taxes - KSDT CPA

Maximizing Tax, Liability, and Estate Planning Benefits: The Case for Separating Real Estate from Your Business

ediaz — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 12:41:33 +0000

Does your business require real estate for its operations? Or do you hold property titled under your business’s name? It might be worth reconsidering this strategy. With long-term tax, liability and estate planning advantages, separating real estate ownership from the business may be a wise choice.

How taxes affect a sale

Businesses that are formed as C corporations treat real estate assets as they do equipment, inventory and other business assets. Any expenses related to owning the assets appear as ordinary expenses on their income statements and are generally tax deductible in the year they’re incurred.

However, when the business sells the real estate, the profits are taxed twice — at the corporate level and at the owner’s individual level when a distribution is made. Double taxation is avoidable, though. If ownership of the real estate is transferred to a pass-through entity instead, the profit upon sale will be taxed only at the individual level.

Safeguarding assets

Separating your business ownership from its real estate also provides an effective way to protect the real estate from creditors and other claimants. For example, if your business is sued and found liable, a plaintiff may go after all of its assets, including real estate held in its name. But plaintiffs can’t touch property owned by another entity.

The strategy also can pay off if your business is forced to file for bankruptcy. Creditors generally can’t recover real estate owned separately unless it’s been pledged as collateral for credit taken out by the business.

Estate planning implications

Separating real estate from a business may give you some estate planning options, too. For example, if the company is a family business but all members of the next generation aren’t interested in actively participating, separating property gives you an extra asset to distribute. You could bequest the business to one member and the real estate to another.

Handling the transaction

If you’re interested in this strategy, the business can transfer ownership of the real estate and then the transferee can lease it back to the company. Who should own the real estate? One option: The business owner can purchase the real estate from the business and hold title in his or her name. One concern though, is that it’s not only the property that’ll transfer to the owner but also any liabilities related to it.

In addition, any liability related to the property itself may inadvertently put the business at risk. If, for example, a client suffers an injury on the property and a lawsuit ensues, the property owner’s other assets (including the interest in the business) could be in jeopardy.

An alternative is to transfer the property to a separate legal entity formed to hold the title, typically a limited liability company (LLC) or limited liability partnership (LLP). With a pass-through structure, any expenses related to the real estate will flow through to your individual tax return and offset the rental income.

An LLC is more commonly used to transfer real estate. It’s simple to set up and requires only one member. LLPs require at least two partners and aren’t permitted in every state. Some states restrict them to certain types of businesses and impose other restrictions.

Tread carefully

It isn’t always advisable to separate the ownership of a business from its real estate. If it’s a valuable move, the right approach will depend on your individual circumstances. Contact us to help determine the best way to minimize your transfer costs and capital gains taxes while maximizing other potential benefits.

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It’s time for your business to think about year-end tax planning

ediaz — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 16:39:18 +0000

With Labor Day in the rearview mirror, it’s time to take proactive steps that may help lower your small business’s taxes for this year and next. The strategy of deferring income and accelerating deductions to minimize taxes can be effective for most businesses, as is the approach of bunching deductible expenses into this year or next to maximize their tax value.

Do you expect to be in a higher tax bracket next year? If so, then opposite strategies may produce better results. For example, you could pull income into 2024 to be taxed at lower rates, and defer deductible expenses until 2025, when they can be claimed to offset higher-taxed income.

Here are some other ideas that may help you save tax dollars if you act soon.

Estimated taxes

Make sure you make the last two estimated tax payments to avoid penalties. The third quarter payment for 2024 is due on September 16, 2024, and the fourth quarter payment is due on January 15, 2025.

QBI deduction

Taxpayers other than corporations may be entitled to a deduction of up to 20% of their qualified business income (QBI). For 2024, if taxable income exceeds $383,900 for married couples filing jointly (half that amount for other taxpayers), the deduction may be limited based on whether the taxpayer is engaged in a service-type business (such as law, health or consulting), the amount of W-2 wages paid by the business, and/or the unadjusted basis of qualified property (such as machinery and equipment) held by the business. The limitations are phased in.

