Tax season front and center. Some people have gotten their taxes done, good for you. This article is for the other part of the population that is still putting together the information they need to file, and those who haven’t moved a muscle to get started. Unless you are an accountant it might be hard to tell what is taxable … Read More
Social Security Benefits & Taxes: The Facts
Social Security Benefits & Taxes: The Facts Social Security benefits include monthly retirement, survivor, and disability benefits; they do not include Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, which are not taxable. Generally, you pay federal income taxes on your Social Security benefits only if you have other substantial income in addition to your benefits. Examples include wages, self-employment, interest, dividends, and … Read More
Relief for Taxpayers Struggling with Tax Debt
RELIEF FOR TAXPAYERS STRUGGLING WITH TAX DEBTS While there have always been payment options available from the IRS to help taxpayers struggling to pay tax debts, the new IRS Taxpayer Relief Initiative was put into place to expand these options and offer relief during the pandemic. These revised COVID-related collection procedures will help taxpayers, especially those who have a record … Read More
Identity Protection PIN Available to All Taxpayers
Fraudulent Federal Tax Returns are on the rise! Starting in January 2021, In order to help combat this, the IRS Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program will be expanded to all taxpayers who can properly verify their identity. Previously, IP PINs were only available to identity theft victims. WHAT IS AN IDENTITY PROTECTION PIN? An identity protection personal identification number (IP … Read More
Retirement Contribution Limits for 2021
Retirement Contribution Limits for 2021 Cost of living adjustments affecting dollar limitations for pension plans and other retirement-related items for 2021 are as follows: 401(k), 403(b), 457 plans, and Thrift Savings Plan Contribution limits for employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan remain unchanged at $19,500. The catch-up contribution limit for … Read More
Individual Tax Payer: Recap for 2020
As we close out the year and get ready for tax season, here’s what individuals and families need to know about tax provisions for 2020. Personal Exemptions Personal exemptions are eliminated for tax years 2018 through 2025. Standard Deductions The standard deduction for married couples filing a joint return in 2020 is $24,800. For singles and married individuals filing separately, … Read More
Tips for Taxpayers
Taxpayers receiving certain types of income typically reported on certain Forms 1099 and W-2G may need to have backup withholding deducted from these payments. Here are three tips to help taxpayers understand backup withholding: 1. Backup withholding is required on certain non-payroll amounts when certain conditions apply. The payer making such payments to the payee doesn’t generally withhold taxes, and … Read More
Tax Preparation vs Tax Planning
Many people assume tax planning is the same as tax preparation, but the two are quite different. Let’s take a closer look: WHAT IS TAX PREPARATION? Tax preparation is the process of preparing and filing a tax return. Generally, it is a one-time event that culminates in signing your return and finding out whether you owe the IRS money or … Read More
Seasonal Workers and healthcare law
Businesses often need to hire workers on a seasonal or part-time basis. For example, some businesses may need seasonal help for the harvest, holidays, commercial fishing, or sporting events. Whether you are getting paid or paying someone else, questions can often arise over whether these seasonal workers affect employers with regard to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). For the purposes … Read More
Educator Expense Deduction
HOW THE EDUCATOR EXPENSE DEDUCTION WORKS Even with COVID-19 in full swing, schooling in-person or virtual is moving on. Educators should be aware that they can deduct up to $250 of unreimbursed business expenses. If both spouses are eligible educators and file a joint return, they may deduct up to $500, but not more than $250 each. According to the … Read More
Protect Tax Records Before Disaster Strikes
We have seen in recent times how quickly our lives can be upended by natural & man made disasters. As such, it’s always a good idea to plan for what to do in case of a disaster. Here are some simple steps you can take right now to prepare: Backup Records Electronically. Many people receive bank statements by email. This … Read More
Surviving the Recession: Things you can do to keep afloat
Surviving the Recession If you are a small business owner, it has rarely been a cake walk. But, with the Pandemic still raging, it has been made incredibly challenging. It is more important than ever to get your company financially fit. The basic rules still apply for guiding you out of this financial stress test. Know the Numbers We believe … Read More
We Moved, New Rochester Office
We Moved! New Rochester, NY Office, Same Trusted Advisors One thing that will never change is that TYS is upstairs and to the right. Our landlord is demolishing our old office park, so they decided to move us! You’ll now find us at 242 Willowbrook Office Park in Fairport. We want you to know that we are the same TYS … Read More
CARES ACT & SBA Loans
Learn more about the CARES ACT & the available Loans from the SBA (Small Business Administration) and what that might mean to you and your business, just watch this video of a recent webinar. Co-founder and partner of TYS LLP Glen Thomas, discuss with Terence L. Lau, JD Dean College of Business California State University, Chico explore who can benefit … Read More
IRS Announces a Filing Extension
Tax Day Filing Extension Announced Due to the economic upheaval COVID-19 has created throughout the US, the IRS is giving taxpayers a break by pushing the April 15 payment and filing deadline to July 15h of this year. Laura Saunders from the Wall Street Journal puts it ” “In short, taxpayers shouldn’t blow off their April 15 IRS filings just … Read More
Do I need to File a 2019 Tax Return?
Most people file a tax return because they have to, but even if you don’t, there are times when you should – because you might be eligible for a tax refund and not know it. The tax tips below should help you determine whether you’re one of them. GENERAL FILING RULES Whether you need to file a tax return this … Read More