A 2019 change to tax law ended the “stretch IRAs” strategy for most inherited IRAs. This means that beneficiaries now have 10 years to withdraw all of the funds. Since then, there’s been a lot of confusion about required minimum distributions (RMDs). Thankfully, the IRS has now issued final regulations clarifying the “10-year rule” for […]

If you are one of the many Americans who rely on disability benefits, you might be wondering how that income is taxed. The short answer is it depends on the type of disability income you receive and your overall earnings. Taxable Disability Income The key factor is who paid for the benefit. When the income […]

If you own real estate held for over a year and sell it for a profit, you typically face capital gains tax. This applies even to indirect ownership passed through entities like LLCs, partnerships, or S corporations. You can expect to pay the standard 15% or 20% federal income tax rate for long-term capital gains. […]

Your business can choose between cash or accrual accounting for tax purposes. While the cash method can provide certain tax advantages to those that qualify, the accrual method might be a better fit for some businesses.  To maximize tax savings, you need to weigh both methods before deciding on one for your business.  Small business […]

Divorce is a complex legal process, both financially and emotionally. Taxes are likely the farthest thing from your mind. But, you need to keep in mind the tax implications and consider seeking professional assistance to minimize your tax bill and navigate the separation process more smoothly.  Here are six issues to keep top of mind […]

Traditional estate planning often focuses on minimizing gift and estate taxes while protecting your assets from creditors or lawsuits. While these are important considerations, many people also hope to create a lasting legacy for their family. Dovetailing with the “technical” goals of your estate plan, such “aspirational” goals might include preparing your children or grandchildren […]

Most businesses today rely on websites, but despite their widespread use, the IRS hasn’t provided formal guidelines for deducting their costs. However, some guidance can be gleaned from existing tax laws that offer business taxpayers insights into the proper treatment of website cost deductions.  Tax implications of hardware versus software The hardware costs you might […]

Traditional and Roth IRAs are already powerful tools for estate planning, but a “self-directed” IRA can take their benefits to the next level. They can allow you to invest in alternative assets that might offer higher returns but they also come with their own set of risks that could lead to unfavorable tax consequences.  It’s […]

When deciding on contributions to your 401(k) plan, you might wonder whether it’s better to choose pre-tax (traditional) contributions or after-tax (Roth) contributions.  The best choice depends on your current and anticipated future tax circumstances, as well as estate planning goals. Traditional vs. Roth 401(k)s The main difference between a traditional and a Roth 401(k) […]