Taxpayers may be able to salvage some or all of the QBI deduction (or be subject to a smaller deduction phaseout) by deferring income or accelerating deductions to keep income under the dollar thresholds. You also may be able increase the deduction by increasing W-2 wages before year end. The rules are complex, so consult us before acting.

Cash vs. accrual accounting

More small businesses are able to use the cash (rather than the accrual) method of accounting for federal tax purposes than were allowed to do so in previous years. To qualify as a small business under current law, a taxpayer must (among other requirements) satisfy a gross receipts test. For 2024, it’s satisfied if, during the three prior tax years, average annual gross receipts don’t exceed $30 million. Cash method taxpayers may find it easier to defer income by holding off on billing until next year, paying bills early or making certain prepayments.

Section 179 deduction

Consider making expenditures that qualify for the Section 179 expensing option. For 2024, the expensing limit is $1.22 million, and the investment ceiling limit is $3.05 million. Expensing is generally available for most depreciable property (other than buildings) including equipment, off-the-shelf computer software, interior improvements to a building, HVAC and security systems.

The high dollar ceilings mean that many small and midsize businesses will be able to currently deduct most or all of their outlays for machinery and equipment. What’s more, the deduction isn’t prorated for the time an asset is in service during the year. Even if you place eligible property in service by the last days of 2024, you can claim a full deduction for the year.

Bonus depreciation

For 2024, businesses also can generally claim a 60% bonus first-year depreciation deduction for qualified improvement property and machinery and equipment bought new or used, if purchased and placed in service this year. As with the Sec. 179 deduction, the write-off is available even if qualifying assets are only in service for a few days in 2024.

Upcoming tax law changes

These are just some year-end strategies that may help you save taxes. Contact us to customize a plan that works for you. In addition, it’s important to stay informed about any changes that could affect your business’s taxes. In the next couple years, tax laws will be changing. Many tax breaks, including the QBI deduction, are scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. Plus, the outcome of the presidential and congressional elections could result in new or repealed tax breaks.

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Tax Landscape 2025: Preparing for Potential Shifts Post-Election

ediaz — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 13:13:53 +0000

Get ready: The upcoming presidential and congressional elections may significantly alter the tax landscape for businesses in the United States. The reason has to do with a tax law that’s scheduled to expire in about 17 months and how politicians in Washington would like to handle it.

How we got here

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which generally took effect in 2018, made extensive changes to small business taxes. Many of its provisions are set to expire on December 31, 2025.

As we get closer to the law sunsetting, you may be concerned about the future federal tax bill of your business. The impact isn’t clear because the Democrats and Republicans have different views about how to approach the various provisions in the TCJA.

Corporate and pass-through business rates

The TCJA cut the maximum corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. It also lowered rates for individual taxpayers involved in noncorporate pass-through entities, including S corporations and partnerships, as well as from sole proprietorships. The highest rate today is 37%, down from 39.6% before the TCJA became effective.

But while the individual rate cuts expire in 2025, the law made the corporate tax cut “permanent.” (In other words, there’s no scheduled expiration date. However, tax legislation could still raise or lower the corporate tax rate.)

In addition to lowering rates, the TCJA affects tax law in many other ways. For small business owners, one of the most significant changes is the potential expiration of the Section 199A qualified business income (QBI) deduction. This is the write-off for up to 20% of QBI from noncorporate entities.

Another of the expiring TCJA business provisions is the gradual phaseout of first-year bonus depreciation. Under the TCJA,100% bonus depreciation was available for qualified new and used property that was placed in service in calendar year 2022. It was reduced to 80% in 2023, 60% in 2024, 40% in 2025, 20% in 2026 and 0% in 2027.

Potential Outcomes

The outcome of the presidential election in three months, as well as the balance of power in Congress, will determine the TCJA’s future. Here are four potential outcomes:

All of the TCJA provisions scheduled to expire will actually expire at the end of 2025.
All of the TCJA provisions scheduled to expire will be extended past 2025 (or made permanent).
Some TCJA provisions will be allowed to expire, while others will be extended (or made permanent).
Some or all of the temporary TCJA provisions will expire — and new laws will be enacted that provide different tax breaks and/or different tax rates.

