Time for a “Paycheck Check-up” – IRS Issues New W-4 Form and Updated Withholding Calculator

With the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, you might be receiving a higher net amount of money in your paycheck. To ensure you’re having the right amount of funds withheld in order to avoid a surprise during next year’s tax season, please follow the recommended steps in this message from the IRS:

“The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made changes to the tax law, including increasing the standard deduction, removing personal exemptions, increasing the child tax credit, limiting or discontinuing certain deductions and changing the tax rates and brackets.

If changes to withholding should be made, the Withholding Calculator gives employees the information they need to fill out a new Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate. Employees will submit the completed W-4 to their employer.

The withholding changes do not affect 2017 tax returns due this April. However, having a completed 2017 tax return can help taxpayers work with the Withholding Calculator to determine their proper withholding for 2018 and avoid issues when they file next year.

Steps to Help Taxpayers: Do a ‘Paycheck Checkup’ 

The IRS encourages employees to use the Withholding Calculator to perform a quick ‘paycheck checkup.’  An employee checking their withholding can help protect against having too little tax withheld and facing an unexpected tax bill or penalty at tax time in 2019. It can also prevent employees from having too much tax withheld; with the average refund topping $2,800, some taxpayers might prefer to have less tax withheld up front and receive more in their paychecks.

The Withholding Calculator can be used by taxpayers who want to update their withholding in response to the new law or who start a new job or have other changes in their personal circumstances in 2018.

As a first step to reflect the tax law changes, the IRS released new withholding tables in January. These tables were designed to produce the correct amount of tax withholding — avoiding under- and over-withholding of tax — for those with simple tax situations. This means that people with simple situations might not need to make any changes. Simple situations include singles and married couples with only one job, who have no dependents, and who have not claimed itemized deductions, adjustments to income or tax credits.

People with more complicated financial situations might need to revise their W-4.  With the new tax law changes, it’s especially important for these people to use the Withholding Calculator on IRS.gov to make sure they have the right amount of withholding.

Among the groups who should check their withholding are:

  • Two-income families.
  • People with two or more jobs at the same time or who only work for part of the year.
  • People with children who claim credits such as the Child Tax Credit.
  • People who itemized deductions in 2017.
  • People with high incomes and more complex tax returns.

Taxpayers with more complex situations might need to use Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax, expected to be available on IRS.gov in early spring, instead of the Withholding Calculator.  This includes those who owe self-employment tax, the alternative minimum tax, or tax on unearned income from dependents, and people who have capital gains and dividends.

Plan Ahead: Tips for Using the Withholding Calculator

The Withholding Calculator asks taxpayers to estimate their 2018 income and other items that affect their taxes, including the number of children claimed for the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit and other items.

Take a few minutes and plan ahead to make using the calculator on IRS.gov as easy as possible. Here are some tips:

  • Gather your most recent pay stub from work. Check to make sure it reflects the amount of Federal income tax that you have had withheld so far in 2018.
  • Have a completed copy of your 2017 (or possibly 2016) tax return handy. Information on that return can help you estimate income and other items for 2018.  However, note that the new tax law made significant changes to itemized deductions.
  • Keep in mind the Withholding Calculator results are only as accurate as the information entered. If your circumstances change during the year, come back to the calculator to make sure your withholding is still correct.
  • The Withholding Calculator does not request personally-identifiable information such as name, Social Security number, address or bank account numbers. The IRS does not save or record the information entered on the calculator. As always, watch out for tax scams, especially via email or phone calls and be especially alert to cybercriminals impersonating the IRS. The IRS does not send emails related to the calculator or the information entered.
  • Use the results from the Withholding Calculator to determine if you should complete a new Form W-4 and, if so, what information to put on a new Form W-4. There is no need to complete the worksheets that accompany Form W-4 if the calculator is used.
  • As a general rule, the fewer withholding allowances you enter on the Form W-4 the higher your tax withholding will be. Entering “0” or “1” on line 5 of the W-4 means more tax will be withheld. Entering a bigger number means less tax withholding, resulting in a smaller tax refund or potentially a tax bill or penalty.
  • If you complete a new Form W-4, you should submit it to your employer as soon as possible. With withholding occurring throughout the year, it’s better to take this step early on.”

