You may be uncomfortable at the thought of discussing your estate with your loved ones. But failing to do so could result in disagreements and conflicts when the details are revealed after your death. Discussing your plans in advance gives you a chance to explain: The distribution of your estate. Why you made certain decisions. You can also write a personal letter to some … [Read more...]
Go Green, Save Green: Tax Breaks for Saving Energy
Earth Day is April 22. This occasion reminds us to consider implementing changes to help reduce the amount of energy we consume. But "going green" isn't just good for the Earth — certain energy-saving expenditures also may qualify for generous tax breaks that are good for your pocketbook, too. Here are some tax credits for buying and installing certain types of energy-efficient residential … [Read more...]
Congress Raises 401(k) Hardship Withdrawal Limits
Most 401(k) plans permit hardship withdrawals, though plan sponsors aren't required to allow them. As it stands today, employees seeking to take money out of their 401(k) accounts are limited to the funds they contributed to the accounts themselves, and only after they've first taken a loan from the same account. Loans must be repaid, of course. The theory behind the loan requirement is that … [Read more...]
Reverse Mentoring: Moving Seasoned, Younger Workers Into High Gear
Reverse-mentoring isn't a new concept, nor is it widespread, though many companies could benefit from such a program. Pioneered at General Electric some two decades ago, the basic concept is that younger employees have a lot to teach older ones about work-related matters. In some corners of the business world, the idea is broadened to encompass mentoring by employees with diverse ethnic … [Read more...]
Last-Minute Tax Planning Tips for 2017
This year, Tax Day for individuals, sole proprietors and C corporations is Tuesday, April 17. You still have time to consider some moves in 2018 to potentially save federal (and possibly state) income taxes for 2017. Here are three last-minute planning ideas. Last-Minute Section 179 Option for Businesses Did your business make improvements to real property in 2017? If so, you might … [Read more...]
Estate Planning 101: An Introduction
What Is an Estate and What Planning Is Involved? It's important for you to understand what the word "estate" means so that you do not underestimate the broad scope of the term. The "estate" consists of all the property a person owns or controls. Examples of the more well-known items include personal property, real estate, bank accounts, insurance policies, business interests, certain trust … [Read more...]
Good News! More Families May Be Eligible for the Child Credit in 2018
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which was signed into law on December 22, 2017, made significant changes to the child credit. This credit is generally available to taxpayers with children under the age of 17, but the new law adds a new (smaller) credit for other dependents. Here are the details. Say Goodbye to Dependency Exemptions … For Now The new tax law isn't all good news for … [Read more...]
Take Time to Plan Your Estate
If you're like most people, you've probably delegated estate planning to the realm of things to be done "someday." Most people dislike confronting their own mortality, but proper estate planning accomplishes two major objectives -- it ensures that your wealth is distributed according to your wishes and it can reduce the payment of federal and state estate taxes. By formally planning your … [Read more...]
How the New Limit on SALT Deductions Affects Homeowners
The ability to deduct state and local taxes (SALT) has historically been a valuable tax break for taxpayers who itemize deductions on their federal income tax returns. Unfortunately, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) limits SALT deductions for 2018 through 2025. Here's important information that homeowners should know about the new limitation. Thinking about Selling Your Home? There's … [Read more...]
Is a Deferred Sales Trust Right for You?
What are the advantages of a Deferred Sales Trust (DST)? The Deferred Sales Trust, or DST, provides a unique exit strategy for an appreciated business or piece of real property. A component of the DST is the use of an installment sale strategy to defer and manage the tax obligations that come with the sale of an appreciated asset. Some of the negative features of the traditional way an … [Read more...]
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