Michael Gray, CPA's Tax and Business Insight
January 8, 2015
© 2015 by Michael C. Gray
ISSN 1539-395X
A monthly report to help you prepare for your financial future, keep more of what you earn by minimizing your taxes, and build an extraordinary business!
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Table of Contents
- Happy New Year!
- January celebrations.
- Congress extends tax provisions for 2014 only.
- Congress cuts funding for the IRS.
- Expired tax provisions will make tax planning uncertain for 2015.
- Special offer for Real Estate Tax Handbook, 2014 Edition extended.
- Live presentation by Michael Gray, CPA for tax professionals.
- Repair and capitalization rules make extended tax returns likely.
- Health care reform brings tax complexity.
- Have your employee health insurance plan reviewed.
- Employer mandate becomes effective.
- Business standard mileage rate increases.
- Tax preparation materials will soon be on the way.
- Make your tax return preparation interview appointment now.
- Fourth estimated tax payment for non-corporate taxpayers due January 15.
- W-2s, 1099s and DE 542 reminder.
- Watch FUTA adjustment on year end report.
- Estates and trusts should plan distributions.
- Remember to "reset" payroll on January 1.
- Annual payroll letter sent to business owner clients.
- Do you need help with amended income tax returns?
- Does your group need a speaker?
- Please share your good experiences with Michael Gray, CPA.
- Financial Insider Weekly broadcast schedule change.
- Financial Insider Weekly broadcast schedule.
- Visit our new article: Launch book review
- Follow me on social media!
- Do you have employee stock options?
- Do you have real estate tax issues?
- Check out my blog.
- PS Marché Aux Fleurs
- Subscribe/Remove from Michael Gray, CPA's Tax & Business Insight
Kara Siemer on the carousel at Oak Meadow Park. Happy New Year!
The start of a new year is traditionally a time to set goals and resolutions for the coming year. If we can be of service in that process, please call us.
January celebrations.
My son in law, Dan Baker, is celebrating his birthday this month. Happy birthday Dan!
Congress extends tax provisions for 2014 only.
Congress has passed and President Obama has approved on December 19, 2014 the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014. Many expired provisions, including bonus depreciation and the increased equipment expense limit were extended for 2014 only. We sent a separate email alert with some details. If you missed or misplaced the alert, call Dawn Siemer at 408-918-3162 or send her an email at dgsiemer@taxtrimmers.com and she'll resend it to you.
Congress cuts funding for the IRS.
In separate budget legislation, Congress has cut the budget for the IRS for the second year in a row. Although Congress may be seeking to "punish" the IRS for abuses relating to items like perceived abuse of tax exempt agencies that favor conservative causes, the IRS is the agency that keeps revenue flowing to government coffers. In addition, the IRS is facing a huge administrative challenge of implementing Health Care Reform. This was not a wise move.
Expired tax provisions will make tax planning uncertain for 2015.
Since the tax extenders package only applied for 2014, the tax laws for 2015 are uncertain. This will make planning uncertain. There is also some talk of tax reform legislation, but it doesn't seem likely to me considering the Republican majority in Congress and President Obama's lame duck position. It's clear that President Obama will not approve the repeal of Health Care Reform, and I don't think Congress will try to do it anyway.
Special offer for Real Estate Tax Handbook, 2014 Edition extended.
We believe many of our readers missed our offer for the Real Estate Tax Handbook, 2014 Edition because of the holidays, so we are extending our offer. Some updates that are included are the new rules on repairs and capitalization, new rules for materials and supplies, federal estate planning changes, and the 3.8% net investment income tax. As an introductory offer, you can order a copy for $29.99, which is half price, plus $3.50 shipping and handling and, for California residents only, $2.93 sales tax. This offer expires January 31, 2015.
Your can use the form at the end of this newsletter to mail or fax your order or call Dawn Siemer at 408-918-3162 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays to order by telephone.
Live presentation by Michael Gray, CPA for tax professionals.
Michael Gray will give a lunchtime presentation for the Silicon Valley San Jose chapter of CalCPA on January 15, 2015. The subject is "Survey of Lifetime Gift Planning and Form 709 - Part 1. (Part 2 will be presented on June 18.) The investment is $20 for members and $30 for nonmembers. Here is a link with the details. https://www2.calcpa.org. Call Dawn Siemer at 408-918-3162 for a paper flyer. You can also register by calling Stephanie Stewart at 408-983-1122.
Repair and capitalization rules make extended tax returns likely.
According to the repair and capitalization regulations, change of accounting method forms should be submitted to the IRS for virtually every U.S. business and rental property. This huge paperwork job could bury tax return preparers and the IRS.
Health care reform brings tax complexity.
When taxpayers get their medical insurance coverage using a state or federal exchange, they may qualify for a premium tax credit. It initially is applied as a subsidy to reduce medical insurance premiums. Virtually everyone who gets their medical insurance using an exchange is going to be required to complete Form 8962, Premium Tax Credit. This is a very complex form, and this requirement will probably lead many more low-income taxpayers to having their tax returns done by a paid tax return preparer.
