Ken Berry, Esq., is a nationally-known writer and editor specializing in tax and financial planning matters. During a career of more than 35 years, he has served as managing editor of a publisher of content-based marketing tools and vice president of an online continuing education company in the financial services industry. As a freelance writer, Ken has authored thousands of articles for a wide variety of newsletters, magazines and other periodicals, emphasizing a sense of wit and clarity.
Taxes April 16, 2025
Generally, you can claim depreciation-related tax breaks for qualified business property that is “placed in service” during the year. But in a new case involving a yacht chartering operation, the Tax Court acknowledged that these can be tricky tax waters.
Taxes April 4, 2025
The Tax Blotter is a round-up of recent tax news and Tax Court rulings.
Payroll March 31, 2025
If a taxpayer is in dire need, the taxpayer may choose to take a “hardship distribution” from a qualified retirement plan. However, as shown in a new case, Campana, TC Memo 2025-23, 3/19/25, this doesn’t absolve any tax liability.
Taxes March 14, 2025
Wealthy individuals often set up an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) to avoid federal estate tax on large insurance policies. But a small misstep could lead to a tax disaster.
Taxes March 7, 2025
The Tax Blotter is a round-up of recent tax-related news briefs.
Taxes February 25, 2025
Generally, self-employed individuals are required to pay annual self-employment tax, the equivalent of FICA tax for employees, on most business earnings.
February 21, 2025
The Tax Blotter is a round-up of recent tax news briefs and tax court rulings.
Small Business February 7, 2025
If you’re a self-employed individual, you can deduct your “ordinary and necessary” business expenses, just like the corporate giants do. However, you’re also held to the same strict substantiation rules.
Taxes February 4, 2025
In a new private letter ruling, the IRS said that in vitro fertilization (IVF) expenses for a surrogate on behalf of a married couple are not deductible by the couple as a medical expense under the tax code.
Taxes January 23, 2025
If you’re a frequent or sizable donor to a charitable organization, you may be recognized with membership in a special group or level. However, simply attaining that status and being acknowledged for it does not, on its own, warrant any charitable deduction.
Taxes January 7, 2025
The Tax Blotter is a round-up of recent tax news, briefs, and court rulings.
Taxes November 26, 2024
If the deceased person was unmarried, the return is filed on their behalf as a single filer. In some cases, a deceased taxpayer may qualify for favorable “head of household” filing status.
