Your Source for Articles on Taxes, Payroll, Business & Finances

february 2012 newsletter • issue 26

Last December, the 4.2% social security tax rate that workers pay on wages was extended through February 29, 2012. Now a Congressional conference is being held to find a way to extend the lower tax rate through the end of 2012. [more]

IRS adjusts 2012 tax numbers

Each year the IRS adjusts certain tax numbers for inflation and tax law changes. Here are some of the adjusted numbers you'll need for your 2012 tax planning. [more]

Many small businesses fail to take this tax credit

Health care legislation passed in 2010 included a tax credit for small businesses that provided health care coverage for their employees. Recent surveys have shown that the majority of small companies that could qualify for the credit have failed to take it. [more]

Are you prepared for these common business problems?

When the economy is uncertain, you must be extra careful to avoid the types of disasters that could ultimately lead to your company's demise. Fortunately, some advance planning may prevent or alleviate severe problems. Here are seven common scenarios facing owners and managers of small to mid-sized businesses. [more]

New filing requirements for foreign investments

If you own foreign investments, you may have an additional federal tax filing requirement this year. Form 8938, "Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets," is due April 17, 2012, and is filed as part of your individual tax return. [more]

Saving for retirement is a serious issue for women

Studies show that women often lag behind men when it comes to saving for retirement. That's especially troubling when you consider that, on average, women outlive men by three to seven years. [more]

Quote of the year...

Milton Friedman gives us the "Quote of the Year": [more]

archived newsletters

2012:
jan. • issue 25

2011:
dec. • issue 24
nov. • issue 23
oct. • issue 22
sep. • issue 21
aug. • issue 20
jul. • issue 19
jun. • issue 18
may • issue 17
apr. • issue 16
mar. • issue 15
feb. • issue 14
jan. • issue 13

2010:
dec. • issue 12
nov. • issue 11
oct. • issue 10
sep. • issue 9
aug. • issue 8
jul. • issue 7
jun. • issue 6
may • issue 5

january 2012 • issue 25

Major Tax Deadlines

Last-minute 2011 deal reached on payroll tax cut

Don't overlook deductions for charitable work

IRS announces business mileage rate for 2012

Make your company a good place to work

Social security benefits increase for 2012

Resolution 2012: Put your tax and financial house in order

What they say about government...

december 2011 • issue 24

Major Tax Deadlines

New law signed by President Obama

Tax-cutting time is running out

IRS issues guidance on cell phone use by employees

Don't let "sunk costs" lead to poor decisions

Do your annual review of beneficiary choices

Protect your family from these investment scams

Happy Holidays

november 2011 • issue 23

Major Tax Deadlines

IRS expands innocent spouse relief

What you should know about the sales tax deduction

New worker classification program announced by IRS

Make the right pricing decision

Debt and needy children cloud financial picture for retirees

Choosing your executor: A critical estate planning decision

Tax the rich? Who's rich?

october 2011 • issue 22

Major Tax Deadlines

Take advantage of expiring tax breaks

Consider making gifts before year-end

Two surveys reveal workplace information

Stay alert to spot employee theft

Census Bureau statistics show income decline

Take advantage of the tax-free IRA charitable rollover

Some tax facts

september 2011 • issue 21

Major Tax Deadlines

Use adjusted numbers in your long-range planning

Take a refresher course on saving for college the tax-smart way

Small Business Alert! Hackers target small companies

IRS explains the new bonus depreciation rules

No more paper savings bonds after 2011

How grandparents can help with college costs

Does this explain Washington politics?

august 2011 • issue 20

Major Tax Deadlines

Animal-rescue volunteers win tax deduction case

Heed the rules for deducting charitable contributions

Should you "ROBS" your 401(k) to start a new business?

A critical business question: Should you incorporate or not?

401(k)s are making a comeback

Financial mistakes you should avoid

Live long and prosper

july 2011 • issue 19

Major Tax Deadlines

IRS increases mileage rates

Tax tips for your vacation home

Recent reports give job market picture

Look into the benefits of a solo 401(k)

Watch out for e-mail and phone scams

Consider the time value of money in making financial decisions

Who pays taxes?

june 2011 • issue 18

Major Tax Deadlines

Make summertime tax-saving time

Tax breaks can help when disaster strikes

Small companies get additional time for reporting benefits

Why it's important to keep an eye on your company's cash

Unemployment benefits: Are they taxable?

