Should you forgo a personal exemption so your child can take the American Opportunity credit?
February 17, 2015 Knowledge Center
Should you forgo a personal exemption so your child can take the American Opportunity credit?

If you have a child in college, you may not qualify for the American Opportunity credit on your 2014 income tax return because your income is too high (modified adjusted gross income phaseout range of $80,000-$90,000; $160,000-$180,000 for joint filers), but your child might. The maximum credit, per student, is $2,500 per year for the […]

The “manufacturers’ deduction”: It’s not just for manufacturers
February 10, 2015 Knowledge Center
The “manufacturers’ deduction”: It’s not just for manufacturers

The manufacturers’ deduction, also called the “Section 199” or “domestic production activities” deduction, is 9% of the lesser of qualified production activities income or taxable income. The deduction is also limited to 50% of W-2 wages paid by the taxpayer that are allocable to domestic production gross receipts. Yes, the deduction is available to traditional manufacturers. But […]

Be sure to deduct all of the mileage you’re entitled to
February 3, 2015 Knowledge Center
Be sure to deduct all of the mileage you’re entitled to

You probably know that miles driven for business purposes can be deductible.  But did you know that you might also be able to deduct miles driven for other purposes?  The rates vary depending on the purpose and the year. Business: 56 cents (2014), 57.5 cents (2015) Medical: 23.5 cents (2014), 23 cents (2015) Moving: 23.5 […]

Why you shouldn’t procrastinate on filing your 2014 income tax return
January 27, 2015 Knowledge Center
Why you shouldn’t procrastinate on filing your 2014 income tax return

If you’re like many Americans, you may not start thinking about filing your tax return until the April 15 deadline is just a few weeks – or perhaps even just a few days – away.  But there’s another date you should keep in mind: Jan. 20.  That’s the date the IRS began accepting 2014 returns, […]

Tax extenders: 3 credits for businesses on their 2014 returns
January 13, 2015 Knowledge Center
Tax extenders: 3 credits for businesses on their 2014 returns

The Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (TIPA) extended through Dec. 31, 2014, a wide variety of tax breaks, including many tax credits — which are particularly valuable because they reduce taxes dollar-for-dollar. Here are three credits that businesses may benefit from when they file their 2014 returns: 1. The research credit. This credit (also […]