I Bonds: Protecting Your Portfolio from Inflation

With a rising inflationary environment—the highest in four decades—investors are seeking shelter in low-risk investments to protect their portfolios. As a result, there has been record demand for I Bonds, a nearly risk-free diversification strategy to hedge against market volatility. What are I Bonds? I Bonds are savings bonds issued by the US Treasury. These…

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Intra-Family Loans: Transferring Wealth to Finance Future Generations

Over the past couple of years, the economy has been pulled in all directions. The effects have been seen through record-high home prices, higher interest rates, and inflation. While federal efforts are being made to calm the waters, these economic ripples are chipping away at the ability to enter—and stay in—the housing market. Intra-Family Loan…

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IRS Makes Rare Midyear Mileage Rate Adjustment

The IRS has announced an increase in the optional standard mileage rate for the final six months of 2022. Taxpayers may use the optional standard mileage rates to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business and certain other purposes. For the final half of 2022, the standard mileage rate for business travel…

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IRS Notices CP2100 and 2100A Help Payers Correct Backup Withholding Errors

You might get a special error notice if your tax filings include one or more of the forms below: Form 1099-B, Proceeds from Broker and Barter Exchange Transactions Form 1099-DIV, Dividends and Distributions Form 1099-G, Certain Government Payments Form 1099-INT, Interest Income Form 1099-K, Payment Card and Third-Party Network Transactions Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income Form…

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Is It a Hobby or a Business?

In general, a hobby is an activity that a person pursues because they enjoy it and with no intention of making a profit. People operate a business with the intention of making a profit. Many people engage in hobby activities that turn into a source of income—it can be confusing to determine if that hobby…

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Filing the Final Tax Return

As a survivor, executor, or administrator of an estate, you are obligated to file an income tax return reporting all the deceased’s income up to his or her date of death. You will need to be aware of all the credits and deductions the deceased is allowed as if that person had been alive to…

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Income Tax Credit for Residential Solar Devices

Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) is reminding homeowners who installed a solar energy device in their residential home during 2021 to submit Form 310, Credit for Solar Energy Devices with their individual income tax return and Form 301, Nonrefundable Individual Tax Credits and Recapture. ADOR defines a solar energy device as a system or series of mechanisms which…

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Cryptocurrency Basics

Cryptocurrency has been in the news a lot lately as it continues to gain traction as an alternative currency. Many are considering whether this is the time to invest in or start using cryptocurrency. After all, the IRS has taken notice and has instituted measures to ensure income from cryptocurrency is accurately reported. Important terminology…

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Should I Itemize My Deductions?

When filing your individual income tax returns, you are allowed to deduct certain expenses from your taxable income, thus reducing the amount of income tax you must pay. There are two ways you can take deductions on your federal tax return:  you can deduct a defined amount, the standard deduction, or you can list specific…

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