Tax Central

We are dedicated to keeping clients abreast of the latest tax law changes, planning strategies and vital tax-related information. This section includes a library of timely articles, due date reminders and much more. The articles are categorized by subject matter, which can be accessed from the links.
Click on your topic of interest and find a wealth of information.

Ready For a Take-Home Pay Cut?

For two years, employees have enjoyed a 2% reduction in the FICA payroll tax. That will all come to an abrupt end beginning with their first payroll check in 2013 when the FICA rate returns to 6.2% (up from 4.2% in 2011 and 2012). Self-employed individuals will have a corresponding increase in their SE tax.

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Are We Headed for a Fiscal Cliff

For several years now, Congress has left the taxpaying public hanging to the last minute with tax changes and extensions. And each year, the political gridlock seems to get worse, leaving taxpayers pondering how to plan their finances and businesses undecided about capital investments and hiring new employees, not knowing what the tax laws will bring in the next year.

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Year-End Tax Planning Moves for Individuals

Uncertainty dominates year-end tax planning this year. Unless Congress acts, the Bush-era tax cuts will expire and bring higher tax rates and the loss of many deductions and credits starting in 2013. More individuals will be snared by the alternative minimum tax, which has not been patched for 2012 as it has for many years in the past.

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Year End Tax Planning Moves for Businesses

As the end of the year approaches, many are looking for ways to reduce their business profits before year’s end. Here are some possible moves that might apply to your situation.

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Education Credit Going Away in 2013?

Unless Congress extends it, the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) expires at the end of 2012, leaving only the Hope and Lifetime Learning credit for 2013 and subsequent years.

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Will Capital Gains Be Changed?

Currently, capital gains rates for the sale of assets held over one year are taxed at 15% (0% to the extent a taxpayer is in the 15% or lower regular tax bracket), compared with a top tax of 35% for ordinary income. Without Congressional action, these rates will increase to 20% (18% for assets held over 5 years) in 2013.

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Will Itemized Deductions Be A Thing of the Past?

With the national debt and tax simplification taking front burners these days, there has been a great deal of discussion by both political parties and bi-partisan groups about doing away with or substantially altering itemized deductions. Itemized deductions have been around for as long as most of us can remember, and altering these deductions would have a profound effect on many taxpayers.

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When Will Congress Act On the Next Set of Tax Changes?

Congress has been in stalemate most of 2011 rankling over issues to make them selves look better for the November elections. Below is the last set of changes passed by Congress extending many of the changes through 2012 but many of them expired at the end of 2011.

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How Will the Health Care Bill Affect Your Taxes?

On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed into law the new health care legislation.  The legislation will affect virtually every individual in one way or another and will significantly impact tax returns in the future.  The following overview of the tax-related provisions of the legislation is based upon the House of Representatives’ version and the one signed by President Obama on March 24, 2010.  At the time this article was prepared, the Senate was taking up the measure, but it is expected to pass without changes since only a simple majority is required.

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