Now’s a good time for taxpayers to familiarize themselves with pertinent tax-related amounts that may or may not be changing in 2021 because of inflation. This article poses six key questions about such amounts, including those related to retirement planning and the itemized deduction.
Read MoreFor many, December 31 means a New Year’s celebration. From a tax perspective, however, it should mean thinking about which filing status you will use for that year’s tax return. This article reviews the five statuses. A sidebar looks at whether a married person can file as a “head of household.”
Read MoreAchieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts are tax-free accounts that can be used for expenses of disabled individuals. They can be created by a disabled person or his or her family members or guardians. This article explains eligibility factors and other pertinent details. A sidebar notes an ABLE account’s impact on Supplemental Security Income.
Read MoreNonqualified deferred compensation plans allow participants to set aside large amounts of tax-deferred compensation, but also pose substantial risks. This article distinguishes NQCD plans from qualified defined contribution plans and discusses the pros and cons.
Read MoreThe U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Treasury Department, today released a simpler loan forgiveness application for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of $50,000 or less. This action streamlines the PPP forgiveness process to provide financial and administrative relief to America’s smallest businesses while also ensuring sound stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
Read MoreAlthough the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act took much of the “teeth” out of the AMT by raising the inflation-adjusted exemption, high-income earners (and even some middle-income earners) should still watch out for its bite. This article discusses the basic rules and the role of itemized deductions. A sidebar warns investors that capital gains can trigger the AMT.
Read MoreBecause of the economic downturn triggered by the COVID-19 crisis, many people have found themselves in need of cash to pay unexpected medical bills, mortgage payments and other expenses. One option is to borrow against the cash value of a permanent life insurance policy. This article explores the risks and benefits of such a strategy, while a sidebar looks at a myth that represents a life insurance loan as a tool that “pays for itself.”
Read MoreThe novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis this year has created ample opportunities for dishonest individuals and criminal organizations. This article suggests various protective actions to take to avoid becoming a victim.
Read MoreEarlier this year, in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, the IRS deferred the filing and payment deadlines for federal tax returns. This article recaps the relief and discusses what taxpayers should know about filing an extension and contributing to certain savings accounts. A sidebar warns that no relief has been issued for 2019 estimated tax penalties.
Read MoreAnyone selling a business interest, real estate or other highly appreciated property could get hit with a substantial capital gains tax bill. One way to soften the blow — though it ties up the funds long term — is to “roll over” the gain into a qualified opportunity fund (QOF). This article explains how QOFs work and their potential benefits. A sidebar looks at recent IRS guidance on QOFs.
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