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Tax Tips Small Business

Automobile Expenses

Which is better - deducting the standard mileage rate or actual expenses?

With the increasing cost of gas, it might be a good idea to revisit which tax deduction is the most beneficial - claiming 50 cents per business mile or your actual vehicle expenses.Claiming the standard mileage rate is easier. All you have to do is keep track of your business miles and multiply them by the current rate. In addition to the standard mileage rate, you may also deduct the costs for parking and tolls. Plus, if you are self-employed, you can deduct the interest paid on your car loan.

Small Business Quick Tip

Instead of deducting the actual expenses for the business use of your vehicle, opt for the standard mileage rate. In 2009, you can deduct 55 cents for each business mile you drive.

Haiti Relief Donations Qualify for Immediate Tax Relief

People who give to charities providing relief in Haiti can claim these donations on the tax return they are completing this season, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

To be able to claim a benefit on your 2009 tax return, you must meet the following conditions:

You must itemize your deductions (file Schedule A),
You must make a donation of cash (including donations made by text message, check, credit card, or debit card),
You must make the donation after January 11, 2010 and before March 1, 2010.

Taxpayers should be sure their contributions go to qualified charities. Most organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible donations are listed in a searchable database available on IRS.gov under Search for Charities. Some organizations, such as churches or governments, may be qualified even though they are not listed on IRS.gov. Donors can find out more about organizations helping Haitian earthquake victims from agencies such as USAID.

The IRS reminds donors that contributions to foreign organizations generally are not deductible.

Federal law requires that taxpayers keep a record of any deductible donations they make. For donations by text message, a telephone bill will meet the recordkeeping requirement if it shows the name of the donee organization, the date of the contribution and the amount of the contribution. For cash contributions made by other means, be sure to keep a bank record, such as a cancelled check, or a receipt form the charity showing the name of the charity and the date and amount of the contribution.

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Tuesday, 09 March 2010

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Tax Tips Personal

Charitable Remainder Trusts

Reduce your estate by gifting property

There are many ways to contribute to a charitable organization. You can write a check, donate property, or give of your time. If you're planning for retirement, you might want to consider making a gift of a future interest in your property by establishing a charitable remainder unitrust or annuity trust. These trusts allow you to contribute the property and retain an income stream.

Personal Quick Tip

If your tax refund was too high or too low, adjust your withholding so it doesn't happen again next year. You can file a revised W-4 with your employer at any time to increase or decrease the number of exemptions you claim. The more exemptions you claim, the less tax your employer withholds from your wages, resulting in a smaller refund. Decreasing the number of exemptions results in more withholding and a larger refund.