How your tax bill will be affected in 2026 will partially depend on which one of these outcomes actually happens and whether your tax bill went down or up when the TCJA became effective years ago. That was based on a number of factors including your business income, your filing status, where you live (the SALT limitation negatively affects taxpayers in certain states), and whether you have children or other dependents.

Your tax situation will also be affected by who wins the presidential election and who controls Congress because Democrats and Republicans have competing visions about how to proceed. Keep in mind that tax proposals can become law only if tax legislation passes both houses of Congress and is signed by the President (or there are enough votes in Congress to override a presidential veto).

Look to the future

As the TCJA provisions get closer to expiring, and the election gets settled, it’s important to know what might change and what tax-wise moves you can make if the law does change. We can answer any questions you have and you can count on us to keep you informed about the latest news.

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Maximize Your Health Savings: IRS Announces 2025 Inflation-Adjusted HSA and HRA Limits

ediaz — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 15:12:49 +0000

The IRS recently released guidance providing the 2025 inflation-adjusted amounts for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). These amounts are adjusted each year, based on inflation, and the adjustments are announced earlier in the year than other inflation-adjusted amounts, which allows employers to get ready for the next year.

Fundamentals of HSAs

An HSA is a trust created or organized exclusively for the purpose of paying the qualified medical expenses of an account beneficiary. An HSA can only be established for the benefit of an eligible individual who is covered under a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). In addition, a participant can’t be enrolled in Medicare or have other health coverage (exceptions include dental, vision, long-term care, accident and specific disease insurance).

Within specified dollar limits, an above-the-line tax deduction is allowed for an individual’s contribution to an HSA. This annual contribution limitation and the annual deductible and out-of-pocket expenses under the tax code are adjusted annually for inflation.

Inflation adjustments for 2025

In Revenue Procedure 2024-25, the IRS released the 2025 inflation-adjusted figures for contributions to HSAs, which are as follows:

Annual contribution limits. For calendar year 2025, the annual contribution limit for an individual with self-only coverage under an HDHP will be $4,300. For an individual with family coverage, the amount will be $8,550. These are up from $4,150 and $8,300, respectively, in 2024.

In addition, for both 2024 and 2025, there’s a $1,000 catch-up contribution amount for those who are age 55 or older by the end of the tax year.

High-deductible health plan limits. For calendar year 2025, an HDHP will be a health plan with an annual deductible that isn’t less than $1,650 for self-only coverage or $3,300 for family coverage (these amounts are $1,600 and $3,200 for 2024). In addition, annual out-of-pocket expenses (deductibles, co-payments and other amounts, but not premiums) won’t be able to exceed $8,300 for self-only coverage or $16,600 for family coverage (up from $8,050 and $16,100, respectively, for 2024).

Heath Reimbursement Arrangements

The IRS also announced an inflation-adjusted amount for Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs). An HRA must receive contributions from an eligible individual (employers can’t contribute). Contributions aren’t included in income, and HRA reimbursements used to pay eligible medical expenses aren’t taxed. In 2025, the maximum amount that may be made newly available for the plan year for an excepted benefit HRA will be $2,150 (up from $2,100 in 2024).

Collect the benefits

There are a variety of benefits to HSAs that employers and employees appreciate. Contributions to the accounts are made on a pre-tax basis. The money can accumulate tax-free year after year and can be withdrawn tax-free to pay for a variety of medical expenses such as doctor visits, prescriptions, chiropractic care and premiums for long-term care insurance. In addition, an HSA is “portable.” It stays with an account holder if he or she changes employers or leaves the workforce. Many employers find it to be a fringe benefit that attracts and retains employees. If you have questions about HSAs at your business, contact us.

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Navigating the Complexities of Adding a New Partner to Your Business

ediaz — Tue, 21 May 2024 17:53:23 +0000

There are several financial and legal implications when adding a new partner to a partnership. Here’s an example to illustrate: You and your partners are planning to admit a new partner. The new partner will acquire a one-third interest in the partnership by making a cash contribution to the business. Assume that your basis in your partnership interests is sufficient so that the decrease in your portions of the partnership’s liabilities because of the new partner’s entry won’t reduce your basis to zero.

