In late August 2023, tax professionals and experts from all corners of the country gathered under the warm Florida sun for the highly anticipated IRS Tax Forum Conference. Among the attendees, Loeffler Financial Group stood out as a shining example of excellence in the world of tax and finance. The event, hosted at the Orlando County Convention Center, provided an invaluable opportunity for Loeffler Financial Group to network, learn, and share insights on the ever-evolving world of taxation.
The Gathering of Tax Minds
The IRS Tax Forum Conference is an annual event that brings together tax practitioners, tax professionals, and representatives from the IRS to discuss important topics, new developments, and best practices in the field of taxation. With the goal of enhancing the expertise of tax professionals and fostering collaboration among attendees, this conference has become a cornerstone in the industry.
Loeffler Financial Group Stays Up-to-Date on Tax Laws and Regulations
Loeffler Financial Group, a respected name in the financial world, was a prominent participant at this year’s conference. As a testament to their commitment to excellence, the group sent a delegation of their top experts to engage in workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Their active participation in various sessions demonstrated their dedication to staying at the forefront of tax law and regulation changes.
Key Highlights:
Workshops and Educational Sessions: Loeffler Financial Group’s team immersed themselves in a wide range of workshops and educational sessions that covered topics such as tax planning, compliance, cybersecurity, and emerging tax technologies. This investment in knowledge will undoubtedly benefit their clients in the coming year.
Networking Opportunities: The conference provided ample opportunities for professionals to connect and share insights. Loeffler Financial Group leveraged these connections to foster collaboration and expand their network of industry peers.
Panel Participation: Several members of Loeffler Financial Group had the honor of participating in panel discussions. Their expertise and thought leadership were on full display as they shared their insights on complex tax issues and future trends.
Exhibitor Presence: The Loeffler Financial Group booth in the exhibition hall attracted a steady stream of conference attendees. Visitors had the chance to engage with their experts, learn more about their services, and gain valuable insights into their approach to financial and tax planning.
Key Takeaways:
The IRS Tax Forum Conference in Orlando, Florida, was a tremendous success for Loeffler Financial Group. Their active involvement, dedication to staying current on industry developments, and commitment to excellence solidify their position as a trusted and forward-thinking financial partner for their clients.
As the tax landscape continues to evolve, Loeffler Financial Group’s presence at events like the IRS Tax Forum Conference demonstrates its unwavering commitment to providing top-tier financial and tax services. Their participation in such forums not only benefits their clients but also contributes to the overall advancement of the tax profession.
Loeffler Financial Group’s attendance at the IRS Tax Forum Conference in Orlando, Florida, was a testament to their ongoing commitment to excellence and their dedication to serving their clients with the highest level of expertise. As we move forward into an increasingly complex tax landscape, Loeffler Financial Group’s presence and contributions at events like these will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of taxation and financial planning.
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With tax season in the rearview mirror, now is the time to take a hard look at your federal and/or state withholdings to ensure next year’s tax bill does not surprise you.
A review is more important than ever.
There are a number of tax code changes that will impact the amount of tax you pay next year. So much so, that if you do not forecast your tax obligation now, you may be in for a very unpleasant surprise. This is true because:
No more advance payments for the Child Tax Credit. The one-year requirement of the IRS to pay out half of the Child Tax Credit in advance is no longer in place. So you will not only need to plan for this change, but it will also impact your tax return.
Child Tax Credits are lower. In addition, the Child Tax Credit amount for each child is rolling back to the 2020 dollar amount of $2,000. This could mean as much as $1,600 in lower credits for each of your children.
Dependent care credits are lower. The dependent care credit is also lower in 2022. So if both you and your spouse work and have daycare expenses, you will need to forecast the impact of this on this year’s tax obligation.
New 1099-K reporting may require estimated tax payments. The IRS will be receiving millions of new informational tax forms reporting activity from those using digital payment platforms. So for those reselling event tickets, using sites like eBay, Esty and Amazon, you will now need to account for all this income. It may now require quarterly estimated tax payments throughout the year.
