As of January 1, 2024, the federal lifetime gift and estate tax exemption amount has increased to $13.61 million per person (up from $12.92 million in 2023). This means that individuals may now transfer up to $13.61 million - tax-free - during their lifetime or at death. Married couples may now transfer up to $27.22 million with proper estate planning.
The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) was introduced during the pandemic, when COVID-19 temporarily closed many businesses. The credit provided cash that helped enable struggling businesses to retain employees. Although the ERTC expired for most employers at the end of the third quarter of 2021, it could still be claimed on amended returns after that.
Here are some of the key tax-related deadlines affecting businesses and other employers during the first quarter of 2024. Keep in mind that this list isn’t all-inclusive, so there may be additional deadlines that apply to you. If you have questions about filing requirements, contact us. We can ensure you’re meeting all applicable deadlines.
The United States has taxed the estates of decedents since 1916, and gifts since 1924, with tax rates and exemption levels that have varied greatly over the last two decades.
If you read the Internal Revenue Code (and you probably don’t want to!), you may be surprised to find that most business deductions aren’t specifically listed. For example, the tax law doesn’t explicitly state that you can deduct office supplies and other expenses. Some expenses are detailed in the tax code, but the general rule is contained in the first sentence of Section 162, which states you can write off “all the ordinary and necessary expenses paid or incurred during the taxable year in carrying on any trade or business.”
On Wednesday October 4, 2023, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed a $1 billion tax package into law. This significant legislation will increase tax credits for caregivers, renters, and seniors, and provide benefits for the business community. Through this legislation, Healey hopes to make the cost of living more affordable to families.
The IRS announced a deadline extension for certain taxpayers impacted by Hurricane Lee, which hit the east coast in September 2023. Taxpayers who reside in or have a business in affected areas will now have until February 15, 2024 to file individual and business tax returns and make tax payments that were originally due on or after September 15, 2023.
After issuing multiple warnings, the IRS has announced a moratorium on processing new Employee Retention Credit (ERC) refund claims through the end of the year. In combination with stepping up its audit and criminal investigation work regarding ERC claims, the IRS hopes the moratorium will slow down the ERC process to allow the organization to better identify which claims are legitimate.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act expanded the rules for depreciating business assets. However, the amounts change every year due to inflation adjustments. And due to high inflation, the adjustments for 2023 were big. Here are the numbers that small business owners need to know.
Did you know that home energy tax credit amounts were increased in 2023? Taxpayers who make home energy improvements this year may be able to take advantage of these credits for qualifying expenses, which were also expanded.
