Businesses close for various reasons. Perhaps you’re ready to embark on a welcome change such as retirement or launching a new venture. Or maybe it just no longer makes financial sense to continue operating your current business. Whatever the reason, closing your business is a significant milestone, and part of wrapping things up means taking care of a few tax responsibilities.
Don’t let the name “nanny tax” fool you. It’s a tax that applies to the wages of a variety of types of household help you hire, such as a nanny, gardener or housekeeper. Hiring extra help can ease the burden of home-related tasks, especially in the summer when the kids are home or the garden needs attention. Unless the worker is an independent contractor, you may be liable for federal payroll tax and other taxes (including state tax obligations).
Click on the links below to jump to each section in this article: Marriage and Taxes: Key Changes After Saying 'I Do' Sending the Kids to Day Camp this Summer? Combine a Business Outing with Tax Breaks Marriage and Taxes: Key Changes After Saying 'I Do' It may not be as fun to plan as the wedding venue, invitations and attire, but marriage can result in changes affecting essential tax issues that need prompt attention following the wedding: Name. If your name has changed, report it to the Social Security Administration (SSA) so that the name on your Social Security card matches the name on your tax return. To make this change, file Form SS-5, “Application for a Social Security Card,” available from www.ssa.gov. Tax withholding. Both spouses must furnish their employer(s) with new...
If you’re thinking about helping a child or grandchild pay for school, you’re not alone, and you’re not without help. While families have always saved for education, Section 529 plans have made it easier and more tax-efficient.
Ever since you became a business owner, you’ve focused on growing revenue, managing expenses and leveraging tax advantages. But don’t overlook a critical element of your long-term financial well-being, that is, a business exit strategy. Ideally, your exit strategy will help you meet your retirement and estate planning goals.
The accounting method your business uses to report income for tax purposes, either cash or accrual, can significantly impact your tax bill. While the cash method can offer tax-saving opportunities, the accrual method may in some cases be more appropriate or even required. So review your current method to help ensure you’re using the best method for your business.
Click on the links below to jump to each section in this article: Helping a Family Member Buy a Home Tax-Advantaged Savings Accounts That Benefit Those With Disabilities Facilitate IRS Transactions With a Business Tax Account Helping a Family Member Buy a Home Making a family loan isn’t the only way to assist a loved one with purchasing a home. If you aren’t concerned about being paid back, a straightforward option is gifting cash. In 2025, you can give up to $19,000 to anyone without federal gift tax consequences under the gift tax annual exclusion. If your loved one is married, you can gift up to $38,000 to the couple tax-free. If you’re married, you and your spouse can jointly give up to $76,000 to the couple, all without federal gift tax consequences (4 x $19,000). Gifts...
If you own a company and travel for business, you may wonder whether you can deduct all the costs of having your spouse accompany you on trips. It’s possible, but the rules are restrictive.
Most people feel some relief after filing their income tax returns each year. But even if you’ve successfully filed your 2024 return, you may still have questions. Here are three common ones.
The consequences of misclassifying an employee as an independent contractor can be costly. You could be liable for back taxes (including the employee’s shares of unpaid payroll and income taxes), penalties and interest. There may be serious nontax consequences as well.
