Avoiding the hobby loss trap after the TCJA
The suspension of the deduction for expenses from hobby activities in the years 2018 through 2025 makes it all the more important for taxpayers to be able to establish a profit motive for their activities.
Expenses & Deductions
Meals continue to be deductible under new IRS guidance
The IRS issued guidance on the deductibility of meal and entertainment expenses after the modification of Sec. 274 by the TCJA.
IRS proposes rules for Sec. 199A qualified business income deduction
The IRS issued guidance on the new Sec. 199A deduction for qualified business income in the form of proposed regulations and a separate notice on how to calculate W-2 wages for those purposes.
Inflated charitable contribution deduction denied
A taxpayer could not deduct the original sales price of clothing donated to charity when the clothing was bought at a discount.
Small businesses and related-party transactions
A recent Tax Court case highlights pitfalls frequently encountered by small businesses that engage in related-party transactions without appropriate planning.
Recent developments in individual taxation
This semiannual review covers changes made by the TCJA, cases and guidance involving hobby losses, qualifying as a real estate professional, innocent spouse relief, and other key topics affecting individuals.
Deemed personal exemption amount introduced for various tax benefits
The IRS issued guidance on how it intends to interpret the exemption amount in tax years 2018 through 2025 in determining who is a qualifying relative for purposes of the various Code provisions that refer to the definition of a dependent in Sec. 152.
Qualified business income deduction regs. proposed
The IRS issued guidance on the new Sec. 199A deduction for qualified business income in the form of proposed regulations and a separate notice on how to calculate W-2 wages for those purposes.
IRS guidance explains changes to standard mileage rate rules and depreciation in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
The IRS issued guidance on the standard mileage rates and depreciation limits that were changed by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
States sue over state and local tax deduction cap
Four states have sued in U.S. district court, asking to invalidate the $10,000 limit on the deduction for state and local taxes enacted as part of last year’s tax overhaul.
Coping with the new entertainment expense and transportation fringe benefit rules
This article addresses two common business expenses whose tax rules changed beginning Jan. 1, 2018.
Casualty losses and expenditures under Sec. 162 or 165
Two Code provisions, Sec. 162 and Sec. 165, offer a potential deduction for a taxpayer who has property that has been damaged by a casualty.
Current U.S. tax incentives for higher education expenses
This article examines the requirements and limitations taxpayers face when seeking benefits of significant education-related income tax provisions.
The Sec. 199A qualified business income deduction and fiscal years
Taxpayers who receive income from fiscal-year passthrough entities need guidance on when to claim the new Sec. 199A deduction for qualified business income.
Individual taxation: Report of recent developments
This article is a semiannual review of developments in individual federal taxation, including issues of alimony, trade or business expenses, and recognition of loss.
English law applies in dispute over lump-sum alimony payment
The Tax Court found that in determining the deductibility of a lump-sum alimony payment, the laws of England applied where a taxpayer had married in New York but divorced in England.
Individual entitled to bad debt deduction for loss on loans to business
Tax Court held that an individual was entitled to a bad debt deduction for loans he made to a business that subsequently went bankrupt.
What the tax reform bill means for individuals
The tax reform legislation that Congress will consider this week contains many provisions affecting individuals—and many changes from both the House and Senate bills.
IRS issues 2018 standard mileage rates
The IRS issued the standard mileage rates for business, medical and moving expenses incurred in 2018.
A 2017 federal tax deduction for prepaying anticipated 2018 state income taxes? Not likely!
In anticipation of the possible elimination or reduction of the state and local income tax deduction, some are suggesting that taxpayers should prepay their 2018 state taxes in 2017. Here’s why that probably won’t work.