More complex than it seems

Although adding a new partner may appear to be simple, it’s important to plan the new person’s entry properly to avoid various tax problems. Here are two issues to consider:

1. If there’s a change in the partners’ interests in unrealized receivables and substantially appreciated inventory items, the change will be treated as a sale of those items, with the result that the current partners will recognize gain. For this purpose, unrealized receivables include not only accounts receivable, but also depreciation recapture and certain other ordinary income items. To avoid gain recognition on those items, it’s necessary that they be allocated to the current partners even after the entry of the new partner.

2. The tax code requires that the “built-in gain or loss” on assets that were held by the partnership before the new partner was admitted be allocated to the current partners and not to the entering partner. In general, “built-in gain or loss” is the difference between the fair market value and basis of the partnership property at the time the new partner is admitted.

The upshot of these rules is that the new partner must be allocated a portion of the depreciation equal to his or her share of the depreciable property, based on current fair market value. This will reduce the amount of depreciation that can be taken by the current partners. The other outcome is that the built-in gain or loss on the partnership assets must be allocated to the current partners when the partnership assets are sold. The rules that apply in this area are complex, and the partnership may have to adopt special accounting procedures to cope with the relevant requirements.

Follow your basis

When adding a partner or making other changes, a partner’s basis in his or her interest can undergo frequent adjustment. It’s important to keep proper track of your basis because it can have an impact on these areas:

Gain or loss on the sale of your interest,
How partnership distributions to you are taxed, and
The maximum amount of partnership loss you can deduct.

We can help

Contact us if you’d like assistance in dealing with these issues or any other issues that may arise in connection with your partnership.

The post Navigating the Complexities of Adding a New Partner to Your Business first appeared on KSDT CPA.

When partners pay expenses related to the business

ediaz — Fri, 03 May 2024 14:23:53 +0000

It’s not unusual for a partner to incur expenses related to the partnership’s business. This is especially likely to occur in service partnerships such as an architecture or law firm. For example, partners in service partnerships may incur entertainment expenses in developing new client relationships. They may also incur expenses for: transportation to get to and from client meetings, professional publications, continuing education and home office. What’s the tax treatment of such expenses? Here are the answers.

Reimbursable or not

As long as the expenses are the type a partner is expected to pay without reimbursement under the partnership agreement or firm policy (written or unwritten), the partner can deduct the expenses on Schedule E of Form 1040. Conversely, a partner can’t deduct expenses if the partnership would have honored a request for reimbursement.

A partner’s unreimbursed partnership business expenses should also generally be included as deductions in arriving at the partner’s net income from self-employment on Schedule SE.

For example, let’s say you’re a partner in a local architecture firm. Under the firm’s partnership agreement, partners are expected to bear the costs of soliciting potential new business except in unusual cases where attracting a large potential new client is deemed to be a firm-wide goal. In attempting to attract new clients this year, you spend $4,500 of your own money on meal expenses. You receive no reimbursement from the firm. On your Schedule E, you should report a deductible item of $2,250 (50% of $4,500). You should also include the $2,250 as a deduction in calculating your net self-employment income on Schedule SE.

So far, so good, but here’s the issue: a partner can’t deduct expenses if they could have been reimbursed by the firm. In other words, no deduction is allowed for “voluntary” out-of-pocket expenses. The best way to eliminate any doubt about the proper tax treatment of unreimbursed partnership expenses is to install a written firm policy that clearly states what will and won’t be reimbursed. That way, the partners can deduct their unreimbursed firm-related business expenses without any problems from the IRS.

Office in a partner’s home

Subject to the normal deduction limits under the home office rules, a partner can deduct expenses allocable to the regular and exclusive use of a home office for partnership business. The partner’s deductible home office expenses should be reported on Schedule E in the same fashion as other unreimbursed partnership expenses.

If a partner has a deductible home office, the Schedule E home office deduction can deliver multiple tax-saving benefits because it’s effectively deducted for both federal income tax and self-employment tax purposes.

In addition, if the partner’s deductible home office qualifies as a principal place of business, commuting mileage from the home office to partnership business temporary work locations (such as client sites) and partnership permanent work locations (such as the partnership’s official office) count as business mileage.