Be aware of life events. In addition, a change in your situation could create the need to review your withholdings. It could be due to a job change, selling or buying a home, getting married or divorced, or having a birth or death in the family. Whatever the cause, be aware of the potential change and put a sharp pencil to revising your withholdings.
High inflation is impacting everything. Finally, consider the impact of inflation on your situation. This is especially important if you have a small business as higher costs of labor and supplies could dramatically impact your pending tax bill.
Calculating and making adjustments
Using the IRS calculator. The IRS has an online tool to help you calculate how much you will need to withhold. In order to get an accurate reading, you need to have a copy of your latest paycheck or last quarterly estimated tax filing (Form 1040 ES) and a copy of your last tax return.
Simply follow the tool’s instructions and compare the tool’s recommendation to your current withholdings.
Get expert help if necessary. The IRS recently changed the way it calculates recommended withholdings. While the intent is well intended, many are confused by the change. It is always a good idea to call to review your situation if you have any doubts. But do it now, while there is plenty of time in the year to build the proper withholding amount.
File a new withholding form with your employer. Whether you’re paying too much or too little, you can fix it by filling out a new W-4 form and giving it to your employer. If you’re filing quarterly estimated taxes, you can adjust your next quarter’s estimate in a similar way.
In a perfect tax world, you would not owe too much nor get too large of a refund. Think of overpayments as an interest-free loan the government borrowed from you. Conversely, a shortfall means writing a large check when you file your tax return. That’s a surprise few of us want.
Contact Loeffler Financial Group to start planning for your future, 717.393.7366!
Year-round tax planning is for everyone. An important part of that is recordkeeping. Gathering tax documents throughout the year and having an organized recordkeeping system can make it easier when it comes to filing a tax return or understanding a letter from the IRS.
Good records help:
Identify sources of income. Taxpayers may receive money or property from a variety of sources. The records can identify the sources of income and help separate business from nonbusiness income and taxable from nontaxable income.
Keep track of expenses. Taxpayers can use records to identify expenses for which they can claim a deduction. This will help determine whether to itemize deductions at filing. It may also help them discover potentially overlooked deductions or credits.
Prepare tax returns. Good records help taxpayers file their tax return quickly and accurately. Throughout the year, they should add tax records to their files as they receive them to make preparing a tax return easier.
Support items reported on tax returns. Well-organized records make it easier to prepare a tax return and help provide answers if the return is selected for examination or if the taxpayer receives an IRS notice.
In general, the IRS, and the experts at Loeffler Financial Group suggest that taxpayers keep records for three years from the date they filed the tax return. Taxpayers should develop a system that keeps all their important information together. They can use a software program for electronic recordkeeping. They could also store paper documents in labeled folders.
Records to keep include:
Tax-related records. This includes wage and earning statements from all employers or payers, interest and dividend statements from banks, certain government payments like unemployment compensation, other income documents and records of virtual currency transactions. Taxpayers should also keep receipts, canceled checks, and other documents – electronic or paper – that support income, a deduction, or a credit reported on their tax return.
IRS letters, notices and prior year tax returns. Taxpayers should keep copies of prior year tax returns and notices or letters they receive from the IRS. These include adjustment notices when an action is taken on the taxpayer’s account, Economic Impact Payment notices, and letters about advance payments of the 2021 child tax credit. Taxpayers who receive 2021 advance child tax credit payments will receive a letter early next year that provides the amount of payments they received in 2021. Taxpayers should refer to this letter when filing their 2021 tax return in 2022.
Property records. Taxpayers should also keep records relating to property they dispose of or sell. They must keep these records to figure their basis for computing gain or loss.
Business income and expenses. For business taxpayers, there’s no particular method of bookkeeping they must use. However, taxpayers should find a method that clearly and accurately reflects their gross income and expenses. Taxpayers who have employees must keep all employment tax records for at least four years after the tax is due or paid, whichever is later.
Health insurance. Taxpayers should keep records of their own and their family members’ health care insurance coverage. If they’re claiming the premium tax credit, they’ll need information about any advance credit payments received through the Health Insurance Marketplace and the premiums they paid.
