MARIELA RUIZ, CPA, PLLC

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Tag: filing taxes

How to Avoid a Tax Surprise with Your Remote Work Policy

March 6, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Working from home has been an emerging trend in recent years. It’s a policy that offers incredible flexibility and productivity as per the latest statistics. However, amidst the comfort of home offices, it’s crucial to stay vigilant about potential tax surprises that could lurk in the shadows. In this month’s blog, we’ll help you navigate the tax system and show you how to keep tax surprises as unwelcome guests.

Understanding Home Office Deduction Rules

You may have heard that taking the home office deduction sends a red flag to the IRS and raises your chances of being audited. So first, let’s see if you’re qualified or not for a tax deduction.

  1. If you’re an employer: Your home office must be used exclusively for work, and it should be your primary place of business. Keep meticulous records of your home office expenses, like utilities, internet, and maintenance, to maximize your deductions when tax season rolls around.
  2. If you’re an employee: You unfortunately don’t qualify for the home office tax deduction (some states do allow this tax deduction for employees). Before the TCJA, employees were allowed to deduct taxes, but, starting from the tax years 2018 through 2025, these deductions have been removed.
  3. If you’re self-employed: If you’re a self-employed taxpayer, you’re qualified for these write-offs. The IRS permits you to subtract 50% of your entire self-employment tax from your tax filing.

Track and Document Expenses Thoroughly

When it comes to taxes, documentation is your best friend. Whether it’s equipment purchases, software subscriptions, or office supplies, keep detailed records of your expenses. These records not only help you claim legitimate deductions but also serve as a robust defense in case of an audit.

Related: Learn more about when to consider a financial audit for your startup here.

Review Your Payroll Withholding

Remote work might affect your tax withholding, especially if your employer is located in a different state. Consult with your HR department to make sure your payroll withholding aligns with your current work situation. Adjustments may be necessary to avoid overpaying or underpaying taxes.

Consult a Tax Professional

When in doubt, seek professional advice. A tax professional can provide personalized guidance based on your unique situation, ensuring that you’re taking advantage of all available opportunities while avoiding potential pitfalls. The investment in their expertise can pay off in the long run.

Related: learn more about why it’s crucial to hire a tax expert here.

Conclusion

At MARIELA RUIZ, CPA, PLLC, we are here to help you stay informed and proactive, ensuring that your work-from-home experience remains financially smooth and rewarding. We will uncover industry-specific deductions for more tax breaks and file your taxes for you. Contact us today at (956) 997-0067 or visit our website mruiz-cpa.com to learn more about our services.

What You Need to Know for the 2021 Tax Season

December 21, 2020 / / 0 Comments

Many will agree that 2020 has been a year of unique challenges but 2021 is just right around the corner! With that being said, below we discuss some things to keep in mind as we approach 2021 and the upcoming tax season.

Tax Day is Thursday April 15th, 2021

This is the date you must file you taxes before! Most can take the standard deduction which has increased from this year to $12,400 for single filers and $24,800 for married couples filing jointly. You may also itemize your deductions which is a little bit more painstaking, however is worth it if your itemized deductions exceed your standard deduction.

Stimulus Checks Aren’t Taxable

The CARES Act was instituted near the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and gave many citizens a onetime payment of $1200. These payments will not count as taxable income in the upcoming year which is great news for most tax payers! You can think of it as a kind of advanced refund you would have received as part of your 2021 tax refund.

Unemployment Income is Taxable

The pandemic has caused much of the country to shut down for extended periods of time, leaving many Americans jobless through no fault of their own. If you were one of the millions of Americans who received unemployment benefits in 2020, you have to pay taxes on that income. If you opted to defer taxes on your unemployment payments before you received them then you will need to save for the taxes that will be due when you file, or pay estimated quarterly taxes to stay ahead.

Final Thoughts

As always, consult your tax professional to get the most out of your taxes in 2021 and speak with someone who can help you in your specific financial situation. Mariela Ruiz, CPA, PLLC is here to help individuals and business owners in the Mission, TX community with their taxes and wishes you all a prosperous 2021!

Should You File Your Taxes Jointly or Separately?

August 26, 2020 / / 0 Comments

For married couples who live together and share finances, tax season can bring with it a lot of questions about how you should file and why. In this month’s blog post we briefly dive into what couples need to know before filing their taxes and how they can determine if they should file jointly or separately.

