If a parent or loved one died this past year, you may wish to consider filing a final tax return even if not technically required to do so.

One of the more common tax questions is whether you need to file a tax return this year. The answer is: It all depends. Here are some quick tips to help you determine your answer.

Most taxpayers receive at least one 1099 each year. Virtually every small business, including sole-proprietors, must issue at least one 1099 each year. Here is a summary of the most common of these informational tax forms that you will need to file your tax return this year.

Is a worker an independent contractor or an employee? This seemingly simple question is often the contentious subject of numerous IRS audits. As an employer, getting this wrong could cost you plenty in the way of Social Security, Medicare taxes, and other employment related taxes. Here is what you need to know.

Extension for Form 1095 Reporting
What everyone needs to know

For 2015 tax returns, everyone employed by a company with 50 or more employees will receive a new Form 1095. This form is in addition to the Form 1095’s received by other taxpayers using the Marketplace to purchase their health insurance. You need this form to file your taxes as it provides the necessary proof that you have adequate health insurance for the year.

A recent announcement by the IRS provides a delay for the issuing of this form due to complications in creating the proper form by employers and insurers.

IRS PIN Announcement: DO NOT THROW OUT

If you are one of the unfortunate victims of IRS identity theft you will need a one-time PIN to file your tax return. Without this numeric identifier your 2015 tax return will be rejected. The IRS issues taxpayer victims this PIN in a written notice.

Now is the time to make your estimated tax payment

If you have not already done so, now is the time to review your tax situation and make an estimated quarterly tax payment using Form 1040-ES. The fourth quarter due date is now here.

2016 Mileage Rates Now Established

TIPS FOR THE MONTH - JUNE

The Supreme Court expects to rule on Affordable Care Act subsidies in June. Watch for details.

June 15 is the due date for making the second payment of 2015 individual estimated tax.

Do mutual fund tax planning at midyear

Are mutual funds part of your portfolio? As you begin your mid-summer investment review in preparation for year-end, think about how your funds can affect your federal income taxes.

Here are two things to consider.

Don't take a vacation from tax planning

Don't ignore your opportunity to save on taxes just because it's summertime. Here are some summertime tips to keep your tax plans going.

If you are a sole proprietor with children, you might consider putting them on the payroll during the summer months. Wages paid to your children under age 18 are not subject to social security and Medicare taxes. What's more, their earnings are not subject to federal unemployment tax until they turn 21.

Five Things Every Business Owner Must Do 

If you own or manage your own business, you're probably busy monitoring operations and dealing with everyday problems. But there are a few things that you should make time to do every year. These are important for your long-term business and personal success.

Don't Let the IRS Become Your Pen Pal 

Getting a letter or notice from the IRS can be upsetting, confusing, and unnecessary. The IRS sends taxpayers notices to request payment for taxes, to notify them of a change to their account, or to request additional information. Attention to the following details will reduce the likelihood that you will become pen pals with the IRS.

Should you pay more attention to cash flow in your business?

In assessing their business, most owners focus on growth in sales and profits. Yet these do not guarantee business health and success. Another important gauge is cash flow. Simply put, is there enough cash inflow to cover cash outflow? Cash flow needs change on a daily basis. The more you're aware of cash flow needs, the more control you'll have over your business.

Business Tax Tip: Calculate your basis

It's important for S corporation shareholders to know their basis in the corporation. Basis is the key to determining whether current-year losses can...

Check the "support" test to maintain dependent deductions

Keep your college student qualified as your dependent by meeting the "support" test. Generally, your child cannot provide over...

IRS Announces 2016 HSA Limits

The 2016 inflation-adjusted amounts for health savings accounts (HSAs) have been released by the IRS. Individuals will be allowed to...

Employee Tax-Free Income

While most income received from your employer quickly ends up on a W-2 tax form at the end of the year, here are some common employee benefits that often avoid the impact of Federal taxes.

Smart business people learn to delegate work

As a business owner or manager, you may think that if you want things done "the right way," you have to do them yourself. But that isn't always the best approach at work, even if you firmly believe you're the best person for the job. There simply isn't enough time in the day - not if you have a business to run.

Should you be making estimated tax payments?

During the tax year you must prepay a substantial amount of the taxes you'll owe for that year, or you risk being hit with an underpayment penalty. If you're an employee, that's usually not a problem. Your employer will withhold taxes from each paycheck. You can adjust the amount withheld so that it covers your total tax bill, even if you have extra income from moonlighting or investments. But if you're self-employed or retired, you might need to make estimated tax payments.