covid19 - Linkenheimer LLP CPAs & Advisors

Student Loan Interest: Can You Deduct It On Your Tax Return?

The economic impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is unprecedented and many taxpayers with student loans have been hard hit.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act contains some assistance to borrowers with federal student loans. Notably, federal loans were automatically placed in an administrative forbearance, which allows borrowers to temporarily stop making monthly payments. This payment suspension is scheduled to last until September 30, 2020.

Tax deduction rules

Despite the suspension, borrowers can still make payments if they choose. And borrowers in good standing made payments earlier in the year and will likely make them later in 2020. So can you deduct the student loan interest on your tax return?

The answer is yes, depending on your income and subject to certain limits. The maximum amount of student loan interest you can deduct each year is $2,500. The deduction is phased out if your adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeds certain […]

By Linkenheimer LLP|2020-09-03T20:02:50+00:00May 27th, 2020|deduction, deductions, expensing, New Tax Laws, tax deductions, tax implications|0 Comments

California Tax Updates for May 21st

Update 1:

Do you still have questions about how California helps those affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic? The CA Franchise Tax Board (FTB) has just updated its frequently asked questions (FAQs) by adding a section on the individual status letter (also known as a veteran affairs status letter). These letters help individuals get student loans or Veteran Affairs financing. They also show third parties such as employers that the letter holder has no outstanding CA income tax obligations. If you have questions, please contact your Linkenheimer CPA. You can also learn who may obtain an individual status letter and how, and get answers to a wide variety of questions by visiting the FTB here: https://bit.ly/2AuMxwb

Update 2:

Are you part of the California gig economy? The CA Franchise Tax Board (FTB) has updated its gig economy webpage, which it created to provide information to those who use platforms such as Uber, Lyft, […]

By Linkenheimer LLP|2020-09-03T20:02:54+00:00May 21st, 2020|ca, CA tax, california, ftb|0 Comments

California Tax Updates for May 7th

Update 1:

Are you selling goods in California? Now that so many people are looking for alternate ways to make an income due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, selling goods from home is attracting a lot of people. Depending on the details, you may need a seller’s permit. The CA Dept. of Tax and Fee Administration (CDFTA) has issued an updated publication entitled “Do You Need a CA Seller’s Permit?” Generally, if you make three or more sales in a 12-month period, you are required to have a seller’s permit, even if the sales were made through internet auctions houses or websites or offered through online classified ads. Here’s more from the CDFTA: https://bit.ly/353Cd9v

Update 2:

San Francisco will require public health emergency leave for some employees during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides sick leave to employees who are unable to work or telework […]

By Linkenheimer LLP|2020-09-03T20:02:59+00:00May 7th, 2020|business, employer|0 Comments

California Tax Updates for April 22

Post 1:

The California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) has posted frequently asked questions (FAQs), related to tax relief due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The list addresses topics such as: information returns, extensions to file; the postponement periods of March 12 through July 15, 2020; statutes of limitations, and more. Even more recent additions to FAQ topics are: nonresidential nonwage withholding and real estate withholding. Check the latest FAQ here: https://bit.ly/3e2q9cA or contact us with questions.

Post 2:

An extension of time has been issued for California taxpayers to accomplish certain tasks, from the CA Franchise Tax Board (FTB), due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). They include claiming a refund, filing a protest of a notice of proposed assessment (NPA) with the FTB, and filing an appeal or petition for a rehearing with the Office of Tax Appeals. The extension also gives the […]

By Linkenheimer LLP|2020-09-03T20:03:04+00:00April 22nd, 2020|california, ftb, irs, New Tax Laws|0 Comments

Answers To Questions You May Have About Economic Impact Payments

Millions of eligible Americans have already received their Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) via direct deposit or paper checks, according to the IRS. Others are still waiting. The payments are part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Here are some answers to questions you may have about EIPs.

Who’s eligible to get an EIP?

Eligible taxpayers who filed their 2018 or 2019 returns and chose direct deposit of their refunds automatically receive an Economic Impact Payment. You must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien and you can’t be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return. In general, you must also have a valid Social Security number and have adjusted gross income (AGI) under a certain threshold.

The IRS also says that automatic payments will go to people receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits and Railroad Retirement benefits.

How much are the payments?

EIPs can be up to $1,200 for individuals, or $2,400 for married couples, plus $500 for each qualifying child.

How much income must I have to receive a payment?

You don’t need to have any income to receive a payment. But for higher income people, the payments […]

By Linkenheimer LLP|2020-09-03T20:03:04+00:00April 21st, 2020|irs, New Tax Laws|0 Comments