Helicopter View of 2023 Meals and Entertainment

As you may already know, there have been some major changes to the business meal deduction for 2023 and beyond.  The deduction for business meals has been reduced to 50 percent, a significant change from the previous 100 percent deduction for business meals in and...

Are You a Regular Investor or a Tax-Favored Securities Trader?

As we navigate the recent volatility in the stock market, you may want to think about the possible favorable federal income tax treatment the tax code gives to a securities trader.  Securities Trader Suppose you can qualify as a securities trader for federal income...

SECURE 2.0 Act Creates New Tax Strategies for RMDs

As you are likely aware, if you have an IRA or other tax-deferred retirement account, you must start taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) once you reach a certain age. The SECURE 2.0 Act raises the age at which RMDs must first be taken, from age 72 to age 75,...

Plan Your Passive Activity Losses for Tax-Deduction Relevance

In 1986, lawmakers drove a stake through the heart of your rental property tax deductions. That stake, called the passive-loss rules, causes myriad complications that now, 37 years later, are still commonly misunderstood.   The Trap In 1986, lawmakers made you...

When Cancellation of Debt (COD) Income Can Be Tax-Free

Sometimes debts can pile up beyond a borrower’s ability to repay, especially if we are heading into a recession. But lenders are sometimes willing to cancel (forgive) debts that are owed by financially challenged borrowers. While a debt cancellation can help a...

Is Airbnb Rental Income Subject to Self-Employment Tax?

Do you owe self-employment tax on Airbnb rental income? That’s a good question. In Chief Counsel Advice (CCA) 202151005, the IRS opined on this issue. But before we get to what the IRS said, understand that the CCA’s conclusions cannot be cited as precedent or...