TAX FILING RESPONSIBILITIES OF ESTATE EXECUTORS

As an executor of an estate, it's your responsibility to make sure all the necessary tax returns are filed. This overview will help you make sure you don't miss any.

IRS ANNOUNCES BUSINESS VEHICLE DEDUCTION LIMITS FOR 2017

The IRS has published depreciation limits for business vehicles first placed in service this year. These limits remain largely unchanged from 2016 limits. Because 50% bonus depreciation is allowed only for new vehicles, these limits are different for new and used vehicles.

* For new business cars, the first-year limit is $11,160; for used cars, it's $3,160. After year one, the limits are the same for both new and used cars: $5,100 in year two, $3,050 in year three, and $1,875 in all following years.

* The 2017 first-year depreciation limit for trucks and vans is $11,560 for new vehicles and $3,560 for used vehicles. The limits for both new and used vehicles in year two are $5,700, in year three $3,450 (up $100 from 2016), and in each succeeding year $2,075.

For details relating to your 2017 business vehicle purchases, contact us at (518) 798-3330.

WILL YOUR TAX REFUND BE OFFSET BY DEBTS?

Be aware that if you have unpaid federal or state debt, such as overdue child support, state income tax, or student loans, all or part of your 2016 income tax return may be redirected to pay the debt. This is called the offset program. If an offset occurs with your tax return, the Treasury Department's Bureau of Fiscal Service will send you a notice. The notice will list the original refund and offset amounts, as well as the name and contact information of the agency that received the payment. If you have questions, contact our office at (518) 798-3330.

THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING GOOD TAX RECORDS

Keeping your tax records organized year-round is a good practice and will keep you from hastily assembling your documents for your annual tax preparation appointment. If you are diligent about maintaining your tax records, you won't have to worry about losing a valuable deduction because you forgot to list expenses on your return, or having unsubstantiated items disallowed in the event of an audit.

Generally, your tax returns can be audited up to three years after filing. However, if income is underreported more than 25%, the IRS can collect underpaid taxes up to six years later. So, keeping good records means you'll always be able to verify what you report on your tax return. Hang on to your tax records for seven years.

WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER A MIDYEAR TAX REVIEW

Most people don't include tax planning on their summertime agenda, but there are benefits to doing so. The problem with waiting until the end of the year is that you reduce the time for planning strategies to take effect. If you take the time now to schedule a midyear tax planning review, you will have eight months for your actions to make a difference on your 2017 tax return. In addition, proposed tax reform could be cause for additional changes to your tax plan. Planning now for 2017 taxes not only helps reduce your taxes, but it may help you gain control of your entire financial situation. Give us a call at (518) 798-3330 to set up an appointment today.