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2021 Tax Changes
One of the most challenging aspects of owning a business is properly filing your taxes every year—and the changes to...

The Household Employee Problem
Don't get caught by the nanny tax This often overlooked bookkeeping and payroll tax requirement can cause a tangle of...

Advance Child Tax Credit Payments Starting NOW!
What everyone should know The American Rescue plan signed in March, 2021 requires the IRS to pay out ½ of...

Turning Your Hobby Into a Business
You’ve loved dogs all your life so you decide to start a dog training business. Turning your hobby into a...

Reminder: Second Quarter Estimated Taxes Are Due
Now is the time to make your estimated tax payment If you have not already done so, now is the...

Don't Lose Your Refund!
The tax filing due date often brings a sigh of relief to most taxpayers. Unfortunately, every tax day also closes...

A Letter from the IRS!
What steps you should take If you receive a notice from the IRS, do not automatically assume it is correct...

Forced to Withdraw from Retirement Accounts?!?!?
What you need to know We're always being reminded to save for retirement in tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k)s or IRAs....

Who Pays What?
There will be a lot of political rhetoric about increasing the national debt with trillions more in spending, adding billions...

What's New in 2021
With the end of the 2020 filing season upon us, now is the time to become aware of major changes...

Adjust to Pandemic Rule Rollbacks
It’s hard to believe a little over a year ago the COVID 19 pandemic hit everyone. As things slowly turn...

Thinking of Selling Your Home?
Hot housing market requires tax knowledge With housing prices skyrocketing, more homeowners are considering cashing out to multiples over list...

Navigating the New 2021 Child Tax Credit
What you need to know The whirlwind of tax changes just keeps going. Now if you have children 17 or...

Reminder: First Quarter Estimated Taxes Now Due
Now is the time to make your estimated tax payment Despite the individual tax filing due date being delayed until...

Yikes! You Have a Large Refund
Good news, that is sometimes not so good For some reason, some believe it is better to receive than give...

Income the IRS Can't Touch
Wouldn't it be nice to have a source of nontaxable income? You may be more fortunate than you realize. Here...

ALERT! 2020 Tax Date Delay AND Unemployment Income Now Tax Free
What you need to know Individual tax filing due date: May 17, 2021 (was April 15, 2021) Unemployment income: $10,200 per person not...

Tax Return Review Hints
Prior to e-filing your tax return, you will need to review it. Here are some suggestions to ensure everything looks...

Defending Fair Market Value
Fair market value (FMV) is the price that property would sell for on the open market. It is the price...

Review Your Social Security Earnings Report
Most of us go through life without being concerned with, or ever checking on, our Social Security records. We assume...

Understanding Tax Terms: AFRs
Your grandson needs a car, but cannot afford the payments. As a favor, you provide the $25,000 to purchase the...

Oops! I Wish I Knew That.
Here are six tax topics that seem innocent but can cause problems if not handled correctly. 1. Gambling winnings. If...

IRS Identity Theft Program NOW OPEN!
New one-time use PIN option available for all The IRS is expanding a pilot program that uses Identity Protection Personal...

Alert: Look for New 1099 NEC
Your 1099's are coming soon Virtually every small business, including sole-proprietors, must issue at least one 1099 each year. And...

IRS Identity Theft Season Begins Now
Each year thieves try to steal billions in federal withholdings by stealing your identity. As the IRS focuses more attention...

Are You a Contractor or Employee?
Knowing the difference is very important Are you an independent contractor or an employee? As the pandemic continues, many long-time...

Reminder: Fourth Quarter Estimated Taxes Now Due
Now is the time to make your estimated tax payment If you have not already done so, now is the...

2021 Mileage Rates are Here!
New mileage rates announced by the IRS Mileage rates for travel are now set for 2021. The standard business mileage...

Your Home. A Bundle of Tax Benefits.
There are many tax benefits built into home ownership. Here is a review of the most common. It may be...

Gone Phishing?
Each year the IRS publishes the top dozen tax scams it encounters over the prior year. One of them that...

Plan Your 2021 Retirement Contributions
As part of your planning for next year, now is the time to review funding your retirement accounts. By establishing...

15 Year-End Tax Tips
At the end of each year there are a number of things to consider that may have a positive impact...

Age (not death!) and Taxes
Age does matter, when it comes to tax obligations One of the elements that make our Federal Tax Code so...

Lower Your Taxes THIS YEAR!
Here are 6 ideas that most people can use While 2020 winds down, there is still time to reduce your...

IRS Releases Key 2021 Tax Information
The IRS recently announced key tax figures for 2021, using information based on the Consumer Price Index published by the...

Tips to Organize Your Tax Records
Creating order out of chaos As important tax records start filling mailboxes, how can you make sure your tax preparation...

Tax Savings for Non-Itemizers
Can't itemize? There are still tax breaks for you A common misconception in tax filing has been that if you use...

To Amend or Not Amend?
Is it always a good idea to amend your tax return if you find an error? There's usually an element...

2021 Social Security Changes Announced
The Social Security Administration announced a 1.3 percent boost to monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for...

