Uncle Sam may provide relief from college costs on your tax return
Posted September 17, 2019 / No comments
We all know the cost of college is expensive. The latest figures from the College Board show that the average annual cost of tuition and fees was $10,230 for in-state students at public four-year universities — and $35,830 for students at private not-for-profit four-year institutions. These amounts don’t include room and board, books, supplies, transportation
Read MoreControl how your charitable gifts are used by adding restrictions
Posted September 14, 2019 / No comments
If philanthropy is an important part of your estate planning legacy, consider taking steps to ensure that your donations are used to fulfill your intended charitable purposes. Outright gifts can be risky, especially large donations that will benefit a charity over a long period of time. Even if a charity is financially sound when you
Read MoreWhen it comes to asset protection, a hybrid DAPT offers the best of both worlds
Posted September 12, 2019 / No comments
A primary estate planning goal for most people is to hold on to as much of their wealth as possible to pass on to their children and other loved ones. To achieve this, you must limit estate tax liability and protect assets from creditors’ claims and lawsuits. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act reduces or
Read More2019 Q4 tax calendar: Key deadlines for businesses and other employers
Posted September 11, 2019 / No comments
Here are some of the key tax-related deadlines affecting businesses and other employers during the fourth quarter of 2019. Keep in mind that this list isn’t all-inclusive, so there may be additional deadlines that apply to you. Contact us to ensure you’re meeting all applicable deadlines and to learn more about the filing requirements. October
Read MoreGetting a divorce? There are tax issues you need to understand
Posted September 11, 2019 / No comments
In addition to the difficult personal issues that divorce entails, several tax concerns need to be addressed to ensure that taxes are kept to a minimum and that important tax-related decisions are properly made. Here are four issues to understand if you are in the process of getting a divorce. Alimony or support payments. For
Read MoreThe next estimated tax deadline is September 16: Do you have to make a payment?
Posted September 3, 2019 / No comments
If you’re self-employed and don’t have withholding from paychecks, you probably have to make estimated tax payments. These payments must be sent to the IRS on a quarterly basis. The third 2019 estimated tax payment deadline for individuals is Monday, September 16. Even if you do have some withholding from paychecks or payments you receive,
Read MoreTake intrafamily lending to the next level by establishing a family bank
Posted August 29, 2019 / No comments
One of the primary goals of estate planning is to put in writing how you want your wealth distributed to loved ones after your death. But what if you’d like to use that wealth to help a family member in need while you’re still alive? One way to do so is through intrafamily lending. If
Read MoreExpenses that teachers can and can’t deduct on their tax returns
Posted August 28, 2019 / No comments
As teachers head back for a new school year, they often pay for various expenses for which they don’t receive reimbursement. Fortunately, they may be able to deduct them on their tax returns. However, there are limits on this special deduction, and some expenses can’t be written off. For 2019, qualifying educators can deduct some
Read MoreThe tax implications of a company car
Posted August 26, 2019 / No comments
The use of a company vehicle is a valuable fringe benefit for owners and employees of small businesses. This benefit results in tax deductions for the employer as well as tax breaks for the owners and employees using the cars. (And of course, they get the nontax benefits of driving the cars!) Even better, recent
Read MoreExpanded 529 plans offer unique estate planning benefits
Posted August 25, 2019 / No comments
If you’re putting aside money for college or other educational expenses, consider a tax-advantaged 529 savings plan. Also known as “college savings plans,” 529 plans were expanded by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) to cover elementary and secondary school expenses as well. And while these plans are best known as an educational funding
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