Have you ever heard about the “tax gap” and wondered what it is? According to the IRS, “the gross tax gap is the difference between true tax liability for a given period and the amount of tax that is paid on time.” The tax agency explains that estimates consistently show the United States “enjoys a … Read More
Author: Smeriglio Associates LLC
Management letters: Follow up on your auditor’s recommendations
Maintaining the status quo in today’s volatile marketplace can be risky. To succeed, businesses need to “level up” by being proactive and adaptable. But some managers may be unsure where to start or they’re simply out of new ideas. Fortunately, when audited financial statements are delivered, they’re accompanied by a management letter that suggests ways … Read More
IRS: Zelle and Venmo 1099-K
If you receive business income payments through third-party payors, 2022 might be a game changer for your taxes. If these payments total at least $600 for the year, payors such as Zelle and Venmo are now required to file a Form 1099-K with the IRS. Previously, the threshold was $20,000. Some members of Congress want … Read More
Want to turn a hobby into a business? Watch out for the tax rules
Like many people, you may have dreamed of turning a hobby into a regular business. You won’t have any tax headaches if your new business is profitable. But what if the new enterprise consistently generates losses (your deductions exceed income) and you claim them on your tax return? You can generally deduct losses for expenses … Read More
IRS: Digital Asset Oversight?
You knew it was coming! Digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and nonfungible tokens, are likely to be subject to new regulations soon. The Joint Chiefs of Global Tax Enforcement currently is exploring ways to prevent digital asset-based tax crimes and money laundering. Proposed solutions include intelligence-sharing and coordinated investigation and enforcement actions. Meanwhile, the U.S. Financial … Read More
Thinking about converting your home into a rental property?
In some cases, homeowners decide to move to new residences, but keep their present homes and rent them out. If you’re thinking of doing this, you’re probably aware of the financial risks and rewards. However, you also should know that renting out your home carries potential tax benefits and pitfalls. You’re generally treated as a … Read More
IRS: Pandemic Related Delays
Many officials and groups have already weighed in on the IRS’s various pandemic-related delays and administrative problems. Now, National Taxpayer Advocate Erin Collins is recommending that the IRS extend the window for taxpayers to claim refunds and waive the time limit for filing refund suits. In normal times, taxpayers can generally request a credit or … Read More
Businesses may receive notices about information returns that don’t match IRS records
The IRS has begun mailing notices to businesses, financial institutions and other payers that filed certain returns with information that doesn’t match the agency’s records. These CP2100 and CP2100A notices are sent by the IRS twice a year to payers who filed information returns that are missing a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), have an incorrect … Read More
White House Fact Sheet: Russia
President Biden has widened the circle of U.S. businesses prohibited from working in Russia or for Russian nationals to accounting, corporate formation and consulting services. (The newest sanctions don’t mention legal services.) In addition, sanctions have been extended to include industrial goods exported from Russia, limits on Russian state-controlled TV stations and visa restrictions on … Read More
The tax mechanics involved in the sale of trade or business property
There are many rules that can potentially apply to the sale of business property. Thus, to simplify discussion, let’s assume that the property you want to sell is land or depreciable property used in your business, and has been held by you for more than a year. (There are different rules for property held primarily … Read More