Beware of the ERC
The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) is a COVID response program that was rolled out to employers as it relates to 2020 and 2021. Initially, it took a back seat to the more immediate Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) but due to some Congressional tweaks it became a far more attractive [...]
Withholding is NOT Your Tax
One of the most commonly misunderstood issues that our clients face is withholding on bonus wages, equity compensation and the like. Essentially any non-salary income that is included in the recipients W2 wages. We see this all the time and there is a lot of confusion surrounding this type [...]
RMD Changes
The SECURE ACT 2.0 was signed into law in late 2022 and became effective January 1, 2023. Unfortunately, this new law further complicates an already complicated set of rules, particularly as it relates to required minimum distributions (RMDs). Prior to the changes spelled out in SECURE Act 2.0, RMDs [...]
Happy Holidays
Another year over, and a new one almost begun–happy holidays from the Woods team to you and your loved ones! As we move past the worst of the pandemic, we continue to reflect on all the good fortune we have experienced over the years. Our firm continues to grow and [...]
I Bonds
As we've all no doubt noticed, inflation has reared it's head in the US for the first time in many years. Because of that Series I Bonds have become a hot topic on social media and various finance articles I've read. Below is a who, what, where, and when on [...]
Happy 2022!
I hope all reading had a great holiday season and wish everyone a healthy and prosperous 2022. After 2 years of bizarre, seemingly never-ending tax seasons, we hoped for a return to normalcy this winter and spring. Alas, it does not appear Congress will keep up their end of the [...]
Happy Holidays from The Woods Financial Services Team!
Happy holidays to you and yours! As 2021 closes out, we continue to be so thankful for our clients and associates here at Woods Financial Services. It has been our great fortune to remain in the office during the past two years amidst the pandemic, serving you during this [...]
Year End Tax Planning and Possible SALT Legislation
November is the time of year when we are busy doing year end tax projections for many of our clients. As has been the case of late, this year is complicated by pending legislation in Congress. This seems to have been the case for the last 4 or 5 years. [...]
ROTH IRAs-To Convert or Not?
ROTH IRAs and conversions from Traditional IRAs have been getting a lot of press recently. This discussion has clearly piqued the interest of our clients, as we have received many questions about the process and tax implications. This interest is exacerbated by pending legislation likely to curtail common strategies employed with ROTHs. Here are my thoughts on the current and possible state of ROTHs.
The IRS is a Hot Mess
I'm stealing this blog post title from a Washington Post column of the same name (behind a paywall): THE IRS IS A HOT MESS! This probably isn't a surprise. The IRS has been teetering on the edge of mess status for a number of years. But the double whammy of [...]
Advance Child Tax Credit-Opt Out?
Starting July 15, 2021, the IRS will start issuing advance payments on taxpayers' 2021 Child Tax Credit. Taxpayers do not have to do anything to start receiving these advance payments over the next 6 months. However, there is an option to opt out of the advance payments and simply [...]
Tax Filing Date Pushed Back
After resisting professional and congressional pressure to delay the Federal tax filing due date, IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig relented last week and announced that individual returns and 2020 tax payments are now due May 17, 2021. While not as much additional time was granted as last year, the delay does [...]
COVID Relief Bill #3
Before I get into the specific provisions of the bill a few notes about our service delivery this filing season. All of these changes so late in the filing season, coupled with the scope of work our staff has done with clients on PPP applications and forgiveness, state grant applications, [...]
Upcoming Tax Filing Season
After one of the more bizarre years ever, we now find ourselves in 2021. Most notably to this office, that means the 2020 income tax filing season is coming fast. Below are my thoughts and a few warnings. Stimulus Round #2 As you likely know the second round of stimulus [...]
Coronavirus Stimulus Bill #2
As you may have heard, Congress overwhelmingly approved a $900 Billion relief bill on Monday. It has been sent to the White House for the expected signature from the President. This is the second such bill this year passed in response to the pandemic. Many of the principles and programs [...]
A Holiday Message from Emily Woods
Traditionally, this end-of-year greeting is written by Brian. But, as with everything else this year, things are a little different. At Woods Financial Services, we have been fortunate to stay healthy, keep the office open and provide uninterrupted service to our clients during this unprecedented time. We want to give [...]
How Will a New Administration Impact Taxes?
I've gotten a few calls from clients concerned about rising tax rates in a Biden administration. There is no question that he and his administration have signaled taxes will be increasing (on some). Below I highlight the items that seem most relevant to our clients. Ordinary Income Rates As of [...]
IRS Warns of New COVID Scam
The IRS is warning of a new text message scam surrounding supposed COVID stimulus payments. Basically, this is a run of the mill phishing scam where the thieves attempt to get victims to reveal bank account information under the guise of "accepting a payment". As I always warn, the IRS [...]
Returns in a Low Yield World
Over 4 years ago, I wrote this blog post Chasing Yield. Basically, my admonition for clients and investors was to not take on more risk than you are comfortable with simply to earn more yield. At that time, rates on the 10-year Treasury Bond were hovering in the 1.50% range. [...]
Evidence Driven Decision Making
As I sat watching the final round of the 2020 US Open on Sunday, I was struck by the reaction on social media to what we were collectively watching. In case you didn't watch, Bryson DeChambeau won his first professional major. The issue wasn't that he won (he was a [...]
Maryland Pass Through Entity SALT Workaround
On May 7, 2020, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan allowed Senate Bill 523 to become law. This Bill considerably changes the state tax landscape for Maryland entities (LLCs, Partnerships and S Corps primarily) and the individuals that pay tax on that income. It goes into effect for tax years beginning after [...]
Unexpected Tax Refunds
Several of our clients have received a check from the US Treasury that they did not expect. Generally, these are interest payments on refunds triggered by filing a return with a refund in June or July 2020 for 2019 tax year. Here's why. Basically, the IRS is mandated to pay [...]