Roth or traditional IRA? Income level and taxes could help you decide
It’s never too early to begin planning for retirement or investing in a nest egg for the future. There are several options available for investing in retirement plans, but the two we get questions about most often are whether a traditional or a Roth IRA is the best option. Deciding which is the best vehicle […]
Divorce may be even more taxing under TCJA
Divorce is never easy, emotionally or financially, and now with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the process can be even more taxing. Prior to the passage of the sweeping tax reform law at the end of 2017, a divorced spouse paying alimony could deduct those payments from his or her reportable income when filing […]
What will happen if the worst happens?
You never know when it could happen, but you need to be prepared for when it does. Receiving a serious health diagnosis can be one of the most stressful things someone can experience. Even if treatment is successful, confronting this can serve as a wake-up call to make sure your estate plan is up-to-date and […]
Are your employees ignoring their 401(k)s?
For many businesses, offering employees a 401(k) plan is no longer an option — it’s a competitive necessity. But employees often grow so accustomed to having a 401(k) that they don’t pay much attention to it. It’s in your best interest as a business owner to buck this trend. Keeping your employees engaged with their […]
Calculating QBI deduction can be complex and time-consuming
One of the more beneficial provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act for individuals and small business owners is the new qualified business income (QBI) deduction under Section 199A. Eligible taxpayers may be entitled to a deduction of up to 20 percent of QBI, a significant tax savings for owners of sole proprietorships, […]
‘Think’ about making an estate plan now to protect your heirs later
“You better think.” The unmistakable lyrics sung by Aretha Franklin are words to the wise, but sadly, Franklin herself did not take this advice when planning her estate. Consequently, her heirs may be on the hook for a significant tax bill, not to mention the possibility of years of very public legal battles. While most […]
3 traditional midyear tax planning strategies that hold up post-TCJA
With its many changes to individual tax rates, brackets and breaks, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) means taxpayers need to revisit their tax planning strategies. Certain strategies that were once tried-and-true will no longer save or defer tax. But there are some that will hold up for many taxpayers. And they’ll be more […]
State and local taxes could impact where you retire
The beach? The mountains? The country? Where is your retirement dream home? Many Americans relocate to another state when they retire. If you’re thinking about such a move, state and local taxes should factor into your decision. Income, property and sales tax Choosing a state that has no personal income tax may appear to be […]
The time for 2018 tax planning is now
Now that the April 17 individual income tax filing deadline has come and gone, it may seem too early to begin thinking about taxes again. But for maximum tax savings, now is the time to start tax planning for 2018. It’s especially critical to get an early start this year because the Tax Cuts and […]
Can you claim your elderly parent as a dependent on your tax return?
Perhaps. It depends on several factors, such as your parent’s income and how much financial support you provided. If you qualify for the adult-dependent exemption on your 2017 income tax return, you can deduct up to $4,050 per qualifying adult dependent. However, for 2018, under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the dependency exemption is […]