One of the basics in retirement is to be as tax efficient with your income as possible. In 2019, income tax rates range from 0% to 37%, plus a potential 3.8% net investment tax. Understanding how these progressive tax rates apply to ordinary income creates planning opportunities in retirement. The basic concept Many retirees haveRead more about Retirement Basics: Understanding Tax Efficiency[…]

With summertime activities in full swing, tax planning is probably not on the top of your to-do list. But putting it off can create problems at the end of the year when there’s little time for changes to take effect. If you take the time to plan now, you’ll have six months for your actionsRead more about Effective Tax Planning Starts Now[…]

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged savings account whose funds can be used to pay qualified health care costs for you, your spouse and your dependents. The account is a great way to pay for qualified health care costs with pre-tax dollars. In fact any investment gains on your funds are also tax-freeRead more about 2020 Health Savings Account Limits[…]

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TJCA) made significant changes to how most people calculate their taxes, including a doubling of the standard deduction. One of the results of these changes is that a lot of people are under the impression that there are no longer any tax benefits given for charitable contributions.Read more about Three Ideas for Charitable Deductions[…]

Business travel is still tax-deductible, under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA), but there is a major difference now. Relatively few individuals will be able to claim such deductions; for the most part, deductions can be taken only at the company level. How is this different from prior law? Before the TCJARead more about New Rules for Business Travel Deductions[…]

Year-end tax planning is on the agenda for many taxpayers, with good reason. That said, you don’t have to wait for November or December to make some smart moves. Planning in June or July can lead to tax savings that could be reduced or lost altogether if you wait for late fall to act. HereRead more about Mid-Year Tax Planning[…]

If you are looking for tax-free income and more flexibility during retirement, one option to consider is investing in a Roth IRA. While Roth IRA contributions are not sheltered from current taxes like contributions to traditional IRAs, they do offer other tax benefits during retirement. The Roth IRA advantage Retirement withdrawals (including earnings) are tax-free.Read more about The Roth IRA: Tax-Free Retirement Savings[…]

Whether you receive a big refund or pay taxes on tax day, taking action now can ensure next year’s tax bill is optimized by not paying more than necessary. Update paycheck withholdings and forecast estimated tax payments. Reviewing and updating withholdings now gives you several months to spread out the tax impact on your dailyRead more about Improve Next Year’s Tax Situation Now[…]

The IRS recently published final regulations regarding Section 199A of the Internal Revenue Code. That section, created by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, offers a 20% deduction for qualified business income (QBI). This deduction may be available to non-C-corporation taxpayers such as sole proprietors, business partners, certain LLC members, S corporation shareholders,Read more about Final Regulations Clarify QBI Deduction[…]

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 was not officially focused on retirement planning, but it’s had a major impact on the choice of retirement plans. After-tax plans, known as Roth accounts, may be more practical now. That can be especially true regarding solo 401(k)s, which are 401(k) plans that cover business ownersRead more about Roth Solo 401(k)s for Small Businesses[…]