Understanding the Tax Implications of Cash Payments Individuals who receive cash payments for work performed, commonly referred to as “cash-in-hand” income, are legally obligated to declare this income to the relevant tax authorities and pay applicable taxes. Failing to do so can result in severe consequences, including fines, penalties, and even criminal charges. Reporting Cash-in-Hand … Read more
Example: If you want to give $18,000 to your child and $18,000 to your grandchild, you can do so without having to file a gift tax return or pay any gift tax. Understanding the Gift Tax Exclusion The gift tax exclusion is a valuable tool that can help you reduce your taxable estate and avoid … Read more
Prepaid expenses are a common occurrence in business accounting, and prepaid insurance is a specific type of prepaid expense that can have a significant impact on a company’s financial statements. Understanding how prepaid insurance affects net income is crucial for accurate financial reporting and decision-making. This article delves into the nature of prepaid expenses, the … Read more
Understanding Tax Obligations for Students Being a full-time student does not automatically exempt you from federal income tax obligations. The factors that determine whether you need to file a tax return include: Income: The amount of earned and unearned income you receive Dependency status: Whether you can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s … Read more
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has experienced several shutdowns in recent years, including a significant one in 2021. These shutdowns have impacted taxpayers and tax professionals in various ways. 2021 IRS Shutdown The IRS shutdown in 2021 began on December 26, 2021, and lasted until January 16, 2022. During this time, the IRS suspended most … Read more
Understanding the Audit Process An audit is a systematic and independent examination of an organization’s financial records and operations to assess their accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established standards. The audit process typically involves four distinct phases: planning, fieldwork, reporting, and follow-up. Phase 1: Planning The planning phase lays the foundation for the entire audit … Read more
Yes, you need your closing statement for your taxes. The closing statement, also known as a settlement statement, is an essential document that outlines the financial details of your home purchase. It contains information that you will need when filing your taxes, including: The purchase price of your home The amount of your mortgage loan … Read more
When you contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by phone, you may be asked to provide certain information to verify your identity. This is an important step to ensure that your personal information is protected and that you are speaking to an authorized IRS representative. Required Information for Identity Verification To verify your identity, the … Read more
Homeownership is a cornerstone of the American dream, representing stability, financial security, and a sense of belonging. However, many homeowners may wonder about the extent of their ownership rights, particularly in relation to the government’s power of eminent domain. This article delves into the complexities of eminent domain, exploring the legal framework, historical context, and … Read more
Understanding the Protection of Retirement Accounts Generally, retirement accounts like 401(k) plans offer protection against creditors, including commercial entities like banks. This protection stems from the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), which designates that funds within a 401(k) legally belong to the plan administrator, not the account holder, until the point of … Read more