By the way, about half of the two days of tax update classes that I attended to prepare for tax season this year were devoted to Health Care Reform.
All employers should have their employee health insurance plans reviewed.
Virtually all employee health insurance should be provided through group health insurance plans. Employer reimbursement or payment of individual health insurance premiums is no longer permitted, and a big penalty can apply when employers have this kind of plan. I recommend that you consult with a qualified health insurance broker that specializes in group health plans about the status of the plan for your business.
Employer mandate becomes effective.
Effective January 1, 2015, large employers with 50 or more full time equivalent employees are required to provide medical benefit coverage for their employees. None of our clients are of this size. I recommend that large company employees should give attention to complying with these changes. The penalties for failing to comply can be onerous.
Business standard mileage rate increases.
The IRS has announced the standard mileage rate for 2015 increased to 57.5¢ per mile from 56¢ per mile for 2014. The standard mileage rate for medical and moving expenses decreased to 23¢ per mile for 2015 from 23.5¢ per mile for 2014.
(Notice 2014-79.)
Tax preparation materials will soon be on the way.
We are mailing instructions to our clients this week and next. If we prepared your tax returns last year and you haven't received instructions by January 20 or you would otherwise like to receive instructions, call Dawn Siemer at 408-918-3162.
Make your tax return preparation interview appointment now.
Most personal interview appointments for preparing 2014 individual income tax returns will be scheduled in February. Many clients send their information without having an interview, but if you need that personal attention, you should schedule your interview appointment now. Call Dawn Siemer Monday, Wednesday or Friday at 408-918-3162.
Fourth quarter estimated tax payment for non-corporate taxpayers is due January 15.
The final estimated tax payment for individuals and calendar-year estates and trusts is due January 15, 2015. Remember California taxpayers with taxable income of $1 million or more must pay their estimated taxes using the current year's facts. Watch the alternative minimum tax. See your tax advisor.
W-2s, 1099s and DE 542 reminder.
Remember that most 2014 annual information returns, such as W-2s and 1099s, should be issued to payees by January 31 and sent to the tax authorities by March 2.
Amounts paid using a credit card should not be included on Form 1099. Those amounts are being reported by the merchant companies.
Also remember that Form 542, Report of Independent Contractors, should also be submitted for ongoing independent contractor arrangements by January 20. The due date is the earlier of 20 days after the date $600 or more of payments have been made to the independent contractor or the date a contract has been entered for $600 or more of services during a calendar year.
Although requirements for real estate operators to issue Forms 1099 were repealed, real estate operators that are real estate professionals should prepare them anyway. Some taxpayers who weren't concerned about qualifying as real estate professionals will want to for 2014 to avoid the Medicare tax for investment income. See your tax advisor for details.
Watch FUTA adjustment on year end report.
California, among other states, has a cutback in its state credit for federal unemployment taxes. That means additional payments of up to $84 per employee will be due with Form 940. Be sure this adjustment is done with your year-end report for 2014.
Estates and trusts should plan distributions.
The increase in the maximum federal income tax rate to 39.6% and the 3.8% tax on net investment income hit estates and trusts especially hard. They apply when the undistributed trust income exceeds $12,150. If possible, the income of the estate or trust should be distributed to beneficiaries before the year-end, since the threshold for these taxes is much higher for individuals. (The income of some trusts is automatically considered distributed. See your tax advisor.) An election is also available to treat distributions made during the first 65 days of the following year (for example, January 31, 2015) as distributed for a taxable year (for example 2014).
In most cases, capital gains don't qualify for the distribution deduction. See you tax advisor.
The beneficiaries should be involved in this decision and be informed about the additional income to be reported on their income tax returns (in writing) and to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Remember to "reset" payroll on January 1.
Software providers will issue updates including the new payroll tax tables as of January 1, 2015. Be sure you have installed those updates before processing your first payroll for 2015.
Annual payroll letter sent to business owner clients.
Each year we write a letter summarizing the payroll tax rates and payroll tax deposit requirements for the coming year. We also describe when Forms 1099 are required to be prepared for payees. If you would like to have a copy of the letter, please call Dawn Siemer at 408-918-3162.
Do you need help with amended income tax returns?
We have already been meeting with folks who want a second look at their 2013 income tax returns for possible corrections. Call Dawn Siemer at 408-918-3162 on Mondays anytime, or Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays before 2pm to make an appointment.
Does your group need a speaker?
We are seeking opportunities to speak before groups. Topics include recent tax developments, tax issues relating to real estate, how estate planning has changed recently, tax issues relating to alternative investments using retirement accounts, and marketing topics such as "How I created a public access television show broadcast on eleven Bay Area stations." To make arrangements, call Michael Gray at 408-918-3161.
Please share your good experiences with Michael Gray, CPA.
