Two facts about stock options you should be aware of… FACT #1: Stock options can lose most or all of their value if the underlying stock goes down in price. FACT #2: In contrast, restricted stock awards retain significant value as long as the underlying stock has appreciated. So what does the tax law have to do with these facts? Plenty. There are important federal and … [Read more...]
Beat the Unfair $10,000 SALT Cap with a C Corporation
Do run a profitable S corporation? Then you know that before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) became law, you could deduct foreign, state, and local taxes (SALT) on your Form 1040 Schedule A without limit! Well, the TCJA changed all that. Now, it caps those deductions at $10,000. What can you do to avoid some of this government picking your pocket with the TCJA? Well, … [Read more...]
Eight Answers to Questions About the SECURE Act
In late December 2019, Congress passed the “Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act” (SECURE). If you have questions about how the new SECURE Act affects your retirement and Section 529 planning, you are not alone. We’ve received many questions from readers of the Tax Reduction Letter that deal with the impact the SECURE Act will have on their retirement … [Read more...]
Don’t Waste Donations on Your Church or Charity; Use Your Business
Yes. You deserve credit for making donations to your place of worship, school, or other 501(c)(3) charity. But you deserve even more credit if you know how to be charitable and take full advantage of the tax law. You see, if you make your donation as a business expense, you can help your favorite charity and get a valuable tax break for yourself! Want to find out how to … [Read more...]
Know This About Employer-Issued Incentive Stock Options (ISOs)
Taking advantage of employer-issued incentive stock options (ISOs) can potentially put a lot of money in your pocket. But to come out a winner, you’ll have to make some important decisions. To make them wisely, you’ll need to understand the impact of both the regular federal income tax and the alternative minimum tax (AMT) on your ISOs. Want to find out more about this … [Read more...]