Archived Posts: Tax planning

Taxable vs. Nontaxable Income

Taxable vs. Nontaxable Income

Are you wondering if there's a hard and fast rule about what income is taxable and what income is not taxable? The quick answer is that all income is taxable unless the law specifically excludes it. But as you might have guessed, there's more to it than that. Taxable income includes any money you receive, such as wages, tips, and unemployment compensation. It can also include noncash income from property or services. For example, both parties in a barter exchange must include the fair market...

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Year-End Tax Planning Strategies for Business Owners

Year-End Tax Planning Strategies for Business Owners

Several end-of-year tax planning strategies are available to business owners that can be used to reduce their tax liability. Let's take a look: Deferring Income Businesses using the cash method of accounting can defer income into 2021 by delaying end-of-year invoices so that payment is not received until 2021. Businesses using the accrual method can defer income by postponing the delivery of goods or services until January 2021. Purchase New Business Equipment Bonus Depreciation. Businesses...

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Individual Taxpayers: Year-End Tax Planning Strategies

With the end of the year fast approaching, now is the time to take a closer look at tax planning strategies you can use to minimize your tax burden for 2020. General Tax Planning Strategies General tax planning strategies for individuals include accelerating or deferring income and deductions, as well as careful consideration of timing-related tax planning strategies concerning investments, charitable gifts, and retirement planning. For example, taxpayers might consider using one or more of...

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Tax Preparation vs. Tax Planning

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 will be receiving a refund. For most people, tax preparation involves one or two trips to your accountant (CPA), generally around tax time (i.e., between...

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