There’s Still Time to Get Substantiation for 2018 Donations
January 23, 2019 Knowledge Center
There’s Still Time to Get Substantiation for 2018 Donations

If you’re like many Americans, letters from your favorite charities have been appearing in your mailbox in recent weeks acknowledging your 2018 year-end donations. But what happens if you haven’t received such a letter — can you still claim an itemized deduction for the gift on your 2018 income tax return? It depends. Basic requirements […]

What Will Your Marginal Income Tax Rate Be?
January 16, 2019 Knowledge Center
What Will Your Marginal Income Tax Rate Be?

While the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) generally reduced individual tax rates for 2018 through 2025, some taxpayers could see their taxes go up due to reductions or eliminations of certain tax breaks — and, in some cases, due to their filing status. But some may see additional tax savings due to their filing status. Unmarried […]

2 major tax law changes for individuals in 2019
January 11, 2019 Knowledge Center
2 major tax law changes for individuals in 2019

While most provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) went into effect in 2018 and either apply through 2025 or are permanent, there are two major changes under the act for 2019. Here’s a closer look. 1. Medical expense deduction threshold With rising health care costs, claiming whatever tax breaks related to health […]

A Review of Significant TCJA Provisions Impacting Individual Taxpayers
January 8, 2019 Knowledge Center
A Review of Significant TCJA Provisions Impacting Individual Taxpayers

Now that 2019 has begun, there isn’t too much you can do to reduce your 2018 income tax liability. But it’s smart to begin preparing for filing your 2018 return. Because the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which was signed into law at the end of 2017, likely will have a major impact on […]

Accounting Links
January 2, 2019 Resources
Accounting Links

We’ve provided tax forms and other accounting resources to help you with your taxes, accounting, and financial planning. Need more assistance? Get in touch with our accounting firm directly. ACCOUNTING/TAX LINKS American Institute of Certified Public Accountants California Society of Certified Public Accountants Financial Account Standards Board Franchise Tax Board Government Accounting Standards Board Internal Revenue […]

2019 Accountants’ Memorandum
December 17, 2018 Resources
2019 Accountants’ Memorandum

Our annual Accountants’ Memorandum is designed to provide you a summary of pertinent, current information and to assist you in preparing Internal Revenue Service and California information returns, such as Forms 940, 941, 945, W-2, DE-7 and 1099-MISC.

A Prenup or a DAPT: Which is the Better Choice?
December 14, 2018 Knowledge Center
A Prenup or a DAPT: Which is the Better Choice?

If you or one of your adult children is getting married, you may be concerned about protecting your family’s assets in the event of a divorce. A prenuptial agreement can be an effective tool for overriding marital property rights and keeping assets in the family. But these agreements have disadvantages. For many families, a better […]

Check Deductibility Before Making Year-end Charitable Gifts
December 5, 2018 Knowledge Center
Check Deductibility Before Making Year-end Charitable Gifts

As the holidays approach and the year draws to a close, many taxpayers make charitable gifts — both in the spirit of the season and as a year-end tax planning strategy. But with the tax law changes that go into effect in 2018 and the many rules that apply to the charitable deduction, it’s a […]

Mutual funds: Handle With Care at Year End
November 14, 2018 Knowledge Center
Mutual funds: Handle With Care at Year End

As we approach the end of 2018, it’s a good idea to review the mutual fund holdings in your taxable accounts and take steps to avoid potential tax traps. Here are some tips. Avoid surprise capital gains Unlike with stocks, you can’t avoid capital gains on mutual funds simply by holding on to the shares. […]

2018 Payroll Tax Chart
November 13, 2018 Resources
2018 Payroll Tax Chart

Federal and California

Time for NQDC Plan Deferral Elections
November 7, 2018 Knowledge Center
Time for NQDC Plan Deferral Elections

If you’re an executive or other key employee, your employer may offer you a nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plan. As the name suggests, NQDC plans pay employees in the future for services currently performed. The plans allow deferral of the income tax associated with the compensation. But to receive this attractive tax treatment, NQDC plans […]