Getting a debt wiped clean feels like an absolute win, but the IRS often sees it differently. Generally, when a lender forgives, cancels, or settles a debt for less than what you actually owe, the government treats that wiped-out balance as taxable income.
Debt vs. Equity: How Shareholder Funding Impacts C Corp Taxes
Quick Summary
How you fund your C corporation, through shareholder loans (debt) or capital contributions (equity), can significantly impact taxes.
Debt may allow tax-free principal repayment and deductible interest, while equity can trigger double taxation when profits are distributed. Structuring funding correctly can improve tax efficiency, but it must meet IRS requirements to be respected.
Tips To Avoid Credit Card Debt This Holiday Season
Typically, credit card balances follow a seasonal pattern, increasing significantly in the fourth quarter and coinciding with holiday shopping. This year is no exception; unfortunately, it coincides with higher credit card interest rates. With more people than ever depending on credit cards to cover basic expenses due to inflation, this could lead to an ever-increasing debt load. In fact, credit card balances are approaching pre-pandemic levels, increasing by $38 billion (a 15 percent increase year-over-year) since the second quarter – the largest increase in more than 20 years (Federal Reserve Bank of New York).
Paying off Debt the Smart Way
With economic volatility, being debt-free is a worthwhile goal. Unfortunately, between mortgages, car loans, credit cards, and student loans, this is unrealistic for most people, especially those of pre-retirement age. Instead, it’s better to start by focusing on managing debt. When you handle debt wisely, you won’t have to shell out every cent of your hard-earned money to your lender or feel like you’re always on the verge of bankruptcy.
These tips will help you get started paying off debt the smart way and help you save extra money to pay down those debts even faster:
Tax-Saving Moves Businesses Should Consider Before Year End
Now is a good time to consider year-end moves that can help reduce your business’s 2024 taxes. The effectiveness of a particular action depends on the circumstances of your business. Here are several possibilities.
Secure a Business Bad Debt Deduction on Your Tax Return
Is your business having trouble collecting payments from clients or vendors? You might be able to claim a bad debt deduction on your tax return. But if you hope to take the deduction on your return for this year, you’ll have to get busy because you must be able to show that you’ve made a “reasonable” effort to collect the debt.