Posts by Doug Reed
Shielding Your Insurance from Estate Taxes
The rules are very stringent, but your financial advisor can help navigate Life insurance, which can help to provide for your heirs in the event of your death, can be an important estate planning tool. It can provide funds to loved ones when they need it most and help meet your family’s financial obligations. One…
Read MoreCharitable Giving Yields Tax Benefits for Businesses
An economic downturn may not seem like the best time to increase charitable giving, but at the same time, the need for funding at many nonprofits is especially acute as a result of the current economy. In addition to supporting a worthy cause, you or your business can help lower your tax bill through cash…
Read MoreWhat to Do if You Underpay Your Taxes
Financial $ense What 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…
Read MoreWhat to Do If (When) Your Taxes Start Going Up
Financial $ense What 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…
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What’s a 990 form?
A charity accounting expert explains
Financial $ense What’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…
Read More5 Ways to Build A Better Tax Plan
It’s important that as you build your plan, you think about some strategies to reduce or defer your taxes now or in the future. Here are some strategies to consider helping your financial plan become more tax-efficient: 1. Tax harvesting Usually, this strategy is implemented near the end of the calendar year, but it can…
Read MoreA Shopper’s Guide to Tax Consultants
Without a doubt, income tax laws are complex. Yet, many individuals do their own income tax returns. Sure, the advent of personal income tax software has somewhat eased this burden. Tax preparation software is reasonably inexpensive. However, you still have to gather all the information. But, on the plus side, most software allows you to…
Read MoreEstimating 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…
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