The Rise of Check Kiting and Other Check Fraud

The Rise of Check Kiting and Other Check Fraud

While the use of paper checks has greatly diminished, thieves still view them as a source for stealing revenue. In fact, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network warns that many thieves are returning to old-fashioned financial theft, using paper checks. That’s one reason why the U.S. Postal Service urges us to not send checks through the mail, where they may be vulnerable.

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Tax Tips for October 2024

Tax Tips for October 2024

Click on the links below to jump to each section in this article: An IRA Withdrawal Strategy with Tax-Reducing Power Factoring the QBI Deduction into Year-End Tax Planning for Your Business Added Protection for Your Personal and Financial Information   An IRA Withdrawal Strategy with Tax-Reducing Power As the year winds to a close, your chance to lower your 2024 tax bill also winds down. If you’re age 70½ or older, you may want to make a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from your IRA before year end. Normally, distributions from a traditional IRA are taxable. But the amount of your QCD is removed from your taxable income, which may preserve your eligibility for other tax breaks. It also can fulfill your annual required minimum distribution, if applicable. A QCD can’t be...

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Business Succession and Estate Planning Should Be Inseparable

Business Succession and Estate Planning Should Be Inseparable

If you’re a business owner, your company is likely your most valuable asset. To ensure it survives after you’re gone, you first need a succession plan that will provide a smooth transition of the business to one or more of your children (assuming you want to keep it in the family). In addition, you need an estate plan that effectively addresses the tax impact of transferring your ownership interests to the next generation.

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Tax Tips for October 2024

Tax Tips for September 2024

Click on the links below to jump to each section in this article: Medicare Premiums may Lead to Tax Savings Don't Wait Until the Last Minute to File Your Extended Return! An Employee Benefit with Possible Magnetic Power   Medicare Premiums may Lead to Tax Savings If you pay premiums for Medicare health insurance, you may be able to combine them with other qualifying expenses and claim them as an itemized deduction for medical expenses on your tax return. This includes amounts for “Medigap” insurance and Medicare Advantage plans, which cover some costs that Medicare Parts A and B don’t cover. Generally, you can deduct medical expenses only if you itemize deductions and only to the extent that total qualifying health care expenses exceeded 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. But, if...

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Tax Considerations When Choosing a Business Entity

Tax Considerations When Choosing a Business Entity

Are you in the process of starting a business or contemplating changing your business entity? If so, you’ll need to decide how to organize your company. Should you operate as a C corporation or as a pass-through entity such as a partnership, limited liability company (LLC) or S corporation? Among the important factors to consider are the potential tax consequences.

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