New job? What to do with your 401(k) plan

Wedding bells are pricey...

may 2011 • issue 17

Major Tax Deadlines

IRS increases dollar threshold for tax liens

Nonprofit organizations may have tax obligations

New law repeals expanded 1099 reporting rules

Check out disability-related tax breaks

It's not too late to convert to a Roth IRA

What you need to know about private mortgage insurance

"Tax Freedom Day" came later this year

april 2011 • issue 16

Major Tax Deadlines

Get an extension if you can't file on time

Check your withholding and estimated tax payments for 2011

Businesses report increased productivity

Make your business plan realistic and useful

Survey paints gloomy retirement pictures

Do a reality check before retiring

What a waste...

march 2011 • issue 15

Major Tax Deadlines

IRS changes filing deadline

A new baby can bring a lower tax bill

Make your S corporation election by March 15

Cash in on the new business rules

Early investment planning can save taxes

Are you saving enough? Here's how to get your savings program on track

An unusual year...

february 2011 • issue 14

Major Tax Deadlines

more savings bond options for your tax refund

What's your status?

IRS announces two changes to tax requirements

Give your business a competitive edge

Time your IRA contributions for maximum growth

Talk finances with your elderly parents

A few observations...

january 2011 • issue 13

Major Tax Deadlines

Congress extends Bush-era tax cuts for two years

Do you owe the "nanny tax"?

New law includes business provisions

Reducing business overhead: How to fight the battle of the bulge

New law sets estate tax rates and exemptions

Where you hold an investment matters

Take our annual "Are You Paying Attention" test

december 2010 • issue 12

Save energy and taxes: An IRS reminder

How to deal with an audit notice

New 1099 reporting rules may be repealed

Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 includes several familiar tax breaks

Check gift cards carefully before you give

Is it time to refinance your home mortgage?

Easy on the eyes, but hard on the budget

november 2010 • issue 11

New restrictions on health accounts

Adopting a child provides tax benefits

W-2 reporting of health costs optional for 2011

It's time for year-end business tax planning

Recession changed the way we live

What the financial overhaul law means for you

How long have I been waiting?

october 2010 • issue 10

IRS increases correspondence audits

Gambling winnings and losses can affect your tax bill

Congress passes Small Business Act

If you drive for business, choose your deduction method wisely

New law raises insurance coverage on bank accounts

Keep score of your finances with a personal balance sheet

The Entitlement Dilemma: Some interesting numbers

september 2010 • issue 9

President signs Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act of 2010

Consider seven ways to cut your 2010 taxes

Important deadline extended for small charities

Look into this new 2010 tax credit for your small business

Health care law brings out scam artists

Get ready for the new "basis" reporting rules

That's easier said in which language?

august 2010 • issue 8

Homebuyer tax credit is extended

Check out disability-related tax breaks

Do midyear tax planning

Are all your business eggs in one basket?

Some college financing statistics

Safeguard your financial records

Interesting geography trivia

july 2010 • issue 7

New W-2 rule causes confusion

When you buy a house, check the paperwork for tax benefits

One-third of those eligible used COBRA subsidy

Starting a business? Avoid these hiring mistakes

Con artists target the unemployed

Financial issues the second time around

Wedded conversations

june 2010 • issue 6

Tax refunds may be delayed this year

Don't overlook state taxes in your tax planning

IRS releases 2010 vehicle depreciation limits

Should your business operate as an LLC?

Two prior IRA rules are still in effect for 2010

The big 2010 question: To Roth or not?

A few tax facts…

may 2010 • issue 5

IRS to focus audit activity in theses areas

Taxes and your child's summer job

IRS alerts businesses to tax benefits

How to improve your chances of getting a business loan

2010 HSA limits released

Working after retirement could affect your benefits and your taxes

The information contained in this site is of a general nature and should not be acted upon in your specific situation without further details and/or professional assistance. For more information on anything in our newsletter, or for assistance with any of your tax or business concerns, contact our office.

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