Got a vacation home you want to sell? Be careful.The tax laws that apply can be tricky...and costly! What exactly is a “vacation home.”? Seems obvious, doesn’t it? Well, we’re dealing with the IRS so it isn’t. If you have a home that you rent outand use personally, the IRS defines it as a “vacation home.” So what? . . . you may ask. The answer is that the … [Read more...]
Grouping: Tax Strategy for Owners of Multiple Businesses
Did you know your business losses can be suspended under the “passive activity loss” rules? Don’t panic. It’s “grouping” to the rescue. So what’s grouping all about? It’s a strategy for owners of several businesses. A proven strategy that lets you enjoy all the benefits of the intricate passive-loss rules. The basic strategy involves grouping your business activities … [Read more...]
Deducting Mortgage Interest When Your Name’s Not on the Deed
Do you live in a house owned by someone else, but it’s you who pays the mortgage? Can you still deduct the valuable mortgage interest? Absolutely! But you have to know the rules and follow them carefully if you want to come out a winner. You can come out a winner because the tax law is surprisingly fair when it comes to mortgage-interest deductions. Want to find out … [Read more...]
Tax Issues When Your Vacation Home Is a Rental
Is your vacation home a personal residence or a rental property? It sure matters to the IRS! The distinction has serious implications for how big your tax bill will be. IMPORTANT FACT: If you have a home that you rent out and use personally, you have an IRS-defined “vacation home.” According to the IRS, your vacation home is either a personal residence or a rental … [Read more...]
It’s Tax Filing Season—Mail Correctly To Avoid IRS Trouble
Are you sending documents to the IRS? Make sure they arrive by the required deadlines. Miss it and you’ll suffer. The song says, “Get me to the church on time.” The IRS says, “Get your documents to me on time.” And if you don’t, you’ll have to pay plenty and endure a lot of pain. That’s why this issue of my Tax Reduction Letter makes must reading. It shows you how to … [Read more...]