As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to implement 2024 tax deduction strategies that can significantly reduce your tax burden. Whether you’re a business owner or self-employed, these six powerful tax-saving tips can help you maximize your deductions and keep more of your hard-earned money. 1. Prepay Expenses to Claim Tax...Continue reading
Category: Tax Preparation
Will You Get a Better Tax Return if You Get Married?
Many of our self-employed and small business owner clients ask us about tax implications of getting married. Marriage is a life-changing decision, and it’s essential to consider how it impacts your financial and tax situation. Depending on your circumstances, getting married could simplify your taxes—or increase your tax burden. Here are key points to keep...Continue reading
Maximize Your Ohio Tax Refunds: What You Need to Know
If you're a business owner doing your own taxes in Ohio, you could be missing out on Ohio tax refunds. When it comes to filing your taxes in Ohio, many people leave money on the table—money that could make a big difference in their finances. Whether you're an individual taxpayer or a business owner, Ohio...Continue reading
What Happens If You Don’t Pay RITA Taxes?
If you live in a municipality that works with the Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA), paying local taxes is not just a recommendation—it’s a requirement. However, life gets busy, and sometimes tax obligations fall through the cracks. But what happens if you don’t pay your RITA taxes? Understanding the consequences and the steps you can...Continue reading
Can I Deduct My Dog or Cat on My Taxes?
When we ask our clients about dependents, a common response is "that depends, can I deduct my dog." Dogs, cats, and other household pets are expensive. It costs an average of $1,270 to $2,800 a year to own a dog. Unfortunately, the expenses you incur for a family pet that provides you only with love...
1099s for Corporations and Other 1099 Surprises
You may be surprised by this headline, thinking, What? I must do 1099s for corporations? Are you kidding me? No, we’re not kidding. It’s only certain corporations, but still—this may be a shock. As you know, when your business makes payments of $600 or more from your business accounts to a person for services, you...Continue reading
Tax Accountant vs. Tax Advisor: Which One Do You Need?
When it comes to managing your taxes, understanding the difference between a tax accountant and a tax advisor is crucial. Both roles are essential, but they serve distinct functions that can significantly impact your financial health, especially if you’re self-employed or dealing with back taxes. Tax Accountant: The Day-to-Day Financial Gatekeeper A tax accountant is...Continue reading
Attention Real Estate Professionals: Are You Paying Too Much in Taxes?
If you’re a real estate professional who feels burdened by excessive taxes, it might be time to reassess your approach. Ken-Mar Tax is here to help. With over 20 years of experience, we have worked with more than 100 real estate agents across Northern Ohio, helping them optimize their tax strategies and reduce their tax...Continue reading
Tax Court Ruling to Give Professional Gamblers Tax Breaks
If you gamble, take a bow and say thank you to Ronald A. Mayo, who took his gambling case to the Tax Court and won a big, precedent-setting victory for gamblers. Before getting to Mr. Mayo’s accomplishments, note that there are two types of gamblers: 1. Hobby Gamblers - those who participate in gambling for...Continue reading
Gambling Tax Laws
For this tax season, 2024, we have seen an increase in inquiries about gambling tax laws. With interest in writing off gambling losses, claiming gambling winnings and general questions about tax rules when it comes to gambling. See our recent posts, Can I Write Off My Gambling Losses? and When Do I Report Gambling Winnings...Continue reading
Can I Write Off My Gambling Losses?
Ever since posting "When Do I Report Gambling Winnings to the IRS?" we have had several inquiries about writing off gambling losses. So, here's the question: "Can I write off my gambling losses?" With sports gambling legalized in Ohio since January 1, 2023, it's the 2024 tax season when this massive increase in tax questions...
IRS Delays New 1099-K Filing Rules – Again!
If you get a 1099-K you likely have a side-hustle in the gig economy or sell goods or services through a third party. When you receive payments through a third party your third-party settlement organization (TPSO) will likely issue you a 1099-K. If so, you must know the IRS’s new reporting rules. TPSOs include: payment...Continue reading
BOI Reporting Deemed Unconstitutional for Some
On January 1, 2024, the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) went into effect. The CTA requires most smaller corporations, most limited liability companies, and some other business entities to file a beneficial ownership information (BOI) report with the U.S. Department of the Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The BOI report identifies and provides contact information...Continue reading
How Long Does the IRS Have to Audit Your Tax Returns?
We get many clients coming in asking about a how long the IRS can go back to audit your tax return, The good news is there is a statute of limitations on IRS audits and tax assessments. This time period is called the Assessment Statute Expiration Date (ASED). However, like all things IRS, it's more...Continue reading
IRS Dirty Dozen List: Triggers IRS Scrutiny
For over 20 years, the IRS has issued an annual Dirty Dozen list identifying tax scams and avoidance schemes. This year’s list includes everything from employee retention credit claims to the use of fake charities. Before you invest your hard-earned money in these or other highly promoted tax schemes, you should check the IRS Dirty...Continue reading
When Do I Report Gambling Winnings to the IRS?
Now that so many types of gambling are legal in Ohio, when do you have to report your gambling winnings to the IRS? If you enjoy gambling, whether occasionally or frequently, it is crucial to understand how your winnings and losses can affect your tax liability. Basic Rules to Reporting Gambling Winnings Winnings: You report...Continue reading
Last-Minute Purchases to Maximize 2023 Vehicle Tax Deductions
Looking to maximize your vehicle tax deductions for 2023 and wondering if there's still time? - Do you need a replacement business car, SUV, van, or pickup truck? - Do you need tax deductions this year? - Do you need a tax credit to offset what you owe to the IRS? 2023 Tax Credits /...
Will Your Home Office Deduction Pass the Muster in an IRS Audit or Raise Red Flags?
With more people working from home, one has to wonder if the home-office deductions on tax returns are out of control or warranted. Will the IRS be scrutinizing home office deductions and what do they look for. In short, will your home office deduction pass in an IRS audit or will it raise red flags?...Continue reading
S Corporation: Common Mistakes When Converting
Looking to convert to an S corporation? At first glance, the corporate tax rules for forming an S corp appear simple. They are not. In this article, we do two things: First, we help you avoid the potholes that destroy your S corp. Imagine what a shock that is—to find out that what you thought was...Continue reading
Landlords and Business Owners: New Law Improves Energy Tax Benefits
Landlords and small business owners should know the newly enacted Inflation Reduction Act contains tax credits and depreciation benefits for owners of commercial property and residential rental property. As a Cleveland landlord, or small business owner, if you implement various types of renewable energy improvements, you can qualify for hefty tax credits or deductions. One...Continue reading