accountant

Are Go Fund Me contributions deductable?

When my clients and I are going over their qualified charitable contributions, they often tell me they’ve made many contributions via “Go Fund Me”.

GoFundMe is a website that allows people to list a ‘needed’ cause and request contributions from others throughout the world. Common requests include illness and accident victims, but also other ‘needs.’ In addition to the 5% that GoFundMe deducts from each transaction, WePay collects 2.9% and $.30 from each GoFundMe transaction.

Donations to these funds are NOT deductible unless they are made to a qualified charitable organization. The IRS sets this list and it’s available for the public eye.

If the recipient of the funds receives more than $20,000 they will receive a 1099-K from the site. That amount is reported on Line 21 of the federal 1040 form then deducted the same amount as non-taxable gifts received and attach an explanation that it was personal gifts from individuals funded through the GoFundMe website.

Top Three Questions I Get Asked from CPA Clients…and the answers!!!

Question #1 – Why should I share my bank account information with the government to get direct deposit?

  1. It’s faster – 9 out of 10 refunds issued by direct deposit are issued in drastically under 21 days. Paper check is issued within 30 days.
  2. It’s as safe as it can be – This same direct deposit system is used to deposit nearly 98% of all social security and veterans affairs benefits into millions of accounts.
  3. It saves you money – It costs the nation’s taxpayers more than $1 for every paper refund check issued, but only a dime for each direct deposit made.
  4. Direct deposit reduces the possibility that your check could be lost or stolen or returned to the IRS as undeliverable.

Question #2 – What’s the best way to save tax dollars?

  1. Maximize your 401k or employer contribution retirement plan equivalent.
  2. 401k/403b/457 contribution limit is $18,500 in 2018. If you are age 50 or over, the 2018 catch-up contribution limit is $6,000 Employer match or profit sharing contributions aren’t included in these limits. 401k and 403b share the same limit.

Question #3 – Mileage is so difficult to track, I just don’t do it. How much am I really giving to the government by not tracking miles?

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2018, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:

  1. 54.5 cents for every mile of business travel driven, up 1 cent from the rate for 2017.
  2. 18 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes, up 1 cent from the rate for 2017.
  3. 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations.

Best Method to track it –MileIQ app. https://www.mileiq.com/ Try it and get 20% off »use discount code: BPET842A when they buy an unlimited plan.

Free tax consult valued at $270 to new clients!    Message me to schedule!

5 Things my dog taught me that make me a better Certified Public Accountant

I am a dog lover, and each day I’m amazed at the things I learn from my dog.    Here are 5 of those things, that make me a better CPA!

  1. Patience.  Dog training is training the dog to accept trial and error by its human I am patient with my clients because trial and error equals better understanding of our working relationship.
  2. Listening Gets To a Solution Quicker.     Madi has a different bark for her priority of attention.   It took me a lot of listening time to learn her “language”.   Every client has a different ‘money’ language.   I take time to listen and that helps me provide more effective money solutions quickly.
  3. Planning = Simplicity.   I’ve been working Madi in the competitive dog sport of agility since 2014.   If I don’t tell her what obstacle is next well in advance, she’ll take the wrong course.    My clients need ‘cues’ prior to decision making to avoid the wrong course as well.   I have learned from Madi to make my communications accurate, planned, and delivered in a language that my client can understand!
  4. Genuine Concern Builds Trust.    Listening, understand, asking questions, and encouraging dialog all lead to caring with “skin in the game”.   I’ve learned from Madi to build the same kind of trust that Madi and I have for each other, with each one of my clients.    Trust = Success.   Madi has a wall of 1st place blue ribbons from dog shows, because we trust each other.   My clients have budget documentation, income tax documentation, and a good understanding of their financial situation (personal or with their business) because we build a trusting (and thus successful) relationship.
  5. Enjoy What You Do.   Toys, bones, squeaky toys, balls.   We have every dog toy under the sun.    However Madi loves ball time the best.    Cold, wet, rain, ice, weather doesn’t matter because she loves ball time.   She has an intense passion for playing ball.    I work with hard working, success driven, forward thinking individuals and business owners because I truly enjoy it.   I have a passion for  helping people become successful money managers and business owners.  Sticking with what I love and being passionate about making a difference to my clients has led to 8 years of working with great people,  and the opportunity to develop both business relationships and friendships that keep a smile on my face.

If you’d like to chat with me about the opportunity to work with me in the future, I am offering a free tax consultation to new clients if you reach out to me this month.   If you’re interested, you can contact me me here.   Just ask for a new client tax consultation.   This opportunity won’t be available in a couple of months, as it’s tax season – and once my schedule is full, I won’t be able to take more clients.