What Expenses Can Be Used to Justify the Housing Allowance Exclusion?
Generally, any expense to provide or maintain the home can be used to justify the housing exclusion. Regulations do specifically state that expenses for groceries, paper products, personal toiletries, personal clothing, and maid service cannot be used. You may legitimately include the following: (1) rent, principal payments, or down payments plus the cost of buying…
Can an employee submit a new W-4 at any time?
Yes, an employee may submit a new W-4 anytime they have changes. Often, they’ll submit a new form when they know they’ll be changing exemptions, adjustments, deductions, or credits on their return. For example, an employee may want to increase their withholding by decreasing the number of dependents they claim. Or they might want to…
Prepay certain expenses using a credit card
Contributions to charity and deductible expenses are deductible when charged to your credit card, rather than when you pays the credit card bill (Rev. Rul. 78-38; Rev. Rul. 78-39). Such expenses charged in December will be deductible in 2017, even though the credit card bill is not paid until 2018.
I can’t file my return on time
I can’t file my return on time You’re allowed to get an automatic six-month extension if you file Form 4868 by April 15th, the due date of your return. Instead of filing Form 4868, you can apply for an automatic extension by making an electronic payment by the due date. Keep in mind that an…
Federal judge strikes down tax-free housing for clergy
This decision does not come as a surprise as the same judge issued a similar ruling back in 2013 before the case was dismissed by a higher appeals court on the technical grounds of standing. At this point, the court has issued its ruling simply declaring the housing allowance is unconstitutional but without any damages…
Income Tax Extension Deadline is Oct. 16
The IRS says taxpayers who have a filing extension through Oct. 16 should check their returns for often-overlooked tax benefits. When they are ready to file, the IRS recommends they file their return electronically using IRS e-file. Both are still available for taxpayers who still need to file their return. Although Oct. 16 is the…
Employee handbooks: 10 mistakes to avoid
Your employee handbook can be an invaluable organizational tool. In recent years, Congress and state legislatures have been busy enacting laws that directly affect your employee handbook. If your employee handbook hasn’t been updated in the past six months, it’s out of date. Here are 10 common handbook mistakes you should avoid: 1. Using form…
