Per diem rates have been updated for FY 2021-22 and are effective October 1, 2021. These allowances substantiate the amount of ordinary and necessary business expenses paid or incurred while traveling away from home and include lodging, meal, and incidental expenses, as well as meal and incidental expenses only.
IRAs: Terms to Know
IRAs, or Individual Retirement Arrangements, provide tax incentives for people to make investments that can provide financial security for their retirement. To help people better understand this type of retirement savings account, here’s a basic overview of terms to know:
E-Signatures Extended for Many Tax Forms
To help reduce the burden to taxpayers brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, the use of electronic or digital signatures on certain paper forms they normally cannot file electronically have been extended through December 31, 2021. Let’s take a look at what this means for taxpayers:
Use These Strategies To Pass on Wealth to Heirs
Individuals with significant assets should take advantage of proven tax strategies such as gifting and direct payments to educational institutions to transfer wealth to heirs tax-free, as well as minimize estate taxes. Additional opportunities are available as well, thanks to low interest rates and a volatile stock market. Let’s take a look at some of them:
Reporting Gambling Income and Losses on Your Tax Return
If you aren’t in the trade or business of gambling, you should be aware that gambling winnings are fully taxable and must be reported as income on your tax return. Gambling income includes but isn’t limited to winnings from lotteries, raffles, horse races, and casinos, and also includes cash winnings and the fair market value of prizes, such as cars and trips. Here is what you need to know:
Tax Due Dates for October 2021
October 12 Employees who work for tips — If you received $20 or more in tips during September, report them to your employer. You can use Form 4070. October 15 Individuals — If you have an automatic 6-month extension to …
Tax Relief for Those Affected by Natural Disasters
Recovery efforts after natural disasters can be costly. With floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters affecting so many people throughout the U.S. this year, many have been left wondering how they’re going to pay for the cleanup or when their businesses will be able to reopen. The good news is that there is relief for taxpayers – but only if you meet certain conditions. Let’s take a look:
Extension Deadline Looming for 2020 Tax Returns
Time is running short for taxpayers who requested an extra six months to file their 2020 tax return. As a reminder, Friday, October 15, 2021, is the extension deadline for most taxpayers. Taxpayers who owe tax – even those who did not request an extension – and have yet to file a 2020 tax return can generally avoid additional penalties and interest by filing the return as soon as possible and paying any balance due.
What Is a Designated Roth Account?
Many 401(k) plans allow taxpayers to make Roth contributions as long as the plan has a designated Roth account. Your plan may also allow you to transfer amounts to the designated Roth account in the plan or borrow money.
Reminder: Protect Yourself From Scammers
Understanding how the IRS communicates can help taxpayers protect themselves from scammers who pretend to be from the IRS with the goal of stealing personal information. For example, the IRS typically does not call a taxpayer, but if the IRS does call, it should not be a surprise because the agency will have sent a notice or letter first to alert the taxpayer of their intent.