Making a personal loan to a family member or friend can create unexpected tax issues. If the loan carries little or no interest, the IRS might treat all or part of it as a taxable gift under the below-market loan rules. To pass muster with the IRS, your loan should be backed by a written […]
Families looking for another way to save for a child’s future may want to consider Section 530A accounts. Created by the 2025 tax legislation commonly referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, these tax-advantaged savings accounts, also known as Trump Accounts, are designed to help children build long-term assets. The ability to contribute […]
Access to capital helps small businesses succeed and grow. Whether you need to cover cash flow gaps, fund expansion plans or invest in long-term assets, it’s important to understand all your financing options. This will help you make informed decisions and select funding that aligns with your goals. 5 Financing Options to Consider "Your business […]
With year-end fast approaching, now is a good time to review strategies that could affect your business’s 2026 tax liability. One area that may deserve attention is the tax treatment of advance payments. Some accrual-basis businesses may be able to defer recognizing a portion of that income. A Tax-Planning Strategy For federal income tax purposes, […]
If you’re single with no children, an estate plan can help ensure your wishes will be carried out and important decisions remain in trusted hands. Without a will, state intestacy laws generally determine who inherits assets. While beneficiary designations may control certain accounts, assets without beneficiary designations or joint ownership typically pass according to state […]
Due to rising fuel costs, the IRS has increased the 2026 cents-per-mile rates for calculating certain vehicle deductions. Effective July 1, 2026, the standard mileage rate for the business use of a car, SUV, van, pickup truck or panel truck is 76 cents per mile, up from 72.5 cents per mile for the first half […]
Offering employees retirement options can be an effective way for small business owners to attract and retain talent. If you’re concerned about cost and administrative complexity, you’re not alone. Fortunately, several options are available, including a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan. Establishing a SEP Plan You can set up a SEP plan for a given […]
When you’re not using your vacation home, renting it out can generate extra income. But it can also affect your taxes, depending on how often you rent and use the property personally. The 14-Day Rule In some situations, renting out a vacation home can generate tax-free rental income. If it’s rented for 14 or fewer […]
An emergency fund is key to long-term financial security. Over time, changes in expenses, income, family needs and financial priorities can affect how much emergency savings you need. Regularly reviewing your reserves can help ensure they’re sufficient to support your lifestyle and broader financial strategy. How Much Is Enough? Financial professionals have long recommended maintaining […]
In most cases, you aren’t required to withhold taxes from payments to independent contractors. However, there are situations in which the “backup withholding” rules apply. Backup withholding is most commonly required when a contractor fails to provide a correct Social Security number or Employer Identification Number, or doesn’t properly complete Form W-9, “Request for Taxpayer […]
