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.
Help prevent tax identity theft by filing early
If you’re like many Americans, you might not start thinking about filing your tax return until close to this year’s April 18 deadline. You might even want to file for an extension so you don’t have to send your return to the IRS until October 16. But there’s another...
New York State Increases to Overtime Exempt Salary Threshold
The New York State Department of Labor rule that increases overtime exempt salary thresholds for New York employees is now in effect as of December 31, 2016. Employers in New York must comply with the new overtime salary thresholds as outlined in the chart below....
2017 Q1 tax calendar: Key deadlines for businesses and other employers
Here are some of the key tax-related deadlines affecting businesses and other employers during the first quarter of 2017. Keep in mind that this list isn’t all-inclusive, so there may be additional deadlines that apply to you. Contact us to ensure you are meeting all...
New York State Minimum Wage Increase Chart
Changes to minimum wage in New York State take effect December 31, 2016. The minimum wage rate is tiered by region and depends on the geographic location of the workplace, the size of the employer’s workforce, and the calendar year. Below is a breakdown of the rate...
Few changes to retirement plan contribution limits for 2017
Retirement plan contribution limits are indexed for inflation, but with inflation remaining low, most of the limits remain unchanged for 2017. The only limit that has increased from the 2016 level is for contributions to defined contribution plans, which has gone up...
Want to save for education? Make 2016 ESA contributions by December 31
There are many ways to save for a child’s or grandchild’s education. But one has annual contribution limits, and if you don’t make a 2016 contribution by December 31, the opportunity will be lost forever. We’re talking about Coverdell Education Savings Accounts...
Why making annual exclusion gifts before year end can still be a good idea
A tried-and-true estate planning strategy is to make tax-free gifts to loved ones during life, because it reduces potential estate tax at death. There are many ways to make tax-free gifts, but one of the simplest is to take advantage of the annual gift tax exclusion...
Five reasons you need a CPA (even if you don’t know it yet!)
You want to save money. This may sound counterintuitive, because it costs money to hire a CPA. But a good CPA can save you money—sometimes lots of it. CPAs know the latest tax and accounting laws and regulations to help plan for your personal and business finances,...
Can you pay bonuses in 2017 but deduct them this year?
You may be aware of the rule that allows businesses to deduct bonuses employees have earned during a tax year if the bonuses are paid within 2½ months after the end of that year (by March 15 for a calendar-year company). But this favorable tax treatment is not always...
Ensure your year-end donations will be deductible on your 2016 return
Donations to qualified charities are generally fully deductible, and they may be the easiest deductible expense to time to your tax advantage. After all, you control exactly when and how much you give. To ensure your donations will be deductible on your 2016 return,...