Batley CPA Tax & Business Alert April 2021

Future retirees have long grappled with whether to opt for a traditional or Roth IRA. Those who have a traditional IRA and have seen a decline in the value of their investments may want to consider a conversion to a Roth. This article reviews how these accounts work and the strategy in question.

Batley CPA Tax & Business Alert March 2021

About a year ago, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was launched in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Business owners who took out such a loan are likely curious about the tax consequences, particularly for forgiven loans. This article provides pertinent information. A sidebar announces the launch of “second-draw” PPP loans.

Batley CPA Tax & Business Alert February 2021

The federal child tax credit is available to help many taxpayers with children under the age of 17, and there’s a dependent credit for those who are eligible with older children. This article explores the details. A sidebar explains that a qualifying child must have an SSN for parents to claim the tax credit.

Batley CPA Tax & Business Alert January 2021

Now’s a good time for taxpayers to familiarize themselves with pertinent tax-related amounts that may or may not be changing in 2021 because of inflation. This article poses six key questions about such amounts, including those related to retirement planning and the itemized deduction.

Batley CPA Tax & Business Alert December 2020

For many, December 31 means a New Year’s celebration. From a tax perspective, however, it should mean thinking about which filing status you will use for that year’s tax return. This article reviews the five statuses. A sidebar looks at whether a married person can file as a “head of household.”

Batley CPA Tax & Business Alert November 2020

Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts are tax-free accounts that can be used for expenses of disabled individuals. They can be created by a disabled person or his or her family members or guardians. This article explains eligibility factors and other pertinent details. A sidebar notes an ABLE account’s impact on Supplemental Security Income.

Batley CPA Tax & Business Alert October 2020

Nonqualified deferred compensation plans allow participants to set aside large amounts of tax-deferred compensation, but also pose substantial risks. This article distinguishes NQCD plans from qualified defined contribution plans and discusses the pros and cons.

Simplified PPP Loan Forgiveness

The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Treasury Department, today released a simpler loan forgiveness application for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of $50,000 or less. This action streamlines the PPP forgiveness process to provide financial and administrative relief to America’s smallest businesses while also ensuring sound stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

Batley CPA Tax & Business Alert September 2020

Although the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act took much of the “teeth” out of the AMT by raising the inflation-adjusted exemption, high-income earners (and even some middle-income earners) should still watch out for its bite. This article discusses the basic rules and the role of itemized deductions. A sidebar warns investors that capital gains can trigger the AMT.

Batley CPA Tax & Business Alert August 2020

Because of the economic downturn triggered by the COVID-19 crisis, many people have found themselves in need of cash to pay unexpected medical bills, mortgage payments and other expenses. One option is to borrow against the cash value of a permanent life insurance policy. This article explores the risks and benefits of such a strategy, while a sidebar looks at a myth that represents a life insurance loan as a tool that “pays for itself.”