Five tax-efficient strategies for 2015

Five tax-efficient strategies for 2015

With tax reform proposals from the White House and the new Congress likely to spark debate, any potential tax code changes will face close scrutiny. Today, tax-efficient planning strategies take on heightened importance. When planning in 2015, consider these five strategies that may help investors mitigate their tax bills. 1. Invest in municipal bonds to

IRS opens door to direct retirement assets to a Roth

IRS opens door to direct retirement assets to a Roth

For 401(k) participants with a mix of pretax and after-tax funds in their retirement plan, planning may be easier following a recent announcement from the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS issued a notice in September that provides clarification on how to distribute these funds. Participants will be able to direct pre-tax funds to a traditional

There’s still time to undo a Roth conversion

There’s still time to undo a Roth conversion

It’s not too late for taxpayers to “undo” a Roth IRA conversion. The deadline to recharacterize — or reverse — the conversion is October 15. It’s an opportune time for advisors to review Roth assets with investors. In general, individuals have until October 15 of the following year to recharacterize a Roth IRA conversion and

Five ways for an advisor to improve IRA business

Five ways for an advisor to improve IRA business

Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) continue to comprise the largest segment of assets in the retirement industry. Most of the growth is driven by rollovers, creating opportunities for financial advisors working with clients who are deciding what to do with their 401(k) assets. Here are five ideas that advisors may use to try to grow their

Studies reveal what’s driving IRA growth

Studies reveal what’s driving IRA growth

With their growth rate expected to nearly double that of 401(k) assets in the next five years, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) continue to be a leading segment in the retirement industry. Here are some highlights of the growing IRA market: 1. The traditional IRA represents the largest share of U.S. retirement assets. In a 2014

Tax time: Schedule a client talk on IRAs

Tax time: Schedule a client talk on IRAs

With the April 15 deadline approaching for making a 2013 tax year contribution to an individual retirement account, it is a good time to talk about tax strategy. And with varying types of IRAs available, clients of all income levels may benefit. Higher-income clients who may not be eligible to contribute to a Traditional or

Tax reform proposal seeks to curb deductions

Tax reform proposal seeks to curb deductions

Limiting or reducing deductions were among the highlights of the most recent tax reform proposal on Capitol Hill, catapulting tax-preference items to the forefront of the debate once again. Although unlikely to proceed as a formal piece of legislation, the Tax Reform Act of 2014 — released last week by House Ways and Means Committee

Tax-smart planning ideas for 2014

Tax-smart planning ideas for 2014

With the introduction of higher tax rates for some taxpayers in 2013 and ongoing tax-reform debate in Washington, it is essential for any comprehensive financial plan to include tax smart planning strategies. Specific income thresholds will trigger the new 3.8% Medicare surtax, income phase-out of itemized deductions, or the highest marginal tax rate. These five