The principal place of business test can be passed in two ways. First, the partner can conduct most of partnership income-earning activities in the home office. Second, the partner can pass the principal place of business test if he or she:

Uses the home office to conduct partnership administrative and management tasks and
Doesn’t make substantial use of any other fixed location (such as the partnership’s official office) for such administrative and management tasks.
To sum up

When a partner can be reimbursed for business expenses under a partnership agreement or standard operating procedures, the partner should turn them in. Otherwise, the partner can’t deduct the expenses. On the partnership side of the deal, the business should set forth a written firm policy that clearly states what will and won’t be reimbursed, including home office expenses if applicable. This applies equally to members of LLCs that are treated as partnerships for federal tax purposes because those members count as partners under tax law.

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When businesses may want to take a contrary approach with income and deductions

ediaz — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 12:57:47 +0000

Businesses usually want to delay recognition of taxable income into future years and accelerate deductions into the current year. But when is it wise to do the opposite? And why would you want to?

One reason might be tax law changes that raise tax rates. The Administration has proposed raising the corporate federal income tax rate from its current flat 21% to 28%. Another reason may be because you expect your noncorporate pass-through entity business to pay taxes at higher rates in the future and the pass-through income will be taxed on your personal return. There have also been discussions in Washington about raising individual federal income tax rates.

If you believe your business income could be subject to tax rate increases, you might want to accelerate income recognition into the current tax year to benefit from the current lower tax rates. At the same time, you may want to postpone deductions into a later tax year, when rates are higher and the deductions will be more beneficial.

To fast-track income

Consider these options if you want to accelerate revenue recognition into the current tax year:

Sell appreciated assets that have capital gains in the current year, rather than waiting until a later year.
Review the company’s list of depreciable assets to determine if any fully depreciated assets are in need of replacement. If fully depreciated assets are sold, taxable gains will be triggered in the year of sale.
For installment sales of appreciated assets, elect out of installment sale treatment to recognize gain in the year of sale.
Instead of using a tax-deferred like-kind Section 1031 exchange, sell real property in a taxable transaction.
Consider converting your S corporation into a partnership or LLC treated as a partnership for tax purposes. That will trigger gains from the company’s appreciated assets because the conversion is treated as a taxable liquidation of the S corp. The partnership will have an increased tax basis in the assets.
For construction companies with long-term construction contracts previously exempt from the percentage-of-completion method of accounting for long-term contracts: Consider using the percentage-of-completion method to recognize income sooner as compared to the completed contract method, which defers recognition of income until the long-term construction is completed.

To postpone deductions

Consider the following actions to postpone deductions into a higher-rate tax year, which will maximize their value:

Delay purchasing capital equipment and fixed assets, which would give rise to depreciation deductions.
Forego claiming big first-year Section 179 deductions or bonus depreciation deductions on new depreciable assets and instead depreciate the assets over a number of years.
Determine whether professional fees and employee salaries associated with a long-term project could be capitalized, which would spread out the costs over time.
Buy bonds at a discount this year to increase interest income in future years.
If allowed, put off inventory shrinkage or other write-downs until a year with a higher tax rate.
Delay charitable contributions into a year with a higher tax rate.
If allowed, delay accounts receivable charge-offs to a year with a higher tax rate.
Delay payment of liabilities where the related deduction is based on when the amount is paid.

The post When businesses may want to take a contrary approach with income and deductions first appeared on KSDT CPA.

Maximizing Depreciation Deductions: A Strategic Approach for 2024

ediaz — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 14:26:23 +0000

In the ever-evolving landscape of tax regulations, businesses continuously seek strategies to optimize their financial operations and reduce tax liabilities. As we navigate through 2024, two pivotal tax-saving opportunities demand our attention: Section 179 deductions and bonus depreciation. These provisions offer a significant advantage for businesses investing in new assets, but harnessing their full potential requires a nuanced understanding and strategic planning.

Section 179 Deduction: Unlocking Immediate Benefits

The Section 179 tax deduction serves as a powerful tool for businesses, allowing immediate expensing of tangible depreciable assets such as equipment, computer hardware, vehicles (with specific limits), and software. For the tax year 2024, the deduction ceiling has been set at an inflation-adjusted $1.22 million, phasing out when asset purchases exceed $3.05 million. This adjustment not only reflects our economy’s current state but also emphasizes the deduction’s relevance for small to medium-sized enterprises aiming to expand their operational capacity.

