The Senate voted 76-16 Tuesday to approve a House bill that preserves several dozen tax provisions, known as “tax extenders,” from January 1, 2014 through the end of the year, essentially providing a one-year retroactive extension. The collection of provisions, which includes tax breaks and deductions, was set to expire as of the end of
Taxpayers may want to save more for retirement in 2015. The Internal Revenue Service announced higher contribution limits for 401(k)s. The deferral (contribution) limit for employees who participate in employer-sponsored retirement plans, including 401(k)s increased to $18,000 from $17,500. Catch-up contributions for people age 50 and older went up to $6,000 from $5,500. Retirement savings
Investors have many questions about health-care reform and taxes top the list. Chris Hennessey explains the new taxes and fees created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that will generate more revenue for the federal government. Here are some highlights. 1. Medicare surtax on investment income. A 3.8% surtax on investment income became effective this
Nearly every area of financial planning offers strategies that can help taxpayers re-position their investments and reduce their tax liability. But many of these tax-smart ideas — involving capital gains, estate and gift planning, and the alternative minimum tax (AMT) — must be acted on by year’s end. Here are five strategies to consider. 1.
While some lawmakers are honing the agenda for the new Republican-controlled Congress in January, the current lame-duck session will likely act on several bills before the end of the year. In a reversal of power, Republicans seized the control of the Senate in the mid-term elections, winning eight seats for a majority of 53. Seats
This year, nearly 5 million taxpayers could be subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT). Chris Hennessey explains the AMT and offers some strategies to reduce the liability. The AMT was established in 1970, creating two parallel tax systems. Taxpayers calculate income tax under both systems and pay the higher amount. There are some tax
With tax bills among clients’ top concerns, year-end planning offers an opportune time to take advantage of tax-smart strategies and meet 2014 deadlines. Here are five year-end planning ideas that require action by December 31, 2014, that could help you identify ways to build your business. 1. Review required minimum distributions (RMDs). Many investors take
Before taxpayers select year-end planning strategies, it’s important to first calculate their individual tax bracket. The marginal tax bracket will determine which strategies could be beneficial and drive all other financial planning decisions. Chris Hennessey discusses the importance of understanding income levels, while highlighting some ideas for clients in different tax brackets. Consider different strategies:
A provision to make tax-free donations to charity from an IRA, tax deductions for certain college expenses, and dozens of other tax breaks known as “tax extenders” could be renewed if Congress acts before the end of the current session. In the next few weeks, Congress must decide whether to restore some or all of
The end of year is a critical time for financial planning — with many strategies having a December 31 deadline. Chris Hennessey explains why urgency about financial planning moves may be specific to the final quarter of the year, including: required minimum distributions, gifting, funding a 529 college savings plan, or reviewing asset allocations. Investors