Today more and more households are headed by a divorced or single individual. Because most rules involving retirement, insurance, income taxes, and estate taxes differ because of marital status, there are unique challenges that may arise for these individuals. There … Continue reading
Unmarried couples have unique financial planning considerations because the rules involving retirement, insurance, income taxes, and estate taxes differ from those that apply to married couples. Fortunately, planning strategies may be used to deal with varying limitations or exclusions. Retirement. … Continue reading
The number of non-traditional households in the United States — those headed by divorced or never-married individuals — is on the rise, and awareness is growing about financial planning challenges that are specific to them. Some of these challenges may … Continue reading
As the tax filing deadline approaches, many clients may think it is too late to reduce their tax bill and possibly avoid the alternative minimum tax. If you have shared tax-savings strategies with clients, now may be a good time … Continue reading
It is never too early in the year to talk to your clients about making donations to charity. In fact, the tax benefits may never be better than those available in 2012. Under pressure to solve the federal budget deficit, … Continue reading
With the Bush-era tax rates set to expire this year, and new taxes being levied in 2013 as a result of health-care reform, many clients may face higher taxes next year. There is a small window of opportunity for clients … Continue reading
Higher tax rates and limits on itemized deductions are two of several provisions in President Obama’s proposed budget that would have an impact on high-income taxpayers. The FY 2013 budget proposal, released in mid February, includes a series of tax … Continue reading
Though there were no major changes in broad tax rates for 2012, there are some tax- and retirement-related changes from 2011 levels taxpayers should be aware of: Of these key changes, the reductions in the AMT exemption amount will have … Continue reading
2011 was an eventful year with respect to overall awareness of the nation’s debt crisis. Though dialogue around reducing the federal budget deficit emerged in 2010 through the work of a couple of well-known commissions (Bowles-Simpson, Rivlin-Domenici), the overall crisis … Continue reading
Unless legislative action occurs, 2012 marks the last year of a historically low tax environment. Beginning in 2013, income taxes are scheduled to increase – for some taxpayers in higher tax brackets that increase will be substantial: Tax item 2012* … Continue reading
The outlook for the federal budget deficit and entitlement programs
How federal entitlement programs impact the national debt and why the current federal budget is unsustainable.
Income tax strategies and opportunities for investorsA number of income tax strategies may help investors take advantage of the advantageous tax rates in 2012.
Estate tax strategies and opportunities for investorsPotential estate tax planning opportunities for 2012.
Is a Roth conversion right for your clients?
Putnam's Roth IRA Conversion Evaluator is a quick and visual way to see if your client can benefit from a Roth conversion.
