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Optimal choice of entity for the QBI deduction

The enactment of the Sec. 199A QBI deduction adds a new consideration to the form of entity analysis because the QBI deduction available to a business owner may vary depending on a business’s entity form. This article discusses the differences in calculating the QBI deduction for S corporations and LLCs in a variety of scenarios.

Seize the increased basic exclusion amount

Taxpayers can obtain unique benefits when it comes to gift and estate tax planning by using trusts and taking advantage of applicable valuation conventions.

Recent developments in individual taxation

This semiannual update of recent developments in the area of individual taxation includes cases on hobby losses, innocent-spouse relief, material participation in a business, discharge of indebtedness, and self-employment tax, as well as IRS guidance on charitable deductions, cryptocurrency, and other topics.

Guidance issued on payments to charitable organizations

The IRS issued additional rules on the treatment of deductions for charitable contributions in lieu of state and local taxes, an area in which it has already issued final regulations and other guidance.

Stock option planning: Generating value

The right plan for generating the best “value” for clients who receive stock options depends on the types of options granted and clients’ ultimate goals.

Tax advantages of QOZ investments

Sec. 1400Z-2 offers three ways for a taxpayer to benefit from investing directly or via a passthrough entity in a qualified opportunity zone.

Employing family members

Wages and benefits paid to a family member who is a bona fide employee can help reduce a business’s tax liability.

IRS issues 2019 to 2020 per-diem rates for traveling away from home

The IRS issued its annual notice specifying the special per-diem rates, including the transportation industry meal and incidental expenses rates, the rate for the incidental-expenses-only deduction, and the rates and list of high-cost localities for purposes of the high-low substantiation method.

Unexpected tax bills for simple trusts after tax reform

Post-TCJA, expenses that are miscellaneous itemized deductions are taken into account in computing trust accounting income but are now nondeductible in computing taxable income and distributable net income for the trust.