The Firm of Gardner & Billing, CPAs PLLC

Wishing one and all a safe and happy Thanksgiving! 

Part 2 of the Intuit article on year-end tax planning.... 5. Contribute the maximum to retirement accounts There may be no better investment than tax-deferred retirement accounts. They can grow to a substantial sum because they compound over time free of taxes. Company-sponsored 401(k) plans may be the best deal because employers often match contributions. Try to increase your 401(k) contribution so that you are putting in the maximum amount of money allowed. If you can’t afford that much, try to contribute at least the amount that will be matched by employer contributions. Also consider contributing to an IRA. You have until April 15, 2016 to make IRA contributions for 2015, but the sooner you get your money into the account, the sooner it has the potential to start to grow tax-deferred. Making deductible contributions also reduces your taxable income for the year. If you are self-employed, the retirement plan of choice is a Keogh plan. These plans must be established by Decemb

WISHING OUR LADY HAWKS THE BEST OF LUCK IN 2015 CLASS C STATE VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENTS!

Veterans Day is a public holiday that is dedicated to honoring anyone who has served in the United States military. The holiday began as a day to remember the end of World War I and was declared a holiday by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919. Originally known as Armistice Day, the holiday became Veterans Day in 1954. November 11th was chosen as the official date for Veterans Day in reference to the ending of World War I. Germany signed an armistice with the Allies that signaled the end of the war at 11AM on November 11, 1918. When Woodrow Wilson declared November 11 a holiday, the primary intention was to have a day to reflect on the sacrifices of those who had served in the military during World War I. Observation of the holiday through parades and meetings was envisioned. Today, many Americans observe the day by attending ceremonies and parades that are dedicated to honoring the troops for their service. These often allow veterans to speak about their time in the service and give A

Hard as it may be to believe, the end of 2015 is definitely in sight. Somewhere in the storm of holiday planning, shopping, family and cooking, you might want to make time for some year-end tax planning. Several of our clients have already dropped in for a 2015 tax estimate. Our tax professionals may be able to give you some advice that will reduce the April 15th tax bill, so don’t leave your planning until it’s too late! This is an excerpt from Intuit’s top eight year-end tax planning tips… 1. Defer your income It's tough for employees to postpone wage and salary income, but if you are self-employed or do freelance or consulting work, you have more leeway. Delaying billing until late December, for example, can ensure that you won't receive payment until the next year.  Ranchers may be able to defer livestock sales.  Whether you are employed or self-employed, you can also defer income by taking capital gains in 2016 instead of in 2015. Of course, it only mak