taxation
14 articles
Tax-Loss Harvesting Strategies to Offset Capital Gains
Learn how tax-loss harvesting works, when to use it, wash-sale rules to avoid, and how to strategically offset short- and long-term capital gains.
Disability Tax Credits: Federal and State Benefits for Disabled Americans
Federal tax credits available to disabled Americans and their caregivers: EITC, the Credit for the Elderly or Disabled, medical deductions, ABLE accounts, and state-level programs.
Donor-Advised Funds: Bunching Deductions to Maximize Tax Savings
How donor-advised funds work, the bunching strategy that beats the standard deduction, how to donate appreciated stock, and the top DAF sponsors compared.
Estate Tax: How Inheritance Gets Taxed and Who Pays
Understand how estate taxes work in the United States, including federal exemption thresholds, state-level variations, inheritance tax distinctions, and common planning strategies.
Foreign Tax Credit Explained: Avoiding Double Taxation on Overseas Income
How the foreign tax credit works, Form 1116, passive vs. general basket rules, the credit vs. deduction choice, and who qualifies for the simplified method.
Home Office Deduction Rules: Simplified vs. Regular Method Compared
How the IRS home office deduction works, eligibility requirements, the simplified $5/sq ft method vs. actual expense calculation, and pitfalls to avoid.
LLC vs S-Corp Tax Differences: Which Structure Saves More?
A detailed comparison of LLC and S-Corp tax treatment for self-employed owners, covering self-employment tax, pass-through income, and when each structure wins.
Net Investment Income Tax: The 3.8% Medicare Surtax on Passive Income
How the 3.8% net investment income tax works, MAGI thresholds, what counts as NII, real estate professional exception, and strategies to reduce exposure.
The QBI Deduction: 20% Pass-Through Income Tax Break for Business Owners
How the Section 199A QBI deduction works, income thresholds, phase-outs for specified service businesses, W-2 wage limitations, and planning strategies.
S-Corp Salary vs Distribution: Split Pay to Cut SE Tax
How S-Corp owner-employees set a reasonable salary and take distributions to legally minimize self-employment and FICA taxes. Includes IRS guidelines and examples.
Self-Employed Tax Deductions: Every Write-Off You Can Legally Claim
A complete guide to self-employment tax deductions including home office, health insurance, retirement contributions, vehicle expenses, and the SE tax deduction.
Step-Up in Basis: How Inherited Assets Get a Tax Advantage at Death
How the step-up in basis rule works for inherited assets, the difference between community property and common law states, and estate planning strategies that use it.
Stock Options and Taxes: ISO vs NSO and the AMT Trap
How Incentive Stock Options and Non-Qualified Stock Options are taxed differently, the AMT exposure from ISOs, disqualifying dispositions, and key filing requirements.
Vehicle Depreciation Tax Deduction: Section 179, Bonus, and MACRS
How to deduct vehicle depreciation using Section 179, bonus depreciation, and MACRS. Includes luxury auto limits, listed property rules, and SUV loophole details.