Consider a Roth 401(k) plan — and make sure employees use it

Consider a Roth 401(k) plan — and make sure employees use itRoth 401(k) accounts have been around for 13 years now. Studies show that more employers are offering them each year. A recent study by the Plan Sponsor Council of America (PSCA) found that Roth 401(k)s are now available at 70% of employer plans, up from 55.6% of plans in 2016.

Check on your refund — and find out why the IRS might not send it

Check on your refund — and find out why the IRS might not send itIt’s that time of year when many people who filed their tax returns in April are checking their mail or bank accounts to see if their refunds have landed. According to the IRS, most refunds are issued in less than 21 calendar days. However, it may take longer — and in rare cases, refunds might not come at all.

Casualty loss deductions: You can claim one only for a federally declared disaster

Casualty loss deductions: You can claim one only for a federally declared disasterUnforeseen disasters happen all the time and they may cause damage to your home or personal property. Before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, eligible casualty loss victims could claim a deduction on their tax returns. But there are new restrictions that make these deductions much more difficult to take.

Plug in tax savings for electric vehicles

Plug in tax savings for electric vehiclesWhile the number of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) is still small compared with other cars on the road, it’s growing — especially in certain parts of the country. If you’re interested in purchasing an electric or hybrid vehicle, you may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500. (Depending on where you live, there may also be state tax breaks and other incentives.)

Can “collective impact” help your nonprofit accomplish more?

Can “collective impact” help your nonprofit accomplish more?Not-for-profits increasingly are taking on big issues, such as global warming and economic development. Some are turning to a relatively new approach known as “collective impact.” Such cross-sector coordination may help nonprofits achieve greater change than isolated interventions by individual groups.

Employee vs. independent contractor: How should you handle worker classification?

Employee vs. independent contractor: How should you handle worker classification?Many employers prefer to classify workers as independent contractors to lower costs, even if it means having less control over a worker’s day-to-day activities. But the government is on the lookout for businesses that classify workers as independent contractors simply to reduce taxes or avoid their employee benefit obligations.

How entrepreneurs must treat expenses on their tax returns

How entrepreneurs must treat expenses on their tax returnsHave you recently started a new business? Or are you contemplating starting one? Launching a new venture is a hectic, exciting time. And as you know, before you even open the doors, you generally have to spend a lot of money. You may have to train workers and pay for rent, utilities, marketing and more.