May 1, 2018
Is your family’s money mantra, “Easy come, easy go?” Does your family ever talk about saving money or setting financial goals? No matter where your family is on the financial literacy spectrum, it’s important to help your kids learn the value and wise management of money so they grow up to be financially responsible.
April 24, 2018
There are many details that go into your return, so it is not uncommon to overlook an item in the process of filing a return. It is also possible that after you have filed your return, your employer, contractor, or investment manager will send you a correction on the total income you earned throughout the year.
February 1, 2018
If you’re like many self-employed business owners, you may be tempted to stick to the tried-and-true tax deductions (your home office, if you have one, office supplies, mileage, meals, etc.) when doing your taxes. However, one important money-saving advantage of working with a tax professional is they can identify lesser known deductions that you may be entitled to, but are unaware of.
January 9, 2018
Now that President Trump has signed the new tax law, it’s time to look at how the new changes to the tax code, also known as the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” may impact individuals and businesses. Below is a summary of the major changes that may impact you:
December 20, 2017
With the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act reportedly headed for the President's desk shortly, you may be asking what you can do before year-end to best position yourself for tax savings, and to avoid or soften the impact of disappearing deductions. The following offers year-end moves that can accomplish those goals.
November 1, 2017
Tech gurus and the FBI will tell you that a password is not enough protection from being hacked—especially a bad password. One thing they recommend is upgrading your passwords to passphrases making it harder to hack into your accounts.
October 23, 2017
The following is a summary of important tax developments that have occurred in the past three months that may affect you, your family, your investments, and your livelihood. Please call us for more information about any of these developments and what steps you should implement to take advantage of favorable developments and to minimize the impact of those that are unfavorable.
October 17, 2017
If you’re not familiar with 529 plans, you will be by the time you finish this article. First, a quick definition: 529 plans are a savings vehicle specifically designed to help you save money to cover the costs of higher education. 529 plans also offer the added benefit of significant tax benefits, which we outline here.
September 20, 2017
Small business owners and entrepreneurs tend to be experts in their field or passionate about their product or service. Keeping the company financial records is not why they get out of bed in the morning. The concepts of monthly cash flow, budgeting, reconciliation, and accounting can seem daunting. Often, business owners do not understand the difference between accounting and bookkeeping or if they even need these services. So, let’s shine some light on these two essential tasks for any successful small business.
September 1, 2017
The beginning of the school year is a good time for a reminder of the tax benefits for education. These benefits can help offset qualifying education costs.
Here is information about two tax credits available to those who pay higher education costs for themselves, a spouse or a dependent.
August 28, 2017
For the past several years, the IRS has been cracking down on a frightening problem: identity theft schemes that are aimed at stealing taxpayers’ refunds. When this type of fraud occurs, an individual’s refund can be delayed for months or longer. Here’s a look at how tax identity theft works, along with steps you can take to help protect yourself from becoming a victim — and what to do if your identity is stolen.
August 16, 2017
If your idea of the perfect Fall weekend or vacation includes a campsite in the great outdoors, but you need a little help with the finer points of “roughing it,” find your mobile hotspot and check out these awesome camping apps.
July 27, 2017
Cash flow, credit and creativity—those are three driving forces behind every successful business, but they take on even more importance when it comes to seasonal businesses. Here are some tips to help you use them to your advantage.
June 2, 2017
Bankers Life and Casualty Company Center for a Secure Retirement recently released a survey showing what middle-income retirees say is their top financial advice for the younger generation. Here are the top tips these retirees wanted to share:
April 24, 2017
It’s worth noting that regardless of how large the purse is, when it comes to lotteries, gaming, and gambling, few people consider the tax consequences prior to winning. Depending on the size of the prize, what might seem like nothing more than a fun distraction actually carries significant tax consequences for winners.
April 10, 2017
There’s nothing like a spring cruise to a warm locale to overcome the winter blahs. And for those of us who didn’t face freezing temperatures, a cruise is still a wonderfully relaxing vacation. However, just like any other time you travel away from home, it’s important to take some precautions to ensure your safety while at sea. These tips from travel industry experts can help.
March 15, 2017
Even with the best intentions, sometimes painful financial setbacks happen. If you find yourself dealing with a job layoff, high medical expenses, or another unexpected financial burden that stretches your finances and your stress level, now is the time to take control before your setback becomes even more serious.
March 10, 2017
Investors are often attracted to real estate because of its significant potential for profit. On the flipside (no pun intended), the possibility of losing it all should always be lurking in the back of investors’ minds because, as with any investment, there is risk involved.
February 1, 2017
As a business owner, you are privy to a lot of confidential information – information that could do your clients harm if it ends up in the wrong hands. Here are some ways to ensure you are protecting your client’s information.
January 20, 2017
January 13, 2017
There were a number of important tax developments in the fourth quarter of 2016. The following is a summary of these developments that may affect you, your family, your investments, and your livelihood.
Stroud and Co. provides personal 2016 Tax Organizers to all clients. The Tax Organizer is designed to help you conveniently gather the tax information needed to prepare your 2016 personal income tax return. To access your tax Organizer via the client portal, enter your login on the home page.
If you don't remember your password, you can reset it. If you...
December 12, 2016
When funds are drawn out of retirement plans and IRAs by noncharitable beneficiaries, federal income tax of up to 39.6% will have to be paid. State income taxes also may be owed. Furthermore, retirement funds possessed at death may be subject to substantial federal estate tax and state death tax.
Retirement benefits are to be contrasted with other assets that can be passed to...
December 9, 2016
Victims of recent severe storms and flooding in North Carolina have more time to make tax payments and file returns if they are affected taxpayers in counties that have been designated as federal disaster areas qualifying for individual assistance. Certain other time-sensitive acts also are postponed. IRS has recently announced on its website that additional areas in North Carolina have been...
December 5, 2016
There are important changes coming to 2017 deadlines. Plan ahead by marking your calendar now. Look for more information in the coming weeks including suggested drop off dates to Stroud and Company, helpful tips to get organized, and ways you can save on filing fees. New deadlines for business...
December 5, 2016
As year-end approaches, consider whether you could benefit from the following "last minute" tax-saving moves, including adjustments to income to preserve favorable estimated tax rules for 2017, deferral of certain advance payments to next year, and fine-tuning bonuses to make the most of the
Is your family’s money mantra, “Easy come, easy go?” Does your family ever talk about saving money or setting financial goals? No matter where your family is on the financial literacy spectrum, it’s important to help your kids learn the value and wise management of money so they grow up to be financially responsible.
There are many details that go into your return, so it is not uncommon to overlook an item in the process of filing a return. It is also possible that after you have filed your return, your employer, contractor, or investment manager will send you a correction on the total income you earned throughout the year.
If you’re like many self-employed business owners, you may be tempted to stick to the tried-and-true tax deductions (your home office, if you have one, office supplies, mileage, meals, etc.) when doing your taxes. However, one important money-saving advantage of working with a tax professional is they can identify lesser known deductions that you may be entitled to, but are unaware of.
