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 […]
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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 […]
What changes can I make during this year’s Medicare Open Enrollment Period?
Each year, current Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their Medicare coverage for the following year during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period that starts on October 15 and runs through December 7. Because this period is the only time during the year that all people with Medicare can make changes to their health and prescription […]
Tax Update Alert: November 2016
We have recently attended business tax update classes and wanted to alert you to some important new compliance requirements: The new 1099 Penalties and due dates Congress has gotten serious about not issuing 1099s. Penalties can be as much as $260 per each 1099 filed late, incomplete or incorrectly filed forms depending upon the number […]
Ten Year End Tax Tips
Deductions may be limited for those with high incomes If your adjusted gross income (AGI) is more than $259,400 ($311,300 if married filing jointly, $155,650 if married filing separately, $285,350 if filing as head of household), your personal and dependent exemptions may be phased out, and your itemized deductions may be limited. If your 2016 […]
Top Year-End Investment Tips
Three tips on year-end giving You may be able to sidestep capital gains taxes and get a deduction by making a charitable donation of securities that have risen in value but no longer fit your strategy. If you make a charitable donation of an investment that’s worth less than you paid, you can only deduct […]
Handling Market Volatility
Asset Allocation & Diversification Don’t forget that while they are sound strategies, asset allocation and diversification can’t guarantee a profit or protect against the possibility of loss. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, and there can be no guarantee that any investing strategy will be successful. Past performance is no guarantee […]
Tax Advantages of 529 College Savings Plans
A brief history 529 plans were first authorized by Congress in 1996. Known officially as “qualified tuition programs,” 529 plans are so named because they are governed by section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. You can ask for help With so many plans available, it may be helpful to consult an experienced financial professional […]
Estimating Your Retirement Income Needs
You know how important it is to plan for your retirement, but where do you begin? One of your first steps should be to estimate how much income you’ll need to fund your retirement. That’s not as easy as it sounds, because retirement planning is not an exact science. Your specific needs depend on your […]