Most taxpayers can claim one personal exemption for themselves and, if married, one for their spouse. This helps reduce their taxable income on their 2017 tax return. They may also be able to claim an exemption for each of their dependents. Each exemption normally allows them to deduct $4,050 on their 2017 tax return. While each is worth the same amount, different rules apply to each type.

Here are five key points for taxpayers to keep in mind on exemptions and dependents when filing their 2017 tax return: Read More

All U.S. business enterprises in which a foreign person (in the broad legal sense, including a company) owns directly and/or indirectly a ten-percent-or-more voting interest (or the equivalent) are subject to these reporting requirements. This includes foreign ownership of real estate, improved and unimproved, except residential real estate held exclusively for personal use and not for profit making purposes. Read More

Monika Miles

What if you could walk into a store, buy something and not have to pay sales tax because the whole state does not impose a sales tax? Believe it or not, in some states that does happen. Several states, mainly in the South and East, have these so-called “tax holidays,” which at specific goods. As we discuss below, during tax holidays specific items are exempted from the tax, only in certain states, and these holidays occur only on limited days. Very little is uniform in the multi-state tax world.

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John Stancil

Utah Senator Orrin Hatch (R) recently sent a letter to IRS Commissioner John Koskinen. At the heart of the issue raised by Senator Hatch was his concern that many private museums should not receive 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Much of his reasoning seems to indicate a lack of understanding in regard to many of the smaller museums that dot the landscape of the United States. While not major tourist attractions, these museums do much to help preserve the history of a particular segment of our past. Many may not have wide appeal, but there frequently are a small cadre of dedicated adherents. I will, however, be the first to admit that 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status may be abused by an individual seeking to shield his hobby from any tax consequences while generating a revenue stream or other tax benefits. But don’t penalize all small museums due to a few bad apples.

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David Green

The Affordable Care Act requires you and each member of your family to have minimum essential coverage, qualify for an insurance coverage exemption, or make an individual shared responsibility payment for months without coverage or an exemption when you file your federal income tax return.You, your spouse or your dependents may be eligible to claim an exemption Read More