CURRENT EDITION
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Leaving the United States, Part III: Dual Citizenship
In Part I of this three-part series, we discussed the implications and taxes for American expatriates. In Part II we turned our attention to renouncing citizenship. Here in Part III, we will consider the halfway point of dual citizenship. And as you would expect, taxes are a serious consideration.
READ MORESelected Techniques to Monetize Tax Attributes
In the prior article "Tax Trends in M&A and What It Means for Your Clients," we had discussed certain techniques to, e.g., maximize net operating loss (“NOL”) and interest expense deduction utilization in the context of M&A transactions. This article examines certain additional strategies to monetize expiring, latent, or otherwise disallowed tax attributes.
Read MoreDo Those Tricks Really Work?
On the website for Axium Wealth, Charles Dombek tells us that: “Most CPAs are historians that tell their clients how much they make, how much they owe, when and where to file their taxes, and oftentimes how to write large checks at the last minute when you least expect.” When it comes to Axium, though: “We help clients recover dollars they unnecessarily pay in State and Federal income taxes.” Axium also helps clients diversify capital into off-market passive real estate and alternative investments. Before Axium, there was The Optimal-Financial Group LLC. Of course many of the readers of Think Outside The Tax Box are CPAs, or EAs or others who both help their clients be compliant and advise on ways to minimize their liability. When I was practicing I would call the things I might suggest my “bag of tricks.”
Read MoreTAX COURT ROUNDUP – November 2024
It's been said that the United States Tax Court is "a vital cog in the financial machinery of the country," and October proved that point yet again.
Read MoreEditor’s Pick: The Future of Digital Product Taxation—What Tax Professionals Need to Know
As states increasingly focus on taxing digital products, tax professionals need to be aware of how these changes will affect their clients and businesses. The Multistate Tax Commission (MTC) is at the forefront of efforts to create more uniform approaches to taxing digital goods, and their proposals could have far-reaching consequences for compliance, pricing strategies, and audit risks. Here’s a breakdown of the major proposals under consideration and how they will impact sellers of digital products—and the tax professionals advising them.
Read MoreStriking a Balance: Pitching to the Umpires of Tax Law – Understanding US Tax Court Judges through the Art of Baseball Analogies
In this fascinatingly original article, we explore the striking parallels between America's pastime and the high-stakes world of tax litigation. Prepare to be surprised as we reveal the hidden connections between the umpires of the diamond and the judges of the Tax Court. From the precise strike zones of regular judges to the veteran expertise of senior judges, and the specialized skills of special trial judges, you'll gain a newfound appreciation for the officials who keep the game of tax law fair and balanced.
Read MoreDodging the IRS Penalty Flag: Avoiding the Accuracy-Related Penalty
A penalty specifically for taxpayers who have made a mistake on their return. That's how I explain the accuracy related penalty to taxpayers. This penalty carries a punch as well, with 20% of the tax the IRS didn't receive due to the taxpayer making a mistake. This seems harsh out of context. The reason for this harshness is because the IRS considers these "mistakes" to be intentional due to taxpayer negligence. This is one of the reasons at my firm that we encourage our clients to take their time when filling out the intake form and gathering their documents. Omitting an income document can be costly in the end to both you and your client. The IRS will hit your client with penalties that they could have avoided, and you may compromise the integrity of your firm.
Read MoreTalking Taxes and Money With New Graduates
Clients who recently graduated college brim with enthusiasm for adult life. If they’re like most other adults, they’re less enthusiastic about tax strategies and probably don’t know much about grown ups’ taxes. Some might not even know filing deadlines and may never have filed a 1040. Withholding, deductions and dependency, saving for retirement and lowering taxable income: It’s always difficult to realize all that others don’t know about taxes, and here’s how to continue these young clients’ education.
Read MoreX (Twitter) Strategies for Accountants: Establishing Thought Leadership and Engaging with the Community
Professionals across various fields use X (Twitter) as an essential tool to establish thought leadership, engage with their communities, and grow their influence. For accountants, X offers a unique opportunity to share industry insights, participate in relevant conversations, connect with influencers, and demonstrate expertise. Let's explore how you, the accountant, can leverage X to your advantage, offering practical strategies and real-world examples.
Read MoreNOT A MEMBER YET?
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CURRENT EDITION
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Leaving the United States, Part III: Dual Citizenship
In Part I of this three-part series, we discussed the implications and taxes for American expatriates. In Part II we turned our attention to renouncing citizenship. Here in Part III, we will consider the halfway point of dual citizenship. And as you would expect, taxes are a serious consideration.
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Reflecting On Rothing
I have been dissatisfied with most of the articles that I have read about what I call Rothing, i.e. foregoing a deduction for retirement savings with the prospect of tax-free distributions in the future or taking the tax hit on a deferred account to convert it to a tax-free account. The articles generally have a pro-Roth bias. Suze Orman, for example, swears by Roths. They also tend to not have numbers in them. What I am going to do here is to reflect on the idea of Rothing and discuss what I see as some key numbers. I’m not going to dive deep into technical issues.
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Considering a Historic Building for Your Business? These Tax Credits are Good News
Historic buildings make a beautiful location for doing business. Unfortunately, many of them may seem out of the price range of small business owners. But, that’s not necessarily the case. The state and federal governments have an interest in preserving these properties, and they are willing to give you tax credits for buying and restoring a historic building. The credits reimburse a large proportion of your restoration costs. This really is a great incentive to go for a building that will give your company a unique and professional feel.