Is Military Pension Taxable (Answered)

There are a number of tax breaks afforded to those in the military. This includes collection holds on unpaid taxes owed by members of the military to laws that exempt certain income from tax altogether. The exemption from paying tax on military pay for injuries is an example. The recent Valentine v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo.… Continue reading Is Military Pension Taxable (Answered)

Retired Pilot Taxed on Flights Employer Provided to Relatives

A fringe benefit is a perk provided to an employee. These benefits can make many forms. It may include a company car, company meals, or even insurance. These benefits may or may not be taxable for the employee. The Mihalik v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 2022-36, case provides an opportunity to consider these rules. The Mihalik… Continue reading Retired Pilot Taxed on Flights Employer Provided to Relatives

Section 1031 Exchange Into Jointly-Held Partnership Property

The Section 1031 exchange rules can help real estate investors defer paying tax on the transfer of property. Many real estate investors use these rules to upgrade their real estate portfolio over time. This tax deferral can be helpful as monies that would have been paid to the IRS in taxes can be rolled into… Continue reading Section 1031 Exchange Into Jointly-Held Partnership Property

When is Real Estate Placed in Service?

Several tax laws are triggered by when property is purchased. Other tax laws are triggered when property is placed in service. Depreciation on real estate is a good example. It is triggered when property is purchased and placed in service. These dates raise questions about whether property is placed in service and sits idle or… Continue reading When is Real Estate Placed in Service?

Reporting Illegal Income to the IRS (It’s All About Choices)

claim of right deduction

Assume you commit a crime and receive a financial windfall. Then you get caught and have to repay the windfall in the form of restitution. Further assume that you have three options when it comes to reporting and paying tax on the illegal income: (1) you file tax returns to report the income and you… Continue reading Reporting Illegal Income to the IRS (It’s All About Choices)

Divorce Planning for Those With IRS Back Taxes

The IRS often audits tax years where there is some change. This includes mergers, significant asset transfers, deaths or even divorces. The reason why it does this is that these transitions create opportunities for savvy taxpayers or pitfalls for the unwary. These transitions also create motives and introduce new parties to income or assets that… Continue reading Divorce Planning for Those With IRS Back Taxes

IRS Documentation for Travel Expenses

Business travel expenses are deductible. These are expenses for business trips and work trips, such as car and truck expenses, airfare and hotels and lodging. It can also include travel meals. Those looking to deduct business trip expenses are running a risk as the IRS frequently disallows these expenses on audit. It does so even… Continue reading IRS Documentation for Travel Expenses

Do Vacation Rentals Trigger Self-Employment Tax?

Short-term rental or vacation rental properties have increased in popularity. They are also popular investments. This includes real estate rented on Airbnb and its competitors, such as Vrbo, Booking.com, Tripadvisor, Agoda, Expedia, TUI Villas, TravelStaytion, HomeToGo, Plum Guide, and Google. Taxes are one reason for the increase in popularity. Short-term rentals can provide a number… Continue reading Do Vacation Rentals Trigger Self-Employment Tax?

Can a Self-Directed IRA Hold Gold Coins?

Precious metals IRAs are popular. This includes silver IRAs, gold Roth IRAs, and even gold-backed IRAs. These accounts allow investors to invest in these alternative assets. This in turn allows the investors to diversify their exposure to stocks and bonds. For those with special interests and knowledge to make these investments, they can also allow… Continue reading Can a Self-Directed IRA Hold Gold Coins?