TRY A DIFFERENT GIFT IDEA THIS YEAR

When planning gifts for children on your holiday list, you might want to think beyond the traditional retail offerings. Consider financial gifts that can bestow benefits for many years to come.

TAX BREAKS ARE AVAILABLE FOR DISASTER VICTIMS

When natural disasters occur, they often leave many people with severely damaged or destroyed homes and businesses. Some lose everything they own. If you are affected by a disaster that is declared by the President to qualify for federal assistance, there are several provisions in the tax law that may provide relief.

DO A YEAR-END BUSINESS REVIEW

Business owners and managers spend most of their time monitoring operations and dealing with everyday problems. But just as an annual checkup from your physician helps to monitor and manage your personal health, an annual checkup can do the same for your business. The benefits of such a review are holding your company accountable and evaluating current performance to better plan and execute future operations.

GET ORGANIZED FOR 1099 FILING

January is always a busy month for companies. You're trying to get business off to a good start in the new year, you're trying to close the books on last year, and there's 1099 reporting to complete by month-end.

WHAT'S AHEAD? TAX CHANGES SCHEDULED FOR 2013

Unless Congress acts by year-end, these are the changes you'll see in the tax rules effective January 1, 2013.

DON'T FALL FOR A CHARITY SCAM

The IRS is warning people to be aware of fraud connected with Hurricane Sandy. As is usually the case following a natural disaster, scam artists are impersonating charities to get money or financial information from those wanting to help victims of the storm. The scammers contact people by phone, social media, e-mail, or in person. To avoid falling for a scam, donate only to recognized charities, and avoid those with names that are similar to real charities. Do not give personal information to those seeking contributions, and don't give cash donations. Contributions by check or credit card provide greater security as well as a record for tax purposes.

CREDIT FOR HIRING A VET WILL EXPIRE SOON

The IRS reminds businesses that the special credit for hiring veterans will expire soon. Companies that hire unemployed military veterans may qualify for a tax credit of up to $5,600 ($9,600 for vets with service-related disabilities). The credit is available for vets hired before January 1, 2013. The amount of the credit depends on the length of unemployment before being hired and the wages paid during the first year of work. For more information, contact our office at (518) 798-3330.

IRS INCREASES MILEAGE RATES FOR 2013

The IRS has increased the standard mileage rates to be used in computing the deductible costs of operating a vehicle for business or when driving for medical or moving reasons. The new rates will apply to vehicle mileage starting January 1, 2013.

The revised rates are 56.5 cents per mile for business driving and 24 cents for medical and moving driving. The rate for charitable driving is fixed by law and remains at 14 cents per mile.

Instead of using standard mileage rates, you have the option of calculating the actual costs of using a vehicle for business, medical, or moving purposes.

RETHINK YOUR CAPITAL GAINS STRATEGY THIS YEAR

The typical investment advice at year-end is to sell losing stocks to offset gains you have taken for the year. This year that strategy may just be the wrong way to go. Here's why.