finance - Herman & Co. CPA

6 FAQs About 529 College Savings Plans

College is a large expense and one worth planning for, especially if you want your future college graduate to start their lives with minimal debt. One common way to prepare for such an expense is to open a 529 college savings plan. What is a 529 plan? College savings 529 plans are state-sponsored savings accounts…

Important Dates In American Tax History Post-1812 Up to The Civil War

The war with the British plunged the new nation into debt and gave rise to protectionist policies being passed. The young nation wanted to protect its newly established manufacturing industries, but the policies started to drive a wedge between the interests of the Northern and Southern states. This set the stage for the Civil War.

Important Dates In Post-Revolution American Tax History

The Revolutionary War was sparked in part by the British imposing taxes on the American colonists without their permission or consent. Once the colonists had freed themselves from British rule, it was time to establish a government that could pay the debts it had incurred during the conflict. 1777 – Articles of Confederation This was…

US Pass-Throughs Set Out Tax Reform Wish List

Westchester NY accountant Paul Herman of Herman & Company CPA’s is here for all your financial needs. Please contact us if you have questions, and to receive your free personal finance consultation! By Tax-News The Parity for Main Street Employers business coalition has issued a new letter that calls on the US Congress to enact tax reform “that is comprehensive, restores tax rate…

Federal Income Tax Withholding Adjustment & Tax Calendar

With over half the year already gone, now is a good time to check to see if you are on track to have about the right amount of federal income tax withheld from your paychecks for 2014. The problem with not having the correct amount of taxes withheld for the year is that:

Low Income Taxpayer Clinics

The 2015 application period opened May 5, 2014, and closes June 20, 2014. The 2015 Publication 3319, LITC Grant Application Package and Guidelines will be available on IRS.gov and two copies will be shipped to all current clinics. Organizations that must submit a full application must do so via Grants.gov and those that do not must complete their application in Grant Solutions.

Missing Your Form W-2?

You should receive a Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, from each of your employers for use in preparing your federal tax return.

Our 2013 Annual Year-End Tax Planning Letter

Anyone is permitted to make gifts of up to $14,000 per year to an unlimited number of people without having to pay gift taxes. Married couples can make combined gifts of up to $28,000. A married couple wishing to make gifts to two married children and four grandchildren can make gifts of up to $224,000 per year ($28,000 to each child, grandchild and child’s spouse) without paying any gift taxes.

Death of a Loved One: FAQs

The spouse will be eligible for benefits if he/she is 60 years old or older. The benefit amount collected before the age of 65 will be less than that due at the age of 65 or older. Widows who are disabled are eligible for benefits at age 50. If the deceased’s spouse cares for dependent children under the age of 16 or for disabled children, they may qualify for benefits before age 60. The deceased’s children who are disabled or younger than 18 may also qualify for the benefits.

Getting Divorced: FAQs Part 2

Make an agreement with your spouse to plan for the legal issues that will be dealt with in the future, such as division of property, alimony or support payments and child custody. The amount of time and money that will be spent trying to reach a legal solution will be lessened dramatically if this can be done, either with the help of lawyers or court.