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.
Sharing Tax Issues in the Sharing Economy
Do you provide car rides through a mobile app, rent out your spare room using an online platform or repair computers for local businesses on demand? If so, you may be considered part of the "sharing economy" (also known as the Gig or on-demand economy). Participation...
Coverdell ESAs: The tax-advantaged way to fund elementary and secondary school costs
With school letting out you might be focused on summer plans for your children (or grandchildren). But the end of the school year is also a good time to think about Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)—especially if the children are in grade school or younger....
Expatriation – It’s Not So Easy to Leave the United States
An expatriate is generally defined as someone who has withdrawn from residence in, or allegiance to, one’s native country. But the tax code defines an expatriate a bit more specifically as any U.S. citizen who relinquishes his or her citizenship, or any long-term U.S....
Donating a vehicle might not provide the tax deduction you expect
All charitable donations are not created equal—some provide larger deductions than others. And it isn’t necessarily just how much or even what you donate that matters. How the charity uses your donation might also affect your deduction. Take vehicle donations, for...
Updates to the New York Nonprofit Revitalization Act
The New York Nonprofit Revitalization Act was amended in 2016 to clarify and simplify some of the provisions that apply to New York State nonprofit organizations. The revisions, which reduce some of the burden for nonprofits, include modifications to key definitions...
Business owners: When it comes to IRS audits, be prepared
If you recently filed your 2016 income tax return (rather than filing for an extension) you may now be wondering whether it’s likely that your business could be audited by the IRS based on your filing. Here’s what every business owner should know about the process....
Sciarabba Walker Participates in Food Bank of the Southern Tier’s Backpack Repack Program
On Wednesday, staff from Sciarabba Walker helped the Food Bank of the Southern Tier pack bags of food for local students at risk of hunger as part of the organization's Backpack Repack program. The program provides food-insecure children with a bag of nutritious,...
Real Estate Investor vs. Professional: Why It Matters
Income and losses from investment real estate or rental property are passive by definition—unless you’re a real estate professional. Why does this matter? Passive income may be subject to the 3.8% net investment income tax (NIIT), and passive losses generally are...
Tax Withholding When Business Activities Involve International Entities and Individuals: The Swiss Employee
We recently discussed two situations where US tax withholding was required for transactions between a US business and foreign persons. The first was a situation where investors in an LLC were nonresident aliens. The second dealt with interest being paid to a foreign...
Operating across state lines presents tax risks—or possibly rewards
It’s a smaller business world after all. With the ease and popularity of e-commerce, as well as the incredible efficiency of many supply chains, companies of all sorts are finding it easier than ever to widen their markets. Doing so has become so much more feasible...