Mel Whitney
Articles
Lifetime Learning Education Credit 101
When we hear the word “education”, we often think of children. But, education is broader than that, and learning should never end, no matter your age. Regardless of whether or not you enjoy learning, education is not cheap these days, and if your education can be paid for by someone else - you’re in luck. Thankfully, even ...
9 US States With No Income Tax
There are a handful of states with low state tax or without an income tax, and a couple of others that only tax dividends and interest. Of course, these states must still fund government programs, so they raise the money using fees, property taxes, sales taxes, and various other sources of income. Depending on the details of your individual situa...
Tax Considerations for Au Pairs in the United States
Broadly speaking, "Au pair" is a French phrase meaning "at the par" or "at the peer" [level] and is used to describe someone who boards temporarily in someone else's home. The term takes on a very narrow technical definition in United States law, however, and carries with it various tax obligations. An au pair is a visitor to the US admitted unde...
Understanding the Section 199A Business Income Deduction
The purpose of Section 199A deduction or Pass-through deduction is to provide some relief to small businesses by allowing the deduction of as much as 20% of income. This article will provide you with an overview of this deduction, and some watch-outs in claiming it. An Overview of Section 199A deduction Passed...
Don’t Pay Sales Tax for Home Improvements - NY, NJ, PA
New Yorkers - don’t pay sales tax for home improvement We all want a new bathroom, kitchen, or other improvement to our home. None of us, however, want to pay tax on these improvements. The good news is that you don’t have to (at least in New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania)...
Non-U.S. Amazon Sellers & U.S Tax Obligations
Non-Resident Alien merchants selling goods on Amazon Non-US merchants from all over the world sell goods in the US via Amazon.com. Questions about the US tax consequences of this business activity are very common. The answer depends on the seller status (individual or...