Recent News & Blog / Individual Tax
Riding the tax break train: Maximizing employee transportation fringe benefits
If your employer offers tax-favored transportation fringe benefits, you should probably take advantage of them. Here’s a quick summary of the current federal tax treatment of transportation-related benefits. Contact our tax advisors with questions.
To file or not to file a gift tax return, that is the question
If you made substantial gifts of wealth to family members in 2024, you may have to file a gift tax return. The return is due by April 15 of the year after you make the gift, so the deadline for 2024 gifts is coming up soon. Contact the CPAs and tax advisors at SEK for more details.
Can I itemize deductions on my tax return?
With the 2024 tax deadline approaching you may wonder if you can itemize deductions. You can if the total of your allowable itemized write-offs for the year exceeds your standard deduction allowance for the year. The basic standard deduction allowances for 2024 are: $14,600 for single taxpayers, $29,200 for married joint filers and $21,900 for heads of households. Itemized deductions include charitable contributions, mortgage interest, state and local taxes, and medical expenses. Other rules and limits apply. Contact the tax advisors at SEK with questions.
If you didn’t contribute to an IRA last year, there’s still time
If you’re gathering documents to file your 2024 tax return and you’re concerned that your tax bill may be higher than you’d like, there might still be an opportunity to lower it. If you qualify, you can make a deductible contribution to a traditional IRA right up to the April 15, filing date and benefit from the tax savings on your 2024 return. Contact the CPAs and tax advisors at SEK to get the most out of your tax return and for more tax tips.
Child tax credit: The rules keep changing but it’s still valuable
The Child Tax Credit (CTC) has long been a valuable tax break for families with qualifying children. Whether you’re new to claiming the credit or you’ve benefited from it for years, it’s crucial to stay current on its rules and potential changes. As we approach the expiration of certain provisions within the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) at the end of 2025, here’s what you need to know about the CTC for 2024, 2025 and beyond. Contact SEK's tax advisors with questions.
Taming the tax tangle if you’re retiring soon
Retirement is a chance to travel, visit with family or just enjoy relaxing. Yet retirement may bring a tangle of tax implications. Some examples include, selling your home, change in earnings, change in Social Security benefits, and required minimum distributions from traditional IRAs and 401(k)s. Contact the tax advisors at SEK with questions.
Looking ahead to 2025 tax limits as you prepare to file your 2024 return
Many people are more concerned about their 2024 tax bills than they are about their 2025 tax situations. However, it’s a good time to acquaint yourself with tax amounts for this year, some of which have increased due to inflation. Questions? Contact the CPAs and tax advisors at SEK.
Why you might want to file early and answers to other tax season questions
The IRS will start the 2025 filing season for individual income tax returns on Jan. 27. Even if you usually don’t file until April, you may want to file early. It can potentially protect you from tax identity theft. Another benefit of early filing is that if you’re getting a refund, you’ll get it faster. Contact SEK's CPAs and tax advisors for an appointment to prepare your return.
Answers to your questions about taking withdrawals from IRAs
You can’t keep funds in your traditional IRA indefinitely. You must start taking withdrawals from a traditional IRA (including a SIMPLE IRA or SEP IRA) when you reach age 73. However, if you take money out of a traditional IRA before age 59½, you may be subject to a 10% penalty tax and income tax on the distribution. Contact SEK's tax advisors and retirement planning advisors with any IRA questions.
Tax-wise ways to save for college
As higher education costs continue to rise, you may be concerned about how to save and pay for college. Fortunately, several tools and strategies offered in the U.S. tax code may help ease the financial burden. Below is an overview of some of the most beneficial tax breaks and planning options for funding your child’s or grandchild’s education. Contact SEK's tax advisors for more info.