Estate planning is a valuable tool that offers people of all ages and incomes an effective means to determine who will receive their assets and who will make critical decisions in the event of death or incapacitating illness. While often thought of as a concern for the wealthy and, typically, older adults, financial planning experts[…]
What you need to know about estate planning
By diamondcpas Estate Planning, Personal Taxes Apr 18, 2019
Thinking of booking a room or an entire home for a vacation or business travel in Pennsylvania this year? Be prepared for a bump in the cost. As of January 22, 2019, the state has closed a tax loophole that previously allowed online home-sharing sites such as HomeAway, VRBO (Vacation Rental By Owner) and Expedia[…]
Owing taxes to the IRS is no laughing matter. Failure to pay, or making arrangements to pay, can lead to severe consequences, including liens or seizure of property, wage attachments and other actions that can impact one’s employment, credit score and ability to secure a mortgage, for many years. However, being aware of how the[…]
Using life insurance and 529 plans to save for college
By diamondcpas Saving for College Mar 06, 2019
It’s no secret that college is expensive and growing more so every year. Whether a private or public institution, the costs are significant. According to the College Board, in 2017-2018, the average annual tuition and fees for a private institution was $34,740. A public school is somewhat less, where the yearly cost is $9,970, for[…]
Donor-advised funds are among the fastest growing tools in the philanthropic arena. While they make up a relatively small part of philanthropic giving, they hold billions of dollars. These accounts allow the donor to make charitable contributions of cash, stock or other assets, such as property and artwork, and receive an immediate tax deduction for[…]
How small business owners should prepare for a meeting with their tax professional
By diamondcpas Business Taxes Feb 08, 2019
As any small business owner will tell you, being prepared for tax season is critical. Here we offer some key advice to help you get ready for a meeting with your tax professional. If you follow the steps and keep important filing dates in mind, you’ll be fully confident and there’ll be no need for[…]
It’s a question that’s on the minds of many of our clients. When is the best time to begin collecting Social Security benefits? While the question may be common, the answer is a highly individualized one that depends on each person’s circumstances. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at several key factors involved with[…]
The ABCs of Cryptocurrency Accounting Bitcoin Cryptocurrency We expect there to be major changes this year in how the IRS will enforce cryptocurrency gains. In this blog post we explore the definition of cryptocurrency and what you need to know about accounting for cryptocurrency transactions and reporting cryptocurrency gains on your 2018 tax return. What[…]
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) took effect on January 1, 2018, for most provisions, and for many businesses it provides benefits such as reduced corporate tax rates, the end of the corporate alternative minimum tax, and a new pass-through business income deduction. As 2018 winds down, we would like to share some planning[…]
If you are considering divorce, the timing, from a tax perspective, can be crucial. Many new tax laws that have been enacted have a tremendous impact on divorcing couples, especially couples with a high net worth. And though taxes may be the last thing on your mind during this difficult and tumultuous time in your[…]