Do you use any of the following for business entertaining? yachts + hunting lodges + fishing camps + swimming pools + tennis courts airplanes + apartments + hotel suites + or similar facilities If you do, you may be able to deduct the use of these “entertainment facilities” and reduce your tax bill. But be careful! The IRS can be tough on these deductions which is why smart … [Read more...]
How to deduct that trip to sunny Jamaica
Ahh, Jamaica! There you are on that beautiful island for nine sun-drenched days. You’re there to work, of course, but you also want to spend time lounging on the beach with a Daiquiri in hand. Let’s interrupt this fantasy for a moment to ask a rather mundane and practical question. (I am an accountant after all!) “What part of this idyllic trip is deductible — and what … [Read more...]
How to deduct a loss on the sale of a timeshare
When it comes time to sell your timeshare, you may not make a lot of money. In fact, in this tough economy your timeshare may actually be sold at a loss. If that’s the unhappy situation you face, you’ll need to know if you can deduct that loss come tax time. As is often the case with the tax law, the rules are pretty tricky. Which is why I urge you to read my brand new … [Read more...]
Watch out for tax-preparation firms’ illegal commissions
Does your tax-preparation firm seek a commission based on how big a refund they can get for you on an amended tax return? If that’s what they propose, turn around, walk out the door, and start running! You see, Treasury Regulations make it illegal to charge a contingent fee for amended returns. To get the whole story on how to spot this tax-preparation scam, don’t miss my … [Read more...]
How to choose the right retirement plan
You may not be retiring for many years, but now is the time to ask yourself a vitally important question… “Which retirement plan makes the best sense for me?” The problem is, there are so many alternatives, you may be confused about which plan design to choose. Should you go with a 401(k)? A profit sharing plan? A defined benefit plan? A SEP or SIMPLE IRA? If you’re … [Read more...]