Tax / Estate & Wealth Planning
Showing 1553–1568 of 2177 results
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Deciding when to start receiving Social Security benefits
November 2013
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 980
Abstract: As one approaches retirement age, it’s necessary to decide whether to begin taking reduced Social Security benefits early or wait until the full benefit retirement age (FBRA), or even later. This article lists those factors that may favor receiving the benefits early vs. those that may indicate it’s better to wait until the FBRA or even later.
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Retirement plan loans
October 2013
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 252
Abstract: Those who are unable to borrow from a bank or other outside source may find that their qualified retirement plan is a good option. It’s also possible to benefit from resources in an IRA, but, as this article explains, there are caveats for both options.
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At-risk rules for a closely held corporation
October 2013
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 308
Abstract: The at-risk rules may limit the amount of loss that can be deducted from investment in a closely held corporation. The amount of loss a corporation may recognize from an activity is limited to the amount that is at risk for that activity at the close of the tax year. This article explains what assets are included in the amount that’s at risk in an activity. It notes that these rules are not the only ones that may limit tax benefits from losses in a closely held corporation.
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Tax calendar
October 2013
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 218
Abstract: This article looks at four tax deadlines for the final quarter of 2013.
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Fourth quarter tax planning
October 2013
Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1048
Abstract: This article presents some tax planning ideas to aid in fourth quarter tax planning. It looks at bunching deductible expenditures; deferring income; timing investment gains and losses; and making charitable donations from an IRA.
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Tax Tips – Is time running out for GRATs?
September / October 2013
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 408
Abstract: This issue’s “Tax Tips” explains why the benefits of grantor-retained annuity trusts (GRATs) might soon be more limited; enhanced tax benefits, due to expire at the end of the year, for conservation easements; and why it can be dangerous to use self-directed IRAs to hold “alternative” investments, such as real estate or closely held business interests.
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Be careful with intrafamily loans
September / October 2013
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 653
Abstract: When a family member experiences hard times, other family members might be quick to lend them whatever amount they need. But Uncle Sam keeps an eye on such transactions. Why? Because they might not, for tax purposes, be loans. The IRS might consider them taxable gifts. This article explains the difference between loans and gifts, and why it’s important to charge enough interest to avoid the tax consequences of making below-market loans.
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Year end tax planning – 5 strategies you shouldn’t overlook
September / October 2013
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 598
Abstract: As the end of 2013 approaches, it’s time to think about year end tax planning. This article offers five often overlooked strategies that should be considered. They involve credit cards, traditional IRAs, securities, withholding and mutual fund investments.
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Play or pay: Are you ready for the new health care rules?
September / October 2013
Newsletter: Tax Impact
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 865
Abstract: Beginning on Jan. 1, 2015, the health care act requires “large” employers to either: 1) provide “minimum essential” health care coverage to full-time employees that’s “affordable” and of at least “minimum value,” or 2) risk substantial penalties. This article offers an overview of the play-or-pay rules, noting who qualifies as a “large” employer and the financial penalties for those that choose not to provide such coverage. A sidebar explains how the act defines “affordable” and “minimum value.”
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Are you prepared to be an executor?
September / October 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 311
Abstract: Being asked to be an executor might be considered an honor, but many responsibilities are involved. This brief article describes those responsibilities and what a person should do if they accept the challenge but find that they can’t handle everything.
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Sign of the times – Members of the Sandwich Generation face unique circumstances
September / October 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 666
Abstract: Those who find themselves raising children, saving for their own retirement, and helping to care for or support aging parents can consider themselves members of the “Sandwich Generation.” Although it may be personally gratifying to be able to help one’s parents, it can be stressful and financially burdensome. But this article shows that careful planning and tax breaks may help.
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Step up to a bond ladder
September / October 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 782
Abstract: Today’s low interest rate environment is a double-edged sword for many investors. While it’s nice to lock in an attractive rate on a mortgage, paltry returns on fixed-income investments make it difficult to generate income from savings. Longer-term bonds generally offer higher yields, but increase interest-rate risk. But investing in a bond ladder can diversify bond holdings and generate steady income over a specific period of time with reduced interest rate risk. This article explains how bond laddering works and the advantages it offers.
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Tax-efficient ways to manage capital gains
September / October 2013
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 733
Abstract: The happy glow from an investment portfolio’s rising net worth can quickly fade when it’s time to calculate the annual tax bill. Why? Capital gains tax. This article describes the kinds of assets that are subject to short- and long-term rates and where those rates presently stand. It also offers several strategies for reducing potential capital gains tax liability. A sidebar discusses the “wash sale” rule that can come into play when selling securities.
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Estate Planning Pitfall – A beneficiary designation or joint title overrides your will
October / November 2013
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 253
Abstract: Inattention to beneficiary designations and jointly held assets can quickly unravel an estate plan. Many don’t realize that their will doesn’t control the disposition of “nonprobate assets,” such as life insurance policies, retirement plans and IRAs, jointly owned real estate, joint bank or brokerage accounts, payable on death (POD) accounts, and transfer on death (TOD) securities. This article explains how to better control the disposition of assets.
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Using an FLP or LLC? – Beware the step transaction doctrine
October / November 2013
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 720
Abstract: Either a family limited partnership (FLP) or a limited liability company (LLC) can allow the transfer of a significant amount of wealth to the next generation at a discounted value for gift tax purposes. But if the IRS invokes the step transaction doctrine on the FLP or LLC, the tax outcome may be different from what was intended. This article discusses the doctrine and how to avoid running afoul of it.
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Estate planning for same-sex spouses – What the Supreme Court’s DOMA ruling means
October / November 2013
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 799
Abstract: In June, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act, which restricted the definition of “marriage” to a legal union between a man and a woman. Same-sex married couples are now eligible for approximately 1,100 federal benefits previously enjoyed only by heterosexual spouses, including a variety of federal tax advantages, Social Security benefits and preferred immigration status. As this article explains, one area where the decision will have a big impact is estate planning, including the marital deduction, portability, gift splitting and retirement benefits. A sidebar notes that there are still questions regarding issues the Court didn’t address.