Credit card reward programs are more popular than ever. In order to keep up with such high demand in a competitive market, credit card companies are coming up with new and more enticing offers every day. How do you know which one to choose? Are you the type of credit card user who likes to […]
Growth, Value, or Both
The terms growth and value are often used to describe two different investment strategies, yet many investors may want both qualities in an investment. Famed investor Warren Buffett put it this way in a 2015 interview: “I always say if you aren’t investing for value, what are you investing for? And the idea that value […]
Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2017
Every year, the Internal Revenue Service announces cost-of-living adjustments that affect contribution limits for retirement plans, thresholds for deductions and credits, and standard deduction and personal exemption amounts. Here are a few of the key adjustments for 2017. Retirement plans Employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), and most 457 plans can defer up to $18,000 […]
Medicare and Medicaid: What’s the Difference?
It’s easy to confuse Medicare and Medicaid, particularly since they’re both government programs that pay for health care. But there are important differences between each program. Medicare is generally for older people, while Medicaid is for people with limited income and resources. What is Medicare? Medicare is a federal health insurance program that was enacted […]
2016 Business Year-End Update
The De Minimis Safe Harbor election for repairs and capitalization policies increased from $500 to $2500 per item for businesses without audited financial statements. This is a federal annual election that will require a review of client’s record of purchases and business activity each year to determine the amount to elect up to $2500 under […]
2016 BUSINESS CLIENT – YEAR-END CHECKLIST
Please gather the following information for us to complete your business tax return: Back up disk – after final bank reconciliation(s) completed on system If applicable, verify year-end Accounts Payable on your system is correct (bills you were invoiced for but did not pay as of 12-31) If applicable, verify year-end Accounts Receivable on your […]
Year End Payroll and Form 1099 Information
We want to remind you of some important information to help in this year-end’s tax filings. Please read thoroughly, for there are many important changes. FORM 1099’S Please review your records to determine if any Form 1099’s are required to be prepared and mailed by 1/31/2017 to non-corporate companies (including LLC’s and/or individuals) who provided […]
Am I Having Enough Withheld?
If you fail to estimate your federal income tax withholding properly, it may cost you in a variety of ways. If you receive an income tax refund, it essentially means that you provided the IRS with an interest-free loan during the year. By comparison, if you owe taxes when you file your return, you may […]
Early Returns – How US Markets Reacted to Presidential Election
On November 8, 2016, Republican candidate Donald J. Trump won a closely contested election for president of the United States. Late on election night, when it became evident that Trump was likely to win despite consistently trailing in the polls, foreign markets went into a deep dive.1 Many observers expected a similar reaction when the […]
Will vs. Trust: Is One Better Than the Other?
When it comes to planning your estate, you might be wondering whether you should use a will or a trust (or both). Understanding the similarities and the differences between these two important documents may help you decide which strategy is better for you. What is a will? A will is a legal document that lets […]
