Julie A Heath, CPA, a PC & CFP

Key filing dates to remember : Employers are required to file W-2s with the federal government and to employees by January 31st. Form 1099s are due by January 31st as well. The filing due date use to be February 28.

Do you have a home office? If you do, and don't have one provided for you by your employer, you may be entitled to take a home office deduction on your tax return. Starting in 2013, the IRS has made it easier (yes, I did say easier), to calculate the home office deduction. The deduction is $5 per square foot of office space.

The filing deadline for corporations with a year end of 12/31 is March 17th. If you are not ready to file, an extension of time to file is required by March 17th and can extend the return for 6 months. If you are going to file an extension, don't forget to pay your first quarter estimated tax payment., which is due by 4/15 Individual, partnership and trust returns with a year end of 12/31 have a filing deadline is 4/15. These returns can also be extended; but remember an extension of time to file, is not an extension of time to pay. Interest and penalties will be due if you don't pay them by 4/15.

Friends and Family, I am pleased to announce that I am finally joining the world of Facebook, again, this time from a business aspect. We all know that everyday more and more business are using the advantages provided to them by the internet to expand further on their reach of influence. I want to position myself as a valuable resource to all of you, and anyone you may know that can benefit from the services I provide. I will be providing you with useful updates on new tax legislation, helpful tips when it comes to taxes, accounting, and planning, as well as friendly reminders of important dates on the tax calendar. If you view my insight, professionalism, or services as valuable -- feel free to share with your friends that you believe would benefit from the information I provide to my clients, friends, and family.