Author Archives: hottelandwillis

Most growing small businesses reach a point where the owner looks around at the leadership team and says, “It’s time. We need to offer employees a retirement plan.” Often, this happens when the company is financially stable enough to administer a retirement plan and make substantive contributions. Other times it occurs when the business grows wearyContinue reading “Choosing a retirement plan for your small business”

The IRS recently finalized regulations that change the eligibility standards for the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) premium tax credit. This is important news if your organization is an applicable large employer (ALE) under the ACA, or will be in 2023, and there’s any chance your health care coverage won’t be considered “affordable” and of “minimumContinue reading “IRS final regs affect eligibility for ACA’s premium tax credit”

It’s been a tumultuous year for many businesses, and the current economic climate promises more uncertainty for the short term, if not longer. Regardless of how your company has fared so far in 2022, there’s still time to make moves that may reduce your federal tax liability. Read on for some strategies worth your consideration.Continue reading “Act now to reduce your business’s 2022 tax bill”

It has been quite a year — high inflation, rising interest rates and a bear stock market. While there’s not a lot you can do about any of these financial factors, you may have some control over how your federal tax bill for the year turns out. Here are some strategies to consider executing beforeContinue reading “5 steps to take now to cut your 2022 tax liability”

The effects of inflation are all around. You’re probably paying more for gas, food, health care and other expenses than you were last year. Are you wondering how high inflation will affect your federal income tax bill for 2023? The IRS recently announced next year’s inflation-adjusted tax amounts for several provisions. Some highlights Standard deduction.Continue reading “How inflation will affect your 2022 and 2023 tax bills”

Are you feeling generous at year end? Taxpayers can transfer substantial amounts free of gift taxes to their children or other recipients each year through the proper use of the annual exclusion. The exclusion amount is adjusted for inflation annually, and for 2022, the amount is $16,000. The exclusion covers gifts that an individual makesContinue reading “Plan now to make tax-smart year-end gifts to loved ones”

The IRS recently issued its 2023 cost-of-living adjustments for more than 60 tax provisions. With inflation up significantly this year, many amounts increased considerably over 2022 amounts. As you implement 2022 year-end tax planning strategies, be sure to take these 2023 adjustments into account. Also, keep in mind that, under the Tax Cuts and Jobs ActContinue reading “What do the 2023 cost-of-living adjustment numbers mean for you?”

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is packed with tax incentives, including the significant expansion and extension of two tax deductions for energy-efficient construction. The changes to the Section 179D deduction for commercial buildings and the Section 45L credit for residential homes increase their potential value and make them available to more taxpayers than ever before. Sec. 179D deduction TheContinue reading “Inflation Reduction Act expands deductions for energy-efficient construction”

If you have a child or grandchild who’s going to attend college in the future, you’ve probably heard about qualified tuition programs, also known as 529 plans. These plans, named for the Internal Revenue Code section that provides for them, allow prepayment of higher education costs on a tax-favored basis. There are two types ofContinue reading “Investing in the future with a 529 education plan”

Now that fall is officially here, it’s a good time to start taking steps that may lower your tax bill for this year and next. One of the first planning steps is to ascertain whether you’ll take the standard deduction or itemize deductions for 2022. Many taxpayers won’t itemize because of the high 2022 standardContinue reading “Year-end tax planning ideas for individuals”