The Lost Art of Tracking Home Improvements
How a tax law makes us sloppy and creates a tax risk One of the more popular provisions in the...

Don't Run the Risk of a High Tax Bill!
Know when you should ask for professional help. Before taking action talk to your tax adviser. How many times have...

Is a Tax Time Bomb Lurking in Your Paycheck?
Does your paycheck look a little higher than normal? If so, it could be a tax time bomb. The Problem...

Reminder: Third Quarter Estimated Taxes Due
Now is the time to make your estimated tax payment If you have not already done so, now is the...

Tax Shifting Ideas to Reduce Your Bill to Uncle Sam
Is there a taxable income reduction idea you can use? Many tax experts talk about shifting your tax burden from...

A Gift of Stock
Information is key when using this tax planning strategy You own some stock that has increased in value. To avoid...

State Taxing Authorities Are Coming After Your Money
States are creating laws that snag taxpayers everywhere New state tax laws are making more and more taxpayers tax cheats...

How to Protect Your Social Security Number From Theft
With the dramatic increase in identity theft, what can be done to protect your Social Security number (SSN) from these...

Tax-Free Roth IRA Withdrawal Options
What every Roth IRA account holder should know Withdrawing funds from your retirement accounts must be done carefully to avoid...

Taxable or Not Taxable?
Some of these items may surprise you. There are a number of areas in the tax code that cause confusion...

Understanding Tax Terms: Wash Sales
Surprise! Your stock loss is not deductible. You may be considering booking stock losses due to recent market drops in...

Tax Surprises for the Newly Retired
You’ve got it all planned out. Your retirement savings accounts are full, you have started receiving Social Security benefits and...

Reminder: Estimated Taxes Due
Now is the time to make your estimated tax payment If you have not already done so, now is the...

Five Big Tax Mistakes
Don't let them happen to you! Every year taxpayers are hit with tax surprises that could be avoided if they...

Deducting Summer Activity Expenses
Don't forget to save receipts The kids are out of school and summer is well underway. Make sure you understand...

Tax Tips to Aid in Retiring Early
Wouldn’t it be nice to check out of the workforce early and not have to worry about having enough money...

Estate Taxes: What EVERYONE Should Know
Most taxpayers ignore the federal estate tax, thinking they will never be touched by it. Unfortunately, you do this at...

Common Tax Filing Mistakes and What Happens if You Make a Mistake Filing Taxes
Some of the most common tax filing mistakes we see here at Appletree Business Services are not filing taxes on...

Should I Pay My Tax Bill With a Credit Card?
Your tax bill is now due and you may be considering paying the bill with your credit card. Is this...

Using Losers to Make Winners
With the uncertainty in the marketplace, now is a good time to review the rules surrounding investment losses. This knowledge...

Understanding the Home Gain Exclusion
When is a tax planning session essential? One of the biggest tax benefits available today is the exclusion of gains...

Review IRA Beneficiaries Now
Lost in the pandemic is a tax law change that may require your attention Lost in the media storm during...

Beware: COVID-19 Tax Scams are Here
Economic impact payments bring out thieves The IRS is warning you to be on the lookout for a surge of...

Tax Savvy Moves to Consider During the Pandemic
Who would ever have foreseen a time when petroleum companies would pay you to take their oil? This phenomena underscores...

Get Your Money: Ensure You Receive a Stimulus Payment
Status and non-filer tools launched by IRS The IRS recently announced the launch of web sites for non-tax filers to...

Key Coronavirus Tax Changes
What every taxpayer should know In addition to filing delays and stimulus payments, the IRS is implementing many changes in...

COVID-19 Stimulus Payments. READ THIS NOW!
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act recently signed into law provides a one-time payment, among other items,...

New Law Requires Small Business to Provide Paid Leave
Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides worker benefits The Families First Coronavirus Response Act is a new law passed in...

Tax Deadlines Move from April to July
What you need to know now! The tax deadlines move from the April 15th tax deadline to July 15th, per...

Kiddie Tax Rate Hike Rolled Back
Parents of young children will always have plenty to worry about. New tax legislation passed at the end of 2019...

Do I Really Need Form 1095 This Year?
Stop holding up your tax filing Tax Form 1095 has been nothing but a headache since its introduction. This federally...

Make the Most of Recent Retirement Rule Changes
Reap the benefits of new laws Recent legislation makes changes to popular retirement savings plans like IRAs and 401(k)s. Here...

Elections. Elections. Elections.
Tax savings can be found in the elections you make! Every year is an election year when it comes to...

Should I Tap into my Retirement Funds?
Often if you are in dire need for money the most tempting area to look is your IRA, 401(k), and...

The IRS Says "Gotcha!"
Late filing of S corporation and partnership returns can be costly The last couple of years, the IRS has been...

Where's My Tax Return?
Common items that are often forgotten Wondering why your tax return is not finished? Often the delay can come from...

Great New Option to Reduce Student Loan Debt
Newly passed tax law could benefit many Deep inside legislation passed in late 2019, is a provision that broadens the...

What? This Form 1099 is Wrong!
What to do to fix this thorny problem It is late January and you realize the 1099-MISC you receive is...