Married Filing Jointly

Your filing status determines your tax rate and the amount of deductions you can qualify for. For most couples filing jointly is the best option for several reasons. Basically, married couples can continue to qualify for a lower tax rate despite having a higher taxable combined income. This tax break in addition to one of the largest standard deductions offered by the IRS makes filing jointly the best option for the vast majority of married couples.

Married Filing Separately

The circumstances in which a married couple would benefit more from filing separately are far and few between. They mostly include situations where one spouse has outstanding deferred debt that needs to be collected promptly. Examples can include having large amounts of student debt or costly outstanding medical bills. Filing separately is also the best option for couples who are expecting to get divorced within the year.

Final Thoughts

If you’re still unsure of which status makes the most sense for you, call on a highly qualified and experienced CPA. One tax service does not fit all so it’s important to turn to a professional who is committed to finding the absolute best option for you and your family. Contact the experts here for a variety of services including forensic accounting, tax services, financial consulting, bookkeeping, and much more.

Steps to Take Before Filing Your Taxes

July 24, 2020 / / 0 Comments

Before you contact your tax preparer, ensure you have the necessary documents to hand over. It’s important to have previous year’s tax information, as well as current receipts and documents. Getting an early start on gathering these items will not only speed up the process, but give your tax preparer more time to double check all of your information. Learn more about which forms you will need to file a complete tax return.

The Essentials

Forms from employers, banks, and other businesses need to be filed your tax return, so have these documents ready to go. Some of the most common forms include Form W-2, Form 1099, and Form 1098. These documents indicate the income you’ve received from the previous year. If you are unsure about which documents need to be filed, get in contact with your tax preparer for confirmation.

The Receipts

Receipts act as a form of proof to show so you can properly itemize your deductions. Whether you choose itemize or claim the standard deduction, it’s a good idea to compare your findings and see which one has the greater write-off. Your list of expenses may include anything from medical costs and mortgage interest to charitable contributions. Consult with your tax preparer if itemizing is worth it.

The Tax Return from Last Year

Grab your tax return from last year, even if you are using the same tax preparer. You can look over it for any inconsistences and ensure your current tax return is up to date. It can also provide details about forms you received from last year, and that you have these forms from this year too. Investopedia also comments, “If you made small gifts, you may not have received any acknowledgment from the organization, but you can still deduct these contributions as long as you have a canceled check or other proof.”

Conclusion

The process of filing taxes can be confusing, so let our certified public accountants do the work for you. We are here to prep your tax documents and handle all forms with the utmost professionalism. Refer to MARIELA RUIZ, CPA, PLLC for tax preparation services today.

Strategic Tax Planning Tips

April 29, 2020 / / 0 Comments
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Planning for the upcoming tax season? Perhaps you’re already thinking about next years? If you want the best outcome for your tax return, it’s a good idea to do a little bit of research before you click ‘submit’ to the IRS. From looking over previous tax documents to claiming medical and education expenses, there are many ways you can make a difference when it comes to filing. Follow along in our blog for strategic tax planning tips.

Check Last Year’s Documents

Before starting on your current taxes, review the previous year to check for errors. If you have documents like W-2 and 1099s in your filing cabinet, go through them and make sure there are no inaccuracies. Identifying any problems early on can give you more time to resolve any issues with the company who sent the document.

Organize Investment Earnings

According to WrapManager, “the IRS requires that you report your interest and dividend categories separately.” With your investment accounts, it’s important to keep all statements and records pertaining to your earnings. Even if yearly statements have an overall review included, details of monthly or quarterly statements may be needed for your filing too.

Write Down Medical or Education Expenses

Having proof of medical records will allow you to make tax deductions, but only if you have the proper documentation. Claims that are commonly made can be anything from travel expenses to medical appointments, treatments that aren’t covered by insurance, and much more. Likewise, college-related expenses can also be deducted. Costs for tuition, books, and boarding are just a few examples. WrapManager advises to “keep track of these records throughout the year, either in a paper folder or an electronic file.”

Conclusion

Talk with a tax professional at MARIELA RUIZ, CPA, PLLC today. We work with individuals and businesses that need assistance with tax planning and much more. For a full list of our financial services, visit our website here. You can also reach us at (956) 997-0067 to speak directly to one of our advisors. Contact us today!

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