Couples have unique option to plan for risk of future higher estate taxes
The expiring tax law provides a planning dilemma and opportunity for high-net-worth households concerned about the future of federal estate taxes.
Tag: American Taxpayer Relief Act
Roth conversions are on the rise. Are they right for your clients?
Roth IRA conversions are on the rise following tax law changes — expanding access for more clients to take advantage of the opportunity to diversify the tax status of their retirement savings. Converting tax-deferred retirement assets, such as traditional IRAs, to a Roth increased significantly in 2010. This took place after new tax provisions were
Are your clients at risk of owing AMT? Millions are.
Approximately four million taxpayers are expected to owe alternative minimum tax (AMT), despite congressional action to adjust the exemption level. Introduced in 1969, the AMT is intended to ensure that wealthy taxpayers could not avoid income tax by exploiting weaknesses in the tax code. Since the AMT was not indexed for inflation, the number of
New law expands Roth conversions
The new federal tax law expands the use of Roth IRAs in retirement plans, opening the door for tax diversification. Roth savings accounts were introduced to 401(k) plans by the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001. This law allowed for the designation of a Roth 401(k) plan beginning in 2006. These plans
Tax breaks extended for college savings
The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 extends or leaves intact provisions that may benefit families saving for and funding a college education. 529 plans unchanged The new law did not affect 529 college savings plans, which offer some of the most meaningful tax benefits to savers. Account owners pay no federal income tax on
New estate tax exemption offers lasting fix
The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 made permanent changes to the federal estate tax law, including establishing a $5 million exemption, indexed for inflation. The new exemption amount means approximately 4,000 estates could still cross the threshold and be subject to estate tax, according to the Tax Policy Center. This number is fewer than