Reminder: Fourth Quarter Estimated Taxes Now Due
Now is the time to make your estimated tax payment If you have not already done so, now is the...

2020 Mileage Rates
New mileage rates announced by the IRS Mileage rates for travel are now set for 2020. The standard business mileage...

Last Minute Tax Law Changes
What everyone needs to know Late on Friday December 20th a new 1,770 page bill was signed into law. Deep...

Missing a Form? Not an Excuse.
If you don’t receive a W-2 or 1099, is this a defense to protect yourself from not reporting the income...

No Check! Where's Your Proof?
What you need to do NOW! Year-end is a good time to ensure you have proper documentation to substantiate your...

Big Changes for Form W-4
Now is the time to review your tax withholdings Just when you thought you had a firm grasp on all...

5 Year-end Tax Essentials
Before 2019 comes to a close, take some time to review these essential items to ensure you are not missing...

IRS Releases Key 2020 Tax Information
The IRS recently announced key tax figures for 2020, using information based on the Consumer Price Index published by the...

Last-Minute Tax-Savings Ideas
Action you can take before time runs out Here are five tax saving ideas that can be used by most...

Receive Copies of Fraudulent Tax Returns
What did thieves try to steal? Tax identification theft is becoming all too common. Victims know how frustrating the experience...

2020 Social Security Changes Announced
The Social Security Administration announced a 1.6 percent boost to monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for...

Donating to Charities? Do it RIGHT!
Donation basics to ensure a tax deduction Donating to charity not only helps others, it can reduce your tax bill...

Cash in on 0% Capital Gains Tax Rate
While the maximum capital gain tax rate can be as high as 23.8 percent, most taxpayers pay 15 percent. But...

Social Security Planning Starts Now
Even those in their 20s should review this tip! Although you won’t become eligible for Social Security until your 60s,...

IRS Expands ID Protection Program
The IRS is expanding a pilot program that uses Identity Protection Personal Information Numbers (IP PINs) to provide an extra...

Tax Breaks for Adult Students
Kids aren’t the only ones heading back to school this fall. Many adults are also taking courses to pursue a...

Lower This Year's Tax Obligation
Action to take now! Now is a good time to assess your current situation and address those lingering tax moves...

Reminder: Third Quarter Estimated Taxes Due
Now is the time to make your estimated tax payment If you have not already done so, now is the...

Back Leveraging Gift Rules to Your Advantage
As you or family members approach retirement years, it is important to have a basic understanding of the IRS gift...

Municipal Bonds: An Investment with Tax Breaks!
Everybody likes getting something for free, and taxes are no different. Investing in securities like municipal bonds (munis) or municipal...

How to Maximize Deductions for Assisted Living
It's possible that someone in your family will need assisted living care at some point in their life. This care...

The Marriage Penalty is Alive and Well
Despite what you may think, the marriage penalty is still alive and well. Whether you’re changing your filing status in...

A Smarter College Housing Option
Does your child, grandchild, or someone else you know need a place to live while attending college? Instead of renting...

Avoid the Pitfalls of Selling Property to Family
Suppose you own property you intend to transfer to your loved ones. Perhaps you are considering giving your children an...

IRS ALERT: Two New Tax Scams
The IRS remains on the lookout for tax scams that can blindside unsuspecting taxpayers. Now two variations of past scams...

Retirement Basics: Understanding Tax Efficiency
One of the basics in retirement is to be as tax efficient with your income as possible. In 2019, income...

Don't Fall for These 5 Audit Myths
When it comes to the perception of IRS audits, conjecture reigns supreme. The combination of the complex tax code and...

4 Awesome Summertime Tax Saving Tips
Summer is usually the time for relaxing, but it can also be a time for tax savings, especially if you’re...

3 Great Charitable Deduction Ideas
Despite what you may have heard from friends or family, you can still claim generous tax benefits for charitable contributions....

Replacing Lost Tax Breaks for Your Growing Children
Your kids are getting older. Before you know it they’ll be dating, driving and entering college (if they aren't already!)....

Reminder: Second Quarter Estimated Taxes Due
Now is the time to make your estimated tax payment If you have not already done so, now is the...

2020 Health Savings Account Limits
New contribution limits are on the horizon The savings limits for the ever-popular health savings accounts (HSA) are now set...

2018 Audit Rates
Don't get complacent... The IRS reported audit rates declined last year for the seventh year in a row and reached...

How to Maximize Your Social Security
What every taxpayer should know You can begin receiving your Social Security retirement benefit as early as age 62. But...

3 Things to Know About Summer Job Taxes
Summer brings warm weather, fun outdoor activities and new opportunities to earn some additional income. However, taxes on seasonal income...

The $500,000 Homeowner Tax Break
Understand the rules now to avoid a tax surprise later There is large tax break that allows you to exclude...

Toss This. Not That.
Your guide to post tax-filing record retention Tax season is over and yet another tax return has been sent off...

Improve Next Year's Tax Situation Now!
Whether you receive a big refund or pay taxes on tax day, taking action now can ensure next year’s tax...

Tax Day is Here!
Last-minute details, tips and freebies With the individual tax-filing deadline on Monday, April 15, now is the time to complete...