Taxes

 IRS Still Improperly Handling EITC Payments

May 13, 2014 

IRS Still Improperly Handling EITC Payments

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is one of the most widely-used credits by U.S. taxpayers, it's also often mis-used and even thought the Internal Revenue Service has been scolded for its poor management of the EITC, the agency is still lacking.

Isaac M. O'Bannon

summer-camp1

May 13, 2014 

Summertime Tax Tip #3: Tax Credits for Summer Camp

Are your clients making plans to send their kids off to camp this summer? Depending on the arrangements, they may be entitled to claim a healthy tax credit – the dependent care credit (also known as the “child care credit” ) – for the daily expenses. However, there are no tax benefits available for overnight…

Ken Berry, JD

Affordable-Care-Act1

May 13, 2014 

What are the Tax Implications of ObamaCare?

Most people have heard the endless political arguments about the Affordable Care Act, aka ObamaCare, but many still don't really know the full extent of what the law is. The Affordable Care Act was enacted by Congress and signed into law by President Obama in 2010, becoming the biggest healthcare reform measure since the implementation…

 Bitcoin Users: IRS Throws Monkey Wrench Into the Works

May 13, 2014 

Bitcoin Users: IRS Throws Monkey Wrench Into the Works

After several years of head-scratching, the IRS has finally offered guidance on the tax treatment for virtual currencies like Bitcoin (IRS Notice 2014-21). In brief, taxpayers have been advised to treat Bitcoin as property for U.S. tax purposes. But accountants, particularly those with small business clients, are still struggling to get a better handle on…

Ken Berry, JD

 California Small Business Owners Expect Growth

May 12, 2014 

California Small Business Owners Expect Growth

Eighty-six percent of California small business operators believe their businesses are moving in the right direction, and 87 percent expect growth in 2014, according to the third annual small business survey by San Diego-based California Bank & Trust.

 How to Make Next Busy Season Less Busy

May 12, 2014 

How to Make Next Busy Season Less Busy

Late nights of tax filings and days dispensing client advice are easily worth your fees. But how about valueless hours spent tracking down documents, exchanging e-mails, or educating staff? Compounded across all your clients, engagements, and staff, imagine how it adds up. Is this what’s (literally) keeping you up at night?

Drew West

 AICPA Applauds Passage of DATA Act by Congress

May 11, 2014 

AICPA Applauds Passage of DATA Act by Congress

“This is an important day for the American taxpayer,” said AICPA President and CEO Barry C. Melancon, CPA, CGMA. “By signing the DATA Act into law, President Obama has paved the way for implementation of a system that will allow each and every one of us to more easily track federal spending data.”

Isaac M. O'Bannon

 Summertime Tax Tip #2: Pocket Key Tax Breaks for Vacation Home Rentals

May 11, 2014 

Summertime Tax Tip #2: Pocket Key Tax Breaks for Vacation Home Rentals

If a client owns a “vacation home” in a resort area – say, a seaside cottage or a mountaintop cabin – the family may enjoy getaways there during the summer months. But when the kids grow up and the trip becomes a hassle, the place may lie dormant for much of the season. It could…

 IRS Releases 2014 Form W-2

May 8, 2014 

IRS Releases 2014 Form W-2

The IRS recently released new tax forms for Tax Year 2014, for which individuals will file by April 15, 2015.