Archives for Industry News

Senate Tax Plan Outline Released

The Senate Republican’s tax reform plan was released last week. Several proposals changed from the House Tax bill. The key changes in the plan from the current law are as follows: Individuals: Current tax rates: Seven brackets from 10% to 39.6%. Proposed tax rates: Seven brackets at 10%, 12%, 22.5%, 25%, 32.5%, 35% and 38.5%. Current standard deduction: $6,350 individuals and $12,700 married filing joint. Proposed standard deduction: $12,000 individuals and $24,000 married filing joint. Elimination of personal exemptions, worth $4,050 per person. Increase child tax credit from $1,000 to $1,650 and add a $500 credit for nonchild dependents. Eliminate
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Categories: Industry News and Newsletter and Updates.

House Tax Bill Outline Released

On the heels of the recently passed 2018 budget resolution that allows for tax legislation to increase the federal deficit by $1.5 trillion over 10 years the House Republican leaders released details of its tax overhaul plan. The key changes in the plan from the current law are as follows: Individuals: Current tax rates: Seven brackets from 10% to 39.6%. Proposed tax rates: Four brackets at 12%, 25%, 35% and 39.6%. Current standard deduction: $6,350 individuals and $12,700 married filing joint. Proposed standard deduction: $12,000 individuals and $24,000 married filing joint. Elimination of personal exemptions, worth $4,050 per person. Increase
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Categories: Industry News and Newsletter and Updates.

Estate and Gift Tax 2018 Inflation Adjustments

On October 19th, the IRS issued Revenue Procedure 2017-58, the annual inflation adjustments for 2018 for many tax provisions, including exemptions for estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer (GST) taxes as well as the annual exclusion amount for gifts as follows: Estate, Gift and GST Tax Exemption Increases to $5,600,000. For estates of decedents who pass away during 2018, and for gifts made during 2018, the combined estate and gift tax exemption will increase to $5,600,000, up from a total of $5,490,000 for estates of decedents in 2017.  The generation-skipping transfer exemption increased as well to $5,600,000. In 2018 an individual can
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Categories: Industry News and Newsletter and Updates.

What to Do After the Hurricane

Those pictures you see from Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma – ordinary people out there in waist-high water, rescuing both their neighbors and strangers, coming from other states and other counties – demonstrate yet again not only the resilience of Americans but our decency in reaching out to others without a thought to personal safety. It also makes us all think: What would I do if such a natural disaster were to strike my home or business? What follows are the resources available, especially if you are in Texas or Florida. Even if you’re not in this area, you may have
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Categories: Industry News and Newsletter and Updates.

Unified Framework for Tax Reform

Republican lawmakers released on Wednesday a “unified framework” for tax reform designed to cut tax rates, simplify the Internal Revenue Code, and provide a more competitive environment for business. The key changes are as follows: Individuals: Current tax rates: Seven brackets from 10% to 39.6%. Proposed tax rates: Three brackets at 12%, 25% and 35%. Current standard deduction: $6,350 individuals and $12,700 married filing joint. Proposed standard deduction: $12,000 individuals and $24,000 married filing joint. Elimination of personal exemptions, worth $4,050 per person. Repeal of the alternative minimum tax. Repeal of the estate and generation-skipping transfer tax. Eliminate most itemized
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Categories: Industry News and Newsletter and Updates.

How to Protect Yourself From the Equifax Data Breach

If you have not already done so, you should immediately check your potential impact from the massive cyber security incident at Equifax which may have affected 143 million people. Follow the recommended steps from the Federal Trade Commission located here to see your potential impact. Your security is important to us, please email us at info@cpa-wfy.com or contact us here if you have any additional questions or concerns.  
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Categories: Industry News and Newsletter and Updates.

Wondering About a 1031 Exchange

Perhaps you’ve heard of 1031 exchanges or like-kind exchanges, but you’re unsure of the benefits or whether you even qualify. The Internal Revenue Code 1031 is available to those who hold a property that qualifies as productive use in business or investments. If you have a piece of investment property, a 1031 exchange allows you to swap it for a similar property. What is a 1031 exchange? This type of exchange happens when an investor trades his or her real property for a similar or “like-kind” property. Investment properties such as shopping malls, residential buildings, stadiums and more can all
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Categories: Industry News and Newsletter and Updates.

Could Your Business Benefit from the Work Opportunity Tax Credit?

If you plan to hire new employees this year, you’re not alone. Employment statistics ended 2015 on a positive note. In addition, roughly 242,000 new jobs were added in February and the unemployment rate fell to 4.9%, its lowest level in eight years. Several recent studies indicate that the hiring momentum will continue in 2016. Hiring new employees could also earn you a credit on your tax return, if you meet certain requirements. The Work Opportunity tax credit is a tax break for qualified wages paid to new employees from certain targeted groups. This credit has undergone several changes since
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Categories: Industry News and Newsletter and Updates.