Contact Loeffler Financial Group for additional questions on recordkeeping or what additional paperwork you should keep on file. 717-393-7366.
Tips to Understanding the Value of Money
If you were offered the choice of being paid $100 today or $100 a year from now, you would probably choose $100 today. After all, even at today’s low interest rates, your $100 might earn a small return over the next year. This simple example illustrates an important concept: that the value of money changes with time. A dollar received today is worth more than a dollar received a year from now – and is worth even more than a dollar received five years from now.
Craig Loeffler, Founder and partner at Loeffler Financial Group is an expert when it comes to money saving solutions and financial well-being.
Here are at least three reasons why today’s dollar is more valuable.
First, it can be invested to earn interest or dividends, as in the example above.
Second, future dollars may have their value eroded by inflation.
Third, the further into the future a payment is due, the greater the risk or uncertainty associated with receiving it.
The concept of the time value of money is important in many personal and business financial decisions. For example, you may have to choose between receiving a lump sum from a pension plan or a stream of payments in the future. In your business, you may be deciding whether to buy a new piece of equipment which will bring increased revenues in future years. Both of these decisions involve comparing the value of present and future dollars.
Finance professionals like us at Loeffler Financial Group have developed a technique called present value for making such comparisons. The technique involves “discounting” the value of future dollars to reduce them to their equivalent value in current dollars. If you are faced with a decision that involves the time value of money, contact our office today. We have financial and wealth management advisors that can help assist with any and all of your financial questions. Call now, 717-303-7366!
With millions of Americans working remotely for the first time this year, the Federal Trade Commission is warning people about work-from-home scams.
Our Loeffler Financial Group accountants have provided some common work-from-home offers to be careful of according to the FTC:
At-Home Medical Billing Businesses. Many medical billing business opportunities are worthless. Their promoters don’t tell the truth about earnings potential and fail to provide key information.
Envelope-Stuffing Schemes. Offers that promise quick and easy income from stuffing envelopes at home virtually never pay off.
Telemarketing Resale Scams. Selling brand-name merchandise from home can be a great way to work-at-home making some extra money. But fraudsters sometimes call to lure you into a resale proposition. They’re the ones who make the money – and they make it from you.
Work-at-Home Businesses. Many work-at-home opportunities are promoted by scam artists. If you pay in, it’s likely that you will spend more than you can earn.
How to Protect Yourself
Do your research. Talk to other people and read reviews about the work-from-home opportunity you are considering. Also consider checking out a company with your local consumer protection agency, your state’s Attorney General or the Better Business Bureau.
Request the FTC’s one-page disclosure document. Sellers of work-from-home opportunities are required by the FTC to give you a one-page disclosure document that offers key pieces of information about the opportunity. Click here to see what the document looks like.
Ask follow-up questions. In addition to reviewing the disclosure document, ask the sellers follow-up questions such as the following: What tasks will you have to perform? Will you be paid a salary or be on commission? What is the basis for the company’s claims about what you can earn? When will you get your first paycheck?
Reporting a Scam
If you have spent time and money on a work-at-home program and now believe it may not be legitimate, contact the company and ask for a refund. If you can’t resolve any disputes with the company, file a complaint with the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint or call 877-FTC-HELP.
Also file a complaint with your state’s Attorney General’s office or the state where the company is located.
And as always, feel free to reach out to Loeffler Financial Group with any questions you may have. Our team of expert accountants and financial planners are always here to help assist with any questions or concerns you may have.
Tax filing time is an ideal time to review your financial affairs. You have to gather information to prepare your tax return at this time. Why not take one more step and do something positive for your financial well-being?
The following suggestions will get you started on your financial review:
Hold a discussion with your family. Spouses and children need to share and prioritize their financial aspirations.
Write down your financial goals. How much money will you need to meet each goal? When will you need the money, and how will you get it?
Construct a net worth statement (a list of your assets and debts), and compare it to last year’s statement. Are you gaining or losing ground?
With your goals (and the effects of inflation) in mind, review the performance of your investments.
