Yes—there can be. And in the right situation, it can be a pretty meaningful one. Most people are familiar with the idea of putting their kids on payroll to save on taxes. That works well in some cases. But if your child is older, or your business isn’t set up the right way, that strategy...Continue reading
If you own rental property and you’re thinking about selling, there’s one strategy you should at least understand before you do anything: The 1031 exchange. Done right, it allows you to sell a property, reinvest the money into another property, and defer paying taxes—sometimes for years. Let’s walk through how it works, what the key 1031 exchange...Continue reading
If you're self-employed, you've probably asked yourself at some point: “Can I write off my work clothing?” It seems like a reasonable question—especially if you're buying clothes specifically for your job. But when it comes to taxes, this is one of those areas where the rules are stricter than most people expect. Let’s walk through what actually...Continue reading
If you receive tips as part of your income, you may have heard about the new IRS “no tax on tips” deduction and wondered whether it applies to you. It’s a significant tax break — allowing eligible workers to exclude up to $25,000 in tips from federal income tax — but not everyone qualifies. The...
If you run your business as a corporation and you’re also an employee of that corporation, you may wonder whether you can claim a home office deduction. The answer is yes, but only if you handle it the right way. The IRS has strict rules about how corporate owners can deduct a home office, and...Continue reading
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduces a brand-new savings vehicle called Trump Accounts—tax-deferred investment accounts designed for children under 18. While some critics question their value, these accounts can be a smart long-term tool for families who plan strategically. Free Money for Newborns (Yes, Really) Under a pilot program, parents of U.S. citizens...Continue reading
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) made a big change for business owners: it permanently restored 100% bonus depreciation. This means companies can now fully deduct the cost of certain property in the year it’s purchased, instead of spreading the deduction out over decades. Along with this change, Section 179 expensing limits were increased,...Continue reading
If you’re like many business owners operating as a one-shareholder S corporation, chances are you’ve done so to take advantage of Social Security and Medicare tax savings. But there’s another benefit that often flies under the radar—one that can offer serious liability protection without adding tax headaches: the S Corp subsidiary, also known as a...Continue reading
Turn Your Business Vehicle Into a Tax-Smart Asset If you’re self-employed or run your business through an S Corp or C Corp, and your business owns your vehicle, listen up—this strategy could save you money and keep the IRS happy. Business vs. Personal Use Matters Let’s say you drive your business-owned vehicle 80% for work...Continue reading
If you've fallen victim to a scam and lost money, you're probably wondering: Is scammed money tax deductible? The answer is complicated—and depends largely on why you fell for the scam. According to recent IRS guidance, your motive matters. If you were trying to make money (a profit motive), your scam-related losses may be deductible....Continue reading
If you are taking a home office tax deduction and considering purchasing a business vehicle, you may be eligible for significant tax deductions, especially when combining the qualifying home office. Here’s how: Heavy Vehicle Deduction In 2025, businesses can take advantage of: Section 179 expensing – Deduct up to $1,250,000 of qualifying business equipment, including...
Starting a new business is an exciting endeavor, but it also comes with complex tax considerations. Starting a business for tax purposes involves more than ambition—it requires clear evidence of operational activity to justify deductions. A recent Tax Court case involving petitioners Kwaku Eason and Ashley L. Leisner highlights the importance of understanding when a...Continue reading
As 2024 comes to a close, there is still time to reduce your tax liability through strategic vehicle purchases for business vehicle tax deductions. Whether you need a new SUV, pickup, van, or electric vehicle, there are significant deductions and credits available—but timing and proper planning are key. At Ken-Mar Tax, we specialize in helping...Continue reading
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
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
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...
As you know, the fastest vehicle deductions are found with SUVs, crossover vehicles, and pickup trucks with gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWRs) greater than 6,000 pounds. These vehicles avoid the limitations on depreciation for luxury automobiles. Below, you will find some of the vehicles that qualify for the bigger deductions. But here’s the ultimate proof....Continue reading
Does your business classify workers as independent contractors instead of employees? You should know that the U.S. Department of Labor is trying to make it harder for all businesses to use independent contractors. The Department of Labor enforces the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the federal law that requires most employers to pay employees a...Continue reading
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
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