2018 Year-End Tax Planning Guides for Individuals and Businesses

  |  December 12, 2018

Nearly one year after the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), tax reform is still making headlines. We continue to learn more about its broad implications. Whether your previous tax filing posture was straightforward or complex, you will be impacted by the myriad of changes to the tax code.

Now more than ever, it is imperative to thoughtfully consider year-end tax planning opportunities, ensuring you are taking advantage of new tax strategies, staying compliant with new regulations and considering structures to help minimize taxes for future years.

Two Tax Letters from REDW are intended to assist you in that effort. Read more. Read More

AZ Department of Revenue to Require Electronic TPT Filing and Paying in 2019

  |  December 3, 2018

In 2019, the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) will be taking another step in its ongoing drive to provide enhanced customer service through electronic filing and paying.

E-filing and paying is more secure and faster for taxpayers and critical for ADOR to deliver a more results-driven, customer-focused management system that produces enhanced services for Arizonans. Increasing electronic payments frees up additional ADOR resources to process tax returns and payments of all types much faster. It also further strengthens tax fraud prevention measures and enhances the taxpayer experience.

Most importantly for taxpayers, electronic filing and paying saves money. Read more. Read More

IRS Clarifies Rules for Business Meal Deductions

  |  November 15, 2018

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 eliminated the deduction for business entertainment expenses. What wasn’t as clear was the fate of business meal deductions associated with that entertainment. Now, in Notice 2018-76, the IRS has weighed in with guidance that preserves business deductions for meals incurred in connection with entertainment activities—as long as the meals meet certain requirements. Read more. Read More

The Potential Impacts of Tax Reform to Real Estate & Construction Companies

  |  September 10, 2018

On December 22, President Trump signed the tax reform bill, “An Act to Provide for Reconciliation Pursuant to Titles II and V of the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2018," into law, marking the largest change to U.S. tax policy since the 1980s.

With most of the provisions already in place, it is critical to understand the bill’s conference process and IRS regulations issued in 2018, as they will provide guidance on how to apply key provisions along with the intent of Congress in drafting the bill.

To help them navigate the key provisions affecting the real estate and construction industries, we’ve summarized the top considerations and industry implications below. Read more. Read More

Considerations for Business Entity Selection Under Tax Reform

  |  September 10, 2018

Ever since Congress enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December, many business owners are reconsidering which business entity makes the most sense for their particular business. With the new, lower tax rate for C corporations, many pass-through entities, including S corporations, are reconsidering their structure to take advantage of the substantially reduced 21% corporate tax rate.

The Act also provided tax relief to S corporations (and other pass-through entities) in the form of a temporary business income deduction (with some limitations), so that’s what makes it complicated. It may not be worth switching after all. When it comes to choosing business entities, one thing hasn’t changed—it all depends on a number of factors. Read more. Read More

Upcoming Presentation: The Impacts of South Dakota v. Wayfair

  |  August 29, 2018

The Albuquerque chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants will host James Ortiz, REDW State and Local Tax Senior Manager, as featured speaker for its September meeting.

James will discuss the implications of the South Dakota v. Wayfair ruling on sales and use tax compliance requirements, sales and use tax systems, taxability, and nexus determinations.

Read more for additional information and registration details. Read More

AZ Taxpayers: Federal Tax Opportunity Window Closes After August 27

  |  August 27, 2018

On Thursday, August 23, 2018, the IRS issued proposed regulations that would disallow the federal deduction for donations made to charitable organizations in which taxpayers receive a tax credit. The proposed regulation was needed to halt the many states that were putting in place credit programs to circumvent the recent tax law change limiting the deduction for state and local taxes to $10,000. 

The proposed regulation impacts donations made after August 27, 2018. The regulation is not final and a comment period is required; however, to secure your Arizona state tax credits for 2018, we are recommending you make your contributions before August 28, 2018. Read more. Read More

Four States File Lawsuit to Nullify New Limit on SALT Deduction

  |  August 16, 2018

As part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Act), the limitation imposed on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) has wreaked havoc in many states. In fact, four states – Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Maryland – have determined that the limitation is unconstitutional. On July 17, they filed a lawsuit in federal court that seeks to make the law unenforceable. Read more. Read More