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Too late to avoid AMT?

Too late to avoid AMT?

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 to check in to see if they have followed up on them, before they complete

Time to talk about charitable contributions

Time to talk about charitable contributions

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, leaders on Capitol Hill are eyeing a range of tax reform proposals. In addition, many

New money market fund regulations could reshape the industry

New money market fund regulations could reshape the industry

Since the 2008 financial crisis, regulators at the Securities and Exchange Commission have been seeking ways to make money market funds safer. But their most recent proposals have some in the financial industry worried that future changes will undermine money market funds’ appeal. According to Investor’s Business Daily, ”the rules expected to be formally proposed

Time for an IRA checkup?

Time for an IRA checkup?

Considering the many ways that an IRA can be used to help reduce taxable income, tax season is a good time for an IRA checkup — especially since investors have until April 15 to fund contributions for last year. Additionally, with many people holding numerous jobs throughout their career, your clients may have several IRAs

Use the IRA funding deadline to connect with small business owners

Use the IRA funding deadline to connect with small business owners

Small business owners, including 17 million sole proprietors, represent the vast majority of firms in the U.S. (Small Businss Admin, May 2009) and provide an opportunity for advisors looking to grow their retirement business. In fact, according to the Small Business Administration (Saving for Retirement: A Look at Small Business Owners, March 2010), 9 million

Ten tax-smart strategies to help clients prepare for higher taxes

Ten tax-smart strategies to help clients prepare for higher taxes

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 to incorporate a variety of tax-smart strategies into their plan now to take advantage of

President’s budget proposes higher taxes

President’s budget proposes higher taxes

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 reform measures “to cut inefficient expenditures and move the tax system closer to observing the

Dynamic tax landscape creates opportunity for tax-planning discussion

Dynamic tax landscape creates opportunity for tax-planning discussion

The extension of the Bush-era tax rates into 2012 gave investors more clarity, but the ongoing debate about federal deficit reduction proposals is adding to uncertainty about tax policy beyond this year. Given the dynamic tax landscape, it may be a good time to meet with clients and review tax-planning strategies. Download our Tax outlook

Tax rates and key changes for 2012


Tax rates and key changes for 2012


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 the most impact for taxpayers by far. Unless legislative action is taken, an estimated 25