IRS Provides Tax Relief for Alabama Disaster Areas
The IRS has provided tax return filing, payment, and other relief for businesses and individuals located in the counties affected by the April storms. If you have any questions regarding the tax relief described in this release, please contact our office.
IRS Hot Button Issue: Rental Real Estate Activities
As mentioned in our previous post, we recently contributed to a Birmingham Business Journal article (subscription required) detailing the increase in IRS audits of individual taxpayers. The Treasury Inspector General for Taxpayer Administration (TIGTA) just last week put a new item on the IRS audit menu – rental real estate activities. How hard could it…
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IRS Hot Button Issue: Worker Classification
We recently contributed to a Birmingham Business Journal article (subscription required) detailing the increase in IRS audits of individual taxpayers. Business audits are on the rise as well. While general income tax audits will continue to be commonplace, the IRS is increasingly targeting specific areas of noncompliance. One such area is worker classification. The worker…
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Would a Cut in Corporate Tax Rates Be Bad for Small Business?
In recent weeks we have received mixed signals as to what the Obama Administration intends for corporate tax rates. The President has, on one hand, been a vocal advocate for a lower corporate tax rate that is more in line with our trading partners around the world. That rate is speculated to be in the…
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2011 Personal Tax Guide
At Dent, Baker & Company, LLP, it is our commitment to be your most trusted advisor. Our tax professionals are dedicated to providing comprehensive methods for determining tax-saving strategies, helping you accomplish your financial goals and preserve your family’s wealth. Attached please find our 2011 Personal Tax Guide. This guide includes all major tax law changes through December…
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Compromise Reached on Many Unsettled Federal Tax Issues
President Obama and the GOP yesterday brokered a deal that seeks to give clarity to taxpayers for 2011 and 2012. The deal also provides several new (or enhanced) tax provisions designed to stimulate the economy. Below is a snapshot of the parameters, which may be subject to alteration as the legislation is finalized and moved…
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Small Business Jobs Act of 2010
By: Patrick Barker On September 27, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. The bill includes many provisions targeted to assist small business operations as well as several revenue-raising provisions. Selected provisions are discussed below: Small Business Tax Relief Section 179 Expensing: For 2010 and 2011, the maximum Section…
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Homebuyer Credit Closing Date Extended
On Friday, July 2, the President extended the closing deadline for the first-time homebuyer credit to September 30, 2010. Previously, the deadline to close was June 30, 2010 for an eligible homebuyer who entered into a binding contract on or before April 30, 2010.
Mortgage Rates are still at historic lows – Is it time to refinance?
Currently, rates for a 30 year conventional mortgage are approximately 4.875 (15yr, 4.25) with no points or origination. Also, the market for jumbos (over $417,000) has recovered somewhat making an upper bracket purchase or refinance much easier.
Many consumers have home equity loans which originated before lending institutions included interest rate floors in the terms. While it’s great to be paying 2.5%, sooner or later rates will begin to rise. When they do, the long term rates now available will be a relic of the past.
Even if you decide to keep your current mortgage or home equity arrangement, now is a good time to talk with your banker or mortgage lender and see what alternatives are available. Many institutions are offering refinance deals for current customers.
We solicited comments from a couple of local mortgage lenders:
1099 Rules Change with Healthcare Bill
We wanted to take this time to inform you of some upcoming MAJOR changes to 1099 Information Reporting Laws that were included in the Healthcare Bill. Effective for payments made AFTER December 31, 2011, companies will be required to issue 1099-Misc for all payments. There will no longer be an exemption for corporations. There is…
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