April 16, 2019
Three Questions You May Have After You File Your Return
Once your 2018 tax return has been successfully filed with the IRS, you may still have some questions. Here are brief answers to three questions that we’re frequently asked at this time of year. Question #1: What Tax Records Can I Throw Away Now? At a minimum, keep tax records related to your return for …
April 10, 2019
Seniors: Medicare Premiums Could Lower Your Tax Bill
Americans who are 65 and older qualify for basic Medicare insurance, and they may need to pay additional premiums to get the level of coverage they desire. The premiums can be expensive, especially if you’re married and both you and your spouse are paying them. But one aspect of paying premiums might be positive: If …
April 2, 2019
Make a Deductible IRA Contribution for 2018. It’s Not Too Late!
Do you want to save more for retirement on a tax-favored basis? If so, and if you qualify, you can make a deductible traditional IRA contribution for the 2018 tax year between now and the tax filing deadline and claim the write-off on your 2018 return. Or you can contribute to a Roth IRA and …
March 26, 2019
Still Working After Age 70½? You May Not Have to Begin 401(k) Withdrawals
If you participate in a qualified retirement plan, such as a 401(k), you must generally begin taking required withdrawals from the plan no later than April 1 of the year after which you turn age 70½. However, there’s an exception that applies to certain plan participants who are still working for the entire year in …
March 19, 2019
Stretch Your College Student’s Spending Money with the Dependent Tax Credit
If you’re the parent of a child who is age 17 to 23, and you pay all (or most) of his or her expenses, you may be surprised to learn you’re not eligible for the child tax credit. But there’s a dependent tax credit that may be available to you. It’s not as valuable as …
March 12, 2019
The 2018 Gift Tax Return Deadline Is Almost Here
Did you make large gifts to your children, grandchildren or other heirs last year? If so, it’s important to determine whether you’re required to file a 2018 gift tax return — or whether filing one would be beneficial even if it isn’t required. Filing Requirements Generally, you must file a gift tax return for 2018 …
March 5, 2019
Vehicle-Expense Deduction Ins and Outs for Individual Taxpayers
It’s not just businesses that can deduct vehicle-related expenses. Individuals also can deduct them in certain circumstances. Unfortunately, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) might reduce your deduction compared to what you claimed on your 2017 return. For 2017, miles driven for business, moving, medical and charitable purposes were potentially deductible. For 2018 through …
October 16, 2018
Consider All the Tax Consequences Before Making Gifts to Loved Ones
Many people choose to pass assets to the next generation during life, whether to reduce the size of their taxable estate, to help out family members or simply to see their loved ones enjoy the gifts. If you’re considering lifetime gifts, be aware that which assets you give can produce substantially different tax consequences. Multiple …