Filing a tax extension buys you time, but only if you use it wisely. From revisiting your April payment estimate to gathering missing documents and staying on top of current-year obligations, the months between now and October 15th are a valuable planning window. Read on to learn how to make the most of your extension and avoid a costly repeat of the same tax challenges next year.
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs have been reauthorized and extended through September 30, 2031. The reauthorization includes several notable changes, including higher funding ceilings, expanded agency participation, new foreign-entity security screening requirements, and a new large-award allocation for qualifying businesses. Small businesses engaged in applied research and development across a broad range of industries should take note of these programs as a potential source of non-dilutive grant funding.
A practical guide to using a SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, or solo 401(k) strategically, covering contribution limits, deadlines, employee rules, tax planning, and when each plan makes the most sense.
A recent federal court ruling in Kwong v. United States may create refund opportunities for taxpayers who paid certain IRS penalties or interest during the COVID-19 disaster period. Taxpayers affected by filing or payment deadlines between January 20, 2020, and July 10, 2023, should review whether a protective refund claim may be appropriate before potential statutes expire.
Performance reviews have a reputation for generating awkward conversations and little real change, but the problem isn't the concept itself. It's that most businesses run them in ways that guarantee they won't work. This article breaks down the common structural failures in traditional review processes and offers a practical, straightforward approach to building a system that improves accountability, reduces costly turnover, and provides leadership with better information for decision-making.
Most households are sitting on more idle capital than they realize - it's just tied up in closets, garages, and storage rooms. This article reframes spring cleaning as a financial exercise, exploring how unused possessions carry real costs, how clutter limits flexibility, and how a focused decluttering effort can convert dormant assets into liquidity, tax-efficient giving, and a simpler estate.
Financial clutter, from forgotten subscriptions to dormant accounts, can quietly drain your cash flow and complicate your financial picture. A periodic review of your recurring charges, overlooked assets, and automated systems can uncover savings and restore clarity. Learn simple steps to ensure your money and financial systems are working as efficiently as possible.
Most people use their HSA like a medical debit card, but the account is capable of much more. With a rare triple tax advantage and flexible reimbursement rules, the HSA can serve as a powerful long-term healthcare reserve. Read on to learn how to make the most of it.
The IRS has introduced a new federal income tax deduction for qualified overtime compensation, effective for tax years 2025 through 2028. Eligible workers can deduct up to $12,500 (or $25,000 on joint returns) of the overtime premium they earn above their regular rate of pay. This deduction reduces is available to FLSA-covered employees who meet specific eligibility requirements, including valid Social Security numbers and certain filing status conditions.
S-corporations are one of the most frequently discussed (but often misunderstood) tax structures for small business owners. While they can offer real savings on self-employment taxes, the benefits aren't automatic - they depend on your income level, involvement in the business, and whether you're ready to manage the added compliance responsibilities. Here's what you need to know about how S-corps work, who they're right for, and what's required to maintain one.
The IRS recently issued new guidance clarifying how the permanent 100% bonus depreciation deduction will work moving forward. This allows businesses to fully deduct the cost of qualified property in the year it's placed in service, rather than depreciating it over several years.
For high-income professionals locked out of traditional Roth contributions, mega Roth conversions offer a powerful alternative. By contributing after-tax dollars to fill unused space under the $72,000 annual 401(k) limit and immediately converting them to Roth, eligible savers can funnel tens of thousands annually into tax-free growth.
For most people, tax season brings a quiet panic about what they might be forgetting and a last-minute rush to pull everything together before the deadline. But it doesn't have to be that way. With just a little preparation, you can avoid surprises, minimize your tax bill, and make the entire process smoother for both you and your advisor.
When we talk about gifting as part of a tax strategy, many people assume it's something only the ultra-wealthy need to worry about. But gifting is actually one of the simplest and most powerful financial planning tools available - and a thoughtful gifting strategy can make a meaningful difference for your family, both now and in the long run.
For many parents, providing financial security for their children is a top priority. But building that security involves more than funding college or opening a savings account. The real goal isn't just to transfer wealth - it's to prepare the next generation to manage, grow, and protect it.
Selling appreciated real estate? Learn how installment sales can help you spread capital gains over time, reduce your tax burden, and align payments with retirement or income planning goals. This guide explains how the strategy works, when it applies, and what tax rules to watch for, including depreciation recapture and related-party restrictions.
