Each month Penrose & Associates shares timely money-saving Tax Tips - Sign up for our monthly tax tips guide.
Little Known Medical Deductions
The tax law defines medical expenses as the costs for diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease and for treatments affecting any part or function of the body. Obviously, this definition covers the costs for health insurance premiums (if they aren’t deducted in pre-tax dollars from your paycheck), doctors, hospital stays, diagnostic testing, prescription... Continue reading→
Your Guide to 2018 Federal Income Taxes
Filing your federal income tax return can be a stressful and complicated task. So we’ve put together this handy guide to set you on the right path and to prevent you from running around like a chicken with its head cut off when April rolls around. This guide is intended to be only a handy... Continue reading→
7 YEAR-END TAX TIPS TO BOOST YOUR REFUND
The new tax law has put a whole new spin on year-end tax planning, though it hasn’t eliminated the need to do it all together. “The tricks we had in our back pocket have been taken away in the name of simplification,” said Nathan Smith, a director in the national tax office of CBIZ MHM... Continue reading→
Substantiate Your Deductions…Or Kiss Them Good-bye?
Many tax filers claim perfectly deductible and legitimate expenses only to have them disallowed because they can’t substantiate them. Here’s how to make sure you have the right proof to get all your deductions… Out-of-pocket expenses Out-of-pocket cash expenses in connection with a business or charitable organization activity do not need receipts if individual expenses... Continue reading→
Tax Tips for Minimizing the Financial Loss from a Natural Disaster
Natural disasters can strike anywhere and the financial cost to individual households and businesses can be staggering. Insurance may help defray some of the costs associated with restoring and replacing damaged and destroyed property. In some cases, the IRS may institute special programs and provisions designed to bring added relief to victims living in affected... Continue reading→
Will More Taxpayers Owe Tax In 2019?
The Tax Jobs and Cuts Act (TCJA) was signed into law last year, with the promise that most taxpayers would get a tax break. However, the General Accounting Office (GAO) is warning that, unless taxpayers act to adjust their withholding, more than thirty million taxpayers will owe taxes next year, an increase from last year. Why is... Continue reading→
Are Your Property Taxes Still Deductible?
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made some major changes to the deduction for property taxes. Here’s what you need to know. There were several IRS tax deductions that didn’t survive the tax reform process and will no longer be available. However, the deduction for state and local taxes, which includes the property tax deduction, did... Continue reading→
Avoiding IRS Summer Scams
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to avoiding tax scams. Here’s what you need to know to determine whether an encounter – in person, over the phone or by email – is an imposter or an actual IRS employee: The IRS Does Not: Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method, such... Continue reading→
IRS Summer Tips
Before starting a summer job, or sending the kids off to camp, the Internal Revenue Service wants taxpayers to know that some summertime activities may qualify for tax credits or deductions. The IRS also recommends that taxpayers check the amount of their withholding taxes now to help avoid surprises next filing season. Here are some... Continue reading→
Check Your Withholding to Avoid Surprise
Due to the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, taxpayers who typically itemize their deductions on Schedule A of the Form 1040 are encouraged to use the IRS Withholding Calculator this year to perform a “paycheck checkup.” Taxpayers who have itemized before may be affected by changes from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Taxpayers... Continue reading→