Have you recently changed jobs? Started your own business? Maybe welcomed a child to your family? Well, all of these situations could have tax consequences or benefits, requiring some financial planning.
When changing jobs, there are several things to consider. Did you have a 401(k), 403(b) or another form of retirement plan at your old job? If so, rolling over your retirement plan to your new employer or to an individual retirement account, may provide you with more control over your retirement savings. Also, if you recently relocated for a new job, you may be eligible to deduct moving expenses. In order to qualify, the following three requirements have to be met: your move is closely related to the start date of your new employment, your new job is at least 50 miles from your prior home, and you must have worked full-time, for at least 39 weeks during the first 12 months, in the new area where your job is located. If your job relocation satisfies these requirements, you are entitled to deduct reasonable and qualifying moving expenses. Along with considering these additional items and benefits when changing jobs, make sure you receive your W-2 from your previous employer.
Have you recently started a new business or hobby and are trying to figure out how to report the income on your tax return? The first step is to consider whether the activity is in fact a business or a hobby. The key way to differentiate between a hobby and a small business hinges on your profit motive, or lack thereof. If you have a profit motive, and spend a considerable amount of time participating in your new venture, you are likely operating a small business. Unincorporated small businesses generally report income and expense on a Schedule C of form 1040. If your new adventure is really a hobby, income is reported on line 21 “Other income”. Expenses are deductible only if you itemize deductions, and are subject the 2% limitation. In either case, it is important to keep detailed records of your income and expenses.
Finally, and most exciting to me is how a new child can affect your tax situation. If you added a child to your family at any time during the year you qualify for an additional dependency exemption, which phase out for higher income families, for 2017 are $4,050. The addition to the family may also allow you to become eligible for the child tax credit, and credit for child and dependent care expenses. These credits have income limitations, but are helpful when trying to combat the expenses of a new child.
There is a lot to consider during life and career changes, but our experienced accountants at One River CPAs are happy to assist you through these tax and financial changes. We want you to be well prepared for the 2017 tax filing season. If we can further assist, please don’t be afraid to stop in at either our Oakland or Bath offices.
Nick Deblois is a Staff Accountant at One River CPAs. He works closely with other senior staff members of the firm, honing his talents regarding tax and accounting matters. He can be reached at nick@onerivercpas.com or 207-873-1603.
