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 […]

Intellectual Property Requires Careful Estate Planning
November 2, 2018 Knowledge Center
Intellectual Property Requires Careful Estate Planning

If your estate includes forms of intellectual property (IP), such as patents and copyrights, it’s important to know how to address them in your estate plan. Although these intangible assets can have great value, in many ways they’re treated differently from other property types. 2 estate planning questions For estate planning purposes, IP raises two […]

Starting Slow with a SIMPLE IRA
October 26, 2018 Knowledge Center
Starting Slow with a SIMPLE IRA

For certain employers, particularly small businesses, introducing a retirement plan for employees may seem like a daunting task. The company owner may feel that providing a full-blown 401(k) plan is his or her only choice, but that’s far from true. There are other options to consider that are relatively easier to administer and usually less […]

Consider All the Tax Consequences Before Making Gifts to Loved Ones
October 18, 2018 Knowledge Center
Consider All the Tax Consequences Before Making Gifts to Loved Ones

Many people choose to pass assets to the next generation during life, whether to reduce the size of their taxable estate, to help out family members or simply to see their loved ones enjoy the gifts. If you’re considering lifetime gifts, be aware that which assets you give can produce substantially different tax consequences. Multiple types of […]