Recent News & Blog / Individual Tax
The tax deadline is almost here: File for an extension if you’re not ready
The April 15 tax filing deadline is right around the corner. However, you might not be ready to file. If you need more time, you should file for an extension on Form 4868. An extension will give you until Oct. 15 to file and allow you to avoid “failure-to-file” penalties. However, it only provides extra time to file, NOT TO PAY. Contact the CPAs and tax advisors at SEK if you have questions about IRS penalties or have more tax questions.
Update on retirement account required minimum distributions
If you have a tax-favored retirement account, including a traditional IRA, you must comply with the required minimum distribution (RMD) rules after reaching a certain age. If you inherit a tax-favored retirement account, including a traditional or Roth IRA, you’ll also have to deal with these rules. Contact the CPAs and tax advisors at SEK to find out more.
How renting out a vacation property will affect your taxes
What are the tax implications of renting out a vacation home part of the year? It depends on the time it’s rented and the time you personally use the home. Questions? Contact the CPAs and tax advisors at SEK for more information and for more tax tips.
Beware of a stealth tax on Social Security benefits
Some people mistakenly think that Social Security benefits are free from federal income tax. Unfortunately, that’s often not the case. Depending on how much “provisional income” you have, some benefits could be hit with federal tax. The CPAs and tax advisors at SEK can calculate any tax on your benefits. Give us a call to answer your tax questions.
A job loss is bad but the tax implications could make it worse
Unemployment is currently low, but some people are still losing their jobs. If you’re one of them, taxes probably aren’t on your mind. However, there may be tax implications. The CPAs and tax advisors at SEK can help you make the best decisions.
New option for unused funds in a 529 college savings plan
Many parents begin saving with 529 college savings plans when their children are young. What if you have a large 529 plan balance but your child doesn’t need all the money for college? There’s a new 529-to-Roth IRA transfer. Contact the CPA's and business advisors at SEK for more information and tax tips.
Filing jointly or separately as a married couple: What’s the difference?
When filing your tax return, a filing status must be chosen. This is used to determine your standard deduction, rates and eligibility for certain tax breaks. If you’re married, should you file jointly or separately? It depends on your situation. In most cases, joint filing saves more tax, but some people save by filing separately. The CPA's and business tax advisors at SEK can weigh your options when preparing your return.
If you gave to charity in 2023, check to see that you have substantiation
Did you give to charity last year? If you made a donation in 2023 but don’t have a letter from the charity yet, request it from the organization and wait to file your 2023 return until you receive it. Additional rules apply to certain types of donations, such as noncash contributions. Contact the CPA's and business tax advisors at SEK if you have questions about donations you hope to deduct on your 2023 tax return.
IRAs: Build a tax-favored retirement nest egg
Traditional and Roth IRAs can help you save for retirement on a tax-favored basis. Contributions to a traditional IRA reduce your current tax bill if you’re eligible, and earnings are tax deferred. However, withdrawals are taxed in full (plus a 10% penalty if taken before age 59½, unless an exception applies). Roth IRA contributions aren’t deductible. But earnings are tax deferred and withdrawals are tax-free if certain conditions are met. Contact the CPA's and business tax advisors at SEK for your tax questions and for more tax tips.
The kiddie tax could affect your children until they’re young adults
The “kiddie tax” can cause some of a child’s unearned income to be taxed at the parent’s higher marginal federal income tax rates instead of at the usually much lower rates that a child would otherwise pay. Contact the CPA's and business tax advisors if you want more information or for more tax tips.