Bookkeeping provider Coral Springs: There is a subtext here that we haven’t yet discussed and it’s important that we do. Because while every task the bookkeeping service completes is vital to the financial health of your business, it’s the underlying structure they apply that really makes a difference. You see, bookkeeping services implement—and maintain—a consistent financial process that strengthens the health of your company and helps to create and encourage uniformity in tracking, paying and reporting. The value of this is immeasurable as it insulates your business from many costly and dangerous risks.
Do (a Little) Research: Since tax laws and interpretations are continually changing, you should attempt to be as informed as possible. Even if you use a tax advisor, it’s wise to understand the tax issues and treatments that affect you as thoroughly as possible so you can make the best decisions. It’s not difficult to spend an hour or two online researching specific taxable situations or relative conditions. For example, entering the words “freelance income tax” in a search engine reveals numerous sources about the tax treatment and filing of freelance income. A search of the words “home rental income tax” delivers a similar number of sources about the treatment of home rental income. You can never know too much about income taxes. After all, it’s your money that you keep by minimizing your tax liability.
Make 401(k) and HSA Contributions: People can make tax deductible contributions to traditional IRAs up to April 15 of next year. However, the door closes on Dec. 31 for 401(k) and health savings account contributions. “It’s a hard stop,” says Wendy Barlin, a Los Angeles-based CPA and author of “That’s Deductible!: Simple Tips and Tricks to Find More Business Tax Deductions.” “Whatever opportunities you have at work (for retirement savings), make sure you maximize them before the end of the year,” she says. Taxpayers with a qualified high-deductible family health insurance plan can deduct up to $7,000 in contributions to a health savings account. Individuals with self-only coverage can deduct $3,500. Those age 55 or older are eligible for an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution. Tax deductible contributions to a traditional 401(k) are capped at $19,000 for 2019. Workers age 50 and older can make an additional $6,000 in catch-up contributions.
Decide how much tax you want withheld: If you received a big refund on your tax return last year, it may mean your employer is withholding too much tax from your paychecks. Decreasing those withholdings might “[give] you access to more of your money throughout the year to invest or pay down debt,” says Fraim, “assuming you have the discipline to actually save the funds.” If you’d rather have a bigger paycheck to work toward your financial goals, instead of that potentially big refund next year, meet with your payroll manager to review your withholding allowances on your W-4 form. Just be careful not to reduce your withholding by too much. Overly reducing your withholding may result in having too little tax withheld throughout the year, and could mean a big tax bill in April and potentially a penalty for failing to properly estimate your taxes as well. Read more information on Fort Lauderdale Bookkeepers.
The maximum amount of wages garnished varies depending on the garnishment, but they range from 15 percent of disposable earnings for student loans to as much as 65 percent of disposable earnings for child support (if the employee is at least 12 weeks in arrears). In states that have enacted laws differing from federal wage garnishment requirements, employers must comply with state laws demanding a lesser garnishment. And because state laws differ (North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Texas generally prohibit wage garnishment for consumer debts altogether), employers should ascertain what’s required of them by state law before proceeding with garnishment. No matter how high the debt, employees will always be allowed to keep a certain percentage of their paycheck for general living expenses.
Out-of-pocket charitable contributions: It’s hard to overlook the big charitable gifts you made during the year by check or payroll deduction. But the little things add up, too, and you can write off out-of-pocket costs you incur while doing good deeds. Ingredients for casseroles you regularly prepare for a qualified nonprofit organization’s soup kitchen, for example, or the cost of stamps you buy for your school’s fundraiser count as a charitable contribution. If you drove your car for charity in 2019, remember to deduct 14 cents per mile. Jury pay paid to employer: Some employers continue to pay employees’ full salary while they are doing their civic duty, but ask that they turn over their jury fees to the company. The only problem is that the IRS demands that you report those fees as taxable income. If you give the money to your employer you have a right to deduct the amount so you aren’t taxed on money that simply passes through your hands.
Super accountant and tax expert. Kenneth can find all the legal tax deductions and save you thousands of dollars! Call Him NOW if you want the best accountant and/or tax preparation services. Although we are located in Florida, a bunch of our client base is located outside the state. Thru efficient work, excellent communication, and clear expectations, we are more reliable and easier to get ahold of than even an accountant located down the street from you. Discover even more details at Affordable Bookkeeping.