Sciarabba Walker Blog
The information in these blog posts is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for accounting, tax, or financial advice from a professional accountant. While we use reasonable efforts to furnish accurate and up-to-date information, we do not warrant that any information contained in or made available through this blog is current or error free. No part of this communication is intended to be used for the purpose of avoiding penalties under U.S. federal tax law.
Expenses that teachers can and can’t deduct on their tax returns
As teachers head back for a new school year, they often pay for various expenses for which they don’t receive reimbursement. Fortunately, they may be able to deduct them on their tax returns. However, there are limits on this special deduction, and some expenses can’t...
Taking distributions from your traditional IRA
If you’re like many people, you’ve worked hard to accumulate a large nest egg in your traditional IRA (including a SEP-IRA). It’s even more critical to carefully plan for withdrawals from these retirement-savings vehicles. Knowing the fine points of the IRA...
Sciarabba Walker Makes IPA’s Top 400 Accounting Firms for Second Consecutive Year
Sciarabba Walker & Co., LLP is pleased to announce its ranking among the top 400 accounting firms in the United States by INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA) for the second year in a row. Sciarabba Walker ranked 398 nationally. “We are thrilled to be included in the...
The tax implications of being a winner
If you’re lucky enough to be a winner at gambling or the lottery, congratulations! After you celebrate, be ready to deal with the tax consequences of your good fortune. Winning at gambling Whether you win at the casino, a bingo hall, or elsewhere, you must report 100%...
Tax Implications of Renting Out Your Vacation Home
The summer weather may have you considering the purchase of a vacation home. Many people who own a vacation home choose to rent out the home when they are not there in order to recoup some of the costs, or even to make a profit. You might also benefit from being able...
The “kiddie tax” hurts families more than ever
Years ago, Congress enacted the “kiddie tax” rules to prevent parents and grandparents in high tax brackets from shifting income (especially from investments) to children in lower tax brackets. And while the tax caused some families pain in the past, it has gotten...
The “nanny tax” must be paid for more than just nannies
You may have heard of the “nanny tax.” But even if you don’t employ a nanny, it may apply to you. Hiring a housekeeper, gardener or other household employee (who isn’t an independent contractor) may make you liable for federal income and other taxes. You may also have...
It’s a good time to buy business equipment and other depreciable property
There’s good news about the Section 179 depreciation deduction for business property. The election has long provided a tax windfall to businesses, enabling them to claim immediate deductions for qualified assets, instead of taking depreciation deductions over time....
You may have to pay tax on Social Security benefits
During your working days, you pay Social Security tax in the form of withholding from your salary or self-employment tax. And when you start receiving Social Security benefits, you may be surprised to learn that some of the payments may be taxed. If you’re getting...
Volunteering for charity: Do you get a tax break?
If you’re a volunteer who works for charity, you may be entitled to some tax breaks if you itemize deductions on your tax return. Unfortunately, they may not amount to as much as you think your generosity is worth. Because donations to charity of cash or property...