With only a couple of months left in this year, many taxpayers are looking for ways to lower their 2024 tax bills. If you’re charitably inclined, own an IRA and are at least 70 ½, here’s one option: Use IRA funds to donate directly to...
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are designed as tax-advantaged savings vehicles for funding uninsured health care expenses. But if you’re in relatively good health, an HSA also can serve as an attractive retirement savings vehicle. Here’s how an HSA allows an eligible individual to pay health...
Businesses shut down for many reasons, including the owner’s retirement, an expired lease, staffing shortages, partner conflicts and increased supply costs. Closing a business means taking care of various tax obligations that must be met. This article provides a rundown....
Business owners who wish to set up a retirement plan for themselves and their employees may be worried about the financial commitment and administrative burdens involved. This article looks first at a “simplified employee pension” (SEP). Small business owners who establish and contribute to...
At one time, life insurance played a much bigger role in estate planning than it does now. That’s because life insurance was needed to pay estate tax, which affected more people than it does now. With the federal gift and estate tax exemption now at...
Taxpayers preparing to file tax returns for 2023 may still have an opportunity to lower their tax bills. Those who are eligible can make tax-deductible contributions to traditional IRAs right up until this year’s April 15 tax-filing deadline, and benefit from the tax savings on...
Anyone in the process of making a retirement or estate plan, or who intends to donate property to charity, needs to know the value of their assets. For many hard-to-value items — such as closely held business interests, real estate, art or collectibles — an...
Traditional and Roth IRAs can be relatively “safe” retirement-saving vehicles, depending on what they’re invested in. But one drawback is that they limit the account owner’s investment choices. A self-directed IRA provides more flexibility in investment choices but comes with greater risk as well. ...
Many Americans receive disability income, and the question is often asked: Is it taxable? The short answer is: That depends on who paid for it. This article details how and when taxes may apply. A sidebar discusses how much disability coverage an individual may need....
Receiving a sudden and sizable influx of cash may seem like a dream come true. It can be, but many people get carried away by a windfall and end up in worse financial shape. This article points out some of the pitfalls and how to...
The IRS has released guidance that includes the 2024 inflation-adjusted amounts for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). This article lists the benefits, requirements, and contribution limits of HSAs for 2023 and 2024....
Divorce is a difficult process for everyone involved. That’s why being clear and organized when it comes to finances can help facilitate the process. The first step is generally to compile a marital balance sheet. This brief article discusses this step and what it involves....
Despite the robust job market, some people are still losing their jobs. For those who are laid off or terminated from employment, taxes are probably the last thing they’re concerned about. However, they may face tax implications when personal and professional circumstances change, and there...
The volatility in the stock market may have caused the value of retirement accounts to decrease. To those with traditional IRAs invested in stocks, a decline may provide a valuable opportunity: that is, taxpayers may be able to convert a traditional IRA to a Roth...
Back in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, many people’s emergency funds were suddenly put to the test. Now, presumably with the benefit of some hindsight, the financially savvy might want to reconsider their approach to saving. This brief article discusses some key points...
Generally, the term “leakage” has negative connotations. So, it’s not surprising that the same is true in the context of retirement planning, where leakage refers to pre-retirement early withdrawals from a retirement account. A business owner who sponsors a qualified retirement plan might say, “Well,...
Nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plans allow participants to set aside large amounts of tax-deferred compensation, but they may also pose substantial risks. This article distinguishes NQDC plans from qualified defined contribution plans and discusses the pluses and minuses....
The “sandwich generation” includes people who are caught between caring for their aging parents and still raising or helping their children. This brief article encourages those in the middle part of the sandwich to initiate family discussions with the other two parts to discuss tax...
Long-term care — including nursing home care — is expensive. Generally, tax issues aren’t top of mind when someone enters a nursing home. But for those who pay the bills, there may be tax breaks that help offset the cost, such as the ability to...
Business owners may be able to hire their minor children this summer and get tax breaks and other nontax benefits. While owners save on payroll taxes and lower some costs, the kids also benefit. They can gain on-the-job experience, learn practical skills and at the...
People with aging parents may worry about whether they could be held financially responsible for their parents’ nursing home bills if the parents can’t afford to pay them. This article explores filial responsibility laws, which are rarely enforced, and Medicaid’s estate recovery process....
For hard-to-value assets, such as closely held businesses, real estate and art, a professional appraisal may be necessary. This article explores situations that call for an appraisal, including retirement and estate planning, gift disclosures and charitable donations....
Holding a vacation home shared by family members in a limited liability company is one option that can offer important benefits. This short article lists several: asset protection, ease of management, ownership restrictions and estate planning advantages....
Stock market swings may bring both fortune and fear, so investors shouldn’t forget about the helpful balance of bonds. This brief article discusses several popular options, including U.S. government savings bonds and corporate bonds....
Future retirees have long grappled with whether to opt for a traditional or Roth IRA. Those who have a traditional IRA and have seen a decline in the value of their investments may want to consider a conversion to a Roth. This article reviews how...
There’s a tax-advantaged way for people to save for the needs of family members with disabilities — without having them lose eligibility for government benefits to which they’re entitled. It can be done through an Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account, which is a...
When it comes to retirement planning, many people tend to focus on two things: opening a retirement savings account and then eventually drawing funds from it. However, there are other important aspects to truly doing everything you can to grow your nest egg. One of them...
A Health Savings Account (HSA) coupled with a high-deductible health plan can be a powerful tool for funding medical expenses on a tax-advantaged basis. For 2020, individuals with self-only coverage can make up to $3,550 in tax-deductible contributions to an HSA, while those with family...
Because of the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis, many companies may want to conserve cash and not buy much equipment this year. As a result, you may not be able to claim as many depreciation tax deductions as in the past. However, if your...
Many people assume that a 529 plan is the ideal college savings tool. But other vehicles can help parents save for college expenses — for example, the Roth IRA. This article compares key features of the two account types....
