Tax / Estate & Wealth Planning

Showing 1633–1648 of 2153 results

  • Benefits of using a family LLC

    February 2013
    Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 618

    Abstract: For those who are interested in gradually transferring partial ownership of their assets to their children, a good method might be to transfer the assets to a family limited liability company (LLC) and subsequently gift membership interests in it to the children. With that in mind, this article provides some information about using a family LLC to transfer ownership of assets.

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  • Tax rules for gamblers

    February 2013
    Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 393

    Abstract: Whether the economy is expanding or contracting, gambling remains a popular pastime. For casual gamblers, winnings are fully taxable and must be reported on one’s tax return. It’s also possible to deduct gambling losses, but only up to the extent of winnings. But the rules for professional gamblers are more complex, as this article explains.

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  • Patron’s gifts and athletic tickets

    February 2013
    Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 203

    Abstract: Subject to Congress changing the law, the cost of tickets to a charitable event is eligible for a contribution deduction to the extent the purchase price exceeds the fair market value of admission and privileges associated with the event. But there are some caveats, as this brief article explains.

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  • Standard mileage rates for 2013

    February 2013
    Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 158

    Abstract: This brief article provides an update on 2013 standard mileage rates, but notes that there are circumstances in which taxpayers must instead calculate their actual costs.

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  • Social Security and Medicare update

    February 2013
    Newsletter: Tax & Business Alert

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 391

    Abstract: This article discusses the annual inflation adjustments that have been made for the various Social Security amounts and thresholds for 2013. It includes discussion of the 0.9% Medicare surtax (new for 2013), along with Social Security tax and benefit amounts.

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  • Tax Tips — FICA refunds for severance pay?

    January / February 2013
    Newsletter: Tax Impact

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 469

    Abstract: This issue’s “Tax Tips” explains why a business that has recently made significant severance payments might be entitled to a refund of FICA taxes. It shows how taxpayers can help protect themselves against a fraudulent tax return being filed in their name, and discusses an increase in the annual gift tax exclusion.

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  • Betting on a SCIN — This tool may help you transfer assets at little or no tax cost

    January / February 2013
    Newsletter: Tax Impact

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 623

    Estate planning can be a gamble. Tax and estate tax laws change. Family members pass away before their time. But a gamble that can pay off in certain circumstances is the self-canceling installment note — or SCIN. It may allow a person to transfer a business or other assets to family members at little or no tax cost. This article discusses how a SCIN works and how, if it pays off, a family will reap a bounty in the form of income, gift and estate tax savings. But, the article cautions, there’s no guarantee that it will pay off.

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  • Restricted stock and RSUs: How are they taxed?

    January / February 2013
    Newsletter: Tax Impact

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 820

    Over the last seven years, restricted stock and restricted stock units (RSUs) have grown in popularity as incentive compensation tools, while the use of stock options has declined. This article explains why restricted stock and RSUs can be an attractive alternative to options, but also notes the differences between the two instruments and their respective tax implications.

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  • Tax deal resolves fiscal cliffhanger

    January / February 2013
    Newsletter: Tax Impact

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 918

    On Jan. 1, Congress passed the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA). This article offers highlights of the law’s individual tax provisions. It looks at changes in income, capital gains, estate and gift tax rates, deductions and exemptions. It also discusses the alternative minimum tax and the extension of a number of tax breaks for individuals. A sidebar lists several business tax break extensions, as well.

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  • Search for a job, find a tax deduction

    January / February 2013
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 362

    Abstract: Those who have been pounding the pavement searching for a job know that the associated costs can quickly add up. But it may be possible for them to deduct those expenses on their tax return. This brief article explains the qualifications for particular deductions and what types and amounts of expenses are deductible.

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  • First baby on board? — Now’s the time to safeguard your child’s financial future

    January / February 2013
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 945

    Abstract: The arrival of a first child is a joyful experience — but also sobering, as one considers what steps to take to protect the child’s financial future. This article notes the importance of establishing a will and naming beneficiaries; supplementing insurance policies; and planning for college expenses. A sidebar looks at tax breaks that are available for those raising a child.

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  • Intrafamily loans: Low interest rates enhance this wealth transfer strategy

    January / February 2013
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 722

    Abstract: Those who have spent a lifetime to build their wealth and are now in a position to financially help their children or other family members may wonder: Should they provide this money in the form of gifts or should they lend it? This article explains why an intrafamily loan is an attractive, tax-smart strategy in light of today’s low-interest-rate environment — but that there are risks, as well.

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  • 4 simple questions can help you choose the right funds

    January / February 2013
    Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 856

    Abstract: Whether investors personally select mutual funds or rely on an advisor to do it, it’s important that they understand what they own, why they own it and whether the fund is a good match for their investment goals. To help investors avoid picking a mutual fund clunker, this article offers four questions they should ask themselves about investment goals, active vs. passive investing, a fund’s long-term performance and its expense ratio.

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  • Estate Planning Red Flag — You’re married and relocating into or out of a community property state

    January / February 2013
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 446

    Abstract: In community property states, money earned and property acquired by either spouse during marriage generally belongs to the "community" — meaning each spouse has an undivided one-half interest (regardless of how property is titled). When one spouse dies, his or her share of community property goes to the surviving spouse unless a will provides otherwise. But couples who relocate to or from a community property state may find that the new state’s laws affect their property rights in unexpected ways. This article explains the importance of modifying a will or using trusts or other tools to ensure that an estate plan continues to operate as desired.

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  • Planning your digital legacy

    January / February 2013
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 689

    Abstract: In an increasingly digital world, people often overlook digital assets when developing an estate plan, and the consequences can be disastrous. With no paper trail, a decedent’s family members may be unaware that certain assets exist, or may need a court order to have someone hack into a password-protected computer. Or, if a small-business owner dies and his or her family lacks access to important information, the business may suffer. This article discusses strategies for ensuring that family or personal representatives have access to important records when the time comes.

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  • Are your children prepared to handle your wealth?

    January / February 2013
    Newsletter: Estate Planner

    Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50

    Word count: 837

    Abstract: Parents who have built up a large estate and are eager to share their wealth with their children may be concerned about the kids’ ability to handle it. Fortunately, there are ways to help ensure children won’t blow through their inheritance at a young age. This article discusses creating incentive trusts, educating children on money management, being smart with distributions to them, and communicating with them about the reasons behind the decisions taken.

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