The Practicality of Estate Planning You work hard to provide for your family, pay for your child's college tuition, and ensure your family lives a good life. Wouldn't you want to make sure that still happens when you're no longer there? A well-thought-out estate plan can help accomplish that goal. Estate planning seems like a huge undertaking, but it's quite manageable if you seek … [Read more...]
Tax Reform: Topics of Special Interest for Individuals
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) includes a number of changes that will affect individual taxpayers in 2018 and beyond. Significant attention has been given to the reduced tax rates for most individuals and the new limit on deducting state and local taxes. But there is more to the story. Here's a summary of some of the lesser-known provisions in the new law. Repeal of the ACA Penalty for … [Read more...]
Is Social Media Activity Putting You or Your Clients at Risk?
Winter can be a busy time for travel. Snowbirds try to escape the cold. Grandparents long to visit loved ones in distant cities. Jetsetters want to ring in the New Year in a memorable locale. Regardless of the season, travel brings photo opportunities that are prime for posting on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media platforms. But fraud-savvy people think twice before engaging in … [Read more...]
Give Back and Save Taxes with Charitable Contributions
As year end approaches, you may be thinking about making some charitable donations. Here's a rundown of the potential tax breaks for your generosity. Donating Clothing and Household Items When it comes to your old clothes, furniture, linens, electronics, appliances, and the like, the general rule is that you can claim deductions only for items in "good condition or better." However, … [Read more...]
Keep Tax Reform Proposals in Mind When Making Last-Minute Year-End Moves
As 2017 winds down, it's time to consider making some moves to lower your federal income tax bill and position yourself for tax savings in future years. This year, the big unknown factor is whether major tax reform proposals will be enacted. Even if all goes according to the GOP timeline, the changes generally won't take effect until next year at the earliest. So your 2017 return will follow the … [Read more...]
2018 IRS Estate and Gift Tax Inflation Adjustments
The IRS has announced the 2018 inflation adjustments for many tax provisions, including exemptions for estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer taxes and the annual exclusion amount for gifts. The 2018 estate and gift tax “exemption” will be $5,600,000, up from $5,490,000 for 2017. This is the total amount that can pass free from estate tax on death and/or from gift tax during life. The … [Read more...]
Advanced Estate Planning Information For Caregivers And Surviving Spouses
Only you and your spouse typically know where information about all your banking, bills, accounts, doctors, debts, etc. is located. By listing the details of your life, such as property, personal information and finances on one document, you can greatly assist those who may end up taking care of you in the event of illness, or taking care of your estate in the event of your death. A good … [Read more...]
10 Simple (and Fun) Ways to Cut Taxes This Summer
It's already starting to feel like summer in many parts of the country. But the forecast for Washington remains unclear as officials continue to discuss various tax-related issues. No matter what happens in Washington, don't get stuck in a holding pattern yourself. Give some attention to business and personal tax planning this summer. Here are 10 ideas that combine tax planning with … [Read more...]
Consider Taxes before Converting Your Home to a Rental Property
Have you ever thought about becoming a landlord? This option may be tempting if your local real estate market is surging and rental rates are strong, especially if you're already planning to relocate or downsize to a smaller home. Ideally, you'll be able to shelter most or all of the rental income with tax deductions and eventually sell the property for a higher price than you originally … [Read more...]
Should Family Members Be Compensated for Caregiving Services
As we get older, one in four of us will require some level of caregiving services. This could range from simply running errands and providing occasional transportation to doctors, shopping, to providing extensive around the clock care. Experts estimate that family members provide more than $450 billion in elder care services annually. One question is "should family members be paid for this … [Read more...]
