Deduct donations now for Haiti relief

Donations to charities providing earthquake relief in Haiti can be deducted on 2009 tax returns, according to the Internal Revenue Service. Taxpayers who itemize deductions on their 2009 return qualify for this special tax relief provision, which was enacted Jan. 22. Only cash contributions made to these charities after Jan. 11, 2010, and before March 1, 2010, are eligible. This includes contributions made by text message, check, credit card or debit card.

IRS: If you don’t pay, you will pay

Taxpayers who do not file their return and pay their tax by the due date may have to pay a penalty. Here are seven things you should know about failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties.

R2D2 Protects Stores from Theft, Loss

Restaurant owners cannot be in their stores every minute of every day keeping watch over the operations, but McDonald’s R2D2 technical support is the next best thing. With R2D2, owner/operators can receive weekly reports that provide a daily summary of key events that occurred in the store. “This report shows every keystroke, every reduction before sale, every [...]

Estate planning: Most vital gift of all

Planning your estate is an important part of ensuring the financial security of your loved ones. One of the most common tools used in estate planning — and one that everyone should at least give careful consideration to — is a program of giving gifts. Preparing for one's death is not a pleasant task — which may account for why an estimated 70 percent of Americans don't have wills — but it is critical to have an estate plan to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Furthermore, not having a will can subject your estate to unnecessary taxation and your heirs to undesired legal and financial entanglements.