HCJ CPAs & Advisors | audit * tax * consulting

Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, commonly known as a 1031 exchange or like-kind exchange, is a powerful tax-deferral strategy used by real estate investors. This provision allows investors to defer capital gains taxes on the sale of a property by reinvesting the proceeds...

You, like most taxpayers, probably dread the task of pulling together your records to prepare for your tax preparation appointment, but the effort usually pays off in the extra tax you might save! When you arrive at your appointment fully prepared, you’ll have more time...

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are essential tools for retirement planning, offering tax advantages that can help you grow your savings over time. Two of the most popular types of IRAs are the Traditional IRA and the Roth IRA. While both serve the purpose of retirement...

You’ve hit your 40s or 50s, and suddenly, retirement doesn’t feel like a distant mirage. It’s real. The countdown is on. But here’s the good news: You’re in a prime position to play catch-up and fortify your future, using smart tax strategies to stretch your...

In the realm of estate planning, naming beneficiaries is a critical step that ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your passing. However, the process doesn't end with simply naming beneficiaries; it's equally important to keep these designations up to date. Life...

As it does every year, the Internal Revenue Service recently announced the inflation- adjusted 2025 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical, or moving purposes. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2025, the standard mileage rates for...

Individuals and small businesses should consider various ways of starting off on the right foot for the 2025 tax year. W-4 Updates – If you are employed, then your employer takes the information from your Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form W-4 and applies it to the...

As 2024 winds down, tax professionals are gearing up to prepare and reconcile client accounts for the year ahead. QuickBooks Online (QBO) offers tools to simplify this process, helping business owners wrap up year-end details and ensure their books are tax-ready for 2025. Below, we’ll...

As the year draws to a close, small business owners have a unique opportunity to implement strategies that can significantly reduce their tax liability for the upcoming year. By taking proactive steps in the final months, businesses can not only minimize their tax burden but...

As tax professionals, we know that changes in leadership often bring shifts in tax policy, affecting everything from deductions and exemptions to estate taxes and business regulations. With President Donald Trump’s recent re-election, we may see updates to tax policy based on his prior administration's...