Tax Planning
Getting Married: What Newlyweds Need to Know Regarding Taxes
Taxes might be the last thing on your mind on your wedding day, but tying the knot can have a big impact on your tax situation. Here are some of the most important things you should know. Marriage tax penalty or marriage bonus? Maybe you’ve heard of the so-called marriage tax penalty: a quirk in the…
Read MoreTax and Personal Finance Tips for New Parents
Expanding your family? Whether you’re in the planning stages or your bundle of joy has already arrived, raising a child is one of life’s greatest joys — and biggest expenses. And we’re not just talking about the costs of college. From diapers to daycare, from braces to bicycles, parents are often shocked by the constant…
Read MoreWill Your Planned Retirement Income Be Enough after Taxes?
Article Highlights: States With No Income Tax Social Security Benefits Roth IRA Retirement Account Traditional IRA Retirement Account Spousal IRA Back-Door Roth IRA Saver’s Credit Employer Pensions Employee Funded Retirement Plans Health Savings Accounts Brokerage Accounts Municipal Bonds Investments Home Equity & Gain Exclusion Reverse Mortgage Whole Life Insurance Cash Value That is an…
Read MoreInheritances Enjoy a Special Tax Benefit
Article Highlights: Stepped-Up Basis Inherited Basis Inheritance Basis Example Step Down Basis Long-Term Capital Gains Tax Rates Jointly Owned Property Gifting Prior to Death You may hear people use the term “Stepped-Up Basis” that many believe is a tax provision that allows beneficiaries of an inheritance to reduce or even avoid taxes when and if…
Read MoreStudent Loan Debt: Paying and Avoiding It, Plus Tax Benefits
Article Highlights: Tax Advantaged Repayment of Student Loans Employer Provided Educational Assistance Qualified Tuition Programs The Deductibility of Student Loan Interest Student Loans Forgiven in 2021 through 2025 Avoiding Student Loan Debt Section 529 Plans Coverdell Education Savings Account Education Tax Credits The American Opportunity Credit The Lifetime Learning Credit Despite recent rounds of forgiveness…
Read MoreDoes Your Business Need to File Forms 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC?
Article Highlights: 1099-NEC Filing Requirements Independent Contractor Filing Threshold Form W-9 Form 1099-MISC If you use independent contractors to perform services for your business, for each one that you pay $600 or more for the year, you are required to issue the worker and the IRS a Form 1099-NEC no later than January 31, 2022,…
Read MoreClaiming Child When Divorced (Tax Planning)
Who gets to claim dependents when you’re divorced? Claiming a dependent child can provide or increase certain breaks, including child or dependent tax credits, the Earned Income Credit, and a more favorable filing status. However, being divorced or legally separated can make it difficult to determine who can claim dependents. What is the difference between custodial and noncustodial…
Read MoreYou May Need to File Estimated Tax Payments
Article Highlights: Employees Self-Employed Individuals Quarterly Payments Underpayment Penalty Safe Harbor Payments Estimated tax payments are not just for the self-employed. They are for anyone whose withholding and tax credits are significantly less than their projected tax liability, and if used properly, can protect a taxpayer from underpayment penalties. Employees who will have income, Social…
Read MoreAnother Rough Tax Season for IRS and Taxpayers?
Article Highlights: Rough tax season ahead? Avoiding processing delays IRS processing time Don’t procrastinate IRS customer service problems This could be another rough tax season for the IRS and taxpayers. Although this year’s filing season opens January 24, 2022 (i.e., it is the first day the IRS will accept and start processing 2021 returns), the…
Read MoreYou May Need to File Estimated Tax Payments
Article Highlights: Employees Self-Employed Individuals Quarterly Payments Underpayment Penalty Safe Harbor Payments Estimated tax payments are not just for the self-employed. They are for anyone whose withholding and tax credits are significantly less than their projected tax liability, and if used properly, can protect a taxpayer from underpayment penalties. Employees who will have income, Social…
Read More