Tag Archive for Tax Blog

Florida Trustee’s Failure To File Trust Accountings And Tax Returns Results In Trust Freeze

In a recent Florida Appeals decision, Landau v. Landau, a trustee who failed to file proper and complete trust accountings for two years, and to file trust income tax returns for the same two years, was hit with a freeze of the trust assets by the Court. Because the trustee was also the lifetime income beneficiary of the trust, this freeze effectually prevented the trustee from using the trust for his own support.

Florida trust law requires that a trustee file annual trust accountings. This is true whether the trustee is a bank or trust company, or, as here, was the surviving spouse of the decedent who had created the trust for his lifetime benefit.
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Written by | Posted in Florida Tax

Tax Treatment Of Leasehold Improvements

In real estate, property and building leases are common signed agreements between two corporations. Leasehold improvements are generally building additions for the lease space paid for by the tenant (lessee). These costs are considered capital and amortized over the length of the lease.
Discussion:

Common lease periods for real property are 5 to 10 years.

The lease rates are negotiated by the lessor and the lessee at fair market value. The periodic lease payments are a deduction for the corporation. Upon termination of the lease, the leasehold improvements usually revert back to the lessor unless the lessee can remove them. Read More

Written by | Posted in Canada • International • Real Estate

UK Tax: Capital Gains Tax And Housing Information

Your home is exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT) when you sell it, In contrast, buy to let properties sold at a profit are liable to CGT. However, in certain circumstances, some or all of the gain on a let property is also tax free. This works best when you let a property which used to be your home, for example you trade up but keep your old house, or a couple move in together and keep both houses, one of which they decide to let. However it can also apply if you acquire a property, let it for a few years and then decide to move into it. Read More

Written by | Posted in TaxConnections

IRS Reminds Those With Foreign Assets About U.S. Tax Obligations

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded U.S. citizens and resident aliens, including those with dual citizenship, to check if they have a U.S. tax liability and a filing requirement. At the same time, the agency advised anyone with a foreign bank or financial account to remember the upcoming deadline that applies to reports for these accounts, often referred to as FBARs.

Here is a rundown of key points to keep in mind:

Deadline For Reporting Foreign Accounts Read More

Written by | Posted in Foreign Assets • IRS

Last Minute Tax Tips Before Deadline

Procrastination of tax returns is not a unique phenomenon. In fact, a lot of tax payers file their tax returns in the last two weeks before the deadline. Filing tax returns earlier than the deadlines is better as you are not rushed and chances of making mistakes is also lower. However, if you are racing against the deadline clock for your returns, here are some tips to help you get through.

Organize Read More

Written by | Posted in Tax Deadline • Tax Mistakes • Tax Preparation • Tax Tips

Canada Tax: Qualifying Non-Resident Employer And Withholding Tax

A qualifying non-resident employer can be certified and thus will have to withhold tax from the salary or other compensation paid to qualifying non-resident employees in Canada (to be covered in a future FAQ). This eliminates withholding taxes. Which can be a big cash flow savings. The certification will be valid for up to two calendar years.

To be eligible to be a qualifying non-resident employer, the employer must be a resident in a country that has a tax treaty with Canada. Read More

Written by | Posted in Canada • Canada Tax • International • Withheld Tax

Another Cryptocurrency Primer Of Our Cyber Universe: Who, What, And Why They Differ

  1. Who are the major players I think you should be aware of
  2. What’s a DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization)?
  3. If Cyber Currency is so Great, Why are there so many challenges in the Community?
  4. My Crystal Ball

The cryptocurrency, or digital currently world is complex with a few core leaders and hundreds, if not thousands, of related active alternatives. All are predicated on the concept of the Blockchain or often referred to as the Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). While the core history of Bitcoin and its related alternatives is fairly accessible via a simplified web search, popular media, and even “analog” books, I have determined that far too many do not understand the differences and similarities between and among these various alternative coins (Alt Coins). Read More

Written by | Posted in Cryptocurrency • TaxConnections

Rushing To File Taxes Can Result In Errors; E-File Decreases Errors, Extensions Available

WASHINGTON — As the April 17 tax-filing deadline nears, many taxpayers may rush to finish their tax returns or find that extra time is needed to get them done. The IRS recommends that taxpayers request a filing extension if they need one.

Mistakes can happen when hurrying to file a tax return by the due date. This can mean longer processing times and possible tax refund delays. Electronic filing is the best way to avoid common mistakes; it is also the most accurate way to file a tax return. The IRS estimates that about 70 percent of taxpayers can file their tax return at no charge by using IRS Free File software. Read More

Written by | Posted in IRS • Tax Extension • Tax Filing • TaxConnections

A Digital “Mailbox Rule” Is Required As The IRS Steers Taxpayers Toward Self-Help Digital Tools

As the IRS steers taxpayers toward self-help digital tools, it is necessary to bring the “statutory mailbox rule” into the 21st century. Currently, the statutory mailbox rule in IRC § 7502 does not apply to the electronic transmission of many time-sensitive documents and payments to the IRS. The rule provides that if the requirements set forth in the statute are met, a document or payment is deemed to be filed or paid on the date of the postmark stamped on the envelope.

If the postmark date is on or before the last day of the period prescribed for filing the document or making the payment, the document or payment is considered timely filed or paid even if it is received after the due date. Further, IRC § 7502(c) provides that registered or certified mail, or methods deemed substantially equivalent by the Secretary of Treasury, is prima facie evidence of delivery. Read More

Written by | Posted in IRS • TaxConnections

What Is Cryptocurrency?

There is plenty of misunderstanding about the definition of cryptocurrency. Wikipedia’s well-researched entry on the topic defines “cryptocurrency” as follows (with their links included):

[Cryptocurrency is] a digital asset designed to work as a medium of exchange that uses cryptography to secure its transactions, to control the creation of additional units, and to verify the transfer of assets. Cryptocurrencies are a type of digital currencies, alternative currencies and virtual currencies. Cryptocurrencies use decentralized control as opposed to centralized electronic money and central banking systems. Read More

Written by | Posted in Cryptocurrency • TaxConnections

6 Payroll Basics Every Small Business Owner Should Know For Tax Filing

Small businesses with employees must withhold some of every employee’s paycheck to pay taxes to the government. At the top of the list are federal, state and local income taxes. Plus, the employer is also responsible for federal and state unemployment taxes, and their share of FICA taxes.

Additional taxes include the employee’s share of Social Security and Medicare taxes that make up the FICA contributions.

Now, a payroll provider could handle this withholding for you. This way, you never forget to withhold the correct amount from employee paychecks. Read More

Written by | Posted in FICA • Tax Tips • TaxConnections

Join The Taxpayer Advocacy Panel And Help Improve The IRS

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service seeks civic-minded volunteers to serve on the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP), a federal advisory committee that listens to taxpayers, identifies major taxpayer concerns and makes recommendations for improving IRS service and customer satisfaction. Taxpayers interested in serving on the panel may apply between now and April 27.

To the extent possible, the TAP includes members from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico and one member abroad who represents international taxpayers. Each member is appointed to represent the interests of taxpayers in his or her geographic location as well as taxpayers overall. Read More

Written by | Posted in IRS • TaxConnections
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