If you’re taking your first steps on your estate planning journey, congratulations! No one likes to contemplate his or her mortality, but having a plan in place can provide you and your loved ones peace of mind should you unexpectedly become incapacitated or die. Here are five basic pitfalls you’ll want to avoid: Pitfall #1: […]
Be aware of the tax consequences of selling business property
If you’re selling property used in your trade or business, you should understand the tax implications. There are many complex rules that can potentially apply. To simplify this discussion, let’s assume that the property you want to sell is land or depreciable property used in your business, and has been held by you for more […]
Read More… from Be aware of the tax consequences of selling business property
Don’t overlook digital assets in your estate plan
When it comes to digital assets, it’s important to know that, unlike many assets, they leave little to no “paper trail.” Thus, unless your estate plan specifically provides for them, it may be difficult for your family to access these assets — or even know that they exist. Let’s take a look at how to […]
Read More… from Don’t overlook digital assets in your estate plan
Consider borrowing from your corporation but structure the deal carefully
If you own a closely held corporation, you can borrow funds from your business at rates that are lower than those charged by a bank. But it’s important to avoid certain risks and charge an adequate interest rate. Basics of this strategy Interest rates have increased over the last couple years. As a result, shareholders […]
Read More… from Consider borrowing from your corporation but structure the deal carefully
The tax consequences of selling mutual funds
Do you invest in mutual funds or are you interested in putting some money into them? If so, you’re part of a large group. According to the Investment Company Institute, 116 million individual U.S. investors owned mutual funds in 2023. But despite their widespread use, the tax rules involved in selling mutual fund shares can […]
Read More… from The tax consequences of selling mutual funds
Figuring corporate estimated tax
The next quarterly estimated tax payment deadline is June 17 for individuals and businesses, so it’s a good time to review the rules for computing corporate federal estimated payments. You want your business to pay the minimum amount of estimated tax without triggering the penalty for underpayment of estimated tax. Four possible options The required installment […]
House rich but cash poor? Consider a reverse mortgage strategy
Are you an older taxpayer who owns a house that has appreciated greatly? At the same time, you may need income. Thankfully, there could be a solution with a tax-saving bonus. It involves taking out a reverse mortgage. Reverse mortgage basics With a reverse mortgage, the borrower doesn’t make payments to the lender to pay […]
Read More… from House rich but cash poor? Consider a reverse mortgage strategy
Assets with sentimental value may require more thoughtful planning than those with greater monetary value
As a formal estate planning term, “tangible personal property” likely won’t elicit much emotion from you or your loved ones. However, the items that make up tangible personal property, such as jewelry, antiques, photographs and collectibles, may be the most difficult to plan for because of their significant sentimental value. Without special planning on your […]
Making will revisions by hand is rarely a good idea
The laws regarding the execution of a valid will vary from state to state, but typically they require certain formalities. These may include signing the will in the presence of witnesses and a notary public. But what happens if, after your will and other estate planning documents are completed, you need to make a change? […]
Read More… from Making will revisions by hand is rarely a good idea
IRS ramps up compliance enforcement against certain businesses
The Inflation Reduction Act provided the IRS with billions of dollars of additional funding to reduce the so-called “tax gap” between what taxpayers owe and what they actually pay. The tax agency has already launched numerous initiatives aimed at this goal, including several business-related compliance campaigns. Let’s take a closer look at three of the […]
Read More… from IRS ramps up compliance enforcement against certain businesses
