With the economic downturn still fresh in the minds of most Americans, you’d think rates of saving would be climbing through the roof. Surely people recognize — at long last — the need to sock away more money. After all, the job market is unstable, the stock market uncertain, and housing values notoriously unreliable. But one recent study showed that American savings rates have increased only slightly in the past decade, from 2.9% to 3.6%. That’s substantially less than Americans were saving in the 1980s, and much lower than savings rates in some other developed countries. (more…)
March, 2011
Tax Tip Tuesday! The Mortgage Interest Deduction Has Limits
As a homeowner, you know about ceilings. You’re probably also familiar with the itemized deduction for mortgage interest. But you may not be aware the mortgage interest deduction also has a ceiling — two of them, in fact. (more…)
IRS Changes Filing Deadline
IRS changes filing deadline
This year the deadline for filing various tax returns normally due on April 15 is being changed to April 18, 2011. (more…)
April 15 Tax Day extended
Date: 2011-04-18
This year the deadline for filing various tax returns normally due on April 15 is being changed to April 18, 2011. The reason? Washington, D.C. is observing its Emancipation Day holiday on April 15, and though that’s not a national holiday, the Treasury Department has extended Tax Day 2011 to Monday, April 18. The new deadline applies to individual and partnership tax returns, extension requests, and other tax deadlines such as making 2010 IRA and education savings account contributions, and making the first 2011 estimated tax payment.
How To Retain Good Customers
When times get tough, the cost of sales goes up. Potential customers are less likely to want to talk to a salesperson because they are in a fiscally conservative mindset. In recent months you may have heard the phrase “retention is the new acquisition”. This simply means you’re doing well if you can hold onto your customers. And of those, make sure you hold on tightest to the best ones. But how? (more…)
Tax Tip Tuesday! Estimated Tax Is Due Quarterly
Winter, spring, summer, fall — for every season, there’s an estimated tax payment.
The first quarterly estimated tax payment for 2011 is due April 18, the same day as your 2010 federal income tax return. (more…)
What’s New: Early Investment Planning Can Save Taxes
Capital gain rates will remain at a maximum of 15% (and a minimum of 0%) through December 31, 2012. The rates apply to qualified dividends and long-term gains from investments you sell. That makes 2011 a good time to implement strategies for potential tax savings. (more…)
Webinar: Understanding Your Personal Goals and How They Relate to Your Business
Date: 2011-04-20 Time: 01:00PM – 02:00PM Location: Your office
An essential first step to establishing what your success looks like is to know what you really want as a business owner. Certain key areas should be examined through an honest and open session to determine what the personal objectives are, what you want out of your business and even when you want to transition out.
At this webinar you will learn ways to gain a better understanding and clarification of your personal goals. We will discuss how this will allow you, the business owner to understand your current situation and the areas you need to work on to achieve “your” own business success and improved professional wellbeing.
Pre-registration is required: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/966736762
Time To Clock On
A hallmark of the industrial revolution was the punch card system. Factory workers clocked on and off by getting their cards stamped by a clerk or later by machine. The manager knew exactly how much time each of their staff had spent on the job by looking at their stamped times. (more…)
Tax Day!
Date: 2011-04-15
Last-day for individuals to file prior year income tax return (Form 1040, Form 1040A, or Form 1040EZ). File Form 4868 to obtain automatic six month extension.
