HISTORY OF THE ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX
Sometimes a new law is passed and many people say, “That’s all
right. That’s going to affect somebody else. Not me.”
Will Estate Law Tax Change?
A window of opportunity was opened for estate strategies as part of the 2017 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act. However, that window will shut in less than three years unless Congress decides to act and extend the current rules.
2022 Year-End Tax Tips
Here are some things to consider as you weigh potential tax moves between now and the end of the year.
Charitable Gifting
There are several different types of property that can be donated to charity, and a gift is limited only by your imagination. Are you the type who wants to donate cash, stock, or your lunch box collection from a 1960s sitcom?
Required Minimum Distributions
Debt poses a growing threat to the financial security of many Americans — and not just college graduates with exorbitant student loans. Recent studies by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College (CRR) and the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) reveal an alarming trend: The percentage of older Americans with debt is at its highest level in almost 30 years, and the amount and types of debt are on the rise.
The Tax Benefits of Your Retirement Savings Plan
Debt poses a growing threat to the financial security of many Americans — and not just college graduates with exorbitant student loans. Recent studies by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College (CRR) and the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) reveal an alarming trend: The percentage of older Americans with debt is at its highest level in almost 30 years, and the amount and types of debt are on the rise.
Am I Having Enough Withheld?
If you fail to estimate your federal income tax withholding properly, it may cost you in a variety of ways. If you receive an income tax refund, it essentially means that you provided
the IRS with an interest-free loan during the year. By comparison, if you owe taxes when you file your return, you may have to scramble for cash at tax time – and possibly owe interest and
penalties to the IRS as well.
Surviving An Audit
Even the most honest of taxpayers can be left trembling at the thought of an IRS audit. Let’s face it — it’s right up there with public speaking. To survive an audit, you’ve got to arm yourself with information You should understand what the audit process is all about, why your return was audited, what your rights and responsibilities are, and how you can appeal the findings.
An audit is not an accusation of wrongdoing.
Education Tax Credits
It’s tax time, and your kitchen table is littered with papers and forms. As if this isn’t bad enough, you recently paid your child’s college semester bill, and you don’t know where you’ll find the money to pay the taxes that you expect to owe. Well, you might finally catch a break. Now that your child is in college, you might qualify for one of two education tax credits — the American Opportunity credit and the Lifetime Learning credit. And because a tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction against taxes owed, it’s more favorable than a tax deduction, which simply reduces the total income on which your tax is based.
The Tax Benefits of Your Retirement Savings Plan
Taxes can take a big bite out of your total investment returns, so it’s encouraging to know that your employer-sponsored retirement savings plan may offer a variety of tax benefits. Depending on the type of plan your employer offers, you may be able to benefit from current tax savings; tax deferral on any investment returns you earn on the road to retirement; and possibly even tax-free income in retirement.
