Tag: tax guide

Mutual Fund Distributions

Mar 17, 2022

Capital Gains Tax Sticky Note
Watch your December Statements.

This time of year as you prepare for taxes, you might glance at an documents and see some capital gains taxes you may have overlooked.

Many mutual funds in December pay shareholders capital gains distributions that they have accumulated throughout the year.1

Typically, mutual fund companies start making estimates about distributions as early as November and most finalize the payment by mid-December. Unfortunately for us, this can cause undesirable tax consequences. (more…)

Tags: , , , , , ,



Retirement Preparation Mistakes

Jan 31, 2022

Hand writing Time to Retire concept with red marker on transparent wipe board.

Much is out there about the classic financial mistakes that plague start-ups, family businesses, corporations, and charities. Aside from these blunders, some classic financial missteps during retirement preparation.

Calling them “mistakes” may be a bit harsh, as not all of them represent errors in judgment. Yet whether they result from ignorance or fate, we need to be aware of them as we prepare for and enter retirement. (more…)

Tags: , , , , , ,



IRA Contributions are Approaching Deadlines

Jan 7, 2022

IRA Contributions Sticky Note
Here is what you need to know.

Financially, many of us associate the spring with taxes – but we should also associate December with important IRA deadlines. This year, like 2021, will see a few changes and distinctions especially with IRA contributions. (more…)

Tags: , , , , , ,



2022 Contribution Limits

Nov 24, 2021

2022 Contribution Limits
Is there time to contribute more?

Preparing for retirement just got a little more financial wiggle room. This week, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced new contribution limits for 2022. (more…)

Tags: , , , , ,



Are Your Taxes Going to Change?

Sep 24, 2021

changes in legislation
Wise investors take the “big picture” view when it comes to taxes

Most likely, you’ve heard what’s brewing in Washington, D.C. called by one of these names. The Build Back Better Act. Or the $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation bill. Or the Jobs and Economic Recovery Plan for Working Families. But could it affect your taxes? (more…)

Tags: , , , ,



Expanded Child Tax Credit

Aug 9, 2021

Child Tax Credit Post it note
Changes made for this year

The federal government has upgraded its Child Tax Credit. Thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act, there are four notable differences in effect for the 2021 tax year only.1 (more…)

Tags: , , , ,



Tax & Estate Strategies for Married LGBTQ+ Couples

Jun 4, 2021

LGBTQ
In the age of marriage equality, there are new possibilities.

The 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court decision streamlined tax and estate strategizing for married LGBTQ+ couples. If you are filing a joint tax return for this year or are considering updating your estate strategy, here are some important things to remember. (more…)

Tags: , , , , ,



Debate Starts on Capital Gains Tax

Apr 30, 2021

capital gains tax
What to expect and why

Now and again, the price action on Wall Street can surprise even the most seasoned investors. Look no further than when President Biden in late April proposed an increase in the tax on capital gains to 39.6% from 20% for those Americans who earn more than $1 million. (more…)

Tags: , , , , ,



The IRS Extends Additional Tax Deadlines

Apr 26, 2021

Tax Planning
What to know about your IRA, HSA, and more

Previously, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that the federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year had been automatically extended from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021.1 (more…)

Tags: , , , , ,



Qualified Charitable Distributions

Mar 22, 2021

A choice for I.R.A. owners who want to reduce taxes linked to I.R.A. distributions.

Do you have an I.R.A.? As you enter your 70s, you may start to look at that I.R.A. not only as an asset, but also as a problem. By law, you must take required minimum distributions (R.M.D.s) from a Traditional I.R.A. once you reach age 72; there are very few exceptions to this. The downside of these R.M.D.s? The entire distribution is taxable. (You never have to take R.M.D.s from a Roth I.R.A., provided you are its original owner.) Qualified Charitable Distributions are a way you can take that RMD, but also reap tax-benefits as well. (more…)

Tags: , , , , , , ,



More Insights

Jun 5, 2023

The rental car you’re driving while on vacation or a business trip is nice–you almost wish you could take it home with you. But what happens if you have an accident while you’re renting it? When you do go home, the last thing you want to take back with you is the liability associated with … Continue reading “Rental Car Insurance”

Jun 2, 2023

Few terms in personal finance are as important, or used as frequently, as “risk.” Nevertheless, few terms are as imprecisely defined. Generally, when financial advisors or the media talk about investment risk, their focus is on the historical price volatility of the asset or investment under discussion.

May 31, 2023

You’re beginning to accumulate substantial wealth, but you worry about protecting it from future potential creditors. Whether your concern is for your personal assets or your business, various tools exist to keep your property safe from tax collectors, accident victims, health-care providers, credit card issuers, business creditors, and creditors of others. To insulate your property … Continue reading “Asset Protection in Estate Planning”

May 26, 2023

It’s nice to own stocks, bonds, and other investments. Nice, that is, until it’s time to fill out your federal income tax return. At that point, you may be left scratching your head. Just how do you report your investments and how are they taxed?

May 24, 2023

Vacation homes require a special type of insurance–one that protects your vacation home but doesn’t overlap with your already existing homeowners insurance coverage. Here are some things to consider when insuring your vacation home.

Insights + Resources >