Liz Smith, CPA, MSTFP

The IRS Section 179 deduction lets business owners deduct the full amount of the cost of qualifying new and used machinery, furniture, vehicles, and certain improvement property up to $1,220,000 in 2024. Property purchased in excess of that threshold is eligible for regular depreciation. In the absence of Section 179, the cost of that same…

To calculate and deduct your bad debt, you’ll need to first determine if the bad debt is business or nonbusiness. Next, you’ll need to calculate the amount and timing of the bad debt and then report it. Before reviewing the details for each step, it’s important to note that a tax deduction for bad debt…

If you see IRS code 570 on your tax transcript, this means that the IRS has frozen your federal income tax refund, pending further internal action. This transcript code (TC) means that there may be an anomaly or discrepancy in the information the IRS has on file for you and that further investigation must be…

You may see bonus depreciation referred to as the special allowance, the additional first-year deduction, or IRC §168 (k) depreciation. Congress created this deduction to stimulate business activity by encouraging business owners to purchase qualifying assets. Without the use of a special accelerated depreciation method, the deduction for the purchase of a business asset would…

IRS code 971 on your transcript means that the IRS has sent you a notice, generally indicating that more time or information is needed to resolve an issue. Notices can cover a wide range of topics, including tax return adjustments, document requests, and account changes. To respond to a transcript code (TC) 971 notice, you…

If you own a business, you may be able to take the meals and entertainment deduction to lower your tax liability. Generally, you can deduct the cost of business-related meals and meals consumed while traveling overnight. Entertainment costs aren’t deductible. The purpose and beneficiary of the meal are primary factors in determining which expenses you…

Section 1231 assets include real estate and depreciable assets used for trade or business and held for more than a year. They are named after section 1231 of the US tax code. Capital assets are defined more broadly as property used personally or held for investment. Knowing the difference in 1231 asset vs capital asset…

IRS Form 8832 is filed by limited liability companies (LLCs) planning to be taxed as C corporations (C-corps). The form must be filed between one year prior and 75 days after its effective date. With late relief, the effective date can be extended up to three years and 75 days from when relief was requested,…

Stock is ordinarily considered a capital asset, which would result in a capital loss if the stock was disposed of after a decline in value. Being able to take an ordinary loss on disposal of stock results in preferred tax treatment for 1244 stock. The ordinary loss would be claimed by filing Form 4797, and…

Commuting miles are the travel between the taxpayer’s home and primary work place, while business miles can be driven for various business reasons.  Business miles are a deductible business expense, but commuting miles are not. Note: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) suspended the deduction for employee business expenses—including business mileage—for tax years through…

Listed property consists of items that can be used for business and personal purposes. They include the following categories: Passenger vehicles are defined as any four-wheeled vehicle intended for use on public streets and weighing no more than 6,000 pounds. Equipment designated for entertainment and recreational use, such as photography and audio/visual equipment. Other assets…

IRS Code 806 represents the tax withheld during the year on your behalf, generally on Form W-2 or 1099. Tax withholding is typically done by an employer or brokerage account administrator and acts as a prepayment of the tax that the IRS may assess when your tax return is filed. The Code 806 amount on…