Recent News & Blog / Individual Tax
The pros and cons of turning your home into a rental
If you’re buying a new home, you may have considered keeping your current home and renting it out. This carries potential tax benefits and pitfalls. Contact the CPA's and tax advisors at SEK to answer your tax questions.
Keep these 3 issues in mind after you file your return
After filing a 2023 tax return, keep these three issues in mind: 1) You can check on your refund by going to irs.gov. 2) Some tax records can now be thrown out. However, keep your actual returns indefinitely. 3) If you forgot something, you can file an amended tax return. If you have questions, contact the CPAs and tax advisors at SEK.
The tax deadline is almost here: File for an extension if you’re not ready
The April 15 tax filing deadline is right around the corner. However, you might not be ready to file. If you need more time, you should file for an extension on Form 4868. An extension will give you until Oct. 15 to file and allow you to avoid “failure-to-file” penalties. However, it only provides extra time to file, NOT TO PAY. Contact the CPAs and tax advisors at SEK if you have questions about IRS penalties or have more tax questions.
Update on retirement account required minimum distributions
If you have a tax-favored retirement account, including a traditional IRA, you must comply with the required minimum distribution (RMD) rules after reaching a certain age. If you inherit a tax-favored retirement account, including a traditional or Roth IRA, you’ll also have to deal with these rules. Contact the CPAs and tax advisors at SEK to find out more.
How renting out a vacation property will affect your taxes
What are the tax implications of renting out a vacation home part of the year? It depends on the time it’s rented and the time you personally use the home. Questions? Contact the CPAs and tax advisors at SEK for more information and for more tax tips.
Beware of a stealth tax on Social Security benefits
Some people mistakenly think that Social Security benefits are free from federal income tax. Unfortunately, that’s often not the case. Depending on how much “provisional income” you have, some benefits could be hit with federal tax. The CPAs and tax advisors at SEK can calculate any tax on your benefits. Give us a call to answer your tax questions.
A job loss is bad but the tax implications could make it worse
Unemployment is currently low, but some people are still losing their jobs. If you’re one of them, taxes probably aren’t on your mind. However, there may be tax implications. The CPAs and tax advisors at SEK can help you make the best decisions.
New option for unused funds in a 529 college savings plan
Many parents begin saving with 529 college savings plans when their children are young. Contributions aren’t tax deductible, but they grow tax deferred. Earnings used to pay qualified education expenses can be withdrawn tax-free. Earnings used for other purposes may be subject to income tax plus a 10% penalty. What if you have a large 529 plan balance but your child doesn’t need all the money for college? There’s a new 529-to-Roth IRA transfer. Contact the CPA's and business advisors at SEK for more information and tax tips.
If you didn’t contribute to an IRA last year, there’s still time
If you’re gathering documents to file your 2023 tax return and you’re concerned that your tax bill may be higher than you’d like, there might still be an opportunity to lower it. If you qualify, you can make a deductible contribution to a traditional IRA right up to the April 15, 2024, filing date and benefit from the tax savings on your 2023 return. Contact the CPAs and business tax advisors at SEK to get the most out of your tax return and for more tax tips.
Get ready for the 2023 gift tax return deadline
Did you make large gifts to children, grandchildren or others last year? If so, it’s important to determine if you’re required to file a 2023 gift tax return. The deadline for filing is April 15 (Oct. 15 if you file for an extension). The annual gift tax exclusion has increased in 2024 to $18,000 but was $17,000 for 2023. If you’re not sure whether you must (or should) file a gift tax return, contact the CPAs and business tax advisors at SEK.