Dean Dean Li & Magner

Dean, Li and Magner, LLC provides a wide range of services to individuals and small businesses in a variety of industries. At Dean, Li and Magner, LLC we strive to meet each client's specific needs in planning for the future and achieving their goals in an ever-changing financial and regulatory environment.

Have you just started a new business? Did you know expenses incurred before a business begins operations are not allowed as current deductions? Generally, these start up costs must be amortized over a period of 180 months beginning in the month in which the business begins. However, based on the current tax provisions, you may elect to deduct up to $5,000 of business start-up and $5,000 of organizational costs paid or incurred.

Following are some generally recognized financial planning tools that may help you reduce your tax bill. Charitable Giving - Instead of selling your appreciated long-term securities, donate the stock instead and avoid paying tax on the unrealized gain while still getting a charitable tax deduction for the full fair market value.

It's possible there could be additional extensions, so check with your tax advisor for the latest information. Trusts and estates need to file an income tax return for the 2020 calendar year (Form 1041) and pay any tax, interest and penalties due, if an automatic five-and-a-half month extension was filed.

But what should be done with those documents after your check or refund request is in the mail? Federal law requires you to maintain copies of your tax returns and supporting documents for three years. This is called the "three-year law" and leads many people to believe they're safe provided they retain their documents for this period of time.