Five year-end planning ideas that could reduce the tax bill

Five year-end planning ideas that could reduce the tax bill

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

Donate — from an IRA — and save

Donate — from an IRA — and save

The Internal Revenue Service requires retirees to take annual minimum distributions from individual retirement accounts (IRAs). In situations where clients don’t rely on that money for income, they may consider making a charitable donation with the proceeds. IRA account owners must start taking required minimum distributions at age 70½, and report the distribution as taxable

RMD season presents planning opportunities

RMD season presents planning opportunities

December can be a busy month for clients, particularly those 70½ and older who must take required minimum distributions from their retirement accounts before year-end. This requirement may present a planning opportunity to meet with clients who may not rely on these distributions for income. Help family members save for college Grandparents may use RMDs

Top three topics for year-end planning

Top three topics for year-end planning

Year-end tax planning is an opportune time to connect with clients and review some key topics, including IRA-required minimum distributions, tax-loss harvesting, and annual gifting strategies. 284778

Clients should act now if they want to avoid taxes on recent RMDs

Clients should act now if they want to avoid taxes on recent RMDs

With the passage of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, Congress extended for 2013 the option for IRA owners over the age of 70½ to make tax-free distributions from an IRA, if those funds are directed to a qualified charity. However, time is running out to take advantage of a new retroactive provision that

Year-end planning may offer opportunities for business building

Year-end planning may offer opportunities for business building

The final quarter may be the busiest time for financial planning as clients focus on preparing for 2013. This year in particular has presented many challenges for clients as they try to grow and protect assets in the face of uncertainty around taxes and fiscal policy. Some key end-of-year strategies for consideration include: Contact clients