In this issue:

• Extender Bill Passes
• Peer-to-peer Lending Goes Public
• 2015 Standard Mileage Rates
• Getting Organized for 2014 Tax Filing

The Month of January:

• January 15th:
  • 4th quarter estimated tax payment due
• Action Items:
  • Start gathering 2014 tax information
  • Review 2015 W-2 withholdings
  • Set 2015 financial goals

With the flip of a switch, a number of tax provisions that expired at the end of 2013 are now back on for 2014 tax returns. Outlined this month is a list of the more common laws that have been extended for 2014, but are off once again in 2015. Also included are the mileage rates for use in 2015, a general interest article describing the increasingly popular peer-to-peer lending phenomena, and a quick recap of things to consider as you start gathering your 2014 tax records.

Should you wish to review your situation please feel free to call. Also feel free to forward this newsletter to someone who may benefit from this information.

I want to thank all of my clients for their continued confidence in our firm. 

December Tips....

The Social Security Administration announced that the maximum earnings subject to social security tax in 2015 will be $118,500.

The "nanny tax" limit for 2015 remains at the 2014 limit of $1,900.

You may have a deduction for moving expenses

If you moved in 2014 because of a new job location, you may be entitled to a tax deduction for your moving expenses.

Is your business using part-time workers?

 Recent job statistics indicate that more employers are using part-timers to deal with variations in workload and for short-term projects. Here are a few tips your business will find useful if you hire part-time workers.

IRS issues "nanny tax" reminder

The IRS reminds taxpayers not to overlook their responsibilities under the "nanny tax."

Warmest thoughts and best wishes
for a wonderful Holiday
and a Happy New Year.
May peace, love and prosperity
follow you always

How to tell you have credit card problems

If you're living beyond your means, you could be courting financial disaster. Here are some indicators that you need to get your credit card usage under control.

* Your income's dwindling but your credit card balances keep growing. Lost your job but can't seem to reign in those charge cards? Don't be surprised when the bill collectors come calling.

Age matters in the world of taxes

Are you aware of the numerous age-related provisions in the IRS code? They are probably more plentiful and significant than you thought. Here are a few examples of the age-related tax rules that could affect you and your dependents.

It’s finally official—President Barack Obama signed H.R. 5771, The Tax Increase Prevention Act Friday, December 19, 2014.

Businesses will enjoy the one-year extension of the research and development credit and bonus depreciation

Business Tax Provisions:

Does your business make use of your financial statements?

Many small business owners pay too little attention to their financial statements. This is due in part to not understanding just what the statements have to offer. In fact, many may not be able to tell you the difference between a Balance Sheet and an Income Statement.

Review your credit policies

There are many ways to make your business more profitable, and sound credit policies are high on the list. The current slowdown in the economy is a good reason to reexamine your company's policies. Keep the following items in mind as you review your policies.

Self-employeds get tax breaks

When it comes to taxes, being self-employed has some advantages. Whether you work for yourself on a full-time basis or just do a little moonlighting on the side, the government has provided you with a variety of attractive tax breaks.

Tax tips - A Dozen Year-end Small Business Tips

As the year winds down here are some ideas to consider to help manage your small business.

1. Identify all vendors that require a 1099-MISC and obtain their tax identification numbers (TIN).

Commercial real estate - cost segregation - Could you benefit from it?

Almost any taxpayer who owns commercial real estate can reduce his or her current income tax bill by using cost segregation. Just how much you save in taxes will depend on several variables. The greater the cost of your property, the greater the potential for current tax savings.

Update your beneficiary designations

Who have you designated as beneficiaries for your insurance policies and retirement accounts? If you can't remember, you're not alone. But it's worth checking. If you make the wrong decision, it could affect who inherits those assets. In some cases, it could also change the taxes your beneficiaries will pay and the value they'll receive. Here are some key facts about beneficiary designations.

Supreme Court denies bankruptcy protection for inherited IRAs

Your retirement funds are protected from creditors even if you file for bankruptcy, with only a few limitations. This protection extends to funds in all government-qualified pension plans, including IRAs (traditional and Roth), 401(k)s, 403(b)s, Keoghs, profit sharing, money purchase, and defined benefit plans. A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision has held, however, that an inherited IRA is not a "retirement fund" and therefore doesn't qualify for bankruptcy protection.

Small business owners have a number of options on how to organize their business for tax purposes. Many small, single owner, businesses are not incorporated, and are deemed "sole proprietors", in the eyes of the IRS. Other business entities, like C-Corporations, are taxed as a separate entity with distributions to owners taxed a second time as dividends. Still others are deemed "flow-through" entities like S-Corporations and Limited Liability Companies (LLC).

When you win a prize there are really two winners; you and the taxing authorities. Should you be fortunate enough to win that trip of a lifetime to the French Riviera in your new yacht, here is what you need to know.