If you have any questions about your specific situation, please consult with your tax advisor. If you do not currently have a tax advisor, we welcome the opportunity to serve you. Please call 215-723-4881 or contact us online.

Canon Capital in the Community

 

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Indian Creek Foundation 2015 Roll and Stroll

Our very own Amanda Spengler, CPA, joined 500 other participants on June 20, 2015 in the 24th Annual Indian Creek Foundation Roll & Stroll, a bike/run/walk event. The largest of Indian Creek Foundation’s fundraisers, the proceeds help further their mission of providing services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Thanks for representing Canon Capital, Amanda!

 

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Matthew Witter Named to Board of Pregnancy Resource Clinic of North Penn

Matthew Witter, an Investment Advisor in our Wealth Management unit, recently joined the board of the Pregnancy Resource Clinic of North Penn.

 

Canon Capital Staff News

We’ve had a lot to celebrate this summer. The Canon Capital family is expanding due to these happy occasions.

Amanda (Van Camp) Spengler, CPA, a staff accountant in our Accounting department, celebrated her marriage to Andy Spengler on July 18th.  

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Most recently,
Brandon Keeler and his wife Cori welcomed Greyson Keeler on August 7th. Brandon is a PC Network Technician in our Computer Solutions unit. 

Congratulations to all!

 

Canon Capital Supports Generations of Indian Valley’s Reindeer Run

It was a chilly morning but the runners in Generations of Indian Valley‘s Reindeer Run were happy to accept the cups of cool water we provided at the event’s halfway point.

Canon Capital’s Sherri Schaeffer and Lori Canfield are ready to provide refreshments for the runners.

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Chuck Porter (pictured in the white shirt), Jen Norman, and Brian Erkes, all from our Wealth Management Unit, participated in the run.

This annual event benefits Generations’ community programs, including Meals on Wheels.

Canon Capital Management Group Kicks Off 2016 with Cyber Security Seminar and Document Shredding Event

With the arrival of the new year, thoughts turn toward clearing out clutter and developing good habits. We were happy to lead the way with our Cyber Security Seminar and Document Shredding event, held Wednesday, January 7 at our Wealth Management & Family Office Services location in Hatfield.

Dr. Peter Roland, Canon Capital Management Group founder and managing director, delivers one of the first containers of documents to be shred.

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While Richter’s Mobile Shredding provided the document shredding services, our Computer Solutions owner and director, Kent Gerhart, presented two seminars on the latest news and best practices in cyber security safeguards.

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This event was free of charge, with attendees encouraged to bring donations to be distributed to local charities, including diapers, baby wipes and new, unwrapped toys for infants and toddlers. Many thanks to everyone who participated.

Canon Capital Wealth Management Continues Financial Literacy Seminars with “Financial Self-Defense” May 19, 2016

Financial fraud is on the rise. According to the Federal Trade Commission’s annual report, Identity theft incidents alone increased 47% in 2015.

Learn how to steer clear of financial fraud at the second in our series of Financial Literacy Seminars: Financial Self-Defense. During our time together we’ll help you improve your ability to spot the warning signs of financial fraud by sharing:

– How to identify common situations where consumers might be victimized
– Case studies of consumer financial abuse
– Ways you can protect yourself from financial fraud or abuse

The Financial Self-Defense Seminar will be held at our Hatfield office Thursday, May 19, 2016. For your convenience, we are offering this seminar at 3:00-4:00pm or 5:30-6:30pm.

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We expect this seminar will be both educational and eye-opening, so please feel free to bring a friend, relative or colleague. Please RSVP by Friday, May 13, 2016 to Jen Norman. You may RSVP via email or call 215-723-4881, ext. 207 to let us know whether you would like to attend the 3:00pm or 5:30pm session.

Our Financial Literacy Seminars are for adults of all ages with any level of financial knowledge. They’re ideal for individuals desiring to improve their ability to manage their financial resources effectively to meet their goals and gain a lifetime of financial security.

