Time to plan for the future is NOW
Many business owners have seen financial success in the past year and, upon review, realize that the value of their assets and businesses are at an all-time high. This makes now the prime time to understand your net worth, get your estate documents in order, take advantage of the lowest exemption amounts, and develop the […]
Big increases could be in store for capital gains taxes
Increases to taxes on capital gains have been proposed with the release last month of President Biden’s Green Book. While we don’t have a crystal ball to see exactly what the future holds, we wanted to give you some insight into what has been proposed. The way it is now Under existing law, capital gains […]
Make updating your retirement plan a New Year’s resolution
This time of year is replete with retrospectives on 2020 and stating goals for 2021. One New Year’s resolution that should be at the top of your list is updating plans for retirement. Kiplinger’s recently published a list of the 10 Most Tax-Friendly States for Retirees, which gives some good food for thought. No matter […]
Why it’s important to plan for income taxes as part of your estate plan
As a result of the current estate tax exemption amount ($11.58 million in 2020), many estates no longer need to be concerned with federal estate tax. Before 2011, a much smaller amount resulted in estate plans attempting to avoid it. Now, because many estates won’t be subject to estate tax, more planning can be devoted […]
Take advantage of a “stepped-up basis” when you inherit property
If you’re planning your estate, or you’ve recently inherited assets, you may be unsure of the “cost” (or “basis”) for tax purposes. Fair market value rules Under the fair market value basis rules (also known as the “step-up and step-down” rules), an heir receives a basis in inherited property equal to its date-of-death value. So, […]
What qualifies as a ‘coronavirus-related distribution’ from a retirement plan?
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act allows “qualified” people to take certain “coronavirus-related distributions” from their retirement plans without paying tax. The first question that needs to be asked is, what is a coronavirus-related distribution? Early distribution basics In general, if you withdraw money from an IRA or eligible retirement plan before […]
A nonworking spouse can still have an IRA
It’s often difficult for married couples to save as much as they need for retirement when one spouse doesn’t work outside the home — perhaps so that spouse can take care of children or elderly parents. In general, an IRA contribution is allowed only if a taxpayer has compensation. However, an exception involves a “spousal” […]
Cash gifts a good way to say ‘well done’ this school year
This school year has been like no other. Students, teachers and parents have all been tested, and graduating seniors have perhaps made the biggest sacrifice by not being able to participate in commencement ceremonies. You may want to show your extra appreciation and admiration for their hard work and congratulations on a job well-done by […]
Taking care during coronavirus
Businesses are slowly beginning to reopen and different areas are relaxing some of the requirements to shelter in place as a result of the COVID-19 health crisis. As we move into this next phase, it is important to remember that seniors and individuals with underlying health conditions remain vulnerable to coronavirus, but also to remember […]
April 1 deadline for RMD from retirement accounts
It’s nearing that time again for the deadline to take required minimum distributions from retirement accounts. April 1, 2020, is the deadline for those who turned 70 ½ in 2019 to take their required minimum distribution from their IRA and workplace retirement plans. The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019 (SECURE […]