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Tax lessons from the 2009 filing season

You've just filed your 2008 tax return and the last thing you likely want to think about is the next filing season. However, it never hurts to have a leg up, and with the end of filing season and the 2009 tax year well underway, now is a great time to take a look back and learn some lessons from this filing season that can undoubtedly help you next year. Contact us to create tax saving opportunities.

Using fringe benefits as an income substitute during the economic downturn

Many businesses are foregoing salary increases this year because of the economic downturn. How does a business find and retain employees, as well as keep up morale, in the face of this reality? The combined use of fringe benefits and the tax law can help. Some attractive fringe benefits may be provided tax-free to employees and at little cost to employers.

The new COBRA subsidy

Individuals who have been "involuntarily terminated" from employment may be eligible for a temporary subsidy to help pay for COBRA continuation coverage. The temporary assistance is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (2009 Recovery Act), and is aimed at helping individuals who have lost their jobs in our troubled economy. However, not every individual who has lost his or her job qualifies for the COBRA subsidy.

The first-time homebuyer credit

Many individuals may be considering buying a new home in 2009 as home prices continue to drop in many areas across the country. They may also be wondering if they can claim the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit before actually purchasing the home. Although this might generate a refund you could use as a down payment, the IRS will not allow you to claim the credit in advance of a purchase. However, some states have created bridge-loan programs that advance the cash buyers need for their closings.