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What to consider before lending money to family and friends

 

When your best friend views your nest egg as a source of start-up funds for his latest business venture, or your nephew hits you up for a car loan, your first impulse may be to reach into your bank account to help. But it's a fact that loans to family and friends often end up straining both finances and relationships. As Shakespeare said, "Loan oft loses both itself and friend." In other words, if you lend money to friends, you often don't get paid back, and the friendship itself may disintegrate.

 

It's best to consider a loan to someone you love as an "arm's length" transaction. If you're pondering such a loan, keep the following in mind:

 

* You can just say "no." It's your money, after all. Do you really want to raid an emergency fund or dip into your child's college account to finance a friend's business idea? Think like a bank. It's reasonable to ask tough questions about the person's bank accounts, potential sources of income, planned use of loan proceeds, and spending habits before extending credit.

 

* Consider a gift. If you're comfortable sharing your resources, you may want to provide a monetary gift with no strings attached. In many cases, this is the best solution because neither you nor your friend expect the money to be paid back. Unlike a loan, this type of arrangement can forestall misunderstandings and hurt feelings later on. Of course, you should not give money if doing so would unduly strain your own finances.

 

* Formalize loans. If you decide to lend more than a small amount to a friend or family member, it's generally best to draft a written agreement. This can be as simple as filling out a promissory note (available online or at office supply stores). Such forms spell out the basic terms of the loan -- amount, interest rate, payback period -- and provide some limited protection should you and the borrower end up in small claims court. Another recent innovation is the use of direct lending (also called social lending or peer-to-peer lending) websites to facilitate loans between family and friends. For a fee, such sites can prepare loan documentation, send payment reminders, issue regular reports, even facilitate electronic fund transfers. If the loan involves a significant amount of money, check with your attorney.

 

Remember: Many personal relationships have been damaged when loans go awry. So proceed with caution.

 

24 Jan 2018
2018 Mileage Rate Reimbursements & Deductions

Posted in general

If you are going to use your car for business, charity, and medical appointments during 2018, please be aware that the standard mileage rates for computing the deductible costs have changed.

Hello, this is Noel Dalmacio, your ultimate CPA at lowermytaxnow.

Effective January 1, 2018, here are the rates to use to calculate reimbursements and deductions for the year:

 

  • Business. The rate is 54.5¢ per mile for business miles driven (up from 53.5 cents in 2017)
  • Charitable. For charitable services, it remains at 14¢
  • Medical. The rate for medical mileage is 18¢ per mile (up from 17 cents in 2017)

 

Keep in mind that the mileage expenses for moving expenses and job-related mileage deductions for employees were eliminated effective January 1, 2018. For tax planning purposes, talk to your employer and see if you can get a reimbursement for both of these expenses. If not possible, ask for a raise to at least cover all or at least part of your expenses.

That is all for now.

If you like to learn more, click the link lowermytaxnow.com and sign-in to receive my weekly blog.

Until then, this is Noel Dalmacio, your ultimate CPA at lowermytaxnow.com.

 

Last Updated by Admin on 2018-01-24 07:01:02 PM