Tag: taxes

Record Keeping for Your Own Business

May 22, 2023

Keeping good business records will not only help you stay in business but may also help you increase profits. Your business records let you analyze where your business is and where it’s going. They point out potential trouble spots and serve as a guide to where you want your business to be.

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The Gift Tax

Jun 15, 2022

Not all gifts are taxable

I’d like for you to meet my friend, Hugh. He’s a retired film stuntman who, after a long career, is enjoying his retirement. Some of what he’s enjoying about his retirement is sharing part of his accumulated wealth with his family, specifically his wife and two sons. Like many Americans, Hugh likes to make sure that, when he’s sharing that wealth, he isn’t giving the I.R.S. any overtime because he knows about the gift tax. (more…)

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A Corporate Trustee Could Be a Smart Choice

Feb 7, 2022

Trust Keyboard
Trust administration is more difficult than many families presume.

In an ideal world, managing a family trust would be simple. There would be no stress, no big learning curve, and no great time commitment involved. Unfortunately, the world is not ideal, and heirs who become trustees are often left with headaches. A corporate trustee may be a good option. (more…)

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Explaining the Basis of Inherited Real Estate

Jan 19, 2022

Giving house away
What is cost basis? Stepped-up basis? How does the home sale tax exclusion work?

At some point in our lives, we may inherit a home or another form of real property. In such instances, we need to understand some of the jargon involving inherited real estate. What does “cost basis” mean? What is a “step-up?” What is the home sale tax exclusion, and  what kind of tax break does it offer? (more…)

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Tax Considerations for Retirees

Dec 3, 2021

income tax calculator binder pen spreadsheet
Are you aware of these potential tax breaks and tax-saving opportunities?

The federal government offers some major tax breaks for older Americans. Some of these perks deserve more publicity than they receive. (more…)

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Estate Taxes May Be Amended Soon

Oct 29, 2021

Coin Stack Tax
What to know about the budget reconciliation bill

To help raise revenue to pay for President Biden’s Build Back Better Plan, Congress is considering a number of tax law changes, including adjusting estate taxes. (more…)

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Cash Alternatives for Charitable Giving

Oct 27, 2021

Charitable Giving
Thinking about donating? Think of these choices.

The year is winding down, and you may be thinking of giving. In fact, you may want to explore the different ways in which you can donate to a charity or non-profit organization, apart from just making a cash gift. Consider some of the alternatives of charitable giving.  (more…)

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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…)

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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…)

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Tax & Estate Strategies for Married LGBTQ+ Couples

Jun 4, 2021

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…)

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More Insights

Mar 27, 2024

Investment inaction is played out in many ways, often silently, invisibly, and with potential consequence to an individual’s future financial security, especially when it comes to retirement planning. Let’s review some of the forms this takes.

Mar 25, 2024

Election season is in full swing as Super Tuesday solidifies another Biden and Trump rematch this November. President Biden won all 15 states and the Iowa caucuses, while former President Trump won in 14 of 15 states, prompting Nikki Haley to end her election bid.

Mar 22, 2024

Creating an estate plan is a key component of achieving financial wellness Most people don’t spend too much time thinking about end-of-life planning on a daily basis. But you may have loved ones who will soon face those issues. While it’s not pleasant to think about, you may be the one who ends up having … Continue reading “Eliminate the Guesswork in an Estate Plan”

Mar 20, 2024

When you marry or simply share a household with someone, your financial life changes—and your approach to managing your money may change as well. The good news is that it is usually not so difficult.

Mar 18, 2024

The year 1995 was an exciting one. Michael Jordan came back from retirement, digital video disks (DVDs) were invented, Netscape went public after introducing the world to the internet via its web browser, and Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise” was the song of the year. It was also an exciting year for investors.

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