There’s more than retirement savings power in a Roth IRA. Used properly, it can help cut your beneficiary’s tax liability, regardless of if and when tax reform becomes reality. If you’re interested in reducing the taxes your heirs will have to pay, you’re probably concerned about the discussion about tax…
Articles Posted in Tax Planning
Handling Harvey: IRS Tax Relief
Taxpayers who have a valid extension until October 15, 2017 to file income tax returns and who live in the covered Texas disaster area may be helped by the IRS extending the filing periods. IRS announced certain relief from deadlines relating to filing and certain tax deposits for Hurricane Harvey…
How Does a Living Trust Work?
Living trusts can achieve different goals, depending upon how they are drafted. Knowing the fundamentals will help you decide how to go forward. It’s important to know that not all living trusts are the same. However, common reasons for using a living trust are for privacy and avoiding probate. Placing…
How are 401(k)s and IRAs Different?
New regulations from the Department of Labor may come into play for Americans deciding which type of account is best for their retirement savings. There are significant differences between 401(k)s and IRAs, and as reported in a recent post on wjbf.com, “Advantages and disadvantages to a 401k and an IRA,”…
Strong Trust Planning is Important When One Spouse is Not a U.S. Citizen
With many tech companies, universities and businesses, North Carolina has become home to many resident aliens who contribute greatly to the state’s growth. Estate planning requires special knowledge of non-citizen tax rules. More than $1 billion in annual foreign direct investment gives North Carolina’s private sector employment a huge boost,…
RMDs for Retirement Accounts: What You Need to Know
New Year’s Eve is the deadline for taking RMDs if you are older than 70 ½. Haven’t started yet? Get on this right away to get it done in time. Otherwise, be prepared to pay a penalty. You still have a little time to beat the last minute rush on…
From Inside the Firm: Tom’s “Do’s and Don’ts” for Succession Planning
TOM’S 8 TIPS FOR SUCCESSION PLANNING(1) © Realize that your Exit Strategy is not business as usual. Get knowledgeable guidance e.g. from financial/legal advisors (team approach). Start now. Be realistic about objectives: Is it first and goal to go or is it a goal line defense? Anticipate Buyer’s due diligence. Financial statements…
For Entrepreneurs, Make a Succession Plan Part of Your Estate Plan
Estate planning for entrepreneurs is not complete until it includes a succession plan. Individuals who create successful businesses often find it hard to consider handing over the reins. Entrepreneurs would not succeed without their ability to focus all of their energies on their business. It is not easy for this…
From Inside the Firm: Tom’s Tax Tips for Succession Planning
TOM’S 9 TAX TIPS AND FACTS RELATED TO SUCCESSION PLANNING(1)© 1. Estate tax, the cruelest tax. You are taxed once on the income you earn. You save some of what you earn and are successful. If you die with “too much”, you are taxed again on your hard earned savings.…
Will You Need a Will in Texas if the Estate Tax is Eliminated?
Regardless of which candidate becomes president and what changes are made in coming years, there will still be a need for estate planning in Texas, and that includes regular folks as well as the ultra-wealthy. If the U.S. federal estate tax were to be eliminated, there will still be plenty…