Take steps to protect what you already have. Goals may become instantly unobtainable if you lose your present assets or your income potential.
Do you have adequate disability insurance coverage to replace take-home pay if you become incapacitated?
Do you have enough life insurance if you or your spouse should die?
Do you have replacement value property insurance on your home?
Do you have adequate insurance for calamities such as automobile accidents or lawsuits? Note: Make sure that you need all of the insurance that you have. Do not duplicate employer-provided coverage. Review your coverage annually; do not just automatically renew policies.
Review your will and your estate plan. Did your situation change during the year (marriage, divorce, births, deaths, move to another state, for example)? If so, make appropriate changes to your will and estate plan.
Review your credit use. Keep your credit card bills current. If you’re finding that hard to do, it’s probably time to cut up some of those credit cards and get your debt under control.
Organize your records. If you had trouble assembling data for your financial review, you need a better system. Set one up.
If you own a small business, you need an accountant. Small business owners tend to file their taxes with a free online tax services year after year, but a digital solution can only take you so far. A tax accountant, or should we say a real accountant is an essential part of your small business team.
But why make the switch now? COVID-19.
Various COVID relief bills were passed in 2020 and 2021, which mostly affected the small business sector. With these new bills and laws, some of the previous ones passed were then overturned, making this years 2020 business taxes a little more complex. You certainly want to talk to an accountant if your business qualified for some of the various forms of government and private support and tax benefits this year.
The various forms of government assistance and tax benefits announced in 2020 were unbelievably confusing.
Here are just a few of the government programs and policies that might affect your 2020 small business taxes:
Paycheck Protection Program
Economic Injury Disaster Loans and EIDL loan advances
Employee Retention Credit
Any support from other governments or organizations
But a good accountant is more – much more – than a tax preparer. A good accountant is your small business advisor, not just a tax advisor. He or she should be able to help you deal with all the major financial issues your small business faces and advise you on how to insure your personal financial well-being. Our accountants at Loeffler Financial Group can help guide you on how to handle the financial matters, including the accounting and money handling systems of your business. Our team also will help guide you on ways to structure investment, personal loans, and losses to get not only the best tax treatment but to better manage my cash flow.
What kinds of taxes will I have to pay? What are my tax deadlines?
How can I reduce my taxes?
Which expenses are deductible, non-deductible or have to be depreciated?
What kind of bookkeeping system should I set up?
How can I set up systems to reduce the possibility of theft or embezzlement?
How should I pay myself and what are the tax implications?
Should I use the cash or accrual form of bookkeeping?
Do I need to keep track of inventory? If so, what method do I use?
How do I handle payroll and payroll taxes?
Do I have to collect sales tax? When? From whom?
What kind of retirement program can I set up and how much can I contribute each year?
What other accounting and tax considerations are there for my type business?
A good small business accountant can save you more money in the long run, and help you lower your taxes! Although the deadline for taxes has been extended to May 17, 2021, you want to start gathering your files, and book your appointment today!
The importance of a CPA
Life is often viewed as a series of stages – childhood, graduation, parenthood, and retirement, to name a few. Like the points on a clock, time moves us from one stage to the next. No matter what “time” it is in your life cycle, you probably share a common worry: money. Managing money for today is one thing; making decisions to ensure adequate funds for the next stage is quite another.
The CPA commitment. As trusted advisors, CPAs across the country have made a commitment to increase financial literacy. How? By volunteering to educate the public about financial issues and the decisions that must be made at every stage of life. Americans are faced with significant financial concerns, but often have insufficient financial literacy. Bright and even highly educated people sometimes have trouble speaking the language of money, often to their economic detriment.
To combat this trend, the CPA profession has united around a cause to educate Americans, rich and poor, young and old, on how to better handle their finances. With the life cycle “clock” as a model, CPAs have taken a full, 360-degree view of the challenges Americans face. For each milestone, the profession has solid, practical advice to share. You might say CPAs are once again emphasizing the term “public” in their title.
Call on us. Which brings us to our firm, Loeffler Financial Group. We, too, have accepted the call to educate our community. Our team of experts would be pleased to speak to your organization about life’s financial challenges. We can also speak to students or provide classrooms with timely, interesting material on money and financial issues.
