Posts Tagged ‘taxes’
Estimating Your Federal Estate Tax
You can estimate your federal estate tax liability by developing your own worksheet. First, calculate the present value of your gross estate by adding up these assets: Stocks, bonds, real estate, and cash. Household furnishings, motor vehicles, jewelry, and collectibles. Proceeds from life insurance policies and annuities. Retirement benefits including Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs) and…
Read MoreTax-Advantaged 529 Accounts: What families need to consider
According to the College Board, the most recently published figures of the average annual cost of tuition and fees at a public university for a school year was $9,139 for in-state students and $22,598 for out-of-state students. The average cost of a private university was much higher at $31,231. Thankfully, much like tax-advantaged accounts designed…
Read MoreWhat’s a 990 form? A charity accounting expert explains
Most tax-exempt nonprofits must file a 990 form with the Internal Revenue Service every year, typically in mid-May. The 990 is purely informational. Nonprofits commit to serve an “approved purpose” – such as fighting bigotry, protecting animal welfare or sheltering the homeless – and meeting other eligibility rules. In exchange, they generally don’t pay taxes…
Read MoreWhat to Do If (When) Your Taxes Start Going Up
One variable that is hard to plan for in retirement is taxes. There are steps you can take, though, despite the uncertain tax landscape. We don’t even know what the tax rates will be next year, so how can you plan for 20 years or more in the future? We can’t say whether rates will…
Read MoreWhat to Do if You Underpay Your Taxes
Tips to avoid a surprise tax-time bill and possible penalties Every year, there are taxpayers that underpay their taxes. It just happens. But if you do that, no matter how innocent your underpayment might have been, you can be subject to penalties. The IRS issued a statement to help those who underpay to avoid penalties.…
Read MoreA Look at Tax Planning for Retirement
After years of saving and planning for their golden years, many people nearing retirement fail to consider the tax burden they may face on income they receive after they stop working. While you will likely see a reduction in the amount of taxes you owe after the age of 65, you still need to plan…
Read MoreClaiming the Medical Expenses Tax
In a given year, relatively few Americans take advantage of the federal income tax deduction for unreimbursed medical expenses. But if an illness or hospitalization in the family has led to an abrupt rise in your out-of-pocket health care expenses, you may find you qualify for some relief at tax time. Beyond the usual remittances…
Read MoreInflation is Not a Hidden Tax – It’s a Very Real Tax
Bracket Creep accounts for a real tax increase in about half of the 50 states We’ve all heard the saying that inflation is a hidden tax. But depending on which state you live in, it should simply be called a tax – because that’s what it is. If you live in a state that fails…
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