Author: Dylan Perry

Working remotely may broaden your job options and make daily life easier. But working from a different state than your employer — or spending part of the year working from a second home in a different state than where you normally reside — can create state tax issues. Because the rules vary by state, work arrangements that cross state lines warrant a closer look. Convenience-of-the-employer rule If your employer is located in a state that applies a convenience-of-the-employer rule and you work remotely from a different state, you may need to file income tax returns in more than one state. Under...

Ordinary repair and maintenance costs are generally deductible in the year they’re paid or incurred, depending on your accounting method. Costs that improve property must be capitalized. However, under current tax law, capitalization doesn’t necessarily mean waiting years to recover the cost. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) permanently restored 100% bonus depreciation for eligible property and increased the Section 179 expensing limit and phaseout threshold. Still, these provisions don’t cover every improvement. And even when an improvement qualifies for one of these breaks, repair treatment...

Many individuals invest in real estate to help diversify their portfolio, create an income stream for themselves from rental income and build net worth over time. Often, this is a side activity to a career in another field or running another type of business — not the individual’s primary source of income. Holdings might range from a condo or small house you rent out to a multifamily residential building or even a commercial property. Whatever type of property you own, investment real estate comes with special tax considerations you need to be aware of. With proper planning, you can maximize...

Your employees use Form W-4, “Employee’s Withholding Certificate,” to tell you how much federal income tax to withhold from their pay. Most forms are routine, but an altered certificate, unusual accompanying statement or IRS lock-in letter may require special handling. Knowing how to respond can help your business meet its withholding obligations without becoming involved in an employee’s personal tax dispute. Recognizing an Invalid Form An employee is responsible for the information provided on Form W-4 and signs the form under penalties of perjury. Businesses generally aren’t required to verify...