If you would like to find out more about the accounting profession’s drive to improve financial literacy, give us a call. Life’s financial clock is ticking. Let us help you before the alarm goes off. Call Loeffler Financial Group today at 717-393-7366!
If you’re a sole proprietor, you have probably wondered at some point whether you’d be better off if you incorporated your business. Here are some facts for you to consider.
The single biggest benefit of incorporating a business is limiting an owner’s liability. In theory, a stockholder in a corporation risks only his or her investment in the corporation stock. A lawsuit against the company generally cannot be satisfied by attaching the stockholder’s personal assets. In practice, most small corporation stockholders must personally guarantee bank loans for their corporations. Thus, if the corporation fails, the stockholder’s personal assets are at risk. In addition, where personal services are involved, the individual performing the services may be personally liable for his or her actions even though the business is incorporated.
The second advantage of operating as a corporation is that it may be easier to raise capital because the business can do so by issuing stock and selling bonds.
A third advantage is that ownership interest in a corporation is easier to transfer than in a sole proprietorship.
A corporation files its own tax return and pays its own income tax. Therein lies the major drawback to the corporate form: business profits may be taxed twice – once at the corporate level and again at the shareholder level when paid out as dividends or liquidating distributions. Double taxation can generally be avoided by electing S corporation or LLC status.
The corporate form does allow for more fringe benefits that are deductible by the corporation and tax-free to employees, including an owner-employee.
No business owner should incorporate without carefully considering the pros and cons of doing so. Loeffler Financial can help you review the pros and cons, and guide you the direction that best suits you and your business needs, Contact us today at 717-393-7366.
The Roth IRA has been widely discussed and analyzed. One of the most challenging questions this retirement vehicle brings up is whether or not you should convert your existing IRA to a Roth IRA.
How the Roth IRA works:
You’re allowed to contribute up to $5,500 to a Roth IRA in 2018 ($6,000 in 2019) plus an additional $1,000 if you are 50 or older, the same as any other IRA, but your contributions aren’t tax-deductible. However, there’s an important, offsetting benefit: Principal and earnings in a Roth IRA may never again be subject to federal income tax, and a Roth IRA isn’t subject to mandatory distribution requirements.
Example: Barbara contributes $5,500 to a Roth IRA. Although Barbara receives no tax deduction, this IRA can grow to any amount and it could never again be subject to tax. And for the rest of Barbara’s life, withdrawals may be as large or small as desired, provided Barbara is at least 59 1/2 years old and she’s had the IRA for at least five years.
What about a conversion?
The law also allows you to convert an existing IRA to a Roth IRA. If you convert to a Roth IRA, you’ll have to pay regular income tax on your existing IRA. But once you pay the tax, your rollover Roth IRA will offer the benefits of a Roth IRA.
Fortunately, the conversion lends itself to a checklist approach. The checklist below is designed to give you a start in dealing with the conversion question, but it’s not intended to be the last word.
Do you currently have an IRA?
Yes______ No______
Use this checklist to help you decide if you should convert to a Roth:
Do you expect to be in a higher tax bracket when you retire?
Yes______ No______
If you expect to be in the same or lower tax bracket when you retire, it may not make sense to pay the conversion tax today.
Will you be able to pay the resulting income tax with cash from outside your IRA?
Yes______ No______
If you must tap into your IRA to pay the tax, conversion to a Roth IRA is unlikely to pencil out. But remember: you can reduce the potential tax bill by making a partial conversion.
Will you be able to leave the money in the rollover Roth IRA for at least five years?
Yes______ No______
You could incur tax and a penalty if you tap your Roth IRA in less than five years.
If you checked “Yes” to all questions, you might be a good candidate for a rollover Roth IRA. However, even if the checklist indicates that you should convert to a Roth IRA, your personal situation may still point in the opposite direction.
Before you make a final decision – yes or no – be sure to contact an expert for investment and tax advise. Should you wish additional information please call Loeffler Financial Group at 717-393-7366.
