Approximately 70 million Americans will see a 5.9% increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2022. Federal benefit rates increase when the cost-of-living rises, as measured by the Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index (CPI-W). The CPI-W rises when inflation increases, leading to a higher cost-of-living. This change meansRead more about Social Security Benefit to Increase in 2022[…]

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced major modifications to the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) program, including raising the loan cap from $500,000 to $2 million and adding business debt payments to the list of ways businesses can use the loan proceeds. In a news release issued on September 9, 2021, the SBARead more about SBA Increases EIDL Limit to $2 Million[…]

The IRS recently issued its annual update of special per-diem rates for substantiating ordinary and necessary business expenses incurred while traveling away from home. The new rates are in effect from October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022. Specifically, the per-diem rates issued include the transportation industry meal and incidental expenses rates; the rate forRead more about IRS Updates Business Travel Per-Diem Rates[…]

Recent legislation includes several provisions to help individuals and businesses who give to charity. The new law generally extends four temporary tax changes through the end of 2021. Here’s an overview of these changes. Deduction for individuals who don’t itemize Taxpayers who take the standard deduction usually can’t deduct their charitable contributions. The law nowRead more about Tax Benefits for Charitable Giving Expanded in 2021[…]

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provided more than 11.7 million forgivable loans totaling nearly $800 billion to small businesses and other eligible entities hurt by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost $400 billion has been forgiven. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), loans of $150,000 or less account for 93% of outstandingRead more about SBA Streamlines Forgiveness of PPP Loans of $150,000 or Less[…]

Whether their business has one company car or a fleet of vehicles, many business owners find company-owned passenger vehicles to be an indispensible tool for running their businesses. Purchasing or leasing a vehicle can be a large expense, but this expense can be somewhat mitigated by depreciating the vehicle over the first several years thatRead more about Car and Truck Depreciation Limits Updated for 2021[…]

In an effort to capture income from household employees, the tax code requires you to obtain employee information, pay the related state and federal taxes, and withhold taxes for anyone you employ around the house. The requirement for this “nanny tax” comes into play if you pay any one individual $2,300 or more (in 2021).Read more about Do You Have a Household Employee? Are You Sure?[…]

The first advance payment from the newly expanded child tax credit was recently sent out by the IRS. Payments are scheduled to be made on the 15th of each month through December. The idea of advance payments made for a refundable credit confuses a lot of people, so here’s what you need to know. BackgroundRead more about Child Tax Credit Payments Have Begun[…]

Now is the time to begin tax planning for your 2021 return. Here are some ideas: Contribute to retirement accounts. Tally up all your 2021 contributions to retirement accounts so far, and estimate how much more you can save between now and December 31. If you are able, consider investing in an IRA or increasingRead more about Plan Now to Lower Your 2021 Tax Bill[…]

The American Rescue plan signed in March, 2021 requires the IRS to pay out one half of enhanced Child Tax Credits (CTC) to eligible taxpayers beginning this month. If you or someone you know have children, here’s what you need to know: Current status IRS web-sites. The IRS has created two web sites to helpRead more about Advance Child Credit Payments Update[…]