THIENEL LAW BLOG
What is a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO)?
A QDRO is a decree or order recognizing another person such as a former spouse, child or dependent as an “alternate” or “alternative” payee to a retirement plan. The alternative payee can receive all or part of the benefits under the plan.
What Do Tax Attorneys Do?
Imagine receiving a notice from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about a tax audit or finding out that you owe a significant amount in back taxes. Navigating the complex world of tax laws and regulations can be overwhelming, but there’s one professional who can help you through these challenges: a tax attorney.
2023 Tax Changes: Essential Updates That Could Impact Your Wallet
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced new tax laws and changes for 2023 that could have a significant impact on your wallet. It's crucial to stay informed and prepared, especially when it comes to filing tax returns for the 2023 tax year. Keep reading for a breakdown of the key updates you need to know.
The Inflation Reduction Act: What Does it Mean for Tax Payers in 2023 (and Beyond)?
On August 7, 2022, the United States Senate Passed the Inflation Reduction Act (“the Act”) along party lines by a vote of 51 to 50. The House of Representatives passed the bill without changes, and President Biden signed it into law on August 16, 2022. Experts and politicians disagree about whether the Act raises or lowers the deficit.
FAQs about Qualified Domestic Relations Orders
Qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs) have been around for quite a few years, but few people have a working knowledge of how these documents work. A QDRO might seem of little importance when negotiated, but the long-term implications on an individual’s retirement finances can be significant.
You might want to talk to a Maryland tax attorney about the tax implications of a proposed QDRO when going through a family court matter like a divorce or legal separation that involves the distribution of one or more retirement plans. Here are some FAQs about Qualified Domestic Relations Orders.
2022 Tax Changes: IRS Issues Inflation Adjustments
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced inflation adjustments for over 60 tax provisions, most of which will affect individual income tax filers in 2023. Get up-to-date with the changes that could impact your tax return.
Here Are Must-Know Changes for the 2021 Tax Season
The 2020 tax season was frustrating, confusing, and overwhelming for many taxpayers. Pandemic relief bills resulted in numerous changes for tax filings. Some changes were limited to the 2020 tax years, while other changes were extended to 2021 and 2022.
If you had trouble keeping up with the changes for tax filings, you were not alone. Many tax preparers and IRS agents had trouble keeping everything straight.
How Can the IRS Fresh Start Program Help Me?
If you’re delinquent on your taxes, there is little you can do to escape paying what you owe. While it might be tempting to run from your tax problems, the IRS will eventually find you.
Fortunately, the IRS has created a Fresh Start Initiative offering relief to individual taxpayers and small businesses. However, as with most government programs, the rules about how to qualify for tax relief can be confusing.
Tax Avoidance or Tax Evasion - a Maryland Tax Attorney Weighs In
Tax evasion is the intentional failure to pay federal taxes owed to the government. Tax avoidance is taking lawful actions to lessen tax liability to maximize after-tax income. Learn more here.
The IRS Extended the Tax Deadline for 2021 - What it Means for You
On March 17, 2021, the Treasury Department and IRS announced they would again provide special tax filing and payment relief to individuals and businesses in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Read on to learn more.
How Can I Avoid Paying Taxes When I Retire?
Paying taxes during retirement is a harsh reality that many people are not prepared for when they retire. The key to reducing tax liability during retirement is early planning. If you wait until you retire, it may be too late to take advantage of some retirement-planning strategies.
Solar Tax Credits | What’s Available in 2021
Individuals and businesses in Maryland have state and federal solar incentives available to encourage them to invest in solar PV (photovoltaics). A Maryland tax attorney can answer your questions about what’s available in 2021 for solar tax credits.
Six Possible Post-Election Tax Law Changes
President-elect Joe Biden’s tax plan is more moderate than the proposed plans of some of the other Democratic primary candidates but less conservative than the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 of President Trump.
What Can I Write Off as a Business Expense in 2021?
This year brought many challenges that most people have never had to face before. A Maryland business tax attorney can help you evaluate your situation and answer your questions about what you can write off as a business expense in 2021.
How Does a Maryland LLC Pay Taxes?
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is organized under state laws. Many companies choose a Maryland LLC as their business entity because it provides limited liability protection from personal liability. State laws govern the operation of an LLC in Maryland. However, the Internal Revenue Code provides alternatives for how an LLC is taxed for the income it earns.
[Updated 2020] Do You Owe Back Taxes? Here's What You Can Do To Get The IRS to Go Easy on You.
It's tempting to procrastinate when you get a letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that you owe back taxes, but that is the worst thing to do. If you ignore collection efforts from the IRS, things will only get worse, and you will owe more in interest and penalties.
The Tax Cuts & Jobs Act Revisited [2020 Tax Update]
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) received a lot of attention when it passed in 2017, but with everything that has happened since, it would be a good idea to take another look at the TJCA. Some provisions of the tax reform act did not go into effect immediately, so you might want to talk to a Maryland tax attorney and revisit the TJCA.
Federal Tax Extensions During the Pandemic - What You Need to Know
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has extended Tax Day from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020. However, what does that mean for individuals and businesses? Our Maryland tax attorney answers common questions about the COVID-19 federal tax extensions in this blog.
Sole Proprietorship or LLC – What is the Best Business Structure for Tax Purposes? [Updated 2022]
A sole prop is the simplest and most flexible corporate form – but the personal liability that attaches to all business operations can potentially create a host of problems later down the road.
New Court-Approved Ways to Defeat IRS Penalties
Are you fighting to defeat IRS penalties? If so, new court-approved ways to defeat IRS penalties can help you keep the money you earned instead of paying it to the federal government. As a Maryland tax attorney, I continually monitor changes in the tax code that benefit my clients and help devise strategies to avoid penalties and decrease overall tax liability.