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The $500,000 Homeowner Tax Break

The $500,000 Homeowner Tax Break

Understand the rules now to avoid a tax surprise later There is large tax break that allows you to exclude up to $250,000 ($500,000 married) in capital gains on the sale of your personal residence. But making the assumption that this gain exclusion will always keep...
The Paycheck Tax Tip

The Paycheck Tax Tip

A great place to lower your taxes The tax code has plenty of ways to reduce your taxable income, and many take place on your paycheck. If you haven’t already done so, now is a great time to conduct a thorough review of your paystub. Here are some tips: Review...
Time to Reconsider Municipal Bonds

Time to Reconsider Municipal Bonds

Everybody likes getting something for free, and taxes are no different. If you invest in securities such as municipal bonds (munis) or municipal bond funds, you can generate tax-free interest income. Here is what you need to know. Advantages of municipal bonds You pay...
Understanding Tax Terms: Unearned Income

Understanding Tax Terms: Unearned Income

Not all income is the same in the eyes of the tax code The tax code uses jargon that can be confusing for the unwary. One of them that impacts most of us is the term unearned income. Unearned income is often defined as anything that is not earned income. If you find...
The Taxability of Prizes

The Taxability of Prizes

What everyone should know When you win a prize, there are really two winners: you and the taxing authorities. Should you be fortunate enough to win that trip of a lifetime to the French Riviera in your new yacht, here is what you need to know. Prizes and taxes Prizes...
Cash in on 0% Capital Gains Tax Rate

Cash in on 0% Capital Gains Tax Rate

While the maximum capital gain tax rate can be as high as 23.8 percent, most taxpayers pay 15 percent. But there is the possibility to have your capital gains go tax-free…yes, zero percent! In fact, this tax break has been around for more than a decade and comes...