Joel Handler, CPA

Proper payroll recordkeeping is critical for every business to ensure tax compliance and guard against litigation. Most companies must keep information regarding federal income, Social Security and Medicare taxes for at least four years after the due date of an employee’s personal income tax return for the year in which the payment was made. This is known as the “records-in-general” rule, and various data and documents fall under it. Contact us at (718) 374-5051 to schedule a review of your payroll recordkeeping processes today!

If you’ve recently sold your home and realized a capital gain, you may be able to exclude some or all of the gain from the sale. To claim the exclusion, you must pass IRS ownership and use tests. During a five-year period ending on the date of sale, you must have owned the home and lived in it for at least two years. If qualified, you may be able to exclude a capital gain of up to $250,000 from your income ($500,000 for married joint filers). Be aware that the exclusion is available only for your main home (not a second home). If you realized a loss on the sale, it’s not deductible. For more information from the IRS: https://bit.ly/3GCMQqz or contact us at (718) 374-5051 with questions.

Two commonly misunderstood tax terms are deductions and credits. What’s the difference? Deductions reduce the amount of a taxpayer’s income before tax is calculated. For example, on your individual return, you can take the standard deduction or itemize deductions depending on which strategy will most reduce your taxable income. Credits, on the other hand, reduce the actual tax due, dollar-for-dollar, generally making them more valuable than deductions. Certain credits, such as the Child Tax Credit, are partially or fully refundable. This means that if a taxpayer’s bill is less than the amount of the credit, he or she may receive the difference as a refund. Contact us at (718) 374-5051 with your tax questions.

Many small businesses overpay sales tax without realizing it. Exemptions vary widely by state, and relying on vendors to get it right can lead to costly mistakes. A reverse audit can uncover overpayments and help you recover lost dollars. Don’t wait! Refunds are usually time limited. Contact us at (718) 374-5051. We can help make sure you’re not leaving money on the table.