Many small businesses and tax-exempt organizations that provide health insurance coverage to their employees now qualify for a special tax credit, according to the Internal Revenue Service. Included in the health care reform legislation, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, approved by Congress and signed by President Obama on March 23, the credit is designed to encourage small employers to offer health insurance coverage for the first time or maintain coverage they already have. In general, the credit is available to small employers that pay at least half the cost of single coverage for their employees. "This credit provides a real boost to eligible small businesses by helping them afford health coverage for their employees," said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. "We urge small businesses and tax-exempt employers to look closely at this important tax break — which is already effective — to see if they qualify." The maximum credit is 35 percent of premiums paid in 2010 by eligible small business employers and 25 percent of premiums paid by eligible employers that are tax-exempt organizations. In 2014, this maximum credit increases to 50 percent of premiums paid by eligible small business employers and 35 percent of premiums paid by eligible employers that are tax-exempt organizations. The credit is specifically targeted to help small businesses and tax-exempt organizations that primarily employ low and moderate income workers. It is generally available to employers that have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees paying wages averaging less than $50,000 per employee per year. Because the eligibility formula is based in part on the number of FTEs, not the number of employees, many businesses will qualify even if they employ more than 25 individual workers. The maximum credit goes to smaller employers — those with 10 or fewer FTEs — paying annual average wages of $25,000 or less. Eligible small businesses can claim the credit as part of the general business credit starting with the 2010 income tax return they file in 2011. For tax-exempt employers, the IRS will provide further information on how to claim the credit. The IRS will use postcards to reach out to millions of small businesses that may qualify for the credit. The postcards will encourage small business owners to take advantage of the credit if they qualify. More information about the credit, including tax tips, guides and answers to frequently asked questions, is now available on the IRS Web site, IRS.gov. ...read more
By Kenneth L Lahner CPA April 30, 2010
IRS Announces 2010 Standard Mileage Rates WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2010 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2010, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: 50 cents per mile for business miles driven 16.5 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations The new rates for business, medical and moving purposes are slightly lower than last year's. The mileage rates for 2010 reflect generally lower transportation costs compared to a year ago. The standard mileage rate for business is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. The rate for medical and moving purposes is based on the variable costs as determined by the same study. Independent contractor Runzheimer International conducted the study. A taxpayer may not use the business standard mileage rate for a vehicle after using any depreciation method under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) or after claiming a Section 179 deduction for that vehicle. In addition, the business standard mileage rate cannot be used for any vehicle used for hire or for more than four vehicles used simultaneously. Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates. Revenue Procedure 2009-54contains additional details regarding the standard mileage rates. ...read more
By Kenneth L Lahner CPA December 03, 2009
Many people give money to family members as a gift in their time of need or if they come into a substantial amount of money. Giving money to a family member can sometimes be taxed; however, there are ways to avoid this this and give money to family members free of tax. ...read more
Many people have opted to learn to file their taxes themselves. This is a great way to save money, and it puts people in control of their own tax return. The process can be confusing, but there are enough resources to learn the correct method. ...read more
