by apexcpas | Jul 4, 2018 | Tax Planning
If you own a summer home or vacation property, you can rent it out tax-free for up to two weeks each year. You do not have to pay tax on the rental income. If a property is rented for less than 15 days, the rent you receive does not have to be reported as income on...
by apexcpas | Jul 4, 2018 | Tax Planning
The Tax Court has disallowed a married couple’s cash charitable contribution deduction to their church. David and Veronda Durden made charitable contributions totaling more than $25,000. The Durdens had canceled checks supporting their deduction, and most of the...
by apexcpas | Jul 4, 2018 | Tax Planning
The IRS has issued proposed regulations regarding local lodging expenses. Although the new regulations are in proposed form, the IRS has stated that they can be relied upon until they are finalized. Generally, the cost of local lodging – defined as lodging...
by apexcpas | Jul 4, 2018 | Tax Planning
An 1895 version of the painting “The Scream” by Edvard Munch recently sold for a record-shattering $120 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York. The seller of the piece, a Norwegian businessman, will undoubtedly be paying a hefty tax on the sale....
by apexcpas | Jul 4, 2018 | Tax Planning
Here is yet another case that emphasizes the importance of being careful when using a family limited partnership as an estate planning tool. Lois Lockett’s husband predeceased her, and his will established a trust for her benefit. As part of her estate planning,...
by apexcpas | Jul 4, 2018 | Tax Planning
An investor’s intent may not always be obvious, but recently a couple’s activities helped clarify their decisions for the Tax Court. The IRS questioned the validity of a like-kind exchange made by Patrick and Jill Reesink of San Francisco. And the case...