However, it’s crucial to recognize that not all investments qualify, and certain limitations, such as the business taxable income limitation, can restrict the deduction amount. These nuances underscore the importance of strategic asset management and timing to maximize tax savings.

Bonus Depreciation: Extending Your Tax-Saving Horizon

Complementing the Section 179 deduction, bonus depreciation offers an additional layer of tax relief for businesses. This provision enables companies to deduct a substantial percentage of the cost of qualifying assets in the first year. For 2024, this deduction stands at 60%, a slight decrease from the previous year but still a significant opportunity for tax savings. Notably, bonus depreciation extends its benefits to both new and pre-owned assets, provided they are new to the taxpayer, enhancing its appeal.

Strategic Synergy: Coordinating Deductions for Optimal Results

The interplay between Section 179 deductions and bonus depreciation presents a strategic tax-saving opportunity. Our approach should prioritize maximizing the Section 179 deduction, subsequently leveraging bonus depreciation for additional savings. This methodical approach can lead to substantial tax reductions, as illustrated by an example where a business could potentially write off 84% of its qualifying asset additions in 2024.

A Word from David Goldweitz

“As we look ahead, the importance of proactive financial planning and strategic investment in assets cannot be overstated. The nuances of tax law and its implications on business operations offer both challenges and opportunities. By leveraging the synergies between Section 179 deductions and bonus depreciation, we position ourselves for not just immediate tax savings but also long-term financial health. At KSDT CPA, our commitment remains unwavering: to navigate these complexities and unlock the full potential of tax-saving strategies for our clients. Together, we can turn these opportunities into tangible benefits for your business.”

By David Goldweitz, CPA, CVA, Partner at KSDT CPA

Contact for a conversation about Section 179 and how it can help you.

The post Maximizing Depreciation Deductions: A Strategic Approach for 2024 first appeared on KSDT CPA.

Key Deadlines and Guidelines for Filing Your 2023 Gift Tax Returns

ediaz — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 15:08:26 +0000

Gift Tax Compliance in 2023: What You Need to Know

As the calendar pages turn, it’s crucial to remember not just the traditional tax deadlines but also those pertaining to gift taxes—a segment of tax planning that can often go overlooked. For individuals who have generously shared their wealth with family members in 2023, it’s time to mark your calendars: April 15 is not only the cut-off for filing your income tax return but also for submitting any due gift tax returns.

The April 15 Deadline: A Double-Edged Sword

This date serves a dual purpose: it’s the final day for both settling your 2023 income taxes and submitting gift tax returns for wealth transfers made in the previous year. If this deadline seems too tight, there’s relief in the form of an extension, pushing your gift tax return due date to October 15, provided you apply in time.

Understanding When to File

Navigating the need for a gift tax return (Form 709) begins with understanding the thresholds set by the IRS. For 2023, gifts exceeding $17,000 per individual necessitate filing a return, a figure that adjusts to $18,000 for 2024. This includes specific provisions for gifts to a non-citizen spouse, with exclusions of $175,000 for 2023 and $185,000 for 2024.

Certain transfers, like those to trusts for a beneficiary’s future benefit or gift-splitting between spouses, demand a return regardless of amount. However, crossing these thresholds doesn’t automatically imply a tax liability. Taxes are only a concern if your lifetime gifts surpass the substantial exemption cap, set at $12.92 million for 2023 and increasing to $13.61 million in 2024.

Exemptions from Filing

Not all generous acts trigger the need for a return. Exclusions include:

Direct payments for someone’s education or medical bills,
Gifts within the annual exclusion limits,
Outright gifts to a U.S. citizen spouse, and
Charitable donations, unless coupled with other reportable transfers.

In situations involving less tangible assets, like art or family business interests, proactively filing a return might be wise. This step can cap the IRS’s window to question asset valuations to three years post-filing.

Beyond Gifts: Reporting Non-Gift Transactions

Interestingly, Form 709 may also serve to document transactions not traditionally viewed as gifts, such as sales of assets to family members. This documentation can be a strategic move to prevent future IRS disputes over asset values.

