You have probably heard others discussing living trusts but may not understand the reasons for them or whether you should have one.
Living trusts are an estate-planning tool, and there is not a one-type-fits-all living trust. Each one is customized to suit the special circumstances of the individual for whom it was created. The vast majority of the population can get by without using a living trust, and a simple will is perfect for most people, unless their estate is large or there are some special circumstances to deal with.
If you are the owner of a small business that obtained a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan, you are most likely aware that the loan can be partially or totally forgiven if you used the loan proceeds for the required purposes. Loan forgiveness is not automatic and must be applied for. The borrower must submit a request to the lender or, if different, the lender that is servicing the loan, which then must make a decision upon the amount of forgiveness within 60 days.
To say COVID-19 has made 2020 a disastrous year for just about everyone would be an understatement. In response to the economic slowdown and losses of income, Congress passed several extensive laws to benefit individuals and businesses that suffered financial hardship because of COVID-19. However, 2020 has given rise to more than the usual tax-planning opportunities. Thus, you may find it appropriate to schedule a tax-planning appointment well before the close of the year to take advantage of the tax benefits and strategies available for 2020. Although everyone’s situation is unique, the following are examples of tax opportunities and strategies that may apply to your circumstances.
It’s safe to say that there are a lot of people worried about an impending global recession thanks to the economic slowdown that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it – and your average entrepreneur and startup founder is chief among them. Obviously, it makes sense to assume that with so many people watching what they spend and with so much uncertainty in the air, it’s too risky to launch that business of your dreams anytime in the near future.
With the passage of the CARES Act stimulus package earlier this year, the federal government added $600 to the normal state weekly unemployment benefits and increased the number of benefit weeks to a total of 39.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic emergency, the IRS postponed the original due date for filing 2019 returns to July 15, 2020. If you could not complete your 2019 tax return by July 15 and filed a request for additional time to file, that extension expires on October 15, 2020. Failing to file before the extension period runs out may cost you late-filing penalties.
Wealth Transition and Succession Planning
Regardless of the type of business you’re running, it’s safe to say that you’ve likely already been impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that is making its way across the globe. With no complete end to the situation in sight, many have begun to try to settle into whatever this “new normal” actually is. They’re resuming their regular activities (at least as much as possible) and are once again attempting to continue to follow the path that they set for themselves and their organizations at the beginning of the year.
Tired of having all those old tax records taking up drawer or closet space and collecting dust. People often ask how long records must be kept and the amount of time IRS has to audit a return after it is filed.
Most taxpayers don’t intentionally incur tax penalties, but many who are penalized are simply not aware of the penalties or the possible impact on their wallets. As tax season approaches, let’s look at some of the more commonly encountered penalties and how they may be avoided.
The outcome of the November elections could have a significant impact on taxes for the wealthy. The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the economy, as the government’s tax revenues have declined while government spending has soared. Although the President has not revealed his tax policies for the future, Joe Biden, his presumptive opponent in November, has, and that is why the wealthy are strategizing for potential increases.
