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Expert tax tips, accounting insights, and financial guidance from George Dimov, CPA — serving clients across all 50 states for over a decade.
Page 55 of 57
Browsing all posts: Page 55 of 57
Operating budgets for NYC condos and co-ops act as financial roadmaps, often built in Excel to ensure a balanced operating surplus. Key components include Maintenance (HOA dues), which are adjusted to cover rising costs like Payroll (unionized 32BJ labor) and Utilities (ESCO options).
Employers typically offer two types of tuition reimbursement. Type One acts as an advance loan (often $30k–$45k) forgiven over a three-year service period. It covers books and fees but requires a minimum "B-" grade. Type Two is a capped annual reimbursement (e.g., $12k) paid after course completion. While Type Two has no long-term service contract, it requires supervisor approval and a "B-" or higher.
In California, LLCs must pay an **annual $800 fee**, even if inactive or losing money. Additional fees apply based on gross sales. Failing to pay can lead to bank levies, liens, and SOS suspension. To comply, you must file **FTB Form 568** for every year the LLC existed. Out-of-state LLCs (e.g., DE or WY) operating in CA are not exempt. Resolving issues involves contacting the FTB, providing sales records, and filing all past-due forms with the total amount owed to lift penalties.
In Colorado, sales tax on **Airbnb and VRBO rentals** applies only to the **net rental amount**, not to supplementary services like cleaning fees—provided they are **listed as separate line items** on the invoice. Even if a fee is mandatory, its separation makes it exempt because most services are not taxed in the state. This differs from other states that tax the total gross bill. For compliance, ensure all additional services are itemized separately from the daily stay rate.
Annual audits of NYC co-ops and condos (17–25 pages) ensure financial legitimacy for shareholders. Key areas include **cash reserves** for large tax/utility bills, **due to/from balances** between entities, and **performance vs. budget** analysis. Reports also disclose **assessments** for capital projects, **legal lawsuits**, and **mortgage details**. A clean **auditor’s opinion** confirms GAAP compliance, while footnotes track tax abatements, delinquent accounts, and commercial leases.
Passive activity losses (tracked on **Form 8582**) generally cannot offset active income like W2 wages. Instead, they accumulate and are "unlocked" only when the partnership interest is sold or ends. Conversely, active partners can deduct losses directly. Note that deductions are limited to your **basis**—the total value contributed and adjusted over time. It is vital to track basis via worksheets to ensure you don’t exceed deductible limits when losses are released.
Selling a rental property "unlocks" **accumulated passive losses**, allowing them to be used as ordinary losses to offset W2 income. In this case, a **$215,000 capital gain** was realized, with $175,000 subject to **depreciation recapture** (max 25% tax). While passive losses don't reduce capital gains, they offset ordinary income; any excess becomes a **Net Operating Loss (NOL)** that carries forward indefinitely. This strategy maximizes tax benefits during a property sale.
The California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) can garnish wages or freeze bank accounts for unfiled taxes or unreported income. Common triggers include missing stock sales or failing to file while living in CA. To resolve these issues, you must immediately file Form 540, report worldwide income, and contact the FTB. For example, accounts can often be unfrozen within weeks once missing returns are filed. Prompt action and payments are essential to lift withholding orders.
Divorce-related tax returns often face scrutiny from opposing legal counsel. It is vital to use a CPA willing to provide follow-up support if questioned. Key considerations include choosing the correct filing status (Married Filing Separately) and determining which parent claims child dependency (usually the one with the child for the majority of the year). Be mindful of forensic accounting rates, which range from $250 to $400 per hour depending on location.
While the IRS generally does not review your driver’s license for routine filings, state agencies often request it to combat identity theft. Inclusion can prevent processing delays, though it’s usually only mandatory in a residency audit.
Many taxpayers fall years behind on filings and lack records, but these issues are solvable. Your CPA can use **Form 4506-T** to obtain IRS transcripts containing reported W2s and 1099s. Generally, you only need to file for the **last 6 years**. It is crucial to file even if you cannot pay immediately to avoid further penalties. Addressing past-due returns promptly ensures accurate income reporting and simplifies the process of getting back into compliance.
You can work with an **NYC CPA virtually** from anywhere in the country (e.g., CA, TX, FL) without traditional office visits. Technology allows for a streamlined experience, where information like W2s or 1099s can even be sent via **iMessage or email** for immediate processing. This remote approach is efficient for complex 80-page returns and fits busy schedules, making tax preparation as hassle-free as ordering food online. Contact us via text or email to get started.
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