As you know, more and more people are going to the internet to find information about service providers. We hope you will share some good words about experiences that you have had with our firm. Some of the sites where you can share your experiences include yelp.com, siliconvalley.citysearch.com, and Google+.
Financial Insider Weekly broadcast schedule for San Mateo County.
Financial Insider Weekly is broadcast in San Mateo County at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on Comcast channel 26, Astound Channel 27 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99.
Financial Insider Weekly broadcast schedule for January and February.
Financial Insider Weekly is broadcast in San Jose and Campbell on Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Pacific Time. You can watch it on Comcast channel 15 for San Jose and Campbell. The show is broadcast as streaming video at the same time at www.creatvsj.org.
Here are the scheduled interviews for January and February:
- January 2, 2015, Bettie Baker Marshall, attorney at law, "Legal considerations of caring for incapacitated relatives and friends"
- January 9 and 16, 2015, Kate Levinson, "Emotional currency"
- January 23, 2015, Peggy Martin, CLU, The Family Wealth Consulting Group, "Life insurance basics"
- January 30, 2015, David Beck, CFP®, Bay Area Planners, "Financial aid for a college education"
- February 6, 2015, Jennifer Cunneen, attorney at law, Hopkins & Carley, "Should a family trust be terminated considering recent federal tax law changes?"
- February 13 and 20, 2015, Jennifer Cunneen, attorney at law, Hopkins & Carley, "California real estate reassessment change of ownership rules"
- February 27, 2015, Richard Schachtili, attorney at law, Hopkins & Carley, "Succession planning for a family business"
Financial Insider Weekly is also broadcast as follows:
- Sunday at 10:00 a.m. in San Mateo County on PenTV, Comcast Channel 26 and Astound Channel 27
- Sunday at 1 p.m. on Comcast channel 26 in Santa Cruz County and on Charter Communications Channel 72 in Watsonville and Capitola
- Monday at 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time on cable channel 19 in Morgan Hill and broadcast on the internet at the same time as streaming video at www.mhat.tv
- Monday at 6:30 p.m. on Midpeninsula Media Center, Comcast Channel 28 in Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, Stanford, Menlo Park & Atherton
- Monday at 7:30 p.m. on Comcast channel 15 in Saratoga
- Monday at 10:00 a.m. in San Mateo County on PenTV, Comcast Channel 26 and Astound Channel 27
- Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. on Comcast channel 26 in Santa Cruz County and on Charter Communications Channel 72 in Watsonville and Capitola
- Tuesday at 2:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Midpeninsula Media Center, Comcast Channel 28 in Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, Stanford, Menlo Park & Atherton
- Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time on cable channel 19 in Morgan Hill
Broadcast on the internet at the same time as streaming video at www.mhat.tv- Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. on Comcast channel 28 in Hayward, Alameda and Fremont and on AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, Hayward public access TV 28 in California
- Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in San Mateo County on PenTV, Comcast Channel 26 and Astound Channel 27
- Friday at 1:30 p.m. in San Mateo County on PenTV, Comcast Channel 26 and Astound Channel 27
- Friday at 3:30 p.m. on KCAT, Comcast channel 15 in Los Gatos
- Friday at 4:00 p.m. on KMTV cable channel 15 in Cupertino, Los Altos and Mountain View
- Friday at 6:00 p.m. on Comcast and Astound channel 29 in San Francisco. Online streaming video at www.bavc.org, "public access TV"
- Friday at 8:00 p.m. on Comcast channel 28 in Hayward, Alameda and Fremont and on AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, Hayward public access TV 28 in California
- Saturday at 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Midpeninsula Media Center, Comcast Channel 28 in Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, Stanford, Menlo Park & Atherton
- Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in San Mateo County on PenTV, Comcast Channel 26 and Astound Channel 27
- Saturday at 1:00 p.m. on Comcast channel 26 and AT&T U-verse channel 99 in Marin County
Past episodes are available at https://www.youtube.com/user/financialinsiderweek.
Let me know any ideas that you have for topics or guests. Guests will usually have to be located in or near the Silicon Valley in California.
Hope you can watch or record the show. Please tell your friends about it!
Michael Gray regrets he can no longer personally answer email questions. He will answer selected questions in this newsletter.
For your questions about dependent exemptions, see IRS Publication 501 at www.irs.gov.
Visit our new article!
- How the Poor Can Save Capitalism Book Review at www.profitadvisors.com/poor.shtml
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Check out my blog.
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P.S.
My daughter and her husband, Holly and Dan Baker, have a Southern French Restaurant at 23 Ross Common, Ross, California, about 15 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge. The name of the restaurant is Marché Aux Fleurs and their website address is marcheauxfleursrestaurant.com. For the best meal of your life, call 415-925-9200 for a reservation and give them a try! For directions, visit our website at www.taxtrimmers.com/directions.shtml.
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Michael Gray, CPA2482 Wooding Ct.San Jose, CA 95128(408) 918-3162FAX: (408) 938-0610email: mgray@taxtrimmers.comHours: 8am - 5pm PDT Monday - FridayFind us on Facebook
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