Managing Tax Records

The IRS posted five tips on keeping good tax records, including: (1) the use of a three-year rule for keeping most records, (2) certain records that should be kept longer (e.g., settlement statements, stock transactions, IRA and business and rental property transactions), (3) general advice on keeping documents that impact the federal tax return, and (4) the kinds ofrecords that should be kept (e.g.,r receipts, invoices, mileage logs). IRS Pub. 552 (Recordkeeping for Individuals) contains additional information what kinds of records to keep. IRS Tax Tip 2011-71.

2010 Year-End

As we approach the close of 2010, there is still time to take steps that can reduce your 2010 tax bill. Year-end tax planning is more complicated this year due to: ongoing uncertainties regarding tax rates for 2011; questions as to when and if many popular tax breaks that expired last year will be extended; and short windows of opportunity to take advantage of recently-enacted tax breaks that are scheduled to expire after 2010. As we complete this letter, there is no assurance that Congress will resolve these issues by the end of this year. However, regardless of how and when these uncertainties are addressed, there are many “tried and true” year-end tax savings steps that you should consider for

2009 Year-End for the Business Owner

Dear Client: As the end of 2009 approaches, it’s time to evaluate year-end tax planning for corporations and other businesses. Over the past year, Congress, the IRS, and the courts have flooded us with significant tax developments. These changes make year-end tax planning for 2009 exceedingly important! Most recently, Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009, which includes corporate and business tax benefits that: provide a longer carryback period for 2008 Net Operating Losses; expand the Work Opportunity Tax Credit for hiring certain disadvantaged employees; extend through 2009 accelerated business asset write-offs including the higher $250,000 §179 deduction, the 50% bonus depreciation, and a 15-year (instead of 39-year) write-off of certain leasehold improvements, restaurant properties, and

2009 Year-End for the Individual

Dear Client: Once again, it’s time for year-end tax planning. Over the past year, Congress, the IRS, and the courts have flooded us with significant tax developments. The White House has also warned of imminent tax increases, particularly for higher income taxpayers. Collectively, these changes make year-end tax planning for 2009 more important than for any year in recent history! Most recently, Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009, which includes the following individual tax benefits: an increased refundable first-time home buyer’s credit of up to $8,000 (which expires after November 30, 2009, unless extended by Congress); estimated tax payment relief for certain individuals owning small businesses; a deduction for sales tax on the purchase of