Newly Signed “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” Could Benefit Private Elementary and Secondary Schools

The newly signed “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” has some changes that could benefit private elementary and secondary schools. Under pre-Act law, funds in a Code Section 529 college savings account could only be used for qualified higher education expenses. The new Law now includes tuition, at an elementary or secondary private or religious school as being “qualified higher education…

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Exemption to Double for Estate Taxes

As the new tax bill becomes finalized, the estate and gift tax exemption will double for 2018.  The figure given to individuals will be $11,000,000 and $22,000,000 for those who are married.  The increase in the estate and gift exemption will not be a permanent provision, and is set to expire at the end of 2026.  With this increase, taxpayers…

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Taking Advantage of State Tax Deduction for 2017

Please be aware that pending tax legislation may limit deductbility of state income taxes in 2018 and forward. Accordingly, Rackers & Fernandez recommends to all of our clients that you pay any anticipated state liability and 4th quarter state tax estimated by December 31, 2017. An example of potential tax savings (for those not in Alternative Minimum Tax) is as…

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Tax Scams to be Aware of

As we inch towards tax season, tax-payers and tax professionals prepare to take on Uncle Sam.  Another group preparing to get it on the action, unruly scammers.  In an age where information is highly coveted, scammers use every possible way to obtain it.  Scammers use the telephone, mail or email to set up individuals, businesses, payroll and tax professionals. An…

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Tax Consequences of Gifts to Employees for the Holidays

As we approach year end and many employers give gifts or other bonuses to employees, Rackers & Fernandez LLC, wants to remind our clients of the rules on these items. The IRS does not require that “De Minimis Fringe Benefits” be taxed to the employee (and social security taxes withheld). De Minimis Fringe Benefits include: Birthday or holiday gifts of…

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Tax Legislation Update from Rackers & Fernandez, LLC

As of December 4, 2017, the House and the Senate have each passed their own version of new tax legislation. The Senate and House must now reconcile the two bills into one, which would then go before each chamber for a final vote. The key differences in the two versions are as follows: 1. When the individual provisions expire Senate…

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U.S. Senate Republicans Narrowly Move Tax Bill Ahead; Spending Fights Erupt

As we’ve been following the ongoing talks about Tax Reform, Thomson Reuters has released information on what went down last night when the Senate Republicans took initiative to settle Trump’s tax cut bill. Thomson Reuters released the following information: U.S. Senate Republicans rammed forward President Donald Trump’s tax cut bill on Tuesday in an abrupt, partisan committee vote that set…

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Year-End Tax-Planning Moves to Consider

As the battle continues for both the Senate and the House to settle on the proposed Tax Reform legislation, our team has provided tips for year-end tax-planning that both individuals and businesses should consider. Individuals In spite of the uncertainty for when tax reform will be settled, the best year-end tax planning strategy for many taxpayers will be to follow…

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What to Expect from the Major Tax Reform Law

  Congress appears poised to enact a major tax reform law that could potentially make fundamental changes in the way you and your family calculate your federal income tax bill, and the amount of federal tax you will pay. This letter is designed to help you cope with the potential changes Congress is hammering into shape right now—to take advantage…

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New Act Highlighting Taxes

Yesterday, the house passed The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act by vote of 227-205. Highlights of the bill are as follows: Individuals Tax brackets of 12, 25 and 35% with a 39.6% rate for “high-income” taxpayers. The standard deduction is doubled ($12,700 for single taxpayers and $24,000 for married couples) while reducing certain itemized deductions such as: Home mortgage interest…

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