Numbers tell only part of the story. Comprehensive footnote disclosures, which are found at the end of reviewed and audited financial statements, provide valuable insight into a company’s operations. Unfortunately, most people don’t take the time to read footnotes in full, causing them to overlook key details. Here are some examples of hidden risk factors … Read More
Recently, the IRS updated its “Where’s My Refund” tool. Now taxpayers can check the status of current and two previous years’ refunds, including expected refund issuance dates. Updates for 2021 refunds are available within 24 hours of e-filing and four days of e-filing 2019 and 2020 returns. To access the tool, you’ll need your Social … Read More
The IRS has added more electric vehicles to its list of those eligible for a federal tax credit. The tax code provides a credit (of up to $7,500) to purchasers of qualified plug-in electric-drive passenger vehicles and light trucks. The credit phases out over four calendar quarters, beginning when a manufacturer has sold at least … Read More
Disclosure of contingent liabilities — such as those associated with pending litigation or government investigations — is a gray area in financial reporting. It’s important to keep investors and lenders informed of risks that may affect a company’s future performance. But companies also want to avoid alarming stakeholders with losses that are unlikely to occur … Read More
The federal budget deficit may be in for a rollercoaster ride if the Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO’s) budget forecast is correct. The CBO said the deficit is expected to shrink to $1 trillion this year, down from $2.8 trillion in 2021, then climb sharply in the coming years. The annual shortfall is forecasted to average … Read More
Many people own Series E and Series EE bonds that were bought many years ago. They may rarely look at them or think about them except on occasional trips to a file cabinet or safe deposit box. One of the main reasons for buying U.S. savings bonds (such as Series EE bonds) is the fact … Read More
It’s nearly summer, a time when many people sell their homes. That’s why the IRS has issued a few reminders. Home sellers may qualify to exclude from income all or part of any gain from the sale of their main home on their tax return. To enjoy the full exclusion, taxpayers must meet the ownership … Read More
Are you a charitably minded individual who is also taking distributions from a traditional IRA? You may want to consider the tax advantages of making a cash donation to an IRS-approved charity out of your IRA. When distributions are taken directly out of traditional IRAs, federal income tax of up to 37% in 2022 will … Read More
Are you an employer interested in allowing a leave-based donation plan to benefit “victims of the further invasion of Ukraine”? As described in IRS Notice 2022-28, employees who participate in such a plan can receive favorable tax treatment. That is, payments made as part of an employer leave-based donation program before Jan. 1, 2023, won’t … Read More
According to a University of Pennsylvania report, approximately 37% of Americans have “advance directives,” which include living wills and power-of-attorney designations. These documents specify what should occur and who should make medical decisions should someone become seriously ill and unable to make these decisions for him- or herself. If you belong to the other 63% … Read More