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Children, taxes, and their new job

Is your child thinking about taking on a job for extra money this summer? If so, both of you may have questions about taxes. The following are a few tax tips to help you prepare.

For 2017, your child can earn as much as $6,350 and not pay a dime in federal income tax. If your child's earnings won't exceed this amount, consider having the child claim "student–exempt" when completing the "Federal Withholding Allowance Certificate" (Form W-4). As long as your child's total income doesn't exceed the $6,350 limit, he or she may not need to file a 2017 tax return.

Midyear tax planning more important than ever

Summertime usually makes us think of vacations, backyard barbecues, and general relaxation. Tax planning may not be on the top of your summertime to do list, but this year you may want to consider making time for it.

Major tax reform is being considered in Washington for the first time in thirty years. Current proposals include changes to the tax bracket structure, personal deductions, exemptions, and childcare credits.

Is your business waving a red flag at the IRS?

The chance the IRS will target your business for a federal tax audit is usually low. However, if your tax return for your business includes certain red flags, you boost your odds of being audited. Here are a few of the most common audit triggers that are likely to grab the attention of the IRS.

Continuous losses. If you report a net loss on a Schedule C in more than two out of the last five years, the IRS may consider your business a hobby. If deemed a hobby, you can deduct expenses only up to the amount of your hobby's total income. Enjoy rebuilding cars? Great. But if you never turn a profit, don't expect the IRS to consider it more than a hobby.

What's new in taxes: Tips for those getting married

If you are planning to get married this summer, or know someone taking the matrimonial plunge, here are some important tax tips every couple should know before they walk down the aisle.

Notify Social Security. Notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) of any name changes by filling out Form SS-5. The IRS matches names with the SSA and may reject your joint tax return if the names don't match what the SSA has on file.

Address change notification. If either of you are moving, update your address with your employer as well as the Postal Service. You will also need to update the IRS with your new address using Form 8822.

How to build your business credit

Whether your firm has been operating for years, or you decided over last night's coffee to start a new venture, you are sure to face the need for business credit. Entrepreneurs often ask friends and family to invest in their start-up businesses, and many draw on personal funds to launch new firms. But to address ongoing business needs – such as requirements for inventory, equipment, and real estate – most firms seek additional help from credit card companies and banks.

Tax filing responsibilities of estate executors

Your role as an executor or personal administrator of an estate involves a number of responsibilities. Did you know that part of your responsibility involves making sure the necessary tax returns are filed? And there might be more of those than you expect.

Here's an overview:

Personal income tax. You may need to file a federal income tax return for the decedent for the prior year as well as the year of death. Both are due by April 15 of the following year, even if the amount of time covered is less than a full year. You can request a six-month extension if you need additional time to gather information.