by Laurel | Nov 20, 2011 | Deferring Income
Why defer your income into 2012 this year? • Deferring income into 2012 is an especially good idea for taxpayers who anticipate being in a lower tax bracket next year, generally because of much-reduced income or much-increased deductible expenses. You many consider...
by Hilary Craig | Nov 18, 2011 | Deductions
It may be beneficial to accelerate paying deductions such as paying your 4thquarter state estimated tax installment in December instead of at the January due date. Pay your entire property tax bill, including installments due in year 2012, by year-end. Try to bunch...
by Hilary Craig | Nov 17, 2011 | Business Tax Tips
This is also known as Section 179 Expensing. Business should take advantage of Section 179 expensing this year for a couple of reasons. First, is that starting in tax year 2010 and continuing into tax year 2011, the maximum Section 179 expense deduction for equipment...
by Hilary Craig | Nov 16, 2011 | Tax Credits
If you haven’t taken advantage of energy tax credits for your home, 2011 is your last chance. The credits–10% of cost up to $500 or a specific amount from $50 – $300–expire on December 31, 2011 and only apply to improvements in an existing home...
by Hilary Craig | Nov 15, 2011 | Business Tax Tips
Partnership or S Corporation Basis. Partners or S corporation shareholders in entities that have a loss for 2011 can deduct that loss only up to their basis in the entity. However, they can take steps to increase their basis to allow a larger deduction. Basis in the...
by Hilary Craig | Nov 14, 2011 | Deductions, Gifts
Looking Ahead to Tax Changes for 2012 The value of each personal and dependent exemption will increase $100 to $3,800 in 2012. The new standard deduction is $11,900 in 2012 for married couples filing jointly. Individuals and married people filing separately will see...
by Hilary Craig | Nov 14, 2011 | Charitable Contributions
You can donate property as well as money to a charity. You can generally take a deduction for the fair market value of the property; however, for certain property, the deduction is limited to your cost basis. You may also be able to deduct charity-related travel...
by Hilary Craig | Nov 11, 2011 | Capital Gains
Minimize taxes on investments by judicious matching of gains and losses. Where appropriate, try to avoid short-term gains, which are usually taxed at a much higher tax rate (up to 35%) than long-term gains, which in 2011 and 2012 are taxed at rates of zero and 15...
by Hilary Craig | Nov 9, 2011 | Gifts
For many, sound estate planning begins with lifetime gifts to family members. in other words, gifts that reduce the donor’s assets subject to future estate tax. Such gifts are often made at year-end, during the holiday season, in ways that qualify for exemption...
by Hilary Craig | Nov 7, 2011 | Retirement
Maximize your retirement plan contributions. If you own an incorporated or unincorporated business, consider setting up a retirement plan if you don’t already have one. (It doesn’t need to actually be funded until you pay your taxes, but allowable...