We've Moved!!!
To better serve our customers We've Moved!!!
Click Image For Larger View:
Welcome to Don Brooks & Associates Online Office
Spend Some Time
Explore our Online Office. There are many different ways to use the services here. You can:
- Learn about the services we offer.
- Stay Alert to tax and accounting news.
- Link to a variety of news and other helpful sites.
- Take Advantage of numerous tax tips.
Please browse the pages of this site and feel free to e-mail any questions, suggestions or other feedback. This web site is meant to be an extension of services provided to you.
Visit often as additional news and helpful information will be continually added in an effort to serve you better.
Announcements
How to Receive our Monthly Newsletter
Do you like our "Weekly Tax Tips" would you like to receive our monthly e-mail newsletter distributed on the first Friday of each month. The newsletter covers a broad array of tax and financial information.
You can do so by sending your This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. this information will never be sold or distributed in any way.
Welcome to Our Client Portal
Starting October 1st, 2012, our clients can now log into to our secure client portal.
Read more ...News
2017 Tax Filing Season Begins Jan. 23 for Nation’s Taxpayers, Tax Returns due April 18
IRS YouTube Video April 18 is When Your Taxes are Due in 2017 | English
WASHINGTON ― The Internal Revenue Service announced today that the nation’s tax season will begin Monday, Jan. 23, 2017 and reminded taxpayers claiming certain tax credits to expect a longer wait for refunds.
The IRS will begin accepting electronic tax returns that day, with more than 153 million individual tax returns expected to be filed in 2017. The IRS again expects more than four out of five tax returns will be prepared electronically using tax return preparation software.
Many software companies and tax professionals will be accepting tax returns before Jan. 23 and then will submit the returns when IRS systems open. The IRS will begin processing paper tax returns at the same time. There is no advantage to filing tax returns on paper in early January instead of waiting for the IRS to begin accepting e-filed returns.
Read more ...Check Your Tax Withholding this Summer to Prevent a Tax-Time Surprise
Each year, many people get a larger refund than they expect. Some find they owe a lot more tax than they thought they would. If this has happened to you, review your situation to prevent a tax surprise. Did you marry? Have a child? Change in income? Life events can have a major impact on your taxes. Bring the taxes you pay closer to the amount you owe. Here are some tips to help you come up with a plan:
Read more ...2016 Standard Mileage Rates for Business, Medical and Moving Announced
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2016 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.
Beginning on Jan. 1, 2016, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:
- 54 cents per mile for business miles driven, down from 57.5 cents for 2015
- 19 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes, down from 23 cents for 2015
- 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations
The business mileage rate decreased 3.5 cents per mile and the medical, and moving expense rates decrease 4 cents per mile from the 2015 rates. The charitable rate is based on statute.
Read more ...IRS Warns Taxpayers to Guard Against New Tricks by Scam Artists; Losses Top $20 Million
WASHINGTON — Following the emergence of new variations of widespread tax scams, the Internal Revenue Service today issued another warning to taxpayers to remain on high alert and protect themselves against the ever-evolving array of deceitful tactics scammers use to trick people.
These schemes – which can occur over the phone, in e-mails or through letters with authentic looking letterhead – try to trick taxpayers into providing personal financial information or scare people into making a false tax payment that ends up with the criminal.
The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) has received reports of roughly 600,000 contacts since October 2013. TIGTA is also aware of more than 4,000 victims who have collectively reported over $20 million in financial losses as a result of tax scams.
Read more ...Tax Season Opens As Planned Following Extenders Legislation
IR-2014-119, Dec. 29, 2014
WASHINGTON -- Following the passage of the extenders legislation, the Internal Revenue Service announced today it anticipates opening the 2015 filing season as scheduled in January.
The IRS will begin accepting tax returns electronically on Jan. 20. Paper tax returns will begin processing at the same time.
Read more ...Main Menu
Tax Tips Small Business
-
Reimbursing Your Employees for Business Expenses
What method should you choose?
Attracting and keeping good employees is a goal in any business. One way to make life easier for your employees is to have an easy to use reimbursement plan. Travel, transportation, moving, and educational expenses are common reimbursable expenses. As the employer, you have the option to set up an accountable or nonaccountable reimbursement plan. Under either plan, you can deduct many of the business expenses paid to or for employees. However, the plan you choose can make a big difference to your employees.
Read more ...
Small Business Quick Tip
-
Business Mileage Rate
Instead of deducting the actual expenses for the business use of your vehicle, opt for the standard mileage rate. In 2016, you can deduct 54 cents for each business mile you drive.
Follow us on
Weekly Tax Tip
-
Renters Miss Out on Homeowner Benefits
If you rent rather than own a home, you are missing out on tax benefits that favor home ownership.
-
Triple Tax: aka The Lottery
Most of us only see the media portrayal of the lottery. Lucky winner, lots of cash. Outside of the bright lights is the true winner: the taxman. Here is what you need to know.
Tax Tips Personal
-
Overlooked Employee Business Expenses
Don't miss out on deductions you are allowed to take
Read more ...
Unreimbursed employee business expenses are allowed as a miscellaneous itemized deduction provided they exceed two percent of your adjusted gross income when combined with all your other miscellaneous expenses.
Personal Quick Tip
-
Teacher Expenses
If you are a teacher who spent your own money for classroom supplies, you can take a deduction for up to $250 of those costs.