Seeking Expert Guidance

The labyrinth of estate and gift tax regulations underscores the value of professional advice. For those uncertain about their filing obligations or seeking to navigate the complexities of gift tax planning, seeking expert assistance is a prudent step.

Let Us Assist You

As you prepare for this tax season, remember the dual deadlines of April 15 and consider whether you’ve engaged in any transactions that might necessitate a gift tax return. For those who’ve embarked on significant wealth transfers last year, now is the time to assess your obligations. Don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance on ensuring compliance and optimizing your tax strategy.

The post Key Deadlines and Guidelines for Filing Your 2023 Gift Tax Returns first appeared on KSDT CPA.

Act Fast to Benefit: How to Maximize Your QBI Deduction Before It’s Too Late

ediaz — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 13:26:36 +0000

The qualified business income (QBI) deduction is available to eligible businesses through 2025. After that, it’s scheduled to disappear. So if you’re eligible, you want to make the most of the deduction while it’s still on the books because it can potentially be a big tax saver.

Deduction basics

The QBI deduction is written off at the owner level. It can be up to 20% of:

QBI earned from a sole proprietorship or single-member LLC that’s treated as a sole proprietorship for tax purposes, plus
QBI from a pass-through entity, meaning a partnership, LLC that’s treated as a partnership for tax purposes or S corporation.

How is QBI defined? It’s qualified income and gains from an eligible business, reduced by related deductions. QBI is reduced by: 1) deductible contributions to a self-employed retirement plan, 2) the deduction for 50% of self-employment tax, and 3) the deduction for self-employed health insurance premiums.

Unfortunately, the QBI deduction doesn’t reduce net earnings for purposes of the self-employment tax, nor does it reduce investment income for purposes of the 3.8% net investment income tax (NIIT) imposed on higher-income individuals.

Limitations

At higher income levels, QBI deduction limitations come into play. For 2024, these begin to phase in when taxable income before any QBI deduction exceeds $191,950 ($383,900 for married joint filers). The limitations are fully phased in once taxable income exceeds $241,950 or $483,900, respectively.

If your income exceeds the applicable fully-phased-in number, your QBI deduction is limited to the greater of: 1) your share of 50% of W-2 wages paid to employees during the year and properly allocable to QBI, or 2) the sum of your share of 25% of such W-2 wages plus your share of 2.5% of the unadjusted basis immediately upon acquisition (UBIA) of qualified property.

The limitation based on qualified property is intended to benefit capital-intensive businesses such as hotels and manufacturing operations. Qualified property means depreciable tangible property, including real estate, that’s owned and used to produce QBI. The UBIA of qualified property generally equals its original cost when first put to use in the business.

Finally, your QBI deduction can’t exceed 20% of your taxable income calculated before any QBI deduction and before any net capital gain (net long-term capital gains in excess of net short-term capital losses plus qualified dividends).

Unfavorable rules for certain businesses

For a specified service trade or business (SSTB), the QBI deduction begins to be phased out when your taxable income before any QBI deduction exceeds $191,950 ($383,900 for married joint filers). Phaseout is complete if taxable income exceeds $241,950 or $483,900, respectively. If your taxable income exceeds the applicable phaseout amount, you’re not allowed to claim any QBI deduction based on income from a SSTB.

Other factors

Other rules apply to this tax break. For example, you can elect to aggregate several businesses for purposes of the deduction. It may allow someone with taxable income high enough to be affected by the limitations described above to claim a bigger QBI deduction than if the businesses were considered separately.

There also may be an impact for claiming or forgoing certain deductions. For example, in 2024, you can potentially claim first-year Section 179 depreciation deductions of up to $1.22 million for eligible asset additions (subject to various limitations). For 2024, 60% first-year bonus depreciation is also available. However, first-year depreciation deductions reduce QBI and taxable income, which can reduce your QBI deduction. So, you may have to thread the needle with depreciation write-offs to get the best overall tax result.

Use it or potentially lose it

The QBI deduction is scheduled to disappear after 2025. Congress could extend it, but don’t count on it. So, maximizing the deduction for 2024 and 2025 is a worthy goal. We can help.

The post Act Fast to Benefit: How to Maximize Your QBI Deduction Before It’s Too Late first appeared on KSDT CPA.