Canon Capital Management Group provides a single source of financial and business services to help you make the right decisions. For more information, visit www.canoncapital.com or call 215-723-4881.

The Microsoft Windows 10 Free Upgrade Offer Ends July 29 – Should You Do It?

It’s hard to believe it’s almost a year since Microsoft released Windows 10, the latest version of their Windows operating system. Existing Windows users have the opportunity to access a free upgrade through July 29, 2016. So, should you upgrade? If you have already upgraded and things are going well, then by all means stay with it. If you have not upgraded yet, we do not recommend a rush to do so.

The features of Windows 10 are mostly cosmetic, and we’ve yet to see the major software suppliers release new products not compatible with Windows 7 and 8. Even QuickBooks 2016 – the only version of QuickBooks compatible with Windows 10 – is also compatible with Windows 7 and 8. So as long as your primary software continues to support Windows 7 and 8, we don’t recommend upgrading to Windows 10 on an existing computer.

An operating system upgrade is never as easy as just pushing a button. You need to make sure all of your hardware, software and peripheral equipment is compatible with the new operating system. Will your QuickBooks work? Will you still be able to print? Multiply this by the number and variety of computers in your workplace and what seemed a simple task can be a daunting project.

Be prepared by being proactive.

What we do recommend is that you start preparing now for the day you’ll need to replace your computers, s since Windows 10 will be the standard on any new machines. This includes staying up to date with all software packages and apps while using Windows 7 or 8. Doing so provides better support and more security.

We also suggest scheduling our Computer Solutions’ upfront analysis service which reviews your hardware, software, and equipment to determine what, if any, work is needed before a transition to Windows 10. This allows you to take your time and know what to expect when you eventually move on from Windows 7 or 8 to Windows 10. It’s part of our due diligence and saves you the inconvenience and cost of future unknowns.

We’ve conducted this upfront analysis for a number of clients who have chosen to upgrade to Windows 10 and found that even with no predetermined issues, there were some hiccups once the transition to Windows 10 was complete.

There’s another element to the free Windows 10 upgrade. Some users have experienced an automatic update. Others have made the upgrade accidentally due to the way Windows has presented the option in pop-up messages. If this is the case in your situation, Windows 10 does have an uninstall option allowing you to revert to your previous operating system as long as you do so within 30 days of the Windows 10 installation.

If you have questions or would like to schedule an upfront analysis to be prepared for Windows 10, we are always available to you at 215-723-4881 or www.canoncapital.com.

Do You Work in Philadelphia? Paid Sick Leave is Here

If your daily commute involves enduring the Schuylkill Expressway or hopping on Septa Regional Rail to Philadelphia, a city ordinance that took effect in May 2015 applies to you. Although you may live in the suburbs, if you are a full- or part-time employee who works at least 40 hours per year for a Philadelphia business the new “Promoting Healthy Families and Workplaces” ordinance brings you new benefits. What does this mean? Through this legislation, you now accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked. The maximum for each year is 40 hours.

Most Employers with Less Than 10 Employees May be Exempt from Providing Paid Sick Leave

While this ordinance applies to all employers conducting business within the city of Philadelphia, those with less than 10 employees are required to provide only unpaid sick leave. They are required to do so, however, at the same rate as those businesses providing paid sick leave. The Philadelphia Department of Commerce reports that “certain chain establishments are required to provide paid sick leave regardless of the number of employees at the chain’s Philadelphia location.”

Expansive Coverage But Not All Types of Employees are Eligible

There are a few employment situations where this paid sick leave ordinance will not apply. According to this flyer from the Philadelphia Department of Commerce providing a summary of the legislation, it does not apply to:

  • Independent Contractors
  • Seasonal Workers
  • Adjunct Professors
  • Employees hired for a term of less than 6 months
  • Interns
  • Pool employees
  • Employees covered by collective bargaining agreements
  • State and Federal employees

To read the full legislation, click here. We are also happy to guide you through this new ordinance and answer any questions you might have as it relates to your payroll services. Contact us at 215-723-4881 or click here to contact us online.