Tax Articles

Estate planning is essential for single and child-free individuals to ensure their final wishes are respected and their assets are distributed according to their preferences. It allows them to specify beneficiaries, appoint trusted individuals to manage finances and medical decisions if incapacitated, and employ strategies to reduce gift and estate taxes.

The Corporate Transparency Act is actively ongoing, and businesses are required to meet its mandates by March 21, 2025. Yet, the landscape is dynamic, with legal and political challenges unfolding that could influence how these rules are enforced.

There are complexities to federal income tax rules for individual taxpayers facing substantial business losses. We explain the disallowance rule for excess business losses, the limitations on deducting net operating losses (NOLs), and how these rules apply to partnerships, LLCs, and S corporations.

A revocable trust, also known as a "living trust," is a flexible estate planning tool that allows you to manage your assets during your lifetime and ensures a smooth transfer to your beneficiaries after your death. It helps avoid the probate process, saving time and costs while maintaining privacy, but it does not provide asset protection from creditors or direct tax benefits.

The article provides a comprehensive guide for employers on managing taxes and tips for service workers. It covers the current status of tip taxation, defines tips for tax purposes, outlines criteria for tip classification, and details employer responsibilities and record-keeping requirements.

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.