IRA Contributions for Military Personnel

Nontaxable combat pay is considered compensation

Members of the military serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other combat zone localities can now put money into an IRA, even if they received tax-free combat pay. Under the Heroes Earned Retirement Opportunities (HERO) Act, military personnel can now count tax-free combat pay when determining whether they qualify to contribute to either a Roth or traditional IRA. Before this change, members of the military whose earnings came entirety from tax-free combat pay were generally barred from using IRAs to save for retirement.

In addition, the HERO Act allows military personnel who received tax-free combat pay in either 2004 or 2005 to go back and make IRA contributions for those years. Eligible military members will have extra time, until May 28, 2009, to make these special back-year contributions.

For those under the age of 50, the IRA contribution limit was $3,000 for 2004 and $4,000 for 2005. For those age 50 and over, the limit was $3,500 for 2004 and $4,500 for 2005. The IRA contribution limit for 2006 is $4,000 and $5,000 for those taxpayers age 50 and over.
 

Tax Tips Small Business

Reimbursing Your Employees for Business Expenses

What method should you choose?

Attracting and keeping good employees is a goal in any business. One way to make life easier for your employees is to have an easy to use reimbursement plan. Travel, transportation, moving, and educational expenses are common reimbursable expenses. As the employer, you have the option to set up an accountable or nonaccountable reimbursement plan. Under either plan, you can deduct many of the business expenses paid to or for employees. However, the plan you choose can make a big difference to your employees.

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Small Business Quick Tip

Use your credit card to buy equipment and supplies that you will need in the upcoming year. Charges on your credit card for deductible business expenses are allowed in the year you make the purchase, not in the year the charge is paid. Pay off your credit card after the beginning of the year and avoid finance charges.
Saturday, 19th May 2012
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Tax Tips Personal

Converting a Traditional IRA to a Roth?

You may want to wait

At some point, taxpayers who have a traditional IRA may wish to convert it to a Roth. Roth IRAs are more flexible in that there are no required minimum distributions when the owner reaches age 70 1/2. In addition, qualified distributions from a Roth IRA are not taxable.

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Personal Quick Tip

Go to your tax appointment well organized. Have all your income statements such as W-2s and 1099s separate from your expenses. Make sure you have all the proper social security numbers for dependents, as well as their names as they appear on their social security card. Careful organization will save you time come tax season.