Preparing for a Successful Retirement

Preparing for a Successful Retirement As you approach retirement, it’s vital that you pay attention to several important financial matters to ensure a smooth transition. Here are five of them: 1. Health Insurance Are you among the lucky few who will continue to be covered after retirement? If not, then you’ll need to replace your…

The Home Office Deduction

The Home Office Deduction With more people working from home than ever before, taxpayers may be wondering if they can claim a home office deduction when they file their 2020 tax return next year. The short answer is that self-employed taxpayers who use their home for business may be able to deduct expenses for the…

Tax Considerations When Hiring Household Help

Tax Considerations When Hiring Household Help If you employ someone to work for you around your house, it is important to consider the tax implications of this type of arrangement. While many people disregard the need to pay taxes on household employees, they do so at the risk of paying stiff tax penalties down the…

Employee Payroll Tax Deferral Update

Employee Payroll Tax Deferral Update On August 28, 2020, the IRS issued Notice 2020-65 that provides some needed guidance for employers in regards to the employee payroll tax deferral described in the August 8, 2020 Presidential memorandum (often referred to as an “executive order.”). Though many questions are still unanswered, it addresses some key items. Insight: Although the IRS…

Protect Tax Records Before Disaster Strikes

Natural disasters such as hurricanes are more common in summer, but tornadoes, floods, and fires can strike at any time. As such, it’s always a good idea to plan for what to do in case of a disaster. Here are some simple steps you can take right now to prepare: 1. Backup Records Electronically. Many people…

Tax Breaks for Teachers and Educators

While many schools are switching to hybrid or remote learning models, teachers and other educators should remember that they can still deduct certain unreimbursed expenses such as classroom supplies, training, and travel. Deducting these expenses helps reduce the amount of tax owed when filing a tax return. To qualify for the deduction, the taxpayer must…

Filing an Amended Tax Return

If you discover a mistake on your tax return after you’ve already filed, don’t panic. In most cases, all you have to do is file an amended tax return. Here’s what you need to know: Taxpayers should use Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to file an amended (corrected) tax return. An amended tax…

Tax Scams: 2020 Edition

Compiled and issued annually every year by the IRS, this year it includes many aggressive and evolving schemes related to coronavirus tax relief, including Economic Impact Payments. The criminals behind these bogus schemes view everyone as potentially easy prey and everyone should be on guard, especially vulnerable populations such as the elderly. While tax-related scams…

LVBW Announces Three New Partners

LVBW promotes three employees to partnership positions   Mindy Elniski, CPA, has been promoted to Partner. Elniski, formerly a Senior Manager, focuses on financial audits, reviews, compilations, and provides outsourced CFO and consulting services.  Elniski holds a BS in Finance and an MBA in Public Accounting from Canisius College. She is a member of the…