Individual income taxation

TOPICS / TAX

December 22, 2020

2021 standard mileage rates decrease

The IRS issued the 2021 standard mileage rates for use in computing the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving expense purposes. The rates all decreased from 2021 to 2020.

December 11, 2020

Some teleworkers could be hit with surprise tax bills

With many workers unaware of the implications when remote work crosses state lines, CPAs may face frustration and confusion in clients.

December 11, 2020

PPP loan forgiveness and taxes

The AICPA’s Eileen Sherr, CPA, CGMA, MT, discusses recent IRS guidance regarding the tax treatment of loans under the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program.

December 8, 2020

Several tax provisions set to expire at end of 2020

Among the expiring provisions are the lower 7.5% AGI floor for medical expense deductions and the deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses.

December 1, 2020

A reckoning for payroll tax deferrals

Employers must be wary of the trust fund recovery penalty if they take advantage of deferrals in the CARES Act.

December 1, 2020

Appreciated stock donation not treated as a taxable redemption

The Tax Court holds that taxpayers made an absolute gift.

November 16, 2020

It’s a tough year for year-end tax planning

Advisers face the difficult task of helping clients plan for next year without knowing for certain which party will control the Senate.

November 16, 2020

Quiz: Are you ready for year-end planning during a pandemic?

When it comes time to put on your year-end planning hat, will you be prepared to provide the best tax and financial planning advice to clients? Take this quiz to see if you’re ready to tackle year-end planning for 2020.

November 1, 2020

Taxpayers are allowed charitable contribution deductions for land

The donations had donative intent, were reasonably valued, and were supported with documentation that substantially complied with the regulations, the Tax Court finds.

November 1, 2020

Limiting the impact of negative QBI

Here are the rules for the treatment of negative QBI and some planning ideas for mitigating its effect on the QBI deduction.

October 30, 2020

Guidance on deferred employee payroll tax issued

The IRS issued guidance to employers and employees on reporting deferred Social Security tax on Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, under the Aug. 8 Presidential Memorandum authorizing the deferral.

October 26, 2020

2021 inflation adjustments and tax tables issued

The IRS issued the 2021 inflation adjustment amounts and tax tables for use in preparing 2021 tax returns in the 2022 filing season. Many of the over 60 items increased from 2020.

October 14, 2020

2021 Social Security wage base announced

The Social Security Administration announced that the maximum amount of wages subject to the old age, survivors, and disability insurance tax will increase to $142,800 in 2021 from $137,700 in 2020.

October 6, 2020

Nonfilers have until Nov. 21 to apply for economic impact payment

The IRS announced that it was extending the deadline from Oct. 15 to Nov. 21 at midnight for certain individuals to enter their information on the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool on the IRS website to receive the $1,200 stimulus payment due to individual taxpayers.

October 2, 2020

ABLE account final rules provide wide-ranging guidance

Eligible individuals with disabilities received guidance from the IRS on the rules regarding ABLE accounts. Tax-favored ABLE accounts allow eligible individuals to save money to meet qualified disability expenses.

October 1, 2020

IRS releases final rules on business meals and entertainment

The IRS finalized rules implementing provisions of the law known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, P.L. 115-97, disallowing deductions for most business entertainment expenses and distinguishing them from business food and beverage expenses that remain deductible.

October 1, 2020

Employers get guidance on income tax withholding from wages

The IRS issued final regulations providing guidance on withholding federal income tax from employees’ wages under changes enacted in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

October 1, 2020

Tax consequences of data breaches and identity theft

Losses are not likely deductible by individuals through 2025, but the receipt of free identity protection services may be nontaxable.

October 1, 2020

Like-kind exchanges are now clearer

Proposed regulations address post-TCJA Sec. 1031 transactions.

October 1, 2020

Time to consider a Roth conversion

A qualified rollover contribution to a Roth IRA or an in-plan rollover to a designated Roth account, known as a Roth conversion, can be attractive for CPA advisers’ clients because it provides a higher net present value of cash flow from their retirement savings, benefiting themselves or their beneficiaries.