David Greene
- Comments Off on Is unemployment income taxable?
Unfortunately, unemployment income is taxable on the federal, state and local level. However, it is estimated that 37% of Americans do not know this and assume unemployment income is not taxable. The recipient has to ask the Agency to withhold…
Can a W-2 employee deduct unreimbursed employee expenses?
- August 5th, 2020
- David Greene
- Comments Off on Can a W-2 employee deduct unreimbursed employee expenses?
Prior to 2017, if a W-2 employee had business expenses related to his employment that his employer did not reimburse, he could take a deduction for those expenses. However, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 eliminated those deductions…
What are the criteria for forgiving a PPP loan?
- July 9th, 2020
- David Greene
- Comments Off on What are the criteria for forgiving a PPP loan?
The process to have your PPP loan forgiven is very complicated and is still being fine tuned by SBA, but here are some of the rules. (1) All funds must be used for covered expenses within 24 weeks of receiving…