Tax Articles

A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a flexible tool for charitable giving that allows you to allocate funds during your lifetime and direct donations over time. It can be established with an initial contribution, managed by a financial institution, and offers tax benefits while ensuring your charitable legacy continues after your death.

For 2025, many business tax limits have increased due to inflation adjustments. Key changes include higher limits for Section 179 expensing, standard mileage rates, and various retirement plan contributions.

When planning your estate, leaving specific assets to specific heirs might seem like a good idea, but it can lead to unintended consequences. For example, changes in asset values over time can result in unequal distributions among heirs, potentially disinheriting some family members. To avoid such outcomes, consider distributing your wealth based on percentages or dollar values rather than specific assets.

Relocating a trust to a state with low or no income taxes can offer significant tax advantages, especially for irrevocable, non-grantor trusts that accumulate substantial income.

In 2025, both new and used heavy SUVs, pickups, and vans can offer significant first-year depreciation write-offs if used more than 50% for business purposes. Additionally, setting up a home office can further enhance tax savings by allowing you to qualify for home office deductions, making it easier to pass the over-50%-business-use test for your heavy vehicle.

Estate planning for individuals living outside the United States involves understanding domicile and residency, navigating tax implications, and considering asset location and jurisdiction. It also requires awareness of marital deduction rules, succession laws, and the importance of professional advice to ensure a comprehensive and compliant estate plan.

Section 1231 of the Internal Revenue Code governs the tax treatment of gains and losses from the sale of specific business properties. Gains from Section 1231 assets can be treated as long-term capital gains, while losses can be treated as ordinary losses, providing favorable tax outcomes. However, the nonrecaptured Section 1231 loss rule can affect the timing and treatment of these gains and losses.

The IRS in the past year has continued to ramp up its scrutiny of partnerships’ tax positions, including several pieces of new guidance taking a multiprong approach to partnership “basis shifting” transactions that the agency views as having the potential for abuse. At the same time, IRS is dedicating new funding and resources to examining partnerships. 

Choosing a guardian for your child involves designating someone in a legally valid legal document who can take on the responsibility if you pass away or become incapacitated. It's important to select a trustworthy person with the necessary time and resources, and to consider the child's best interests, including their living arrangements and relationship with the guardian.

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal tax credit available to employers who hire individuals from targeted groups facing significant barriers to employment. The credit can be as much as $2,400 per eligible employee. To qualify, employers must complete a pre-screening notice and file Form 8850.